Metals & Mining

India has large reserves of Iron ore, Bauxite, Chromium, Manganese ore, Baryte, Rare earth and Mineral salts.

The Metals and Mining sector in India is expected to witness a major reform in the next few years, owing to reforms such as Make in India Campaign, Smart Cities, Rural Electrification, and a focus on building renewable energy projects under the National Electricity Policy as well as the rise in infrastructure development.

Ministry of Coal launched the fifth tranche, second attempt of fourth tranche and second attempt of third tranche of commercial coal mine auction on March 30, 2022.

The 3rd round of auction have 88 coal blocks offered and the 4th round of auction held in December 2021 offered 99 coal mines, of which 59 are fully explored with 40 partially explored.

Production level of important minerals in September 2022 were: Coal 580 lakh tonnes, Lignite 27 lakh tonnes, Natural gas (utilized) 2791 million cu. m., Petroleum (crude) 24 lakh tonnes, Bauxite 1667 thousand tonnes, Chromite 116 thousand tonnes, Copper conc. 10 thousand tonnes , Gold 92 kg, Iron ore 166 lakh tonnes, Lead conc. 22 thousand tonnes, Manganese ore 163 thousand tonnes, Zinc conc. 45 thousand tonnes, Limestone 305 lakh tonnes, Phosphorite 150 thousand tonnes, Magnesite 10 thousand tonnes, and Diamond 70 carat.

Important minerals showing positive growth during September 2022 over September 2021 include: Phosphorite (87.6%), Diamond (37.3%), Copper conc (18.5%), Coal (12.1%), Iron Ore (9.1%), Bauxite (5.5%) and Limestone (4.7%). 

19 coals blocks were auctioned in 2020 for commercial mining. The total expected revenue from these mines is around INR 7,000 cr with a combined peak capacity of 51 MPTA.

The Average Index of Industrial Production of Manufacturing of basic metals in the FY 2021-22 is 177.3 and has grown by 18.4% 

Coal production (weight: 10.33 %) increased by 12% in September 2022 over September 2021. Its cumulative index increased by 21% during April to September 2022-23 over corresponding period of the previous year.

Steel production (weight: 17.92%) increased by 6.7% in September 2022 over September 2021. Its cumulative index increased by 6.4 % during April to September 2022-23 over the corresponding period of previous year.

Recognising the importance of bringing sustainability in coal mining, a “Sustainable Development Cell” has been created in Ministry of Coal and in all coal PSUs to promote adoption of better environment management practices in coal mines.

* provisional