India’s Steel Ministry asks state-run steelmaker SAIL and iron ore producer NMDC to explore mining opportunities abroad, with a senior ministry official saying the goal is to secure long-term access to key raw materials and contain input costs. The official confirms the request but does not provide specific details on which minerals or countries are targeted.
The initiative comes amid concerns about supply and price volatility for inputs used in steelmaking, including coking coal, limestone and other materials. While India has substantial iron ore reserves, domestic steelmakers rely heavily on imports for coking coal; the report cites that about 85–90% of India’s coking coal needs are met through imports, including from Australia and Mozambique, and that limestone is also imported, including from West Asia.
Across outlets, the emphasis is on shifting toward greater control of raw material supplies by developing overseas assets. The Economic Times adds context from broader industry moves, noting that private steelmaker JSW Steel has acquired coking coal assets abroad, and that NMDC has discussed expanding beyond iron ore—targeting a share of revenue from other minerals by 2030.
