NMDC Steel Achieves 2 Million Ton Hot Metal Output in FY 2024-25, Eyes Full Capacity in FY26
NMDC Steel Limited (NSL), the steel-making arm of NMDC, has recorded a major operational milestone by producing over 2 million tons of hot metal in the financial year 2024–25 at its integrated steel plant in Nagarnar, Chhattisgarh. This achievement represents a 100% increase from the previous fiscal, where the plant produced 966,468 tons during its first seven and a half months of operation.
Commissioned on August 15, 2023, the Nagarnar plant has now reached 60% of its rated capacity of 3.3 million tons per annum (MTPA) in just its second year of operations. The plant’s performance showcases NSL’s rapid stabilization journey and commitment to operational excellence.
a 100% increase in hot metal production compared to the previous fiscal (2023-24),
Strong Performance Amid Market Challenges
Despite a challenging market scenario and a two-week production and dispatch disruption due to a transporter protest at the plant gates, NSL demonstrated resilience. The company successfully marketed over 1.45 million tons of Hot Rolled (HR) Coils and Sheets during FY 2024–25—a staggering 300% increase in sales volume compared to the previous fiscal year. This growth underscores NSL’s expanding customer base and increasing market penetration.
Record Monthly Dispatch in March 2025
In March 2025, NSL set a new benchmark by dispatching 229,874 tons of Hot Rolled Coils (HRC)—the highest ever monthly dispatch since the commencement of production. This figure surpasses the previous best of 141,207 tons recorded in February 2025 by 63%.
A key factor behind this surge was the deployment of four Liberalized Special Freight Train Operator (LSFTO) Rakes, which together moved approximately 40,000 tons of HR coils in March. The company plans to introduce more LSFTO rakes in the coming months to further enhance its dispatch capabilities and logistics efficiency.
Leadership Speaks on the Milestone
Buoyed by the team’s performance, Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD, NMDC & NSL, expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory:
“Our steel team is gaining in strength and crossing milestones with each passing day. I am confident that with their dedicated effort and enthusiasm, we will soon reach our rated capacity. We are also inching closer to becoming EBITDA positive.”
NSL’s leadership attributes the success to a combination of strategic planning, team dedication, and a sharp focus on systems improvement. Shri Joydeep Dasgupta, Director (Production), NMDC & NSL, praised the team’s efforts:
“Team NSL has successfully surmounted several challenges and surged ahead with confidence. Our strategic moves have started yielding results, and this is only the beginning of many more achievements.”
Certifications and Global Market Entry
In its first full year of operations, NSL didn’t just scale production—it also secured 4 ISO licenses and 7 BIS certifications, reinforcing its credibility in the domestic steel market. More notably, NSL received the prestigious CE (Conformité Européenne) certification, enabling it to tap into European markets for exports of HR coils and sheets.
Shri MNVS Prabhakar, Executive Director & Head of NSL Steel Plant, commended the commitment and quality focus of the team:
“We are committed to producing the best quality Hot Rolled steel for our discerning customers. Our goal remains aligned with the national mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Future Outlook
With a strong foundation laid in its initial years, NSL is now well on track to reach its rated capacity in the upcoming fiscal. The company’s strategic emphasis on logistics, quality certifications, and global outreach has positioned it as a rising force in India’s steel sector.
As NMDC Steel gears up for further growth, it is not only strengthening its market presence but also reinforcing India’s journey towards self-reliance in steel production.
