Record mineral production in FY 2024-25: iron ore at 289 MMT
The Ministry of Mines said on 5 May 2025 that iron ore production reached a record 289 million metric tonnes in FY 2024-25 (provisional), with records also in manganese ore and primary aluminium.
Summary
India's iron ore production touched 289 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2024-25 as per provisional data, breaking the FY 2023-24 record of 277 MMT with 4.3% growth, the Ministry of Mines said on 5 May 2025. Manganese ore rose 11.8% to 3.8 MMT, bauxite rose 2.9% to 24.7 MMT, and lead concentrate rose to 393 thousand tonnes. Primary aluminium production increased from 41.6 lakh tonnes to 42 lakh tonnes, and refined copper grew 12.6% from 5.09 lakh tonnes to 5.73 lakh tonnes. Iron ore accounts for 70% of total MCDR mineral production by value. India is the 2nd largest aluminium producer, among the top-10 refined copper producers and the 4th largest iron ore producer in the world.
Key facts
- Iron ore
- 289 MMT (277 MMT in FY24; +4.3%)
- Manganese ore
- 3.8 MMT (+11.8%)
- Bauxite
- 24.7 MMT (+2.9%)
- Primary aluminium
- 42 lakh tonnes (41.6 LT in FY24)
- Refined copper
- 5.73 lakh tonnes (+12.6%)
- Global rank
- 2nd in aluminium; 4th in iron ore; top-10 in refined copper
Practice MCQs 3 questions
As per provisional data released in May 2025, India's iron ore production in FY 2024-25 was:
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Correct answer: B — 289 MMT
Iron ore production reached 289 MMT in FY 2024-25, breaking the FY 2023-24 record of 277 MMT.
As per the Ministry of Mines (May 2025), India's global rank as a producer of aluminium is:
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Correct answer: A — 2nd
India is the 2nd largest aluminium producer and the 4th largest iron ore producer in the world.
Consider the following statements about mineral production in FY 2024-25: 1. Refined copper production declined compared with FY 2023-24. 2. Bauxite production declined compared with FY 2023-24. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. Refined copper grew 12.6% to 5.73 lakh tonnes and bauxite rose 2.9% to 24.7 MMT.