- MOIL to increase EC from 3.8 mnt/y to 5 mnt/y
- MOIL eyes domestic and overseas expansion
India’s state-owned manganese ore producer MOIL is pursuing an ambitious production growth roadmap, targeting 3.5 million tonnes (mnt) of annual output as it accelerates shaft expansion, mine mechanisation and exploration of domestic and overseas opportunities, said Rashmi Singh, Director Commercial, MOIL, at the 6th International Ferro Alloys Conference (IFAC 2026) in Goa.
The company is also working to expand its environmental clearance (EC)-approved production capacity and bring new mining projects into operation to support the country’s growing steel demand. MOIL has an EC of about 3.8 mnt, and it is in the process of increasing it to 5 mnt.
The company’s production target is set to increase progressively from 2.7 mnt in the current year to 2.9 mnt next year, 3.1 mnt in the following year, and 3.5 mnt subsequently.
Shaft expansion to drive output growth
Shaft expansion remains a key component of MOIL’s strategy to increase production and improve mine productivity.
At Bhumgaon, a high-speed shaft is targeted for commissioning by December, which is expected to increase production from around 200,000 t to 600,000 t. At Bhalaghat, the company is targeting commissioning of a high-speed shaft by February, with no further extensions committed to the board.
The company is also progressing plans for new shafts at Dongri Buzurg, Kandri, and Chikla. Additional decline projects are in the pipeline to accelerate mine operationalisation and support future production growth.
Mechanisation and mining technology upgrade
MOIL is transitioning towards longwall mining and greater mechanisation of mine development to improve operational efficiency and enhance production capabilities.
The adoption of advanced mining technologies, alongside shaft expansion and decline development, is expected to support the company’s longer-term production ambitions.
Domestic and overseas expansion
Beyond organic growth, MOIL is exploring acquisition and joint venture opportunities to strengthen its manganese ore resource base and expand its presence across the mining value chain.
In India, the company is participating in mine auctions within defined bidding limits. MOIL has also formed a joint venture with the Chhattisgarh government, while a joint venture in Gujarat is awaiting mine allocation.
Internationally, the company is evaluating a potential mine acquisition in Ghana, with an initial study underway. In Gabon, MOIL has signed a memorandum of understanding with SEM, although the export policy beyond 2029 remains uncertain.
The company is also exploring opportunities in Zambia, including manganese and other minerals relevant to the steel value chain, such as nickel.
Outlook
MOIL’s planned capacity expansion, new shaft commissioning, and mine mechanisation are expected to support a gradual increase in manganese ore production. With domestic steel demand creating a need for secure raw material supply, the company’s focus on expanding production and exploring new mineral resources forms part of its broader growth strategy.
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