New Delhi, September 3rd: India’s production of essential minerals, including iron ore and limestone, has shown consistent growth in the first quarter of FY 2024-25, indicating strong demand in key industries such as steel, cement, and infrastructure. According to provisional data, iron ore production reached 79 million metric tonnes (MMT) and limestone production hit 116 MMT during April-June 2024. These figures follow record production levels achieved in FY 2023-24, underscoring the resilience of the mining sector. The information was shared by the Ministry of Mines in a recent statement.
Iron Ore and Limestone Lead Mineral Production
Iron ore and limestone, which together account for approximately 80% of the total production value of minerals under the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), continue to be the backbone of India’s mineral output. Iron ore production saw an increase from 90 MMT in April-July FY 2023-24 to 98 MMT in the same period of FY 2024-25, marking an 8.9% growth. Limestone production also inched up by 0.7%, from 149 MMT to 150 MMT during the same timeframe.
Surge in Manganese Ore and Aluminium Production
The production of manganese ore, another critical mineral, experienced a notable increase of 18.2%, rising from 1.1 MMT to 1.3 MMT in the April-July period of FY 2024-25 compared to the previous year. In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production also registered growth. Output climbed by 1.3% to 13.95 lakh tonnes (LT) in April-July FY 2024-25, up from 13.77 LT during the corresponding period in FY 2023-24.
India’s Global Standing and Economic Implications
India’s position as the 2nd largest aluminium producer, 3rd largest lime producer, and 4th largest iron ore producer globally highlights its significant role in the global minerals market. The sustained growth in production across these key minerals reflects the robust demand in downstream industries, including steel, cement, energy, infrastructure, automotive, and machinery. This upward trend in mineral production is a positive indicator of continued strong economic activity in these critical sectors, which are essential for India’s broader economic development.
Source: Press Information Bureau, New Delhi
