Dear Shareholders,
It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you as the
Chairman and Managing Director of your company - NMDC Limited, a cornerstone in the Indian
mining industry. As we navigate through dynamic market landscapes and global economic
shifts, I am honoured to lead a company known for its resilience, innovation, and
commitment to sustainable growth. NMDC is devoted to Responsible Mining, the goal is to
mine sustainably, restore ecosystems, invest in social initiatives, and meet the country's
thriving demand for iron and steel.
NMDC delivered historic iron ore volumes in FY24, an accomplishment that will echo
through time as a testament of its mettle and shape the destiny of the company and the
industry. Our legacy has been truly enriched by the surpassing of the 45 million tonnes
mark in the financial year 2023-2024. India's largest iron ore producer continued to
realize the weight of the country's dreams in fortifying mineral security.
In this journey, NMDC has mitigated cyclical volatilities of the sector, built upon its
technical and digital strength, bolstered its financial resilience, and worked tirelessly
to deliver value to its stakeholders. As we reflect on FY24, I take pride in sharing the
achievements, challenges and strategic vision of the company with you.
NMDC's operational excellence, financial prudence, and strategic agility dovetailed
with the stakeholders' confidence is positioning the company at the forefront of
sustainable growth. I convey our sincere gratitude to our shareholders for partnering with
us in our pursuit of capacity building and diversification towards shared prosperity. Your
insights and support are an indispensable resource to the company, and together, we will
chart a course for a brighter, more sustainable future for NMDC.
Economic Scenario
In the face of significant monetary tightening, lingering policy uncertainties, and
multiple shocks from geopolitical conflicts and climate change, the global economy
demonstrated greater resilience than anticipated in 2023 and grew at a rate of 3.2%.
Surpassing global economic trends, South Asia's gross domestic product grew by an
estimated 5.3% in 2023 and is expected to increase by 5.2% in 2024, driven by robust
growth in India, which remains the world's fastest-growing large economy.
India, amidst an uneven global macroeconomic environment, has demonstrated remarkable
economic stability and growth. Driven by substantial public investment in infrastructure
and digitalization, alongside targeted reforms to improve the ease of doing business and
stimulate new investments, India's GDP growth has reached a robust 8.2% for FY 2023-24,
significantly exceeding the global average.
This economic momentum, particularly in emerging markets like India, has directly
influenced the demand for essential raw materials, including iron ore which remains a
critical factor in supporting infrastructure growth, manufacturing, and energy sectors
worldwide.
Iron Ore Market Dynamics
The global iron ore production reached 2.5 billion tonnes in CY 2023, with Australia
and Brazil leading as the top producers, contributing approximately 56% of the total
output. India, the fourth largest producer, along with China, both contributed about 11%
each to global iron ore production. Despite the subdued demand in China due to economic
uncertainties and real estate concerns, the global steel production remained stable.
However, the iron ore market experienced fluctuations due to geopolitical dynamics and
trade policies.
In this context, the role of the Indian iron ore miners in catering to the domestic
demands while effectively navigating the global iron ore market volatility has become
increasingly significant. The nation has witnessed strong growth of ~7% YoY in the iron
ore output, with production increasing from 257 million tonnes in FY23 to an impressive
275 million tonnes in FY24. I am delighted to share that NMDC has played a significant
role in this achievement, securing a commendable 16% market share.
Physical and Financial Performance
During the year under review, NMDC registered its best ever yearly physical performance
as it produced 45.02 million tonnes and sold 44.48 million tonnes of iron ore. The company
recorded a 10% growth in production and 16% growth in sales compared to FY23 volumes.
It translated into a strong financial performance earning a revenue of Rs. 21,294
crores in FY24, which is a 21% increase from the revenue generated in FY23. Strategic
financial planning and pricing mechanisms led to a Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 5,632
crores and Profit Before Tax (PBT), before exceptional item, of Rs. 8,294 crores in FY24,
realizing an upswing of 2% in PAT and 30% in PBT over CPLY.
For FY24, NMDC's EBITDA stood at Rs. 8,709 crores representing a 28% growth from the
previous financial year. The company's operating profit margin was 34%, an upward movement
of 6% in operational efficiency from FY23.
Company's highest-ever capital expenditure of Rs. 2,066 crores was expended towards
capacity building in FY24, which was 17% north of the capex target, Rs. 1,769 crores.
NMDC's standalone net worth (post the demerger of NSL) crossed the Rs. 25,000 crore mark
in FY24 reinforcing the company's financial stability and its capacity to invest in growth
and generate value for stakeholders.
Operational Highlights
NMDC's major iron ore mines - Kirandul and Bacheli in Chhattisgarh, and Donimalai in
Karnataka delivered their highest-ever annual production in company history. The
bottlenecks in pellet production were also resolved leading to peak volume of 2.65 lakh
tonnes pellet production in FY24, highest since the plant's sommissionind.
During the year under review, NMDC made a strategic move to boost evacuation capacity
and build supply chain resilience by commencing operations from its Kumar Marenga
stockyard and implementing a 10 MTPA Rapid Wagon Loading System at its Kirandul complex.
These developments give a peek into the business model that the company is finalizing for
leapfrogging to double its capacity.
Another significant development in FY24 was the resumption of operations at Panna
Diamond Mines in Madhya Pradesh, revitalizing a historic asset that diversifies our
mineral portfolio. A landmark achievement in the direction of expansion and
diversification came with the commencement of gold mining at Mount Celia in Western
Australia in FY24 through the company's subsidiary, Legacy Iron Ore Limited. Legacy has
also signed a Joint Venture agreement to unlock the potential of magnetite resources at
Mount Bevan and explore minerals of strategic interest like Lithium in Australia.
Towards enhancing efficiency, transparency, and ease of doing business, a new
organizational structure - 'Works Organisation' was conceptualised and implemented for the
close monitoring and timely execution of all major capital projects.
Response to Climate Change
Towards enhancing efficiency, transparency, and ease of doing business, a new
organizational structure - 'Works Organisation' was conceptualised and implemented for the
close monitoring and timely execution of all major capital projects.
The global emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and adopting cleaner production
methods is transforming the iron ore value chain. This shift towards greener technologies
and practices is driving innovation across the industry and underscores the need for
enhanced environmental stewardship and responsible resource management. Embracing these
changes is vital not only for our continued growth but also for our commitment to a
sustainable future.
Climate change presents unprecedented challenges to the industry - a potential
disruption in operations, increase in production costs, and the abatement of key resources
such as water and energy. Against this landscape, NMDC plans to leverage and enhance its
sustainable and efficient mining legacy to meet the evolving needs of the environmentally
conscious customers and align with India's goal of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2070.
Committed to the best Corporate Governance practices, NMDC ensures compliance of
statutory provisions in letter and spirit. The Company is faithful to the statutory
requirements under the Companies Act, 2013; SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015.
To minimise carbon emissions, NMDC is moving towards eco-friendly ore transportation
through slurry pipelines and railways instead of roadways. Progress in this direction is
underway with the doubling of the Kirandul- Kothavalasa railway line expected to be
completed in FY25 and the laying of the 15 MTPA Slurry Pipeline from Bacheli to
Visakhapatnam via Nagarnar slated for completion in FY27. NMDC is building a 2 MTPA Pellet
Plant and 10 MTPA Beneficiation Plant along the Slurry Pipeline route with plans to
introduce blending yards in its ecosystem as a step towards zero waste mining.
The company is also investing in solar and wind energy projects while exploring
opportunities to mine critical minerals like lithium and cobalt to fuel the renewable
energy sectors and the green transition of India.
ESG Performance
NMDC is intensifying efforts to curtail GHG emissions, enhance wastewater recycling,
manage solid waste, and conserve biodiversity. We have developed a Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas
Inventory to meticulously vet our value chain emissions. Our Biodiversity Conservation
initiatives continue to thrive as we collaborate with the State Forest Departments to
restore habitats and preserve ecosystems.
Contributing to Chhattisgarh's environmental health, NMDC presented a first of its kind
Mobile Environment Lab to Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board. It is equipped with
cutting edge technology for real time monitoring of ambient air quality and for conducting
water and wastewater audits in the industrial belts of Chhattisgarh.
In FY24, NMDC carried on operations with due compliance to the environmental laws and
regulations while implementing diligent checks to safeguard the environment, society, and
individuals.
The company's transformative CSR initiatives are a source of pride and purpose for us.
From empowering women to upskilling youth, generating employment opportunities to
addressing public health, NMDC has been a steady pillar in enabling progress in the
hinterlands of India. Our flagship social initiatives - Shiksha Sahayog Yojana and Balika
Shiksha Yojana have empowered the journeys of thousands of tribal children with
scholarships for higher education and nursing education, making them agents of change in
their communities. It is this approach that gave way to the Education City, Hospital on
Wheels, Sports Academies, and the infrastructure that ensures education, healthcare and
opportunities for all.
This strong legacy is built by a committed workforce.
We classify the health, safety, and dignity of NMDC employees as a top priority. Robust
vigilance structures, safety protocols, access to grievance redressal along with the
freedom to associate and engage in collective bargaining has nurtured a progressive and
empowering workplace.
On Formation Day 2023, NMDC instituted the 'CMD Excellence Awards' to celebrate and
honour the exceptional contributions of our employees, who are the driving force behind
our company's progress.
Corporate Governance
Contributing to Chhattisgarh's environmental health, NMDC presented a first of its kind
Mobile Environment Lab to Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board.
NMDC upholds the highest standards of corporate governance and ensures transparency,
accountability, and integrity in all our operations. Corporate governance is not just a
regulatory requirement but a fundamental pillar of our culture, guiding our actions and
decisions to create long-term value for our stakeholders.
Committed to the best Corporate Governance practices, NMDC ensures compliance of
statutory provisions in letter and spirit. The Company is faithful to the statutory
requirements under the Companies Act, 2013; SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015; and Guidelines on
Corporate Governance for Central Public Sector Enterprises, 2010 issued by the Department
of Public Enterprises along with the Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of
Company Secretaries of India. Further, NMDC also ensures that its practices and policies
align with the interests of society at large and the same is demonstrated through the
company's continuous initiatives towards stakeholder engagement and environmental
stewardship.
Towards Progress and Prosperity
As we progress further into the era of NMDC 2.0, we are gearing up to deliver 50
million tonnes of iron ore in FY25. Our journey from hereon will be guided by an ambitious
growth strategy. We are investing in capacity expansion and new infrastructure to augment
our production capacity to 72 million tonnes from our existing iron ore mines, while also
developing the NCL (NMDC CMDC Limited) JV mines to contribute another 28 million tonnes.
Leveraging on our intrinsic strengths and constraint optimization are the two drivers for
realisation of our vision to achieve a 100 million tonnes production capacity by 2030.
This narrative aligns with the National Steel Policy's vision to enhance India's steel
production capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030. NMDC's 100 million tonnes would account
for a quarter of the ~ 430 million tonnes of raw material required to reach that target.
Towards becoming a 100 million tonnes mining company, NMDC is transforming its approach
to machinery, material and manpower planning. Innovation and digitalization are key tenets
of this transformation.
A steely intent is driving our investment in intelligent equipment and cutting edge
mining systems, such as Automatic Sampling, Fleet Management, and Rapid Wagon Loading.
These technologies ensure the highest standards of productivity and efficiency,
positioning us among the global mining powerhouses.
The accomplishments of NMDC find a unified representation in our new logo, unveiled in
August, 2023. This logo heralds a new era of responsibility at NMDC. It conveys the spirit
of NMDC 2.0 - the blue cog representing the mineral mining cycle for steadfastness and
trust we have earned over the decades; the hand cradling the earth in the center of the
logo signifies our commitment to sustainable mining and our global aspirations. The
vibrant green leaves symbolize growth, renewal, and harmony with nature.
We convey our sincere gratitude to the Government of India for their constant support
in creating an enabling environment that fosters growth and innovation in our industry. To
our valued customers, banks, shareholders, associates, and global partners, I express my
deepest gratitude for your trust, collaboration, and continued partnership. Together, we
have overcome challenges and achieved iconic milestones.
I am confident that with our collective effort, we will continue to thrive. Thank you
for your invaluable contributions to the journey of NMDC.
Our achievements for FY24 are commendable, but the path ahead beckons with both promise
and challenge. Our compass points north - toward innovation, sustainability, shared
purpose and a 100 million tonnes strong future.
Jai Hind
Shri Amitava Mukherjee
Chairman and Managing Director
(Additional Charge)