MOIL eyes overseas expansion

  • September 19, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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MOIL eyes overseas expansion

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Context:

  • MOIL (Manganese Ore India Ltd), a state-owned company, is planning to expand its operations both domestically and internationally.
  • MOIL HQ: Nagpur, India.

Key points:

  1. International Expansion:
    • Seeking overseas acquisitions for manganese ore mines and other critical minerals
    • Target regions: Africa (South Africa, Gabon), Australia, and Latin America (Brazil)
    • South Africa has the largest manganese ore reserves globally
    • Gabon holds about 25% of the world’s manganese resources
    • Australia is a major manganese ore exporter
  2. Domestic Expansion:
    • Exploring opportunities in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh
    • Advanced discussions for a joint venture (JV) with the Gujarat government and GMDC
      • 5 million tonnes of manganese ore reserves identified
  1. Current Operations:
    • 10 existing mines across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh
      • Maharashtra: Gumgaon, Kandri, Munsar, Beldongri, Dongri Buzurg, Chikia
      • Madhya Pradesh: Sitapatore, Tirodi, Balaghat, Ukwa
    • FY24 production: 56 lakh tonnes (up 35% year-on-year)
    • FY25 production target: 21 lakh tonnes
    • Planned capital expenditure: ₹320 crore
  2. Market Position:
    • Accounts for over 50% of India’s manganese ore production
  3. India’s Ferro Alloys Production (FY24):
    • Manganese alloys:5 million tonnes (1.8 million tonnes exported)
    • Chrome alloys:5 million tonnes (0.75 million tonnes exported)
    • Total ferro alloys:2 million tonnes (2.6 million tonnes exported)

Manganese:

  • Manganese is a crucial element in the steel industry, used to enhance its strength, hardness, and resistance to corrosion. It’s also used in other applications like dry-cell batteries, pigments, and agricultural products.
  • Global Producers of Manganese Ore: South Africa, China, Gabon, Australia, Ukraine.
  • Global Exporters of Manganese Ore: South Africa, Gabon, Ukraine, Australia, China
  • Global Importers of Manganese Ore: China, Japan, India, South Korea, United States
  • Producer States of Manganese Ore in India: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat
Geography MOIL eyes overseas expansion