New Delhi: India’s mining and metals sector has registered robust growth in the financial year 2024–25, with record-breaking production figures for several critical minerals. This surge builds upon the strong performance of FY 2023–24 and highlights continued industrial expansion and resilient demand in core sectors like steel, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
According to provisional data, production of iron ore, which accounts for 70% of the total mineral output (by value) under the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), reached 289 million metric tonnes (MMT) – surpassing the previous record of 277 MMT in FY 2023–24. This marks a 4.3% year-on-year growth, reinforcing India’s position as the world’s fourth-largest producer of iron ore.
Manganese, Bauxite, and Lead Also See Notable Growth
In addition to iron ore, the country has also recorded significant increases in the output of other key minerals:
- Manganese ore production rose 11.8%, from 3.4 MMT to 3.8 MMT, surpassing last year’s record.
- Bauxite output increased by 2.9%, reaching 24.7 MMT in FY 2024–25, up from 24 MMT.
- Lead concentrate production rose from 381 thousand tonnes (THT) to 393 THT, reflecting a 3.1% growth.
These figures point to sustained investment and operational efficiency improvements in India’s mining sector, supported by rising domestic consumption and export opportunities.
Non-Ferrous Metals: Aluminium and Copper Break New Ground
The non-ferrous metal segment also posted remarkable performance:
- Primary aluminium production hit a new high of 42 lakh tonnes (LT) in FY 2024–25, up from 41.6 LT in the previous year. India remains the second-largest aluminium producer globally, and this growth underscores the country’s increasing role in meeting global metal demand.
- Refined copper production saw a robust 12.6% increase, rising from 5.09 LT to 5.73 LT—placing India among the top 10 producers of refined copper globally.
Economic Implications and Sectoral Demand
The continued growth in mineral production reflects strong demand from user industries, particularly:
- Steel – driving iron ore demand
- Energy & Power – spurring the need for aluminium and copper
- Construction & Infrastructure – large-scale public and private investments
- Automotive & Machinery – increasing manufacturing output and electrification trends
Analysts suggest that these production trends indicate buoyant economic activity and are aligned with government initiatives focused on infrastructure development, energy transition, and ‘Make in India’ manufacturing growth.
Outlook
With strategic focus on mineral security, rising global demand, and domestic consumption supported by capital spending, India’s mining and metals sector appears poised for sustained growth. Policy continuity, environmental sustainability, and investment in exploration and technology will be key to maintaining this momentum.
