NMDC targets 100 MTPA with digital push at Donimalai complex, Karnataka
Synopsis
NMDC is quietly rewriting how India mines iron ore — processing waste materials like BHJ and BHQ, deploying real-time digital dispatch systems, and pushing Donimalai's capacity to 17 MTPA. It is the most concrete operational signal yet that the company's 100 MTPA ambition is being built from the ground up, not just announced from the top down.
Key Takeaways
NMDC reviewed key expansion projects at its Donimalai complex in Karnataka on 20 June , according to the Ministry of Steel .
The Kumaraswamy Mine is being scaled to 10 MTPA ; the Donimalai Complex overall to 17 MTPA .
NMDC is processing low-grade iron ore materials including BHJ and BHQ with up to 35% Fe content through beneficiation techniques.
A new automated gate management system enables real-time monitoring of iron ore dispatches at Kumaraswamy Mine.
All initiatives feed into NMDC's long-term vision of reaching 100 MTPA production capacity.
NMDC is stepping up digital transformation, sustainable mining practices, and capacity expansion at its Donimalai complex in Karnataka as part of its long-term ambition to become a 100 million tonne per annum (MTPA) mining company, the Ministry of Steel said on Saturday, 20 June. Senior management conducted a comprehensive review of key projects at the complex aimed at lifting production, improving resource efficiency, and strengthening environmental stewardship.
Capacity Expansion at Donimalai
The management review centred on ongoing infrastructure and capacity projects designed to raise output at the Kumaraswamy Mine to 10 MTPA and scale the overall production capacity of the Donimalai Complex to 17 MTPA. These expansion targets form a critical pillar of NMDC's broader 100 MTPA production vision — a goal that would position the state-owned miner among the largest iron ore producers in Asia.
Unlocking Low-Grade Iron Ore Resources
Officials also reviewed initiatives focused on utilising iron ore resources with up to 35% Fe content, along with iron ore slimes and low-grade iron-bearing materials such as Banded Hematite Jasper (BHJ) and Banded Hematite Quartzite (BHQ) — materials that have traditionally remained underutilised despite their significant iron content.
Through beneficiation and scientific mineral processing techniques, NMDC is converting these low-grade resources into viable raw materials. The approach enables recovery of additional iron ore from existing mines while simultaneously reducing waste generation. According to the company, the initiative is expected to strengthen mineral conservation, lower the environmental footprint of mining operations, and support India's growing steel industry raw material requirements.
Automated Gate Management System Goes Live
The management team also assessed the recently deployed automated gate management system at the Kumaraswamy Mine. The digital platform enables real-time monitoring and verification of iron ore dispatches, reducing manual intervention and improving transparency in material movement.
According to NMDC, the system enhances oversight of mineral logistics and ensures secure transportation of resources to their intended destinations — a significant operational upgrade in a sector where pilferage and dispatch discrepancies have historically been points of concern.
Sustainability and the Road to 100 MTPA
The initiatives at Donimalai reflect NMDC's integrated approach to scaling production without proportionally scaling its environmental impact. This comes amid growing pressure on Indian mining companies to align with national sustainability commitments and supply a steel sector that itself targets 300 million tonnes of annual steel production by 2030.
Notably, NMDC's push to process BHJ, BHQ, and iron ore slimes signals a shift toward zero-waste mining — a model that industry observers say could set a benchmark for responsible resource extraction in India. The Donimalai complex's trajectory will be closely watched as NMDC advances toward its long-term production and sustainability goals.
Point of View
Using technology to close transparency gaps that have long plagued Indian ore dispatch chains. The BHJ and BHQ beneficiation push is particularly significant — if scaled, it could materially extend the life of existing mine leases without fresh land acquisition, a politically and environmentally fraught process. The real question is execution speed. India's steel sector needs reliable domestic ore supply well before 2030, and NMDC's 100 MTPA target has been in circulation long enough that the market will judge it on milestones, not announcements.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NMDC's 100 MTPA target?
NMDC aims to become a 100 million tonne per annum iron ore mining company as part of its long-term production strategy. Capacity expansions at complexes like Donimalai in Karnataka are central to achieving this goal.
What is the planned capacity of the Donimalai complex?
The Donimalai complex is being expanded to an overall capacity of 17 MTPA, with the Kumaraswamy Mine specifically targeted to reach 10 MTPA. These are among the key milestones in NMDC's broader 100 MTPA vision.
What are BHJ and BHQ, and why does NMDC's use of them matter?
Banded Hematite Jasper (BHJ) and Banded Hematite Quartzite (BHQ) are low-grade iron-bearing materials that have traditionally been left unused. NMDC is applying beneficiation techniques to convert these into usable raw materials, reducing waste and extending the productive life of existing mines.
What does NMDC's automated gate management system do?
The automated gate management system at Kumaraswamy Mine enables real-time monitoring and verification of iron ore dispatches. It reduces manual intervention, improves transparency, and ensures secure transportation of mineral resources.
Why is the Ministry of Steel involved in NMDC's Donimalai review?
NMDC is a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Steel, which oversees its strategic direction. The ministry's communication of the Donimalai review reflects the government's alignment of NMDC's expansion with India's national steel production targets.
