File Photo
TFP Bureau, New Delhi; March 20, 2024: The mining and quarrying sector in India witnessed a notable surge in mineral production during January 2024, with the index reaching 144.1, marking a 5.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023. According to provisional statistics released by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), the cumulative growth for the April-January period of the fiscal year 2023-24 stood at 8.3% over the corresponding period of the previous year.
Key Mineral Production Figures
In January 2024, the production levels of several crucial minerals were recorded as follows: Coal – 998 lakh tonnes, Lignite – 41 lakh tonnes, Natural Gas (utilized) – 3073 million cubic meters, Petroleum (crude) – 25 lakh tonnes, Bauxite – 2426 thousand tonnes, Chromite – 251 thousand tonnes, Copper Concentrate – 12.6 thousand tonnes, Gold – 134 kilograms, Iron Ore – 252 lakh tonnes, Lead Concentrate – 34 thousand tonnes, Manganese Ore – 304 thousand tonnes, Zinc Concentrate – 152 thousand tonnes, Limestone – 394 lakh tonnes, Phosphorite – 109 thousand tonnes, and Magnesite – 13 thousand tonnes.
Positive Growth Trends
Several important minerals exhibited positive growth during January 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Notable increases were observed in Magnesite (90.1%), Copper Concentrate (34.2%), Coal (10.3%), Limestone (10%), Bauxite (9.8%), Manganese Ore (7.8%), Natural Gas (utilized) (5.5%), Lead Concentrate (5.2%), Iron Ore (4.3%), Lignite (3.6%), Zinc Concentrate (1.3%), and Petroleum (crude) (0.7%).
Challenges in Certain Sectors
Despite overall growth, the production of certain minerals experienced a decline during January 2024. Notably, Gold (-23.4%), Chromite (-35.2%), and Phosphorite (-44.4%) witnessed negative growth, highlighting potential challenges in these specific sectors.
The positive trajectory in mineral production reflects the resilience and dynamism of India’s mining sector, contributing to the nation’s economic growth and industrial development.
