Sept mineral output dips 3.73% to Rs 12,947 cr

Mineral production in the country in September 2010 dipped by 3.73 per cent to Rs 12,947 crore over the past month mainly on lower coal output.

India had produced minerals worth Rs 13,450 crore in August last year, official data revealed today.

Among the six minerals, which accounted for 96 per cent of the mineral output during the month, crude petroleum topped the list contributing 40 per cent of the total value. However, its production was down by 1 lakh tonne (LT) to 31 LT in September over August, 2010.

Coal was the second highest on the chart contributing Rs 3,295 crore to the kitty. In August 2010, coal production was valued at Rs 3,481 crore. The output of coal during September was at 363 LT vis-a-vis 384 LT in the immediate past month.

Iron ore production during September fell by 1.7 per cent to 130 LT from 143 LT in August. In terms of value, it dipped to Rs 2,067 crore against Rs 2,187 crore.

Production of natural gas stood at 4,151 million cubic meter, valued at Rs 1,295 crore in September 2010 compared to 4,250 million cubic meter worth Rs 1,326 crore in August, 2010.

Lignite and limestone contributed Rs 282 crore and Rs 244 crore, respectively to the total value of mineral production in September.

Among the precious minerals, gold output during September stood at 191 kg and diamond 7,071 carats against 201 kg and 1,904 carats, respectively in August 2010.