The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) reported 4.62 million tonnes of production, an 18 per cent increase over the same month last year. This is the highest ever for February. During the month the company reported sales of 3.98 million tonnes.

“The cumulative volumes up to February in the financial year stood at 40.49 million tonnes in production and 40.20 million tonnes in sales,” an NMDC statement said on Saturday.

“Consistent growth in the financial year so far has laid a strong foundation for the company’s ambitious expansion plans,” it said.

“The 18 per cent boost in production output represents a strong operational momentum. Consistent growth of this kind results from an efficient mining ecosystem,” Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge), said.

“We have lined up an expansion plan in the next financial year and explore new opportunities. We are confident that our efforts will continue to propel self-reliance in India,” he said.

He said NMDC was committed to building a 100-million-tonne iron ore mining capacity by 2030. 

“The company has announced a massive capital expenditure plan to achieve the target,” the statement said.