MOIL

Overview

MOIL Limited (formerly Manganese Ore (India) Limited) is an Indian state-owned mining company engaged primarily in the production of manganese ore. It is a Miniratna Category-I public sector undertaking under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, and is among the largest producers of manganese ore in India.

Key facts

Background

Manganese mining in the Central Provinces of British India dates back to the late nineteenth century, with deposits in the Nagpur–Bhandara region of present-day Maharashtra and the Balaghat region of Madhya Pradesh forming the historic core of Indian manganese production. The company's lineage is rooted in the Central Provinces Manganese Ore Company (CPMO), a British-incorporated firm that operated several of these mines. Following Indian independence and progressive nationalisation of the sector, the operations were reorganised under a Government of India enterprise.

The company was incorporated as Manganese Ore (India) Limited and was renamed MOIL Limited. It operates manganese mines in Maharashtra (notably in the Nagpur and Bhandara districts) and in Madhya Pradesh (in the Balaghat district), producing different grades of manganese ore including high-grade ore used in ferro-manganese production, medium- and low-grade ore for blast furnace use, and dioxide ore used in dry battery cells and chemical industries.

History and timeline

• Late 19th century: Commercial manganese mining begins in the Central Provinces region.
• Early 20th century: Central Provinces Manganese Ore Company (CPMO) consolidates several mines.
• Post-independence: Operations are reorganised, leading to the formation of a government-owned manganese mining entity.
• Manganese Ore (India) Limited: Established as a central public sector undertaking with headquarters at Nagpur.
• Renaming: The company is rebranded as MOIL Limited.
• Initial public offering: MOIL is listed on Indian stock exchanges following a public issue, with the Government of India retaining majority ownership.

Operations

MOIL operates a number of underground and opencast manganese mines across two states. Its principal mines include those at Balaghat, Ukwa and Munsar in the Balaghat region; and Gumgaon, Kandri, Chikla, Beldongri, Dongri Buzurg and Sitapatore-Sukli in the Nagpur–Bhandara region. The Balaghat mine is one of the deeper underground manganese mines in the country.

In addition to ore extraction, MOIL operates value-addition facilities such as ferro-manganese and electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) plants, supporting downstream industries including iron and steel, dry-cell batteries and chemicals.

Corporate structure

MOIL is administered through a board of directors led by a Chairman and Managing Director, with functional directors responsible for production, finance, commercial and human resources. The Government of India is the principal shareholder, while the balance is held by institutional and public investors following its listing.

Significance

Manganese is a critical input for steelmaking, where it acts as a deoxidiser and alloying element, and for dry-cell batteries through manganese dioxide. As one of the largest domestic suppliers of manganese ore, MOIL plays a strategic role in India's steel value chain and in reducing dependence on imported manganese. The company also contributes to regional employment and infrastructure in the mining districts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Related topics

• Manganese
• Mining in India
• Ministry of Steel
• Public sector undertakings in India
• Miniratna
• Balaghat district
• Nagpur
• Steel industry in India
• Ferromanganese

References

• Wikidata entity: Q17074284
• Ministry of Steel, Government of India — list of central public sector enterprises.