Manganese Ore Distribution in India, Map, State Wise Distribution

Manganese Ore Distribution in India plays a crucial role in the mineral economy of India. There are substantial manganese resources in India which are primarily associated with Pre Cambrian Rock systems such as the Dharwar and Kuddapa series. The Manganese Ore is used for steel production, alloy manufacturing and several chemical industries which makes it a strategic mineral for industrial growth and infrastructure development across the country.

Manganese Ore Distribution in India

Manganese Ore Distribution in India shows a clear regional concentration pattern shaped by geological history and metallogenic processes. India holds the world’s second largest manganese reserves after Zimbabwe; and ranks as the fifth largest global producer with increased production by 11.8% to 3.8 million metric tonnes in the FY 2024-25. Major deposits of the ore occur in central and eastern regions of India, especially in states such as Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. 

For the ease of understanding refer to the Map for Manganese Ore Distribution in India given below:

Manganese Ores

Manganese Ores occur in several mineralogical forms, each varying in manganese content and industrial suitability.

1. Pyrolusite (MnO₂): The most important manganese ore, containing about 63.2% manganese, widely used in steel making and dry cell batteries.
2. Psilomelane: A hydrated manganese oxide with 45% to 60% manganese, containing impurities of barium, potassium, and sodium, used mainly in alloy production.
3. Manganite (Mn₂O₃·H₂O): Contains about 62.4% manganese and occurs as crystalline aggregates associated with iron ores.
4. Braunite: A silicate rich manganese ore containing around 62% manganese and about 10% silica, found in metamorphosed sedimentary deposits.
5. Association with Iron and Laterite: Manganese is rarely found free and usually occurs alongside iron ore, laterite, and other oxide minerals.

Also Read: Iron Ore

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Manganese Ore Distribution in India State Wise

Manganese ore distribution in India shows strong state wise variation based on geological belts and mining history. The contribution in production of Manganese Ores state wise data as per the FY 2019-20 reports has been given here:

1. Odisha: Holds about 18.5% of India’s total manganese reserves, mainly in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Kalahandi, and Koraput districts.
2. Karnataka: Accounts for around 11.5% of national reserves, with major deposits in Uttara Kannada, Ballari, Chitradurga, Shimoga, and Tumakuru districts.
3. Madhya Pradesh: Contributes nearly 33% of total reserves, with major mining belts in Balaghat and Chhindwara districts.
4. Maharashtra: Possesses about 24.8% of reserves, concentrated in Nagpur and Bhandara districts, with high grade ores in Ratnagiri.
5. Andhra Pradesh: Holds about 11.4% of reserves, mainly in Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts, with mining history dating back to 1892.
6. Other States: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana, Goa, Jharkhand and West Bengal together account for the remaining 0.78% of manganese resources.

Manganese Ore Significance

Manganese ore plays a vital role in industrial production, strategic manufacturing, and economic development.

• Steel Industry Backbone: About 6 kilograms of manganese ore are required to produce one tonne of steel, making it essential for deoxidation and desulfurisation.
• Alloy Manufacturing: Used in producing ferromanganese and spiegeleisen alloys that enhance steel strength, hardness, and wear resistance.
• Chemical Industry Use: Manganese compounds are used in bleaching powder, insecticides, fungicides, and glass decolourisation processes.
• Battery Production: Pyrolusite is a key raw material for dry cell batteries used in electronics and energy storage.
• Pigments and Paints: Manganese oxides act as black-brown pigments in paints and ceramics.
• Railways and Defence: High manganese steel is used in railway tracks, rifle barrels, prison bars, and heavy duty safes.
• Domestic Consumption Pattern: Nearly 4/5 of Manganese Production in India is consumed domestically due to expanding steel demand.
• Export Trends: Exports have declined over time, with Japan being the largest importer, followed by the USA, Germany, France, and the UK.
• Global Supply Context: About 70% of world manganese production is controlled by South Africa, Australia, China, and Gabon.
• Future Demand Outlook: Global manganese demand closely tracks steel production and is expected to rise with infrastructure expansion and industrial growth.

Also Read: Water Resources in India

Manganese Ore Distribution in India Export

Manganese Ore Export in India plays a limited but strategic role. It is influenced by rising domestic steel demand, resource conservation priorities and changing global market conditions.

• Domestic Consumption Priority: Majority of India’s manganese ore production is used within the country, mainly by steel and alloy industries.
• Major Importing Countries: Japan remains the largest buyer of Indian manganese ore, followed by the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Norway.
• Quality Based Exports: India primarily exports high grade manganese ore, while lower grades are reserved for domestic beneficiation and alloy production.
• Policy Influence: Export volumes are influenced by government regulations aimed at ensuring long term availability of manganese for domestic industrial needs.