Led by about 35% dip in coal production, the country's mineral output declined by 16.6% in April recording a total value of Rs 17,084 crore, the government today said.
"The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector in April 2012 was lower by 16.6% compared to that of the preceding month. The total value of mineral production (excluding atomic & minor minerals)...Was Rs 17,084 crore," an official statement said.
Production of almost all minerals barring bauxite and chromite declined during the month and the sector recorded a "a negative growth of 3.1% during April 2012 as compared to that of the corresponding month of previous year," the statement said.
The highest, 34.8%, decline was seen in coal production during April at 421 lakh tonnes as compared to the previous month.
Besides, 31% decline was recorded in gold production, 26% in manganese ore output, 20% in apatite and phosphorite, 17% in lignite, 13% in copper and 12% in lead concentrate.
As far as the value of minerals was concerned, the contribution of petroleum (crude) was the highest at Rs 5,671 crore (33%), followed by coal at Rs 4,849 crore, iron ore at Rs 3,593 crore and natural gas (utilised) at Rs 1,330 crore.
Lignite output was valued at Rs 467 crore while that of limestone was Rs 309 crore. "These six minerals together contributed about 95% of the total value of mineral production in April 2012," the statement said.
As far as production level of important minerals was concerned, natural gas (utilised) output was recorded at 3555 million cu.M., petroleum (crude) 31 lakh tonnes, bauxite 13.91 lakh tonnes, chromite 4.16 lakh tonnes, copper concentrate 10,000 tonnes, and gold 119 Kg.
Iron ore output during April 2012 was 142 lakh tonnes, limestone 220 lakh tonnes, and diamond 1483 carat.
