India’s mineral and non-ferrous metal production has continued its upward trajectory in the financial year 2024-25, building on record production levels from the previous year. The steady growth across key minerals reflects the resilience of the sector and the strong demand from industries such as steel, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Iron ore, which constitutes nearly 70 percent of the total mineral production by value, has shown a healthy rise. According to provisional data, production increased from 228 million metric tonnes (MMT) during April-January of FY 2023-24 to 236 MMT in the same period of FY 2024-25, registering a 3.5 percent growth. Other essential minerals have also followed a positive trend. Manganese ore production witnessed an 11.1 percent increase, reaching 3.0 MMT compared to 2.7 MMT in the previous year. Chromite production grew by 8.7 percent, rising from 2.3 MMT to 2.5 MMT, while bauxite production climbed 5.6 percent, reaching 20.6 MMT from 19.5 MMT.
The non-ferrous metal sector, crucial for industries such as energy, transportation, and construction, has also reported encouraging figures. Primary aluminum production saw a modest but consistent growth of 1.2 percent, rising from 34.67 lakh tonnes (LT) in April-January of FY 2023-24 to 35.10 LT in the corresponding period of FY 2024-25. Refined copper production demonstrated a more significant increase of 7.4 percent, growing from 4.19 LT to 4.50 LT.
India remains a formidable player in global mineral and metal production, ranking as the second-largest aluminum producer, among the top ten in refined copper production, and the fourth-largest iron ore producer worldwide. The continued growth in iron ore production highlights strong demand from the steel industry, a key driver of infrastructure and economic development. Additionally, the positive trends in aluminum and copper indicate a sustained expansion in user sectors such as automotive, construction, and machinery.
This steady rise in mineral output reflects the sector’s strength and its vital role in supporting India’s broader economic progress. As industries continue to expand and infrastructure projects accelerate, the demand for these essential resources is expected to remain strong, further reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in mineral and metal production.
