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Key Points

India's mineral production continues to grow strongly in the first two months of FY26, following a record performance in FY25. Iron ore production, a key contributor, increased to 53 million metric tonnes, highlighting robust demand in the steel industry. Notable increases in manganese ore, bauxite, and zinc concentrate production further underscore the sector's momentum. Growth in non-ferrous metals like aluminium and copper also reflects strong economic activity across various industries, including energy and construction.

Key Points: India's Mineral Output Sees Strong Growth in Early FY26

  • Iron ore accounts for 70% of India's mineral output by value
  • Manganese ore production rose to 0.7 MMT in early FY26
  • Zinc concentrate and bauxite showed significant increases in April 2025
  • Non-ferrous metals like aluminium and copper saw notable production growth
2 min read

India's mineral production stays on high growth path in first 2 months of FY26

India's mineral production surges, driven by iron ore and non-ferrous metals, reflecting robust economic activity.

"Continued growth in iron ore reflects robust demand in the steel industry. - Official Figures"

New Delhi, July 1

The production of key minerals in India has continued to witness strong growth during the first two months of FY 2025-26, after reaching record production levels in FY 2024-25, according to official figures released on Tuesday.

The production of iron ore, which accounts for 70 per cent of the total mineral output by value, has increased to 53 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2025-26 (April-May) from 52.7 MMT in the same two months of the previous financial year.

The production of manganese ore has risen by 1.4 per cent to 0.7 MMT in the first two months of FY 2025-26 from 0.69 MMT during the corresponding period of previous year.

The production of bauxite has also gone up by 0.9 per cent to 4.73 MMT in FY 2025-26 (April-May) from 4.69 MMT in same period of FY 2024-25. The production of zinc concentrate has shot up by 3.7 per cent to 0.28 MMT in FY 2025-26 from 0.27 MMT in the same period of the previous year while the output of limestone has risen by 1.6 per cent to 81.40 MMT in FY 2025-26 (April-May) from 80.10 MMT in the same two months of the previous year.

In terms of Index Industrial Production for mining and quarrying for the month of April, minerals like Zinc Concentrate, Limestone and Bauxite had seen notable increase in production during April 2025 compared to April 2024. Production of zinc concentrate grew by 5.8 per cent to 0.14 MMT while the production of limestone rose by 1.2 per cent to 40.1 MMT in April 2025 over April 2024. The production of bauxite rose by 13.6 per cent to 2.13 MMT in April 2025 over April 2024.

In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production in the first two months of FY 2025-26 posted a growth of 1.3 per cent over the corresponding period last year, increasing to 7.07 lakh tonnes (LT) from 6.98 LT in corresponding period of the previous year. During the same period, refined copper production has surged by 43.5 per cent from 0.69 LT to 0.99 LT.

India is the 2nd largest Aluminium producer, among top-10 producer in refined copper and 3rd largest iron ore producer in the world. Continued growth in production of iron ore in the current financial year reflects the robust demand conditions in the user industry viz. steel. Coupled with growth in aluminium and copper, these growth trends point towards continued strong economic activity in user sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive and machinery.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
While the numbers look positive, I hope the government is ensuring sustainable mining practices. We can't compromise our forests and tribal lands for mineral extraction. Growth should be responsible!
A
Aditya G
The 43.5% surge in refined copper production is impressive! This will help reduce our dependence on imports for electronics manufacturing. Atmanirbhar Bharat in action 💪
P
Priyanka N
Good to see consistent growth, but I wish the report had state-wise data. Some mineral-rich states like Odisha and Jharkhand should be getting more benefits from this production boom.
K
Karthik V
As someone working in steel industry, I can confirm the demand is skyrocketing! The 1.3% growth in aluminium production might seem small but it's significant given global market conditions.
M
Michael C
Interesting data! The 13.6% jump in bauxite production in April is remarkable. India could become global leader in aluminium if this growth trajectory continues.

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