MOIL, India’s largest manganese ore producer, is planning its first overseas venture by exploring opportunities in Gabon and South Africa. The state-owned company, under the Ministry of Steel, has completed due diligence in Gabon and is preparing to sign government-to-government MoUs for manganese ore exploration and mining. Discussions for similar projects are underway in South Africa.

MOIL, which produces 50% of India’s manganese ore, aims to expand its footprint by assessing reserves and commercial feasibility for mining in these regions. According to CMD Ajit Kumar Saxena, the company is also eyeing opportunities in Australia and Brazil.

Domestically, MOIL is investing in both brownfield and greenfield projects, with significant expansions planned in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. Operating 10 mines across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, MOIL reported a 4.5% year-on-year production increase, reaching 13.3 lakh tons in the first nine months of the fiscal year 2025.