Fire Disrupts Operations at NMDC’s Kirandul Plant, Losses Estimated in Crores

A major fire halted operations at the National Mineral Development Corporation’s (NMDC) Kirandul plant in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district, causing substantial financial losses and disrupting iron ore production.

The incident occurred late Monday night on a conveyor belt near Ward No. 12’s Fine Ore Camp, where flames spread swiftly before being controlled in a protracted firefighting effort.

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According to NMDC officials, fire tenders were deployed immediately, and the company’s in-house security and technical teams worked through the night alongside the fire brigade to contain the blaze. “Our immediate focus was to safeguard the facility and minimise operational downtime. The cause of the fire will be established after a detailed technical review,” an NMDC senior official told The Statesman.

Dantewada police have confirmed that a joint investigation is underway. “We are working with forensic and safety experts to determine the precise cause and evaluate the extent of the damage,” authorities said, noting that no casualties were reported.

Preliminary assessments suggest that machinery and ore-processing systems suffered significant damage, with losses potentially running into several crores of rupees. While production remains suspended, NMDC management has expressed confidence that repairs will be completed promptly to resume operations.

The Dantewada district administration has indicated plans to reassess industrial safety protocols in the region. The Kirandul facility, a key contributor to NMDC’s output, is critical to both domestic supply and export commitments, making a swift restoration of operations imperative for economic continuity.