The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector grew 0.9 per cent in March while the total value of the mineral output was estimated at Rs 22,352 crore.

"The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for March 2015 stood at 148.5, 0.9 per cent higher as compared to March 2014," Mines Ministry said in a statement.

It said that the cumulative growth of 1.4 per cent was recorded for the April-March 2014-15 period over corresponding period of previous year.

"The total value of mineral production (excluding atomic & minor minerals) in the country during March 2015 was Rs 22,352 crore," it said.

The contribution of coal was the highest at Rs 9,377 crore (42 per cent), followed by petroleum (crude) at Rs 5,865 crore, iron ore at Rs 2,535 crore, natural gas (utilised) at Rs 2,255 crore, lignite at Rs 775 crore and limestone at Rs 468 crore, respectively.

"These six minerals together contributed about 95 per cent of the total value of mineral production in March 2015," the statement said.

Production level of important minerals in the month stood at 688 lakh tonnes of coal, 62 lakh tonnes of lignite, 2,727 million cu m natural gas (utilised), 32 lakh tonnes of petroleum (crude) and 122 lakh tonnes of iron ore.

Besides, 124 kg of gold and 3,590 carat of diamond were witnessed during the month.