World · India Bureau
NMDC opens ₹5,427 crore integrated iron ore complex in Chhattisgarh
India's state-owned miner NMDC has commissioned a major integrated iron ore project in Chhattisgarh, featuring processing and pelletization facilities. The complex aims to boost domestic iron ore production and support the country's steel sector.
LSN India ·
NMDC Limited has brought online a substantial integrated iron ore project in Chhattisgarh, marking a significant expansion of the government-backed miner's operational capacity. The ₹5,427 crore initiative encompasses multiple production components designed to enhance the company's output and value addition across the mining supply chain.
The project includes a new iron ore processing plant at Bacheli, which will handle raw ore beneficiation and preparation. A 15 million tonne per annum slurry pipeline has also been constructed to facilitate the efficient transport of processed material, while a 2 million tonne per annum pellet manufacturing facility at Nagarnar will produce high-grade iron ore pellets for steel producers.
The integrated approach reflects NMDC's strategy to move beyond raw ore extraction toward higher-value manufacturing. Pellets command premium prices in domestic and international markets and are preferred by modern steel plants due to their consistency and efficiency in blast furnaces.
The project strengthens India's iron ore production infrastructure at a time when domestic steelmakers are ramping up capacity to meet growing demand from infrastructure, automotive, and consumer goods sectors. NMDC, which operates several mines across central India, is among the world's leading iron ore producers by volume.