NEW DELHI, Sept 28 (Reuters) – India’s iron ore production increased by 7.4% to 116 million metric tonnes from April to August this year. This compares to 108 million metric tonnes during the same period last year, according to the government.

Iron ore accounts for 70% of India’s total mineral production by value, the Mines Ministry reported.

The ministry stated, “Continued growth in production of iron ore reflects robust demand in the user industry.”

Aluminium production also rose by 1.3% to 1.8 million tonnes during the same period. This is an increase from 1.7 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year.

Additionally, refined copper production grew by 5.8% to 202,000 tonnes.