India’s mining sector has posted notable growth in its mineral production during the first half of the fiscal year 2024-25. The country’s iron ore output increased by 3% to 182.6 million metric tons between April and November 2024, compared to 177.2 million metric tons during the same period last year. This rise in iron ore production is part of an ongoing effort to meet the growing demand for steel and other industrial uses, as the country pushes for self-sufficiency in critical raw materials.
Iron ore, a key ingredient in the steel manufacturing process, is essential for India’s booming infrastructure and construction sectors. The country has long been one of the top producers of iron ore globally, and this production boost comes at a time when the Indian government is working to strengthen its mining capabilities and reduce dependence on imports. Increased iron ore production also contributes to the country's goal of fostering a more robust industrial ecosystem.
While iron ore production took the spotlight, other significant minerals also saw impressive increases. According to provisional data from the Ministry of Mines, manganese ore production rose by 9.5%, reaching 2.3 million metric tons during the April-November period. This was a jump from the previous year’s 2.1 million metric tons for the same period. Manganese, used primarily in the production of steel and batteries, is an essential mineral in various industries. This increase reflects both greater mining activity and possibly higher domestic demand for steel and other manganese-dependent products.
The chromite industry, vital for the production of ferrochrome and other industrial chemicals, also experienced growth, with a production increase to 2 million metric tons from 1.8 million metric tons year-on-year. This 11% rise in chromite output supports both domestic needs and export opportunities, reinforcing India's role as a key player in the global supply chain for ferrochrome production.
Similarly, bauxite production grew by 8.9%, reaching 15.9 million metric tons, up from 14.6 million metric tons in the same period the previous year. Bauxite is a crucial raw material used in aluminum production, which is a key component in everything from aircraft manufacturing to electronics. As the demand for aluminum rises globally, the increased production of bauxite is seen as an essential step in ensuring that India can meet both its internal consumption and export requirements.
