India’s mineral production for March 2024 saw a 1.2% increase compared to March 2023, with the index standing at 156.1. The overall FY 2023-24 recorded a notable growth of 7.5% over FY 2022-23.
Positive growth was observed in several non-fuel minerals in March 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. These included Copper Concentrate, Gold, Diamond, Manganese Ore, Graphite, Kyanite, Sillimanite, Limestone, Limeshell and Magnesite.
Iron ore and limestone accounted for approximately 80% of the total mineral production by value. In FY 2023-24, production of iron ore reached 277 million metric tons (MMT), surpassing the previous record of 258 MMT in FY 2022-23, marking a growth rate of 7.4%. Similarly, limestone production increased by 10.7% to 450 MMT from 406.5 MMT in FY 2022-23.
In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production also witnessed growth, reaching 41.59 lakh tons (LT) in FY 2023-24, a 2.1% increase over FY 2022-23. India ranks 2nd in aluminium production, 3rd in lime production, and 4th in iron ore production globally.
The robust growth in iron ore, limestone, and aluminium production reflects strong demand in user industries such as steel, cement, energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery sectors. These trends indicate a healthy economic activity contributing to India’s mineral production landscape.
