India’s Mineral Production Picks Up in First Two Months of FY 2025–26

India's production of minerals and non-ferrous metals has commenced robustly in the fiscal year 2025–2026. Official data from the Press Information Bureau shows steady growth across key minerals such as iron ore, bauxite, limestone, and zinc. The rise builds on record output levels from the previous year. Madhya Pradesh, one of India’s leading mining states, continues to play a key role. 

Mineral output continues steady growth

Iron ore, which makes up 70% of the total mineral output by value under MCDR regulations, increased from 52.7 million tonnes (MMT) in April–May 2024 to 53.0 MMT in the same period in 2025. That marks a 0.6 per cent rise. Manganese ore output grew by 1.4 per cent to 0.70 MMT, while bauxite rose by 0.9 per cent to 4.73 MMT. Zinc concentrate saw a 3.7 per cent gain at 0.28 MMT, and limestone edged up 1.6 per cent to 81.4 MMT.

Industrial output data for April 2025 backs these findings. April recorded a 5.8 per cent rise in zinc concentrate production, which reached 0.14 MMT. Limestone rose by 1.2% to 40.1 MMT, and bauxite output surged 13.6% to 2.13 MMT compared to April 2024.

In the non‑ferrous metal sector, primary aluminium production increased by 1.3 per cent to 7.07 lakh tonnes, while refined copper jumped 43.5 per cent from 0.69 lakh tonnes to 0.99 lakh tonnes.

Industry analysts say these gains reflect strong demand in steel, infrastructure, energy, automotive, and machinery sectors.

India ranks third in global iron ore production and second in aluminium, and it is among the top 10 producers of refined copper. Experts see the growth in non-ferrous metals as a sign of sustained industrial momentum.

States rich in mineral resources are key to sustaining this growth. Among them, Madhya Pradesh stands out.

MP Govt Backs Mining to Drive Investment

Madhya Pradesh stands out as a mineral powerhouse. Official data from the state’s Directorate of Public Relations confirms its leadership in copper, manganese, and diamond output. The state ranks second in rock phosphate, third in limestone, and fourth in coal production

Early this year, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav declared that mining would drive the state’s next wave of investment. Speaking at the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, he called mining the state's biggest opportunity and pledged to grow mineral revenue fivefold.

“Diamonds can be picked like stones here,” he said, referring to the state's unique reserves. “We will not only supply raw materials but also become a hub for manufacturing.”

His remarks came as Madhya Pradesh rolled out new policies aimed at simplifying investment in the mineral sector. The summit brought together top industry players, union officials, and international firms, all eyeing the state’s untapped mineral wealth. With 25% of India’s mines located in Madhya Pradesh and a surge in exploration and auction activity, the state is fast becoming a key player in the country’s mining economy.

Recent production data from the Ministry of Mines supports this momentum. Core minerals like iron ore, bauxite, zinc, and limestone have posted year-on-year growth in the first two months of FY 2025–26. Non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminium have also recorded sharp increases, pointing to strong demand from construction, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors.

While key minerals show steady growth, historical data reveals fluctuations in non-metallic mineral output. Laterite, a lesser-highlighted resource, has seen significant ups and downs in Madhya Pradesh.

What Lies Ahead

Analysts expect mineral output to stay on course in FY 2025‑26. The strong start in April and May, especially in copper, bauxite, and limestone, signals continued demand. MP’s large reserves and active mines position it for further gains.

Ongoing policy support, combined with national infrastructure schemes like Gati Shakti, could drive output higher. In MP, mining may remain a key lever for economic growth and employment.

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