State-owned mining giant NMDC Limited has created history by becoming the first company in India to produce 50 million tonnes (MT) of iron ore in a single financial year. The milestone was achieved just before the close of FY 2025–26, marking a major achievement for the country’s largest iron ore producer.
Based in Hyderabad and operating under the Ministry of Steel (India), NMDC plays a crucial role in ensuring a steady supply of iron ore to India’s steel industry. The record production highlights the company’s growing operational capacity and its importance in supporting the nation’s industrial expansion.
Decades of Expansion
Founded in 1958, NMDC was established to develop and utilise India’s iron ore resources. The company produced around 10 million tonnes of iron ore in 1978, and over the decades it has steadily expanded its operations. Reaching 50 million tonnes today reflects both long-term growth and faster expansion in recent years.
Production has increased significantly since 2015, rising from nearly 30 million tonnes to 50 million tonnes. A considerable share of this capacity growth has taken place in the past four years as the company strengthened mining infrastructure and improved operational efficiency.
Vision Behind the Growth
NMDC’s Chairman and Managing Director, Amitava Mukherjee, said the milestone demonstrates the success of the company’s strategic transformation under the “NMDC 2.0” initiative. The approach focuses on improved execution, responsible mining practices, and closer alignment with India’s development priorities.
He emphasised that the company’s rapid progress in recent years shows how operational improvements and focused planning can significantly accelerate growth.
Key Role in India’s Steel Future
NMDC operates large, highly mechanised mines in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, which supply iron ore to major steel producers across the country. These operations are vital as India works toward its goal of achieving 300 million tonnes of steel production capacity by 2030.
With its expanding production capacity, NMDC is expected to remain a key supplier for the domestic steel sector. The latest production milestone strengthens the company’s position as a cornerstone of India’s mining and industrial ecosystem while supporting the country’s long-term infrastructure and manufacturing ambitions.