The production of key minerals such as iron ore and limestone within the country has continued on the growth trajectory after registering growth in the first quarter of FY 2024-25. Iron ore and limestone account for nearly 80% of total MCDR mineral production in terms of value. Iron ore production in FY 2024-25 (April-June) was 79 million metric tonnes (MMT) and limestone production for the same period was 116 MMT, after reaching record production levels in FY 2023-24.
As per provisional data, iron ore production has increased from 90 MMT in FY 2023-24 (April-July) to 98 MMT in FY 2024-25 (April-July), showing a growth of 8.9%. Limestone production has increased from 149 MMT in FY 2023-24 (April-July) to 150 MMT in FY 2024-25 (April-July), showing a growth of 0.7%. Manganese ore production has increased from 1.1 MMT in FY 2024-25 (April-July) to 1.3 MMT, showing a growth of 18.2% over the same period last year.
In the non-ferrous metals sector for FY 2024-25 (April-July), primary aluminium production recorded a growth of 1.3% over the same period last year, rising from 13.77 LT in FY 2023-24 (April-July) to 13.95 lakh tonne (LT) in FY 2024-25 (April-July).
India is the world's second largest aluminium producer, third largest lime producer and fourth largest iron ore producer. The continued growth in iron ore and limestone production in the current fiscal year reflects strong demand conditions in user industries, namely steel and cement. These growth trends, along with the uptrend in aluminium, point to steadily strengthening economic activity in user sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive and machinery.