Public sector miner NMDC reported June iron ore production rose 44% to 5.15 million tonnes compared to 3.57 MT a year earlier, while sales increased to 3.98 MT (3.58 MT).

For the quarter ended June, the company produced 15.10 MT, registering a 26% year-on-year increase. Sales stood at 11.75 MT, marking a 2% y-o-y rise. It was the highest-ever first-quarter production and sales since inception and strengthens its position in India’s steel value chain, the largest iron ore producer in the country said.

The record quarterly performance reflects sustained domestic demand, operational excellence across the mining complexes in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka and the company’s continued focus on enhancing production capacities.

“India’s sustained investment in infrastructure and manufacturing continues to strengthen demand for iron ore. NMDC is well positioned to meet this requirement with scale, efficiency and responsibility,” CMD Amitava Mukherjee said in a statement.

The company said it is accelerating capacity expansion roadmap through a phased enhancement of its mining operations, strategic mine development and investments in modern evacuation infrastructure. It is pursuing an ambitious 100 MT capacity by 2030 and 60 MT production this fiscal.