NMDC Steel: A Monumental Leap in India’s Steel Production Landscape
NMDC Steel Limited has achieved a remarkable feat on April 13-14, 2025, at its Nagarnar Steel Plant, reaching historic production levels that not only broke its internal records but also positioned the company at the forefront of India’s steel sector. These milestones reflect the company’s robust operational growth and its increasing contribution to India's industrial strength.
The company’s ability to surpass designed production limits within months of commissioning speaks volumes about NSL’s technical capabilities and the dedicated workforce behind its operations. The Nagarnar Steel Plant, commissioned in August 2023, has become a showcase of operational excellence and innovation, setting the stage for NSL to become one of the leading steel producers in India.
Unprecedented Performance Across Key Units
One of the standout achievements during this historic period was the performance of NSL’s Blast Furnace, which surpassed its designed capacity by producing 10,169 metric tons of hot metal in a single day. The Blast Furnace, which has a useful volume of 4,506 cubic meters, was originally designed to produce an average of 9,500 metric tons per day, with a peak capacity of 9,900 TPD. The furnace surpassed its rated capacity, achieving a production rate of 2.26 metric tons/m³/day, surpassing the design target of 2.2 metric tons/m³/day. This production achievement showcases the exceptional efficiency and operational excellence embedded in the plant’s design.
A statement from Amitava Mukherjee, the Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC Steel, highlighted the significance of this achievement:
"Exceeding our designed capacity within months of commissioning is not just a testament to the skill and determination of our teams but also reflects the world-class engineering behind the Nagarnar Steel Plant. This milestone sets a new benchmark for our growth and our readiness to compete at the global level in steel production."
In addition to the Blast Furnace, other units at the plant also achieved record-breaking performance. The Sinter Plant set a new daily production record of 12,385 metric tons, while the Hot Strip Mill achieved a new benchmark by producing 8,260 metric tons of hot-rolled coil in a single day. Furthermore, the Steel Melting Shop achieved a new high by producing 47 heats and 8,600 metric tons of liquid steel, demonstrating the plant’s overall capability to handle large-scale operations efficiently.
Technological Advancements: A Green Future for Steel Production
One of the major innovations at NSL is the Pulverised Coal Injection system, which has been integral to the plant’s efficient operations. Designed to inject 150 kg of coal per metric ton of hot metal (kg/THM), the PCI system improves fuel efficiency, reduces dependence on coke, and contributes to the plant’s sustainability goals. By stabilizing injection rates beyond the designed threshold, the plant is not only optimizing energy use but also making strides toward reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional steel production methods.
Amitava Mukherjee added, “Our commitment to sustainability is central to our operational philosophy. The use of the PCI system marks a significant step toward greener steel production. By reducing our reliance on coke and optimizing our energy consumption, we are taking a significant step toward meeting both industry standards and global sustainability goals.”
Overcoming Challenges: A Testimony of Operational Excellence
Despite challenges such as logistical hurdles and initial delays, NSL’s operational teams displayed exceptional leadership in managing the plant’s stabilization and pushing forward with production targets. The rapid progress made within months of commissioning is a direct result of meticulous planning and a strong operational framework. The teams at NSL navigated these early challenges with expertise, ensuring that the plant not only met but exceeded its design goals, further solidifying NSL’s potential for long-term success.
Another noteworthy achievement during this period was the successful stabilization of the Steel Melting Shop, which demonstrated an ability to handle high-volume steel production seamlessly. This is critical for NSL’s growth trajectory, positioning the company to expand production capabilities and meet the growing demands of both domestic and international markets.
A Vision for the Future: Innovation and National Self-Reliance
As NSL moves forward, its commitment to world-class manufacturing, national self-reliance, and sustainable progress remains a top priority. The company’s recent performance shows that it is well-positioned to compete with the best in the steel industry, both in India and on the global stage.
Amitava Mukherjee concluded, “These milestones are not just numbers; they represent our dedication to advancing India’s steel industry. We are confident that with continued innovation and operational excellence, NSL will be a key player in the global steel market.”
Key Takeaways:
• NMDC Steel Limited achieved historic production records on April 13-14, 2025, at the Nagarnar Steel Plant.
• The Blast Furnace achieved a production of 10,169 metric tons of hot metal in a single day, exceeding its designed capacity.
• The Sinter Plant produced a record 12,385 metric tons of sinter, while the Hot Strip Mill set a new benchmark of 8,260 metric tons of hot-rolled coil.
• NSL’s Steel Melting Shop achieved 47 heats and 8,600 metric tons of liquid steel, demonstrating its high operational capacity.
• The Pulverised Coal Injection system optimized fuel efficiency, reduced coke dependency, and contributed to sustainable steel production.
• Despite logistical hurdles and delays, NSL’s operational team exceeded expectations and proved the plant’s robust potential.
• Amitava Mukherjee, CMD of NSL, emphasized the company’s goal to position itself as one of India’s leading steel producers.
