At NMDC, sustainability drives our operations as we strive to achieve harmony between mining and environmental stewardship.

Joydeep Dasgupta
Director (Production), NMDC

What are the key opportunities you foresee in the Indian and global mining sectors in 2025 and beyond?

The mining sector is entering a transformative era, both in India and globally, as it adapts to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Historically, mining has been the backbone of industrial progress, providing materials essential for infrastructure development. Today, as the world shifts toward clean energy and sustainability, the sector is going to play a critical role in the transition.

In India, the rapidly growing infrastructure sector is significantly driving the demand for steel, creating substantial opportunities in the mining industry as the need for raw materials like iron ore and coal continues to rise. One of the most significant opportunities lies in adopting sustainable mining practices, which focus on mitigating environmental impact while improving operational efficiency. Adoption of renewable energy sources to reduce the ecological footprints and digitalization and automation of production processes are transforming the mining sector, making it safer and more efficient. Further, the global transition to clean energy has created a surge in demand for strategic and critical minerals, positioning mining companies as key enablers of this transformation.

Another pivotal dimension of the mining sector is the advancement in mineral exploration and extraction technologies. As traditional mining methods face challenges related to depleting high-grade ores and increasing environmental concerns, the mining companies can innovate and drive the development of technologies such as advanced geospatial mapping, seismic imaging, and remote sensing which enables more precise identification of mineral deposits, reducing exploration risks and operational costs.

How is technology transforming mining operations? Could you share examples of advanced technologies adopted by your company to enhance productivity and sustainability?

Some of the key aspects of the mining sector, such as mineral exploration, transportation, mineral quality control, and safety, are critical to operational success. With the help of technology, these areas are being transformed, enabling greater efficiency, precision, and sustainability. Innovations like automated haulage systems, drone-assisted exploration, and real-time monitoring tools are ensuring safer, faster, and more environmentally responsible mining practices.

At NMDC, advanced mining technologies and integrated real-time data capture systems have been implemented to streamline the mining operations. Fleet Management System (FMS), which ensures optimal resource utilization and improves productivity. To minimize carbon emissions, NMDC is developing eco-friendly transportation solutions such as a 15 MTPA Slurry Pipeline from Bacheli to Visakhapatnam via Nagarnar. Further, NMDC is actively focusing on beneficiation technologies across its iron ore plants to enhance resource utilization and promote water conservation. As part of this initiative, the company is developing a 2 MTPA beneficiation plant in Bacheli and a 2 MTPA pellet plant at Nagarnar, with plans to expand the pellet plant capacity to 6 MTPA in the future.

These advancements are supported by NMDC’s robust R&D centre, which not only drives our in-house projects but also provides support to major players in the mining and mineral industries.

What steps is your company taking to ensure sustainable mining practices? How do you balance environmental concerns with operational efficiency?

At NMDC, sustainability drives our operations as we strive to achieve harmony between mining and environmental stewardship. Initiatives like dust suppression systems, geo-coir matting and soil stabilization help mitigate environmental risks and preserve local ecosystems. To further enhance the sustainability in our mining operations, Fleet Management Systems, Automatic Sample Collection Systems, and Rapid Wagon Loading Systems have been implemented which promote Responsible Mining practices.

In an effort to reduce our environmental impact, we have successfully reduced our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 24% over the last nine years. In FY 2023-24, NMDC increased its renewable energy usage by 40%, consuming 1.8 million units of solar energy.  To reduce carbon footprint and balance environmental stewardship, NMDC has invested in renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power plant installations with a combined capacity of over 10 MW.

NMDC has also planted over 30 lakh trees around its mining operations, creating green belts that enhance biodiversity and act as carbon sinks. NMDC actively collaborates with local communities and state forest departments for reclamation projects, restoring habitats and reforesting mined-out areas.

To understand our carbon footprint, NMDC’s dedicated team meticulously tracks and reports carbon emission across Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. This commitment to full disclosure allows us on a clear path toward impactful emissions reductions for balancing the environmental concerns and operational efficiency.

What are the significant challenges currently faced by the mining industry, and what solutions do you propose to overcome them?

The mining industry is going through several challenges, including increasing environmental regulations, strategic mining policy, fluctuating commodity prices, and the growing demand for cleaner energy and critical & strategic minerals. One of the most pressing concerns is balancing mineral extraction with sustainability, as industries face significant environmental standards. To address this, sustainable mining must be at the core of all mining operations. At NMDC, the best-in-industry Responsible Mining practices such as slurry pipeline, development of beneficiation plant and adoption of renewable energy have been adopted, ensuring minimal ecological impact.

A key challenge is the global shift toward cleaner energy, which demands that mining companies reduce their carbon footprints. Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is vital. NMDC is integrating renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources thereby supporting the industry’s push for sustainable mining practices.

Another challenge is the need to extend India’s mineral base to meet rising domestic demand for critical & strategic minerals. In this regard, NMDC is actively expanding its mineral portfolio and exploring global opportunities in Australia, Africa, and South America to ensure long-term resource security to meet the domestic demand.

To facilitate a faster and more efficient expansion of domestic mineral resources, policy support is crucial. State owned miners should have the rights for allocation of new mines through the government’s direct dispensation route. This would accelerate mineral exploration and development, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials to critical industries while maintaining responsible mining standards. 

What are your growth plans and expectations for NMDC over the next five years?

The next five years will be transformative for India’s mining sector, driven by significant opportunities in mineral exploration. With India targeting the production of 300 million tonnes (MT) of crude steel by 2030, the demand for iron ore is projected to reach approximately 450 MT. NMDC’s commitment to be a 100 MT capacity company by 2030 shall meet about a quarter of the projected iron ore demand.  However, achieving this milestone will require strategic investments and robust expansion. Over the next five years, NMDC is planning to invest in the tune of about ₹70,000 crores to enhance mining capacity, logistics, human resources and technology advancement to maximize production from each of its mines. This investment will not only strengthen India’s self-reliance in raw materials but also boost the economy of the states NMDC operates in.

How can collaborations between mining companies, technology providers, and policymakers drive the growth of the industry?

Collaboration between mining companies, technology providers, and policymakers is essential for transforming India’s mining sector into a competitive, sustainable, and self-reliant industry. NMDC recognizes the need for these partnerships to boost economic growth and support India’s ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision.

Mining companies bring operational expertise and resource access, while technology providers offer solutions for automation, beneficiation, and environmental management. Together, mining companies can adopt advanced technologies to optimize production, reduce costs, and enhance safety.

Policymakers also play a crucial role in creating a conducive regulatory environment. Aligning policies with industry needs can facilitate investments, streamline approvals, and promote sustainable practices.

In addition to collaborations with technology providers and policymakers, industry-academia partnerships are vital for fostering innovation and addressing complex challenges in the mining sector. For instance, NMDC has partnered with CSIR to explore sustainable mining practices and develop innovative solutions for ore beneficiation and waste management. By fostering such partnerships, the mining companies can lead the way in adopting advanced technologies, promoting sustainable practices, and contributing to the growth of the industry and the nation.