World · India Bureau
NMDC charts path to net-zero emissions with 90% operational cuts by 2047
India's state-owned iron ore producer has unveiled an ambitious decarbonization strategy targeting near-complete elimination of operational emissions within two decades. The plan relies on renewable energy adoption, industrial electrification, and carbon capture technologies.
LSN India ·
The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) has committed to achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2047, with plans to reduce direct emissions by at least 90 per cent through a multi-pronged approach to industrial decarbonization.
The state-run producer's strategy encompasses shifting to renewable energy sources, electrifying key production processes, transitioning to low-carbon fuels, and deploying carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies across its operations. The phased approach underscores India's broader efforts to align industrial emissions reduction with national climate commitments.
As one of the world's largest iron ore producers, NMDC's emissions trajectory carries significance for India's steel and mining sectors, which together account for a substantial share of the nation's industrial carbon footprint. The company's 2047 target aligns with India's long-term climate ambitions while allowing the energy transition to unfold gradually across its operational footprint.
The initiative reflects growing pressure on resource-intensive industries to adopt cleaner production methods. Achieving the 90 per cent reduction threshold will require substantial capital investment in renewable energy infrastructure and technology upgrades at mining and processing facilities. NMDC's commitment signals the sector's recognition that operational efficiency and emissions reduction have become integral to maintaining competitiveness and meeting stakeholder expectations.