India’s mineral and non-ferrous metal sectors are on a strong growth track, continuing the momentum set in FY 2023-24. As per provisional data for the first nine months (April-December) of FY 2024-25, the country has witnessed substantial growth in the production of key minerals and metals, further solidifying its position as a global player in the mining and metallurgy industries.
The production of iron ore, which accounts for 69% of the total Mineral Concession and Development Rules (MCDR) mineral production by value, has been a major contributor to this positive trend. India produced a record 274 million metric tonnes (MMT) of iron ore in FY 2023-24, and in FY 2024-25 (April-December), production increased by 2.5%, from 203 MMT to 208 MMT. This healthy growth reflects the growing demand from the steel industry, which remains one of the primary consumers of iron ore.
Other minerals have also performed well. Manganese ore production rose by 8.3%, increasing from 2.4 MMT in FY 2023-24 to 2.6 MMT in FY 2024-25. Similarly, chromite production saw a growth of 9.5%, reaching 2.3 MMT from 2.1 MMT in the corresponding period. Bauxite production also increased by 6.5%, from 17.0 MMT in FY 2023-24 (April-December) to 18.1 MMT in FY 2024-25.
These figures not only demonstrate the resilience of the sector but also highlight the country’s growing mining capabilities, meeting the increasing demand for various minerals used in industries such as energy, infrastructure, and construction.
In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production increased by 1.6%, from 31.07 lakh tonnes (LT) in FY 2023-24 (April-December) to 31.56 LT in FY 2024-25. This growth reaffirms India’s position as the world’s second-largest aluminium producer. Meanwhile, refined copper production saw an impressive growth of 7.3%, rising from 3.69 LT to 3.96 LT during the same period.
India’s continued growth in both aluminium and copper production highlights the expanding industrial demand for these metals, particularly in sectors like energy, automotive, infrastructure, and machinery. These trends indicate strong economic activity, with positive implications for the country’s manufacturing and export sectors.
India remains the 4th largest iron ore producer globally and is among the top 10 producers of refined copper. The consistent growth in mineral and non-ferrous metal production signals healthy demand conditions across critical user industries. The production increases are likely to boost domestic supply, reduce import dependence, and strengthen India’s export potential in global markets.
The ongoing growth in production not only reflects the country’s thriving industrial sectors but also points to India’s increasing strategic importance in the global metals market. With continued investments in mining infrastructure and production capabilities, the country is well-positioned to capitalise on future opportunities in the energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors.
The data highlights that India is not only expanding its domestic production capabilities but also making significant strides in meeting the global demand for essential minerals and metals.
