Overview:

• Minerals are finite, non-renewable, and vital to India’s development and basic industries.
• The Indian mining history dates back to the Harappan civilization, with significant mineral reserves supporting the sector’s growth.

• India produces 95 types of minerals, including metallic, non-metallic, fuel, atomic, and minor minerals.
• The Index of Mineral Production (2011-12 base year) increased to 128.9 in 2023-24, reflecting a 7.51% growth.
• Total mineral production value (excluding atomic, fuel, and minor minerals) reached ₹1,41,239 crore in 2023-24, up 14.83% from the previous year.
• Metallic minerals dominated, contributing 90.3% of the total value.

• Gross Value Added (GVA) from mining and quarrying was ₹3,37,623 crore at 2011-12 prices, marking a 7.1% growth.
• States like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka contributed significantly to production value.

• Iron ore led with a value of ₹98,946 crore (77.5% of metallic minerals), followed by zinc, silver, and chromite.
• Major producing states include Odisha (iron ore, chromite), Karnataka (gold), and Rajasthan (copper).

• India is self-sufficient in iron ore, aluminium, lead, and zinc but imports certain minerals like bauxite and magnesite to meet specific demands.
• Dependence on imports exists for uncut diamonds and semi-precious stones for domestic industries.

• The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for minerals rose to 217.7 in 2023-24, up from 203.5 in 2022-23, reflecting inflation in mineral prices.

• Odisha led in mineral value, contributing 44.9% of the national output.
• Maharashtra showed the highest growth rate of 64.3% in mineral production value.

• India ranks 2nd in global production of steel and aluminium, 3rd in zinc, and 4th in iron ore.

Challenges and Sustainability:

• Mining activities are uneven across states, with disparities in mineral resource availability.
• Sustainable mining and effective conservation strategies remain critical for long-term economic growth.