Mineral output up 7% in August

Mineral production in August went up by 7.05 per cent in value terms due to a steady increase in demand, the mines ministry said today.

"The mineral production in August 2010 was higher by 7.05 per cent, compared to that of the corresponding month of previous year," the ministry said in a statement.

However, the comparative figures in terms of the quantum of production were not given.

In value terms, the mineral production (excluding atomic and minor minerals) in the country during August stood at Rs 13,450 crore.

Crude petroleum production was the highest in value terms at Rs 5,337 crore. Coal output stood at Rs 3,481 crore followed by iron ore production at Rs 2,187 crore. While value of natural gas (utilised) produced was at Rs 1,326 crore, that of lignite was at Rs 303 crore and limestone at Rs 235 crore.

"These six minerals together contributed about 96 per cent of the total value of mineral production in August 2010," it said.

In terms of output, 384 lakh tonnes of coal was produced in August. Production of lignite stood at 26 lakh tonnes, natural gas (utilised) at 4,250 million cubic metres, petroleum (crude) at 32 lakh tonnes and bauxite at 8.60 lakh tonnes, among others.