MOIL embarks on expansion projects

“Even though our country is blessed with manganese ore reserves, we import 50% of the domestic requirement. We have to lower our import dependence and save precious foreign exchange.” Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, Steel Minister

MOIL Ltd, the largest producer of manganese ore in the country, is planning to expand its capacity by evaluating new mining properties within and outside the country.

Within the country, MOIL, under the administrative control of the steel ministry, has started projects in Gujarat while opportunities are being explored in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Odisha and other countries, Steel Minister Ram Chandra Prasad Singh said during a press conference.

Mukund Chaudhary, CMD of MOIL said the company is targeting 2.5 million tons (mt) of production by FY26 and 3 mt by FY30.

For the expansion projects, MOIL has signed MoU for manganese ore production with Gujarat Mineral Development Corp (GMDC).

Under the agreement, exploration has begun with 9.5 mt capacity approved. Similar MoUs are being planned for states like Rajasthan and Odisha governments for manganese ore production while talks are on to add new mines in Madhya Pradesh.

“In order to explore the possibility of mining of manganese ore in Gujarat, the company has entered into MoU with GMDC. Results of exploration carried out in the area of around 13,000 meters indicate the availability of good grade of ore and 9.51 mt resources. MOIL is in process of formation of a joint venture company with GMDC. However, this has got delayed due to Covid restrictions,” Chaudhary said earlier during the annual general meeting of the company.

Further, Chaudhary said tripartite MoU has also been signed amongst MOIL, MP government and MP State Mining Corp Ltd for conducting exploration in four districts i.e. Jabalpur, Jhabua, Balaghat and Chhindwara.