Surge in Iron Ore Production Underlines Robust Industrial Demand

The country's iron ore production increased by 8.9% to 98 million tonnes in the first four months of the current fiscal year. Limestone and manganese ore production also saw growth. The increase in output points to strong demand in user industries like steel, cement, and infrastructure.

The country has witnessed an 8.9 percent rise in iron ore production, reaching 98 million tonnes in the first four months of the ongoing fiscal year, the government reported on Friday.

Comparatively, the iron ore output stood at 90 million tonnes during the same period last year, according to provisional data.

Limestone production experienced a marginal rise of 0.7 percent to 150 million tonnes from 149 million tonnes during the same timeframe last year, according to a statement from the mines ministry.

Manganese ore production surged by 18.2 percent to 1.3 million tonnes in the April-July period of FY25, up from 1.1 million tonnes in the previous financial year.

This continued growth in iron ore and limestone production reflects robust demand conditions in user industries, such as steel and cement, stated the ministry.

India has solidified its position as the second-largest producer of aluminum, third-largest producer of limestone, and fourth-largest producer of iron ore globally.

In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminum production posted a 1.3 percent growth in FY 2024-25 (April-July), increasing to 1.395 million tonnes from 1.377 million tonnes in the same period last year.

The confluence of these growth trends indicates sustained strong economic activity in sectors like energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and heavy machinery, noted the ministry.

(With inputs from agencies.)