India’s mineral and non-ferrous metal production is on a steady growth trajectory, reflecting the resilience of the sector and the country’s expanding industrial base. After achieving record production levels in the previous financial year, the industry has maintained its momentum in FY 2024-25 (April-December), with key minerals and metals registering notable increases in output.
Iron ore, which contributes the largest share of the country’s mineral production by value, has seen a healthy 2.5% rise, reaching 208 million metric tonnes (MMT) compared to 203 MMT in the same period last year. Manganese ore production has grown by 8.3%, reaching 2.6 MMT, while chromite production has surged by 9.5% to 2.3 MMT. The bauxite sector, crucial for aluminium production, has also witnessed a 6.5% increase, reaching 18.1 MMT.
The non-ferrous metal industry has shown a similar upward trend. Primary aluminium production recorded a modest yet significant 1.6% growth, reaching 31.56 lakh tonnes (LT), while refined copper production expanded by an impressive 7.3%, reaching 3.96 LT. These figures underscore India’s position as the second-largest aluminium producer globally, one of the top 10 producers of refined copper, and the fourth-largest iron ore producer.
The continued expansion in mineral and metal production signals robust demand in core industries such as steel, infrastructure, construction, energy, and automotive manufacturing. The growth in aluminium and copper output, in particular, highlights India’s strengthening industrial capabilities and its ability to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly developing economy. As the country moves forward, the strong performance of these sectors will play a critical role in supporting economic growth, industrialization, and technological advancements.
