Seeks for faster operationalization of Mn Mines
One is often reminded about the gargantuan infrastructure requirement that India is yet to witness in the coming years.
From construction of roads to homes to bridges, airports, rail etc. there is a mammoth demand to fulfil India’s ballooning infrastructure appetite.
While infrastructure is crucial so is the commodity steel without which major infrastructure would be missing.
India has set an ambitious target of 300 million tonnes of crude steel production capacities by 2030-31. However one cannot be oblivious to the fact that Manganese ore is an integral component of making steel.
It is estimated that we would require 11 million tonnes of manganese ore and 5 million tonnes of chrome ore by 2030-31 as per the National Steel Policy 2017.
This would also translate into additional consumption of manganese and chrome ore other than iron ore as essential raw material for steel making.
Therefore this can only be achieved when the manganese, chrome ore and ferro-alloys industry gears up and enhances its output much before 2030.
‘Consequent upon MMDR Amendment Act, 2015, so far, 37 blocks of manganese ore consisting 19 composite license and 18 mining lease and 9 blocks of iron and manganese mining lease have been auctioned.
However, it is a matter of concern that even after more than 7 years now, not even a single mine of manganese has come in operation’ said Mr Sauvick Mazumdar, Vice- President, FIMI giving the welcome address at Manganese / Chrome Ores, Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide (EMD), Electrolytic Manganese Metal (EMM) and Ferro Alloys Summit wherein Vizag Industrial Scan was the media partner.
He thus underscored the need to have enhanced focus on early operationalization of these auctioned blocks.
‘In case of chrome, only 3 brown field mines have been auctioned so far. Considering the growing demand of chrome by ferro-chrome and steel industry, it is imperative that State Government should offer more chromite blocks for auction and to ensure that such blocks are developed expeditiously’ said Mr Mazumdar.
India is endowed with huge resources of manganese ore to the tune of 503.62 million tonnes, and chrome ore 332 million tonnes.
‘I feel that there is urgent need to have enhanced focus for undertaking detailed exploration of manganese and chrome ore resources to establish the proven reserve to meet the growing domestic and international demand of ferroalloy’ said FIMI’s vice president.
The EV Opportunity
Another area where Mn is much demand is in the EV space. Manganese is considered battery metal with the potential to accelerate the electric vehicle transition. Globally, manganese ore requirement is increasing due to its significant use in manufacturing of batteries in electric-vehicles.
The importance of manganese ore is emerging as a vital raw material in shaping the future of electric vehicle industry with the global commitment for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and leveraging renewable energy sources.
The Two-Day Summit delved into thought-provoking deliberations on the legislative issues, market trends, demand supply etc.
