India Records 9% Increase in Iron Ore Production to 98 Million Tonnes

India's iron ore production increased by 8.9% to 98 million tonnes (MT) in the first four months of the current fiscal year, according to government data released on Friday. The previous fiscal period from April to July saw an output of 90 MT.

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Iron Ore and Limestone Production

The production of limestone also saw a slight increase, rising by 0.7% to 150 MT during the same period, compared to 149 MT in the previous year, as per the mines ministry's statement. This growth in iron ore and limestone production indicates strong demand in industries such as steel and cement.

Manganese ore production experienced a significant rise of 18.2%, reaching 1.3 MT in the April-July period of FY25, up from 1.1 MT during the same period last year. This increase highlights robust demand conditions in various user industries.

Non-Ferrous Metal Sector Growth

In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production grew by 1.3% in FY 2024-25 April-July, reaching 13.95 lakh tonnes (LT), compared to 13.77 LT in the same period of FY2023-24. The ministry noted that this growth, along with increases in other metals, points to continued strong economic activity in sectors like energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery.

India ranks as the second-largest producer of aluminium globally, third in lime production, and fourth in iron ore production. These rankings underscore India's significant role in the global mining industry.

The continued growth trends in aluminium and other metals reflect ongoing robust economic activity across various user sectors. The ministry's statement emphasised that these trends are indicative of strong demand conditions.

The data provided by the government highlights India's substantial contribution to global mineral production and its importance in supporting key industries domestically.

This consistent rise in mineral production showcases India's growing industrial capabilities and its ability to meet increasing domestic and international demands.