Question

Describe the production and distribution of manganese ore in India.

Hint:

Remember the big four: Odisha, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh (Balaghat) and Maharashtra (Nagpur–Bhandara). Add AP/Telangana (Kodur belt), Goa, Gujarat/Rajasthan and Jharkhand for full coverage. Cite MOIL and the Sausar–Dharwar–Eastern Ghat geology to enrich your answer.

Answer 1

Importance
Manganese is essential for iron and steel industry (ferromanganese and silicomanganese as deoxidiser and desulphuriser), in dry cells (MnO$_2$), glass/ceramics, paints and chemicals (KMnO$_4$). In India, steel demand keeps manganese strategically important.
Production—general features
India possesses sizeable reserves of medium to high–grade manganese. The bulk of output comes from open-cast mines; underground working is limited. Public-sector MOIL (Manganese Ore (India) Ltd.) is a key producer, especially in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, while Odisha and Karnataka contribute large private and state outputs. Beneficiation (washing, screening) is common to raise Mn%.
Major producing belts (state-wise distribution)
1) Odisha — leading producer
Keonjhar and Sundargarh districts form the chief belt; deposits also occur in Koraput and Rayagada along the Eastern Ghat supergroup. Proximity to iron-ore belts and ports favours ferro-alloy plants in the state.
2) Karnataka — important Dharwar belt
Ballari (Bellary), Chitradurga and Shivamogga districts yield ore associated with Dharwar schists; good rail connectivity to metallurgical centres.
3) Madhya Pradesh — Sausar belt
Balaghat district is famous for high-grade ore (Sausar group, gondite series). MOIL operates major mines here; feeds Bhilai and other central Indian steel plants.
4) Maharashtra — adjoining Sausar belt
Nagpur and Bhandara districts continue the MP Sausar belt; numerous MOIL mines occur at Mansar, Kandri, Gumgaon, etc.
5) Andhra Pradesh & Telangana — Kodur (Eastern Ghat) belt
Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam (AP) and Adilabad–Khammam tracts (Telangana) have workable deposits around Kodurite rocks; some ore is medium grade.
6) Goa
Small but fairly rich pockets occur and are conveniently located for export through Mormugao.
7) Gujarat and Rajasthan
Panchmahal (Gujarat) and Banswara–Dungarpur–Udaipur (Rajasthan) yield limited quantities that supplement western India's alloy industry.
8) Jharkhand
Singhbhum region has scattered occurrences associated with iron-ore formations.
Quality, uses and trade pattern
Steel consumes the bulk as Fe–Mn or Si–Mn alloys; chemical grade MnO$_2$ is used in batteries and permanganate manufacture. India exports some ore from coastal states in years of surplus but also imports specific high-grade/consistent ore and coke for ferro-alloy blending.
Factors explaining the pattern
Geology (Dharwar–Sausar–Eastern Ghat formations) determines location; transport to steel plants, power and ports sustain large output in Odisha–Karnataka–Central India. Labour availability, beneficiation facilities and policy support (captive blocks, auctions) also influence production.
Constraints and measures
Irregular grade, high silica/phosphorus in some pockets, land/forest clearances, and overburden management raise costs. Upgrading by beneficiation, selective underground mining where feasible, better overburden handling, and logistics (rail links to alloy clusters and ports) improve competitiveness. Sustainable mining with reclamation is essential.