India witnessed strong growth in the production of key minerals during FY 2024-25, following record highs in FY 2023-24. Iron ore led the surge, contributing 70 percent of the total value of minerals governed under MCDR. According to provisional figures, Iron Ore output reached 289 million metric tons (MMT), surpassing the previous year’s 277 MMT by 4.3 percent. Manganese ore production also hit a new high, rising 11.8 percent from 3.4 MMT to 3.8 MMT. Bauxite production climbed 2.9 percent, reaching 24.7 MMT compared to 24 MMT in the prior year. Lead concentrate output grew modestly by 3.1 percent, from 381 thousand tonnes (THT) to 393 THT.
Primary Aluminium production hit a new record in the non-ferrous segment, increasing slightly from 41.6 lakh tonnes (LT) in FY 2023-24 to 42 LT in FY 2024-25. Refined Copper production grew significantly by 12.6 percent, from 5.09 LT to 5.73 LT.
India now stands as the world’s second-largest Aluminium producer, ranks among the top ten in refined Copper, and is the fourth-largest Iron Ore producer. The sustained rise in mineral output, particularly iron ore, reflects strong demand from steel and other user industries. Growth in aluminium and copper output further underscores robust activity in key sectors like Energy, Infrastructure, Construction, Automotive, and Machinery.
Cover photo by Dominik Vanyi on Unsplash
