Core production jumps 15%

Core production (non-fines, i.e., production excluding fines) jumped 15 percent during the year. Total production crossed 13 lakh MT in FY’19 (up by 9 percent y-o-y), which is the highest achievement in the last 10 years. The company has also achieved highest-ever production of non-fines manganese ore. Non-fines sales are also at a record-high of 11 lakh MT (up by 13 percent y-o-y). The total production growth in the last three years is around 30 percent. Currently, MOIL holds 34 percent of manganese ore reserves of the country and is contributing 50 percent of the domestic production.

MOIL placing special focus on expansion

An official statement said that MOIL is giving special focus thrust on expansion and modernisation of its mines to sustain production levels and attain capacity enhancement. "Projects of sinking of second vertical shaft at Chikla mine and shaft deepening at Kandri and Balaghat mines have been completed during the year. These will enable the company to sustain an enhanced level of production from these mines. Projects of shaft sinking at Ukwa and Munsar mines and high-speed shafts at Balaghat and Gumgaon mines are progressing as per schedule," it said. In addition to the above, development and production activities have been started during the year at Parsoda (in Nagpur district), the 11th mine of MOIL. Annual production at this mine will gradually increase to 40,000 MT. The company is also actively pursuing cases of prospecting and mining leases in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, mostly in areas adjacent to its existing mines. The above projects/new leases will enable MOIL to move towards its vision of doubling production to 25 lakh MT by FY 2024-25.