India’s mineral and non-ferrous metal production has maintained its upward trajectory in FY 2024-25 (April–February), following record output levels in the previous financial year. Iron ore, which accounts for 70% of the total MCDR mineral production by value, saw a steady rise, with production increasing from 252 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2023-24 to 263 MMT in FY 2024-25, reflecting a healthy 4.4% growth.

The production of manganese ore recorded a significant 12.8% increase, reaching 3.4 MMT compared to 3.0 MMT in the previous year. Bauxite production also grew by 3.6% to 22.7 MMT, while lead concentrate production saw a 3.5% rise to 352 thousand tonnes (THT).

In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production posted a modest growth of 0.9%, increasing to 38.36 lakh tonnes (LT), while refined copper production surged by 7.1%, reaching 4.97 LT.

India remains the world’s second-largest aluminium producer, ranks among the top 10 in refined copper production, and is the fourth-largest producer of iron ore. The continued expansion of iron ore output underscores strong demand in the steel industry, while growth in aluminium and copper reflects sustained economic activity in key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery.