India’s Global Mineral Production on Top

India has emerged as a major force in Global Mineral Production, thanks to its record-breaking output in FY 2023-24 and consistent growth in Q1 FY 2024-25. The country’s mining sector has shown impressive resilience and expansion, especially in iron ore, limestone, aluminum, and manganese ore—key pillars of India's industrial framework.

India’s Global Standing in Global Mineral Production

India’s position in the global mining sector continues to strengthen. As of FY 2025, India ranks:

• 2nd in global aluminium production

• 3rd in lime production

• 4th in iron ore output

These rankings highlight India’s growing influence in Global Mineral Production, demonstrating its importance as a mineral-rich economy meeting both domestic and international demands.

India’s Record-Breaking Mineral Production in FY 2023-24

India recorded its highest-ever mineral production in FY 2023-24. The mining sector exceeded expectations in both scale and value:

• Iron ore production: 275 million metric tons (MMT)

• Limestone production: 450 MMT

• These two minerals alone contributed to 80% of the total MCDR mineral production by value

This output illustrates India’s increasing role in Global Mineral Production, especially in industries like steel and cement, where these raw materials are critical.

Growth in Key Mineral Sectors in Q1 FY 2024-25

The momentum in Global Mineral Production has continued into FY 2024-25:

• Iron ore output jumped from 72 MMT to 79 MMT, showing a 9.7% growth

• Limestone production rose slightly from 114 MMT to 116 MMT

• Manganese ore production increased by 11% year-over-year

• Aluminum output reached 10.43 lakh tonnes, growing by 1.2%

These figures reinforce India’s active contribution to Global Mineral Production and underscore the sustained demand in core sectors.

Economic Impact of the Mineral Boom

India’s performance in Global Mineral Production directly affects the broader economy. The steel, cement, and infrastructure industries rely heavily on consistent supplies of iron ore and limestone. In particular:

• Iron ore and limestone demand in the steel and cement industry has remained high

• Primary aluminum output supports the energy and automobile sectors

• Increased manganese ore production benefits machinery and battery technologies

This growth translates into job creation, higher exports, and increased contribution to India’s GDP from the mining sector.

Sector-Wise Impact of Increased Mineral Output

India’s strong showing in Global Mineral Production is boosting performance across industries:

• Construction and infrastructure are expanding rapidly

• Energy and power sectors gain from aluminum growth

• Heavy machinery and transport depend on manganese and iron ore

This sector-wise dependency shows that Global Mineral Production is not isolated—it fuels multiple layers of India’s economic growth.

Challenges in Mineral Production

Despite the upward trends, India faces several challenges in sustaining growth in Global Mineral Production:

• Environmental regulations around mining activities

• Infrastructure constraints in mineral-rich states

• Need for investment in modern extraction technologies

Tackling these challenges will be key to maintaining India's momentum in the global mineral market.

Final Thoughts

India’s exceptional performance in Global Mineral Production during FY 2023-24 and Q1 FY 2024-25 showcases its growing dominance in the global mining ecosystem.

With consistent growth in iron ore, limestone, aluminum, and manganese ore, India is becoming a strategic mineral powerhouse. For SSC aspirants, understanding India’s mining trends, global rankings, and sectoral impact is crucial for competitive exams and interviews.