India, July 18 -- The Government on Friday said it has included iron ore in the list of core sector infrastructure industries, a move which will help in capturing the performance of the economy in a better way.

Consequently, the number of core industries has increased from eight to nine.

Currently, the Government evaluates the performance of eight key sectors - crude oil, petroleum refinery, cement, electricity, natural gas, fertiliser, finished steel and coal - on a monthly basis.

"In view of the extensive use of iron ore in industrial production and its significant contribution to industrial development, Iron Ore has been included as a core industry in the revised ICI series," the Commerce and Industry Ministry said in a statement. ...