NMDC Steel Ltd (NSL) reached a significant production milestone on June 22, 2025, by recording its highest hot metal output to date — 11,101 tonnes — operating at 117% of the blast furnace’s designed capacity. This achievement was supported by strong performance across multiple operational areas, including a record-breaking coke yield of 79% in the blast furnace, attributed to improvements in the coke cutter system.
The company also set a new record for shift-wise hot metal production, reaching 3,759 tonnes during the C Shift — surpassing the earlier high of 3,729 tonnes set on April 14, 2025. Material movement across the plant hit new peaks, with over 10,000 tonnes of coal reclaimed to the silo and 18,203 tonnes of sinter transferred to the blast furnace. Iron ore lump handling also exceeded past records, reaching 5,910 tonnes.
NSL’s Top Recovery Turbine (TRT) operated at its design capacity of 16.4 megawatts (MW), enabling full energy recovery. This is expected to reduce the plant’s electricity expenses by more than ₹60 lakh per month.
The Oxygen Generating Unit delivered an output of 34,000 Nm³/hr — well above the contracted specification — supporting continuous and high-efficiency plant operations. In the Steel Melting Shop (SMS), 52 heats were tapped, producing 9,400 tonnes of liquid steel. The Tundish Casting unit also reported its best performance yet, completing 54 heats in a day, with Tundish No. 06 alone handling 29 heats — the highest single-day tally for that unit. The By-Product Plant also reported record numbers, with the sulphur recovery unit reaching a daily output of 1,000 kilograms — the highest in the current fiscal year.
Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director of NMDC and NMDC Steel Ltd, said, “This achievement marks a proud moment for NSL. For a young facility, such a milestone showcases the collaborative effort of every department. It reflects the plant’s growing capability and our determination to emerge as a top-tier steel producer. Congratulations to the entire team for this outstanding accomplishment.”
NSL continues to advance toward full operational capacity, aiming for maximum energy efficiency and seamless coordination across its systems — proving what a new-generation steel plant can achieve in a short span. NMDC Steel Limited, a prominent public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, is known for its focus on high-quality products, sustainability, and technological innovation, setting new benchmarks in the steel manufacturing sector. NSL remains dedicated to fueling India’s steel ambitions, while upholding its commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
