Reference:

• According to the Ministry of Mines, the production of key minerals such as iron ore, manganese ore, bauxite, and lead in India has continued to grow rapidly in FY 2024-25, after reaching record levels in FY 2023-24.
• Iron ore accounts for 70% of the total value of MCDR (Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation) mineral production.
• In FY 2023-24, iron ore production stood at 274 million metric tonnes (MMT).

Key Figures:

Iron Ore Production:

• FY 2023-24 (Apr-Feb): 252 MMT
• FY 2024-25 (Apr-Feb): 263 MMT
• Growth: 4.4%

Manganese Ore Production:

• FY 2023-24 (Apr-Feb): 3.0 MMT
• FY 2024-25 (Apr-Feb): 3.4 MMT
• Growth: 12.8%

Bauxite Production:

• FY 2023-24 (Apr-Feb): 21.9 MMT
• FY 2024-25 (Apr-Feb): 22.7 MMT
• Growth: 3.6%

Lead Concentrate Production:

• FY 2023-24 (Apr-Feb): 340 MMT
• FY 2024-25 (Apr-Feb): 352 MMT
• Growth: 3.5%

Non-Ferrous Metals Sector:

• Primary Aluminium Production:
• FY 2023-24 (Apr-Feb): 3.80 million tonnes
• FY 2024-25 (Apr-Feb): 3.836 million tonnes
• Growth: 0.9%

Refined Copper Production:

• FY 2023-24 (Apr-Feb): 464,000 tonnes
• FY 2024-25 (Apr-Feb): 497,000 tonnes
• Growth: 7.1%

Significance:

• India is the world’s second-largest aluminium producer and among the top 10 refined copper producers.
• India is the fourth-largest iron ore producer globally.
• Odisha is India’s largest producer of bauxite and iron ore, while Rajasthan leads in limestone production.

State-wise Share in Mineral Production:

• Odisha (44.11%) – Largest mineral producer, leading in iron ore & bauxite.
• Chhattisgarh (17.34%) – Major contributor in coal & iron ore.
• Rajasthan (14.10%) – Dominates in limestone & zinc.
• Karnataka (13.24%) – Key producer of iron ore & gold.
• Jharkhand (4.36%) – Significant in coal & uranium.
• Madhya Pradesh (2.44%) – Known for diamonds & copper.
• Maharashtra (1.45%) – Produces manganese & bauxite.

Key Takeaways:

• Rising iron ore production reflects strong demand in the steel industry.
• Growth in aluminium & copper indicates robust economic activity in sectors like energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery.