NMDC Breaks Ground on First Gold Mine at Mount Celia Gold Project, Western Australia

Nagendra Nath Sinha, Secretary of the Ministry of Steel, marked a historic occasion on November 5, 2023 as he presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the commencement of mining operations at the Mount Celia Gold Project in Western Australia.

This significant initiative is the brainchild of Legacy Iron Ore Limited, a subsidiary of the esteemed State-owned Steel Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), NMDC Ltd. The event was met with great anticipation and underscored NMDC's unwavering commitment to diversifying its mineral assets. What makes this moment truly exceptional is the inauguration of NMDC's first-ever gold mine, marking a momentous achievement for the organization.

This groundbreaking ceremony signifies the culmination of a meticulous and arduous process that involved obtaining all requisite statutory approvals and finalizing a comprehensive mining contract with Bain Global Resources. Notably, the surface and mine infrastructure development has progressed at an impressive pace, setting the stage for the commencement of ore mining operations in the Blue Peter pits in the coming weeks.

The first ore, destined for processing at the Paddington Gold Mine, is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2024 (CYQ1). This development is poised to significantly contribute to India's gold production landscape.

The Ministry of Steel is understandably proud to share in this remarkable milestone. NMDC, a prominent Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Steel, continues to play a pivotal role in bolstering India's mining and mineral resources sector. With the establishment of the Mount Celia Gold Project and the initiation of gold mining operations, NMDC is at the forefront of diversification, further solidifying its position as a key player in India's mining industry.

This momentous occasion serves as a testament to the resilience and dedication of NMDC in the pursuit of enhancing India's mineral resources. The Ministry of Steel anticipates the positive impact that the Mount Celia Gold Project will have on the nation's gold production and, by extension, the broader mining sector.