The full form of NMDC is “National Mineral Development Corporation Limited.” It is a state-controlled mineral producer of the Government of India. It is fully owned by the Government of India and is under administrative control of the Ministry of Steel. It is involved in the exploration of wide range of minerals including iron ore, copper, rock phosphate, limestone, dolomite, gypsum, bentonite, magnesite, diamond, tin, tungsten, graphite, beach sands etc.
NMDC is India’s largest iron ore producer and exporter, producing about 30 million tonnes of iron ore from three fully mechanized mines in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. It also operates the country’s single largest open-cast iron ore mine at Bailadila, Chhattisgarh. The company also produces copper from the Bailadila deposit in Chhattisgarh, and Donimalai deposit in Karnataka.
NMDC is also involved in the mining of other minerals like Limestone, Dolomite, Diamond, Graphite, Tungsten, etc. It also operates the only mechanized diamond mine in the country at Panna in Madhya Pradesh.
The company is also diversifying into other areas like power generation, infrastructure, and exploration of new minerals. NMDC has set up a 1,200 MW thermal power plant in Bellary, Karnataka and also planning to set up another power project in Chhattisgarh.
NMDC plays a vital role in the Indian mining industry, not just by producing and exporting iron ore but also by exploring new minerals, diversifying into other areas, and participating in the development of infrastructure and power generation in the country. The company is also known for their CSR activities, in which they focus on the upliftment of people living in the mining areas. NMDC is also known for its commitment to sustainable mining and environmental conservation.