India’s mining sector recorded robust growth in the financial year 2024–25, building on the momentum of the previous year, with several key minerals achieving all-time high production levels, according to provisional data released by the Ministry of Mines on Monday.

Iron ore, which constitutes nearly 70 per cent of the total mineral production under the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR) by value, reached an all-time high of 289 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2024-25. This marks a 4.3 per cent increase over the previous record of 277 MMT achieved in FY 2023-24.

Manganese ore production also reached new highs, rising by 11.8 per cent from 3.4 MMT in FY 2023-24 to 3.8 MMT in the current fiscal. Bauxite production saw a 2.9 per cent uptick, growing from 24 MMT to 24.7 MMT. Similarly, lead concentrate output increased from 381 thousand tonnes (THT) to 393 THT, reflecting a 3.1 per cent rise.

In the non-ferrous metals segment, primary aluminium production climbed from 41.6 lakh tonnes (LT) in FY 2023-24 to 42 LT in FY 2024-25, setting a new production record. Refined copper output posted a strong growth of 12.6 per cent, rising from 5.09 LT to 5.73 LT.

India is currently the second-largest producer of aluminium, ranks among the top ten producers of refined copper, and is the fourth-largest iron ore producer globally.

Officials attributed the sustained increase in iron ore production to resilient demand from the steel industry. The rise in aluminium and copper output was also seen as a reflection of robust economic activity across user sectors including energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and capital goods manufacturing.