Manganese ore
Why it matters?
MOIL marked a significant milestone in first shipment of manganese ore exports from India (Visakhapatnam) to Indonesia.
What you should know?
Manganese Ore:
Occurs as silvery grey in colour and is very hard and brittle.
It is not found as a free element in nature and often found in combination with iron.
Ores of commercial importance: Pyrolusite (Mn about 63.2%); Manganite (Mn about 62.4%); Braunite (Mn about 62%).
Uses: In Iron and Steel Industries as a deoxidizing agent and as a strengthening alloy, increasing steel's toughness, hardness, and wear resistance.
Reserves: Odisha tops in reserves with 34% share followed by Karnataka (24%), Madhya Pradesh (12%), Maharashtra (12%).
Production: Madhya Pradesh in terms of quantity and Maharashtra in terms of Value (owing to its higher-grade ore).