NMDC Ltd, India’s largest iron ore producer and a Navratna public sector enterprise, has allocated Rs 2,200 crore for FY25 to establish a slurry pipeline and new processing plants.

This investment aims to boost the company’s production capacity to 100 MT by 2030. The ambitious expansion will significantly improve NMDC’s infrastructure and operations, elevating its global standing while aligning with India’s industrial growth trajectory.

Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge), NMDC, emphasised that the transition from 45 MnT to 100 MnT by 2030 is ambitious yet rooted in sustainability and innovation. “Our roadmap is not just about increasing production; it’s about doing so responsibly. We are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact while positively contributing to the communities we serve,” he stated with a commitment to sustainable growth”.

NMDC’s expansion is driven by the growing domestic and international demand for iron ore, fueled by rapid industrialization. The company’s strategic investment plan focuses on boosting production capacity and improving evacuation infrastructure. Key initiatives include the development of advanced slurry pipelines, pellet and beneficiation plants, and a robust network of stockyards.

A flagship project in this plan is the 135-kilometre slurry pipeline from Bacheli to Nagarnar. This eco-friendly, cost-effective pipeline will reduce reliance on traditional, carbon-intensive transportation methods. Additionally, the new Screening Plant III at Kirandul and screening plant III at Donimalai will enhance NMDC’s processing capabilities, enabling the company to handle increased production volumes while maintaining high quality standards.

NMDC is also expanding rail transport by increasing the KK line’s capacity from 28 MTPA to 40 MTPA, laying a 15 MTPA slurry pipeline, and constructing blending yards. To maximize utilization of iron ore resources, the company is developing a 4 MTPA beneficiation plant in Bacheli and a 2 MTPA Pellet Plant at Nagarnar, with plans to expand the latter to 6 MTPA. NMDC is also focusing on blending low-grade ore with high-grade ore, efficiently utilising tailings and slimes. A pilot-scale beneficiation testing facility at its R&D Centre is developing processes for upgrading low-grade ore, incorporating best practices from international benchmarks.