Indian Iron Ore Production Increased by 19% in FY20

India’s iron ore production was recorded at 246.5 MnT in FY20, increasing by 19.1% on a Y-o-Y basis, according to SteelMint.

Sharp increase in iron ore output was seen from Odisha, where few of the key merchant miners ramped up production ahead of mine lease expiry on 31 Mar’20. Iron ore production from Odisha was recorded around 144 MnT in FY20, up by nearly 30% Y-o-Y. Rungta Mines’ iron ore production during Apr’19-Feb’20 was recorded at 28.4 MnT. Output from Serajuddin mines during Apr’19-Feb’20 stood at 13.7 MnT.

Output from Chhattisgarh inched up by 3% Y-o-Y in FY20. NMDC’s production  from Chattisgarh mines in FY ’20 stood at 24.88 MnT, up 7% Y-o-Y.

Iron ore production from Karnataka fell slightly by 2% Y-o-Y in FY20. NMDC’s output from Karnataka was recorded at 7.01 MnT, down 23% as compared to FY’ 19 output, as Donimalai operations remained suspended. However JSW Steel’s iron ore production from its captive mines observed an increase.

It would be interesting to see what will be the impact of COVID-19 and mining auctions on Indian iron ore output in FY21.