Mineral production up by 1.4% in April

Driven by higher coal output, mineral production grew by 1.4% in April compared to the same month past year.

Total value of mineral production, which excludes atomic and minor minerals, in April 2016 was Rs 18,186 crore.

Contribution from coal was the highest at Rs 7,232 crore followed by petroleum (crude) Rs 5,375 crore, iron ore Rs 2,031 crore, natural gas (utilised) Rs 1,982 crore, limestone Rs 559 crore and lignite Rs 220 crore, the Mines Ministry said.

These six minerals together contributed about 96% of  total value of minerals produced in April 2016, the ministry added.

The index of mineral production for the mining sector stood at 123.6 in April 2016, which was 1.4% higher compared to same month past year.

India produced 486 lakh tonnes of coal, 20 lakh tonnes of lignite, natural gas (utilised) 2397 million cu m, petroleum (crude) 30 lakh tonnes, bauxite 2,305 thousand tonnes, chromite 252 thousand tonnes, copper conc 12 thousand tonnes, gold 112 kg, iron ore 170 lakh tonnes, lead conc 16 thousand tonnes, Manganese 194 thousand tonnes, Zinc conc, 56 thousand tonnes, Limestone 275 lakh tonnes, and Diamond 1,717 carat.

The production of important minerals showing positive growth during April 2016 over April 2015 include iron ore (54.5%), copper conc. (22.6%), gold (16.7%), Manganese ore (13.4%), bauxite (9.4%) and limestone (8.1%).

However production of zinc conc declined by 55%, and Diamond by 48.5%.

Similarly, other minerals that showed negative growth include lignite (32%), lead conc (23.8%), natural gas (utilised) (6.9%), petroleum (crude) (2.2%) and coal (0.7%).