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Key Points

India's mineral sector continues its impressive growth trajectory in fiscal year 2025-26, demonstrating remarkable resilience and economic potential. Iron ore production has reached a new milestone of 289 million metric tonnes, marking a significant 4.3% increase from the previous year. Bauxite and copper production have also shown substantial growth, with bauxite increasing by 13.9% and refined copper production rising by 15.6%. These developments signal strong momentum in key industrial sectors and underscore India's emerging role in global mineral production.

Key Points: India's Mineral Output Soars with Record Iron Ore Growth

  • Iron ore production reaches 289 MMT with 4.3% year-on-year growth
  • Bauxite production jumps 13.9% in April 2025
  • Refined copper production surges 15.6% in first month of fiscal year
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India's mineral production stays on high growth path in FY 2025-26

India's mineral production hits new heights in FY 2025-26, with iron ore, bauxite, and key metals showing robust growth trajectory

"Continued growth in aluminium and copper points toward strong economic activity - Official Statement"

New Delhi, June 4

The production of key minerals in India has continued to witness strong growth during FY 2025-26, after reaching record production levels in FY 2024-25.

The production of iron ore, which accounts for 70 per cent of the total mineral output by value, went up to 289 million metric tonne (MMT) in FY 2024-25, breaking the earlier production record of 277 MMT achieved in FY 2023-24, with a 4.3 per cent growth.

As per provisional estimates for the first month (April) of FY 2025-26, there is a steady increase in the production of these minerals as compared to the production in the corresponding month last year.

Production of bauxite has increased by a robust 13.9 per cent from 1.87 million metric tonnes (MMT) during April 2024 to 2.13 MMT during April 2025,

Production of limestone has risen by 1.2 per cent from 39.58 MMT during April 2024 to 40.5 MMT during April 2025. The production of lead & zinc ore has increased from 1.24 MMT during April 2024 to 1.27 MMT during April 2025, with a 2.4 per cent growth. The production of zinc concentrate has increased by 7.7 per cent from 0.13 MMT during April 2024 to 0.14 MMT during April 2025.

In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production in FY 2025-26 posted a growth of 1.5 per cent over the corresponding period last year, increasing to 3.47 lakh ton (LT) in FY 2025-26 (April) from 3.42 LT in FY 2024-25 (April). During the same comparative period, refined copper production has grown by 15.6 per cent from 0.45 LT to 0.52 LT.

India is the second largest aluminium producer, and a top-10 producer in refined copper. Continued growth in aluminium and copper points toward continued strong economic activity in user sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive and machinery, the official statement said.

Minerals like iron ore, manganese ore, and zinc concentrate saw a notable increase in production during March 2025 compared to March 2024. Production of iron ore rose by 5.7 per cent to 25.9 million metric tonnes (MMT) during the said period. Manganese ore production grew by 9.7 per cent to 0.39 MMT, and production of zinc concentrate rose by 5.5 per cent to 0.19 MMT in March 2025 over March 2024.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is fantastic news for Make in India! Increased mineral production means more raw materials for our manufacturing sector. Hope this translates to more jobs and economic growth. 🇮🇳 The bauxite growth of 13.9% is particularly impressive!
P
Priya M.
While the numbers look good, I hope the government is also focusing on sustainable mining practices. We can't afford to damage our environment in the name of development. Need strict monitoring of mining activities.
A
Amit S.
Great to see India becoming self-reliant in minerals! This will reduce our import bills and strengthen our position in global markets. The 15.6% growth in copper production shows we're moving in the right direction for electronics manufacturing.
S
Sunita R.
The numbers are encouraging but what about the tribal communities affected by mining? Development is important, but not at the cost of displacing people from their ancestral lands. Government should ensure proper rehabilitation.
V
Vikram J.
As someone from Odisha where much of this mining happens, I can see both sides. Yes, it brings employment but also pollution. Need better balance between economy and ecology. The growth numbers are meaningless if local people suffer.
N
Neha P.
This mineral boom is perfect timing for our infrastructure push! More steel from iron ore means more bridges, roads and buildings. Hope the government uses this opportunity wisely to build world-class infrastructure across India. 🚧🏗️
K
Karan D.
Impressive numbers but what about value addition? We should focus more on processing these minerals within

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