State-owned iron ore producer NMDC has commenced mining operations at the Tokisud North Coal Mine in the Barkagaon Block of Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district, as part of its diversification strategy. The mine has an annual production capacity of 2.30 million tonnes of thermal coal. NMDC said the date of commencement of commercial production will be announced in due course. As part of its diversification plans, NMDC has identified 10 minerals for expansion while retaining its leadership position in iron ore production. The company is also focused on establishing itself as a quality steel producer through NMDC Steel and expanding its portfolio by acquiring and operating iron ore, coal and other mineral assets in India and overseas. The strategy aims to enhance resilience against market volatility. The Tokisud North Coal Mine covers a project area of around 585 hectares and is one of two coal assets allotted to NMDC in Jharkhand, the other being the Rohne coking coal block. The Union Ministry of Coal declared NMDC the successful allottee of the Tokisud North block on 16 December 2019, followed by the signing of the allotment agreement and order. According to NMDC, the Tokisud North block has extractable reserves of around 52 million tonnes of thermal coal and a planned production capacity of 2.32 million tonnes per annum. The Rohne block has extractable reserves of about 191 million tonnes and a planned production capacity of 8 million tonnes per annum. Both blocks are located within an aerial distance of around 10–15 kilometres in the same district. During an investor call last year, NMDC’s leadership highlighted coking coal as a key focus area in its aggressive expansion strategy, particularly in overseas markets. The company is also exploring opportunities in minerals such as copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel, gold and bauxite. NMDC shares closed at Rs 76.40 on the BSE on Friday, down 2.39 per cent.