Mineral output up 7.9% in December at Rs 18,195 cr

Mineral production increased by 7.9% in December at Rs 18,195 crore over the preceding month, mainly on account of higher output of coal, iron ore, natural gas and petroleum.

"The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector in December 2012 was higher by 7.9% compared to that of the preceding month. The mineral sector has shown a negative growth of 4.0% during December 2012 as compared to that of the corresponding month of previous year," an official statement from Mines Ministry said today.

The total value of mineral production (excluding atomic & minor minerals) during the month was Rs 18,195 crore, it said.

The contribution of coal was the highest at Rs 6,254 crore (34%), followed by Rs 5,854 crore from petroleum (crude) and Rs 2,331 crore from iron ore.

Natural gas (utilised) accounted for Rs 2,076 crore, lignite Rs 416 crore and limestone Rs 346 crore.

"These six minerals together contributed about 95% of the total value of mineral production in December 2012," the statement said.

As far as output was concerned, coal production was recorded at 535 lakh tonnes, lignite 38 lakh tonnes, natural gas (utilised) 3244 million cu. M. And petroleum (crude) 32 lakh tonnes.

The production of coal was up by 15.8% during the month while magnesite and lignite recorded an increase of 16.9% each.

Iron ore output was up by 5.8% and diamond production saw an increase of 14.9%.