Context:

As per the recent data of the Ministry of Mines, In the first quarter of FY 2024-25, India stands as the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th largest producer of Aluminium, limestone and iron ore, respectively, in the world.

Growth in Mineral Production

• In Q1 of FY 2024-25, the production of key minerals like iron ore and limestone has maintained strong growth, following record production levels in FY 2023-24.
• Iron ore and limestone together make up about 80% of the total MCDR (Mineral Conservation and Development Rules) mineral production by value. In FY 2023-24, iron ore production reached 275 million metric tons (MMT), while limestone production was 450 MMT.
• The production of iron ore has surged from 72 MMT in April-June 2023 to 79 MMT in the same period of 2024, reflecting a notable 9.7% growth. 
• Limestone production also increased, rising from 114 MMT (April-June 2023)  to 116 MMT (April-June 2024), marking a 1.8% growth. 

Top Producers in the World

• Aluminium: China (41 million metric tons)
• Limestone: China
• Iron Ore: Australia (960 million metric tons)

Non-Ferrous Metals Sector

• In the non-ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production has shown a growth of 1.2%, increasing to 10.43 lakh tons in Q1 (April-June) of FY 2024-25 from 10.28 lakh tons in the same period last year. 
• In 2023, India produced 4.1 million metric tons (MMT) of primary aluminium, accounting for 6 per cent of global production, out of which as much as 56%, or 2.3 MMT, is exported.
• Globally, China is the largest aluminium producer with a 59% production share.

Economic Implications

• The continued growth in iron ore and limestone production indicates strong demand in user industries such as steel and cement. 
• Coupled with the growth in aluminium production, these trends suggest sustained economic activity across sectors like energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery, reinforcing India's position in the global mineral market.