Hyderabad: State-run iron ore producer NMDC Limited Friday said it has set a target to achieve Net Zero operational emissions by 2047, covering Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions arising from direct fuel consumption and electricity use.The company said the target is part of its commitment to progressively reduce the carbon footprint of its operations and shift towards lower-carbon mining practices.NMDC said as part of its Net Zero roadmap it has identified six key focus areas — energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, electrification of its fleet, adoption of low-carbon fuels, carbon capture, utilisation and storage, and demand-side management.The Navratna public sector unit said it has set an overall target of reducing operational emissions by at least 90% under its Net Zero pathway. The remaining emissions are expected to be addressed through offsetting measures as the roadmap advances.It said the Net Zero roadmap has been divided into three phases, with the short-term phase covering FY 2026 to FY 2030, the medium-term phase running from FY 2030 to FY 2040, and the long-term phase extending from FY 2040 to FY 2047.The Hyderabad-based company said it plans to implement the identified measures progressively across the three phases, with energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption and electrification expected to form key parts of the initial transition, followed by deeper decarbonisation measures and emerging technologies in later phases.NMDC said it has already kicked off measures to increase the share of renewable energy in its operations and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources. These include a 10.5 MW wind energy facility at Chitradurga and solar power installations across its projects.Beyond Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, its logistics infrastructure will also support its decarbonisation efforts, with the company’s upcoming slurry pipeline project expected to provide a greener downstream transportation option by reducing dependence on conventional transport and associated warehousing needs.NMDC said it also plans to increase the movement of iron ore through rail freight, supported by the doubling of railway lines and other supply infrastructure being developed around its operations. Greater use of rail transport is expected to lower the carbon intensity associated with mineral movement.
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