The Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited (SMIORE), a prominent name in India’s private metals and mining sector, has been awarded the coveted Seven Star Rated Mine recognition for its outstanding green mining practices during 2023–24. The honour was conferred by the Ministry of Mines and the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) at an award ceremony held on 7 July 2025 at the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur.
The Seven Star Rating was presented by Bhajanlal Sharma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, in the presence of G Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines. This recognition is part of a national initiative to acknowledge mining operations that meet the highest standards of environmental, operational, and social responsibility.
SMIORE is the only mining company from South India and one of just three in the entire country to receive the Seven Star Rating for the year. This award highlights the company’s consistent efforts in sustainable and responsible mining.
In addition to the Seven Star distinction, SMIORE’s Kammathuru Iron Ore Mine, located in Sandur Taluk, Ballari District, was also granted the Five Star Rating for 2023–24. The mine spans 1,860.10 hectares and has regularly demonstrated compliance with best practices in environmental management and operational excellence.
The IBM’s star rating system encourages responsible mining and sets benchmarks for performance in areas such as ecological balance, safety, innovation, and social responsibility. The Five and Seven Star recognitions are considered among the highest in India’s mining sector.
Commenting on the achievement, Bahirji A Ghorpade, Managing Director of SMIORE, said: “This recognition marks a milestone in our decade-long journey of responsible mining. It reflects our team’s dedication to environmental conservation, safety, innovation, and the well-being of local communities. Receiving the Seven Star Rating—after consistently achieving the Five Star Rating since the program began—is a testament to the values that guide our operations. I thank our employees for their relentless efforts and congratulate them for setting high standards that others in the industry can follow.”
SMIORE’s continued recognition by the Indian Bureau of Mines reinforces its position as a leader in sustainable mining and its role in shaping the future of the sector with forward-looking, responsible practices.
Sandur Manganese Limited, established in 1968 and headquartered in Bangalore, India, is a prominent player in the manganese ore mining and processing industry. Operating primarily in the mineral-rich regions of Karnataka, Sandur Manganese specializes in the extraction and beneficiation of high-grade manganese ore, which is a critical raw material for the steel manufacturing sector.
The company boasts a robust production capacity, supplying both domestic and international markets with ferro-manganese and silicomanganese products that enhance the quality and strength of steel. Committed to sustainable mining practices, Sandur Manganese employs advanced technologies to minimize environmental impact and ensure efficient resource utilization.
Additionally, the company invests in research and development to innovate its processing techniques and expand its product portfolio. With a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility, Sandur Manganese actively engages in community development initiatives, promoting education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements in the regions where it operates. Through strategic expansions and continuous operational excellence, Sandur Manganese Limited remains a key contributor to India’s mining industry and the broader steel production landscape.
