NMDC Limited has become the first mining company in India to produce 50 million tonnes (MT) of iron ore in a single financial year, reaching the landmark days before the close of FY 2025–26. The state-run miner, a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel, described the achievement as a key step in strengthening India’s raw material base for its expanding steel sector.
Established in 1958 to develop India’s iron ore resources, NMDC produced around 10 MT in 1978. Over the decades, the company has steadily expanded its output, growing fivefold to reach the historic 50 MT mark this year and consolidating its position as the backbone of India’s iron ore supply chain.
The milestone also reflects a sharp acceleration in the company’s growth in recent years. Production has increased by nearly two-thirds since 2015, rising from around 30 MT to 50 MT, with almost one-fifth of the current capacity added in the last four years alone — the fastest expansion phase in NMDC’s history.
Commenting on the achievement, Amitava Mukherjee said the milestone reflected the company’s transformation under its NMDC 2.0 strategy. “Reaching 50 million tonnes is a notable achievement and reflects the strong progress we have made under NMDC 2.0. What once took decades to build, we have accelerated in just a few years through sharper execution, responsible mining practices, and a clear commitment to national priorities,” he said.
Mukherjee added that being India’s largest iron ore producer carries significant responsibility. “This milestone reflects not just the strength of our operations but also the trust placed in us to support the nation’s steel ecosystem,” he said.
According to the Ministry, the highly mechanised mining operations across mineral-rich regions in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, NMDC continues to play a crucial role in ensuring the country’s iron ore security. The company remains focused on operational excellence, technological advancement and responsible mining practices as India works towards expanding its steelmaking capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030.
