Indian Metals and Mining Industry Analysis

Rise in infrastructure development and automotive production are driving growth in the metals and mining sector in India. India has vast mineral potential with mining leases granted for longer durations of 20 to 30 years. India produces 95 minerals– 4 fuel-related minerals, 10 metallic minerals, 23 non-metallic minerals, 3 atomic minerals and 55 minor minerals (including building and other minerals). India is expected to overtake Australia and the United States in early 2020 to take the position of the world’s second-largest coal producer.

Mineral production in India grew at a CAGR of 5.72 per cent between 2013-14 and 2017-18E to reach US$ 17.62 billion in 2017-18. In FY19 (till Feb 2019), the mineral production stood at US$ 9.48 billion. Production of iron ore in FY 19 (up to Feb 19) stood at 187.60 million tonnes. 

India holds a fair advantage in cost of production and conversion costs in steel and alumina. The country is the 3rd largest steel producer with production of 101.4 million tonnes of crude steel in 2017. In FY20 (Up to Oct’19), Crude Steel and Finished Steel production stood at 64.102million tonnes and 60 million tonnes respectively. India is the largest producer of sheet mica in the world and has the 7th largest bauxite reserves at around 2,908.85 million tonnes in FY17. Iron ore production in the country increased from 129.32 million tonnes in FY15 to 200.96 million tonnes in FY18 and reached to 187.60 million tonnes in FY 19 (up to Feb 19).  It is forecasted to grow at the rate of 5 per cent in FY19. India’s iron and steel export during between April-September 2019 stood at US$ 4.67 billion. Production of metallic minerals and non-metallic minerals in India FY19 (till Jan’19) respectively US$ 7.50 billion and US$ 1.09 billion.

The index of mineral production was 10.5.6 in February 2019 showing an increase of 3 per cent as corresponding period of the previous year in the overall mineral production. Mining group under the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) stood at 101.9 for Apr-Nov 2019, showing a decrease of 0.1 per cent in April-November 2019.

National Mineral Policy 2019 launched for transparency, better regulation and enforcement, balanced social and economic growth into the sector.

The Government of India has allowed 100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the mining sector and exploration of metal and non-metal ores under the automatic route, which will propel growth in the sector. Power and cement industries also aiding growth in the metals and mining sector. Demand for iron and steel is set to grow, given the strong growth expectations for the residential and commercial building industry. By March 2019, 105 mineral blocks are expected to be auctioned. As of May 2019, 64 mineral blocks have been auctioned.

*- Till Feb 2019