NMDC Accelerates Digitalisation and Sustainable Mining at Donimalai to Drive 100 MTPA Growth Vision
Senior management assesses digital initiatives, low-grade ore beneficiation projects, mine expansion plans and employee welfare infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and sustainable mining practices
State-owned mining major NMDC Limited is accelerating its digital transformation, capacity expansion and sustainable mining initiatives at its Donimalai Complex in Karnataka as part of its ambitious vision to become a 100 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) mining company.
During a recent visit to the Donimalai Complex, NMDC’s senior management reviewed several strategic projects aimed at improving operational efficiency, promoting responsible mining practices and enhancing the quality of life of employees and nearby communities. The review focused on key initiatives that are transforming Donimalai into a future-ready mining complex while reinforcing NMDC’s position as India’s largest iron ore producer.
The management evaluated ongoing mine expansion and infrastructure development projects designed to achieve a production capacity of 10 MTPA from the Kumaraswamy Mine and 17 MTPA from the overall Donimalai Complex. These enhancements are integral to NMDC’s long-term strategy of scaling up production to 100 MTPA.
A major focus area during the visit was the utilization of low-grade iron ore resources, including iron ore containing up to 35% Fe, iron ore slimes, and iron-bearing materials such as Banded Hematite Jasper (BHJ) and Banded Hematite Quartzite (BHQ). Traditionally considered waste due to limited commercial viability, these resources are now being processed through beneficiation and scientific mineral processing techniques to recover valuable iron content.
The initiative is expected to improve mineral conservation, reduce waste generation, lower the environmental footprint of mining operations and support the growing raw material requirements of India’s expanding steel industry.
The senior management also reviewed the newly implemented automated gate management system at the Kumaraswamy Mine. The digital platform enables real-time monitoring and verification of iron ore dispatches, enhancing transparency, improving logistics efficiency and reducing manual intervention in material movement processes.
As part of the visit, NMDC Chairman and Managing Director Amitava Mukherjee, along with Functional Directors, inaugurated newly developed infrastructure facilities, including modern high-rise residential towers for employees. The development underscores the company’s commitment to employee welfare and community development alongside its production growth objectives.
Speaking on the occasion, Amitava Mukherjee said NMDC is committed to building mining operations that future generations can look upon with pride.
“As India’s largest iron ore producer, we aspire to make Donimalai Complex a model mining complex that reflects the highest standards of responsible mining, innovation and employee welfare. As NMDC advances towards its 100 MTPA vision, we remain committed to supplying high-quality iron ore to India’s steel industry while maximizing the value of every resource through technology and innovation,” he said.
The initiatives undertaken at Donimalai highlight NMDC’s broader strategy of combining technology-driven mining, resource optimization and sustainable development practices to support India’s industrial growth while ensuring environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
