Mineral Output Up in FY26 Start, Aiding Construction and Infra Growth

India’s mining and metal sectors got off to a steady start in the first two months of FY26, with modest growth across both ferrous and non-ferrous categories. The data, released by the Ministry of Mines, highlights the sector’s continued role in supporting construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure activities across the country.

Iron ore, one of the most critical raw materials for steel and construction, saw a slight increase in output. Production touched 53 million tonnes in April–May FY26, up by 0.6 percent from 52.7 million tonnes during the same period last year. While the growth is moderate, it reflects stable demand from the steel and real estate sectors.

Manganese ore, essential in steelmaking, also posted a small increase. Its production rose by 1.4 percent to 0.70 million tonnes. Bauxite, the primary source of aluminium, saw output grow by 0.9 percent to reach 4.73 million tonnes. Zinc concentrate production rose by 3.7 percent to 0.29 million tonnes. Limestone, a key input for cement, logged a 1.6 percent uptick in output, reaching 81.40 million tonnes. The rise in limestone output is a direct indicator of activity in cement and real estate sectors.

On the non-ferrous side, primary aluminium production stood at 7.07 lakh tonnes, up 1.3 percent from the same period last year. Aluminium is widely used in construction, transport, and electrical sectors. The most significant jump came from copper, with output soaring by 43.5 percent to 0.99 lakh tonnes. This spike signals renewed industrial demand and production ramp-up after a relatively subdued period.

Overall, the data paints a picture of gradual but positive movement in India’s mineral economy. The growth, although not dramatic, signals a healthy demand pipeline from core industries. With ongoing infrastructure projects and manufacturing expansion, the sector is expected to maintain steady momentum in the months ahead.

The figures reflect how critical base minerals remain to India’s growth engine, especially as the country pushes forward with its infrastructure, housing, and industrial development goals.