New Delhi [India], April 3 (ANI): The Ministry of Steel-owned NMDC has registered its highest-ever iron ore production output at 53 million tonnes in the Financial year 2025-26, the Ministry of Steel said in a press release on Thursday. The ministry noted that NMDC has emerged as the first company in the India mining history to surpass the 50 million tonnes annual production mark.

The company's iron ore production jumped 51% on year to 5.35 million tonnes in March and posted a growth of a robust 40% over the corresponding year in iron ore sales. 'The total production output reached 53.15 MT with a marvellous growth of 21%, and sales reached 50.23 MT, with a 13% jump, marking its best volumes since inception,' Ministry said in its press release. The Steel Ministry attributed its robust growth to NMDC's major iron ore mines in Kirandul and Bacheli in Chhattisgarh and Donimalai in Karnataka, recording their best-ever performance in company history.

'FY26 has also been a defining year of expansion and transformation for NMDC, with the inauguration of an international office in Dubai, the successful operationalisation of the first coal mine in Jharkhand and the commissioning of Deposit 4 at Bailadila in Chhattisgarh, further strengthening its production capabilities and diversification strategy,' the Ministry added.

The Ministry further added that the company is accelerating its expansion roadmap with a goal of achieving over 100+ million tonnes of iron ore production capacity by 2030 by establishing new mining projects, capacity enhancements and infrastructure development. The company's plans are aligned with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

'Crossing 50 million tonnes is not just a production milestone for NMDC, it is a moment of pride for us and India's mining sector. As India's steel demand surges with rapid infrastructure growth, NMDC stands ready - stronger, larger and more future-focused than ever. 2026 has set our spirits high, with a new coal mine in Jharkhand, a new iron ore mine in Bailadila and this record output,' said Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, NMDC. (ANI)