August mineral output up 9.4%, valued at ₹18,015 cr

New Delhi: The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for August increased by 9.4 per cent while the total value of the mineral output was estimated at Rs 18,015 crore.

"The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for August 2017 at 92.7, was 9.4 per cent higher as compared to the level in the month of August 2016," the mines ministry said in a statement.

The total value of mineral production — excluding atomic and minor minerals —during August was Rs 18,015 crore, the ministry said.

"The cumulative growth for April-August 2017-18 over the corresponding period of previous year has been 3.3 per cent," the statement added.

The contribution of coal was highest at Rs 6,158 crore (34 per cent), followed by petroleum (crude) Rs 5,489 crore, natural gas (utilised) Rs 2,225 crore, iron ore Rs 1,921 crore, lignite Rs 615 crore and limestone Rs 562 crore.

Together they contributed about 94 per cent of the total value of mineral production in August 2017.

The Mining industry in India is a major economic activity which contributes significantly to the economy of India. The GDP contribution of the mining industry varies from 2.2% to 2.5% only but going by the GDP of the total industrial sector it contributes around 10% to 11%. Even mining done on small scale contributes 6% to the entire cost of mineral production. Indian mining industry provides job opportunities to around 700,000 individuals.