MINERAL PRODUCTION INDEX UP 4.4 PER CENT

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Based on the overall trend so far, the index of mineral production (base 1993-94=100) for the year 2002-2003 is expected to be 138.21 as compared to 132.39 for 2001-2002, showing a growth of 4.4 per cent. The total value of mineral production excluding atomic minerals, during 2002-2003 is estimated at Rs. 61,921 crore, which shows an increase of 4 per cent over that of the previous year. This information is given in the 2002-03 annual report of the Ministry of Mines. The report says that during 2002-2003, fuel minerals have accounted for Rs. 50, 337 crore (81 per cent), metallic minerals Rs. 4168 crore (7 per cent) and non-metallic minerals including minor minerals Rs. 7416 crore (12 per cent) of the total value.

The report says that the national mineral sector recorded a positive growth during the period April-December 2002, as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. The Index of Mineral Production (Base 1993-94=100) for the period for all minerals was higher by 5.6 per cent primarily on account of a positive growth of 5.14 per cent in the coal and lignite sector which has a weight of 32.46 per cent in the index and positive growth of 13.90 per cent in the non-fuel major minerals, with a weight of 12.3 per cent in the index.