♦ 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.  

♦ 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.