India’s Mineral Production Records 8% Growth in February 2024

New Delhi: India’s mining and quarrying sector witnessed a notable surge in mineral production in February 2024, marking an 8.0% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. According to provisional statistics released by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), the index of mineral production stood at 139.6 (Base: 2011-12=100), indicating a positive growth trajectory.

The cumulative growth for the period of April-February 2023-24 over the corresponding period of the previous year is recorded at 8.2%, reflecting sustained momentum in the mining sector.

Key highlights of mineral production in February 2024 include:

Coal: 966 lakh tonnes
Lignite: 42 lakh tonnes
Natural Gas (utilized): 2886 million cubic meters
Petroleum (crude): 23 lakh tonnes
Bauxite: 2414 thousand tonnes
Chromite: 400 thousand tonnes
Copper Concentrate: 11 thousand tonnes
Gold: 255 kilograms
Iron Ore: 244 lakh tonnes
Lead Concentrate: 27 thousand tonnes
Manganese Ore: 295 thousand tonnes
Zinc Concentrate: 149 thousand tonnes
Limestone: 387 lakh tonnes
Phosphorite: 218 thousand tonnes
Magnesite: 10 thousand tonnes

Several important minerals showcased positive growth during February 2024 compared to the same period last year:

Gold: 86%
Copper Concentrate: 28.7%
Bauxite: 21%
Chromite: 21%
Phosphorite: 19%
Limestone: 13%
Coal: 12%
Natural Gas (utilized): 11%
Petroleum (crude): 8%
Manganese Ore: 6%
Magnesite: 3%
Lignite: 2.8%
Zinc Concentrate: 2.8%
However, some minerals witnessed a decline in production during the same period:

Iron Ore: -0.7%
Lead Concentrate: -14%

The positive growth trends indicate the resilience and vibrancy of India’s mining sector, contributing significantly to the country’s economic growth and development.