India’s mining sector has achieved remarkable growth in FY 2024-25, surpassing record production levels set in FY 2023-24 for key minerals and non-ferrous metals, according to provisional data from the Ministry of Mines. This surge, driven by robust demand in industries like steel, energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery, reinforces India’s position as a global leader in mineral production, ranking as the 4th largest iron ore producer, 2nd largest aluminium producer, and among the top 10 producers of refined copper worldwide.
Iron Ore: A Cornerstone of Growth
Iron ore, accounting for 70% of the total MCDR mineral production by value, saw a 4.3% increase in FY 2024-25, reaching 289 million metric tonnes (MMT) compared to 277 MMT in FY 2023-24. This record-breaking output reflects strong demand from the steel industry, a key driver of India’s infrastructure and manufacturing sectors. The sustained growth highlights the sector’s resilience and its critical role in economic activity.
Manganese Ore: Significant Surge
Manganese ore production rose by 11.8%, climbing from 3.4 MMT in FY 2023-24 to 3.8 MMT in FY 2024-25, surpassing previous records. This growth underscores rising demand for manganese in steel and alloy production, vital for industries like construction and automotive. The increase aligns with India’s push to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependency.
Bauxite: Steady Progress
Bauxite production increased by 2.9%, from 24 MMT in FY 2023-24 to 24.7 MMT in FY 2024-25. As a key raw material for aluminium production, this growth supports India’s position as the second-largest aluminium producer globally, catering to industries like aerospace, packaging, and construction.
Lead Concentrate: Modest Growth
Lead concentrate production grew by 3.1%, rising from 381,000 tonnes to 393,000 tonnes in FY 2024-25. This increase supports applications in battery manufacturing and industrial processes, reflecting steady demand in the automotive and energy sectors.
Primary Aluminium: Record-Breaking Output
In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production broke records, increasing by 1% from 41.6 lakh tonnes (LT) in FY 2023-24 to 42 LT in FY 2024-25. India’s status as the second-largest aluminium producer globally is bolstered by this growth, driven by demand in construction, transportation, and renewable energy sectors.
Refined Copper: Robust Expansion
Refined copper production saw a significant 12.6% growth, rising from 5.09 LT in FY 2023-24 to 5.73 LT in FY 2024-25. As one of the top 10 global producers, India’s copper output supports critical applications in electrical infrastructure, renewable energy, and electronics, reflecting strong economic activity.
Economic Implications
The robust growth in mineral and metal production highlights India’s thriving industrial landscape. The steel industry, fueled by iron ore and manganese, drives infrastructure and manufacturing growth. Aluminium and copper production supports energy transitions, with applications in solar panels, electric vehicles, and smart grids. These trends, coupled with initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 1.1 for specialty steel launched by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, position India as a global manufacturing hub.
Conclusion
India’s record-breaking mineral production in FY 2024-25 underscores its growing influence in the global mining and metals sector. With sustained growth in iron ore, manganese, bauxite, lead concentrate, aluminium, and copper, the country is well-poised to meet domestic and global demand, driving economic progress. Stay tuned to GKBoard.in for more updates on India’s industrial achievements!