NMDC Ltd, India’s largest iron ore producer has achieved a landmark milestone by producing 50 million tonnes (MT) of iron ore in a single financial year. The achievement, recorded just days before the close of FY 2025–26, makes NMDC the first mining company in India to reach this scale of annual production.
Founded in 1958 to develop and harness India’s rich iron ore resources, NMDC has steadily evolved into a cornerstone of the country’s mining sector. The company produced about 10 MT of iron ore in 1978, and over the decades, its production capacity has expanded fivefold to reach the historic 50 MT mark in FY 2025–26, a testament to sustained growth and operational excellence.
The milestone also reflects an accelerated growth trajectory in recent years. Since 2015, NMDC’s production has risen by nearly two-thirds, climbing from approximately 30 MT to 50 MT, with nearly one-fifth of the current capacity added in the past four years alone. This period represents the fastest expansion phase in the company’s history, driven by strategic investments, operational efficiency, and modernization initiatives.
The achievement assumes greater significance as India advances toward its ambition of expanding national steelmaking capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030. Ensuring a stable and reliable domestic supply of iron ore is a strategic requirement for sustaining this growth, positioning NMDC as a vital pillar in India’s evolving steel ecosystem.
NMDC CMD Amitava Mukherjee said:“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. Being India’s largest iron ore producer comes with a huge responsibility, and this milestone reflects not just the strength of our operations but also the trust placed in us to support the nation’s steel ecosystem.”