India’s iron ore production increased 4 per cent to 26 million tonnes (MT) in April 2024 as compared to 25 MT during April 2023. The production of limestone also went up marginally by 2.1 per cent to 39.3 MT in April 2024 as against 38.5 MT during April 2023. Iron ore and limestone together account for about 80 per cent of the total mineral production by value. These key minerals exhibited record production levels in FY2023-24, with production of iron ore at 277 MT and of limestone at 450 MT in FY 2023-24. In the first month of 2024-25, there is a steady increase in the production of these minerals as compared to the production in the corresponding month last year.
The production of aluminium during April 2024 rose 1 per cent to 3.42 lakh tonnes (LT) over 3.39 LT production during April last fiscal. In the non-ferrous metal sector, production of primary Aluminium metal in FY 2023-24 hit record level at 41.6 LT. In the current financial year, Aluminium production continues to be on a growth track.
India is the 2nd largest Aluminium producer, 3rd largest lime producer and 4th largest iron ore producer in the world. Continued growth in production of iron ore and limestone in the current financial year reflect the robust demand conditions in the user industries viz. steel and cement. Coupled with growth in Aluminium, these growth trends point towards continued strong economic activity in user sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive and machinery.