Mineral production valued at Rs 16,120 crore in Sep

Contribution of petroleum was the highest at Rs 5,625 crore

Buoyed by higher coal output, the value of India's mineral production grew by 9% in September this year to Rs 16,120 crore compared to Rs 14,785 crore in the year-ago period.

"The total value of mineral production (excluding atomic and minor minerals) in the country during September 2013 was Rs 16,120 crore," an official statement issued today said.

The contribution of petroleum (crude) was the highest at Rs 5,625 crore; but coal sector saw the biggest jump in terms of both production and value.

Coal production stood at 406 lakh tonnes and valued at Rs 4,939 crore during the reporting month compared to 361 lakh tonnes worth Rs 4,137 crore production during the same month last year.

The value of iron ore production fell to Rs 2,198 crore from Rs 2,321 crore a year ago, despite a slight hike in production of the key steel-making raw material.

Natural gas production was valued at Rs 1,801 crore, lignite at Rs 383 crore and limestone at Rs 355 crore.

"These six minerals together contributed about 95% of the total value of mineral production in September 2013," the statement said.

India produced 117 kg gold and 3,001 carat during the month compared to 124 kg gold and 2,515 carat diamond in the same month last year.