Mineral and Non-Ferrous Metal Production on a Growth Track in FY 2025-26
Robust Growth Recorded in Key Minerals and Non-Ferrous Metals
India’s mining and non-ferrous metal production sector has continued its upward momentum in FY 2025-26, building on record production levels achieved in the previous fiscal year. According to the Ministry of Mines, the Index of Mineral Production for the mining and quarrying sector stood at 156.8 in March 2025—marking a 0.4% increase compared to March 2024.
Significant growth was witnessed in the production of critical minerals. Iron ore production rose by 5.7% to 25.9 million metric tonnes (MMT), while manganese ore saw a 9.7% increase, reaching 0.39 MMT. Zinc concentrate production also grew by 5.5%, touching 0.19 MMT during March 2025.
Iron ore, which accounts for nearly 70% of the total MCDR mineral production by value, stood at a substantial 289 MMT in FY 2024-25. The strong growth trend has continued into the new fiscal year, as indicated by provisional estimates for April 2025.
Key highlights for April 2025 (Year-on-Year growth compared to April 2024):
Bauxite: Production rose by 13.9% from 1.87 MMT to 2.13 MMT
Limestone: Increased by 1.2%, from 39.58 MMT to 40.5 MMT
Lead & Zinc Ore: Grew by 2.4%, from 1.24 MMT to 1.27 MMT
Zinc Concentrate: Saw a robust 7.7% increase, from 0.13 MMT to 0.14 MMT
In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production in April 2025 recorded a modest yet steady growth of 1.5%, rising to 3.47 lakh tonnes (LT) from 3.42 LT in April 2024. Refined copper production posted a strong 15.6% year-on-year growth, increasing from 0.45 LT to 0.52 LT.
India continues to solidify its position as the second-largest aluminium producer globally and ranks among the top 10 producers of refined copper. The growth in these sectors is a strong indicator of continued expansion in key user industries such as energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery.
The sustained momentum in mineral and metal production underlines India’s commitment to strengthening its industrial backbone and enhancing resource self-reliance in strategic sectors.
