National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC).
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

State-owned NMDC reported iron ore production rose nearly 15% in April at 4 million tonnes from the 3.48 MT a year earlier.

Sales for the month increased almost 3% to 3.63 MT (3.53 MT), the company said in a filing on Friday.

In March, amid protest by workers over wages for about two weeks, NMDC had reported an almost 27% decline in the production of the key raw material for steel at 3.55 MT (4.86 MT). Sales, however, were higher by more than 6% at 4.21 MT (3.96 MT).

In FY25, iron ore production of the company declined more than 2% to 44.04 MT (45.2 MT) and sales marginally lower at 44.40 MT (44.48 MT).

The April month volumes are the highest thus far, since inception, NMDC said in a release.

“Our record-breaking April performance, coupled with best — ever despatch figures from our major iron ore mines – Kirandul, Bacheli and Donimalai with a [YoY] growth of 12%, 4% and 88% respectively solidifies our leadership position. It sets a strong foundation for achieving our ambitious target of becoming 100 million tonne mining company by 2030,” CMD Amitava Mukherjee said.

In April, NMDC said achieved its highest-ever monthly despatch, marking a 23% increase YoY. The Bacheli Complex recorded its best-ever road despatch at 2.22 lakh tonnes (LT), which is 25% higher. The company’s pellet production touched an all-time high of 0.23 lakh tonnes, surpassing the previous April record set in 2018.

The company said it remains dedicated to securing raw materials and meeting India’s rising steel demand.