The production of manganese ore also saw an increase compared to the first half of FY24, rising by 6.2 per cent to 1.7 million metric tonnes (MMT). Additionally, India reported higher coal output in October.

In terms of non-ferrous metals, primary aluminium production during the reviewed months was 1.2 per cent higher than the same period last year, reaching 20.90 lakh tonne (LT). Refined copper output also increased by 4.6 per cent to 2.50 LT.

The ministry indicated that India is the world's second-largest aluminium producer, ranks among the top 10 producers of refined copper, and is the fourth-largest producer of iron ore. The ministry's statement highlighted that these growth trends reflect on-going strong economic activity in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery.