India’s state-owned manganese mining company, MOIL, is actively pursuing joint ventures with the governments of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh to expand its manganese ore mining operations. Speaking at an event on Wednesday, Chairman Ajit Kumar Saxena emphasized the company’s strategic vision for these collaborations, which aim to strengthen India’s domestic manganese production capabilities.
By forming partnerships with these two mineral-rich states, MOIL intends to tap into unexplored reserves and increase the output of manganese, a key raw material used extensively in steel production and battery manufacturing.
Manganese is a critical component in various industries, particularly in the production of ferroalloys and as an essential element for the steel sector. MOIL, as one of the leading producers of manganese ore in India, is positioning itself to meet the increasing demand driven by industrial growth and the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market.
Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh offer significant untapped potential for manganese mining, and MOIL’s joint ventures with these state governments are expected to unlock new opportunities for resource extraction and processing, creating a more self-reliant domestic supply chain for the metal.
Saxena highlighted that these collaborations would not only boost India’s manganese ore production but also contribute to the broader objectives of mineral security and economic development. The company’s foray into these new territories aligns with India’s focus on increasing domestic mineral output to reduce dependence on imports.
MOIL’s partnerships with Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh could potentially lead to the discovery of new deposits, leading to increased efficiency and sustainability in mining operations. In addition to its domestic expansion plans, Saxena revealed that MOIL is also actively exploring opportunities in the field of critical minerals, both within India and internationally.
The company is keen on diversifying its portfolio to include minerals that are essential for advanced technologies, including lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are crucial for battery production, particularly for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
This marks a significant shift in MOIL’s strategy, as it moves beyond its traditional focus on manganese and looks to position itself as a key player in the mining of critical minerals that are essential for the global energy transition.
MOIL’s ambition to venture into the critical minerals space aligns with India’s growing focus on securing resources needed for clean energy technologies and reducing reliance on foreign imports. The company is actively assessing both domestic and overseas opportunities for the exploration and extraction of these minerals, which are vital for various industries, including electronics, renewable energy, and defense.
MOIL’s joint ventures with Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for manganese ore mining reflect a proactive approach to strengthening India’s domestic mineral base. At the same time, the company’s interest in critical minerals highlights its long-term vision to play a key role in the global energy transition
