NMDC is aiming to boost its iron ore output by two-thirds over the next five years. The state-owned entity plans to take its capacity to 50 million tpa by launching new mining facilities and expanding its existing infrastructure.

NMDC produced close to 30 million tpa of iron ore in 2013-14. It aims to mine about 32 million tonne in the current fiscal and reach its target of 50 million tonne by 2018-19.

NMDC is presently enhancing output at its three existing mines in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka and is in the process of securing leases for mines in Jharkhand.

NMDC's mines produce ore with high iron content which is preferred by local steel mills. As per the Indian Bureau of Mines, every percentage point increase in iron content improves productivity by two percentage points.

NMDC is also on track in setting up a three million tpa steel plant at Nagarnar in Chhattisgarh by 2016-17.  The company could invest about Rs 20-25 billion this year on the plant.