India’s mineral output hits record high

New Delhi

India has achieved its highest-ever mineral production levels in the financial year 2024–25, according to a report by the Ministry of Mines. Key minerals like iron ore, manganese ore, bauxite, and lead saw strong growth compared to the previous year. Iron ore production, which makes up 70 per cent of the country’s total mineral value, rose to 289 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2024–25. This beats the previous record of 277 MMT in FY 2023–24, showing a 4.3 per cent increase. Manganese ore production grew 11.8 per cent to 3.8 MMT, up from 3.4 MMT. Bauxite output also went up by 2.9 per cent, reaching 24.7 MMT. Lead concentrate production climbed 3.1 per cent, rising from 381 thousand tonnes (THT) to 393 THT. In the non-ferrous metals category, primary aluminium output reached 42 lakh tonnes (LT), slightly up from 41.6 LT last year. Refined copper production jumped 12.6 per cent, from 5.09 LT to 5.73 LT.

India is now the world’s second-largest aluminium producer and ranks in the top ten for refined copper. It is also the fourth-largest iron ore producer globally. The rising output of iron ore highlights growing demand in the steel industry. The growth in copper and aluminium also signals strong activity in energy, construction, transport, and manufacturing sectors. This sharp rise in mineral production shows the strength of India’s economy and the increasing needs of its major industries, the statement said.