India’s Mineral Output Rises by 5.1% in December 2023

In December 2023, India’s mineral output witnessed a notable increase of 5.1% compared to the same period in 2022, according to the Ministry of Mines. The mining and quarrying sector’s index of mineral production for December reached 139.4, marking a significant rise from the previous year.

Sectoral Performance

• The production of coal reached 929 lakh tonnes, lignite 40 lakh tonnes, iron ore 255 lakh tonnes, and limestone 372 lakh tonnes in December.
• Positive growth was observed in the production of lignite, limestone, coal, bauxite, and natural gas.
• However, negative growth was recorded in the production of petroleum (crude), gold, chromite, phosphorite, and diamond.

Financial Statistics

• In December 2023, India produced iron ore worth Rs 9,360 crore, a substantial increase from Rs 6,943 crore in December 2022.
• Limestone output was valued at Rs 984 crore in December 2023, compared to Rs 887 crore in the previous year.
• Silver production in December 2023 amounted to Rs 452 crore, up from Rs 305 crore in December 2022, according to the ministry’s data.