Manganese

Manganese is not a widely known metal, but it plays a critical role in the iron and steel industry. Without it, smelting iron ore into usable steel would be far less efficient. It is also essential for making ferro alloys — alloys of iron with other elements that give steel special properties like hardness and resistance to wear.

Manganese deposits are found in almost all geological formations in India, but they are mainly associated with the Dharwar system of rocks. This is a key point for the exam: the Dharwar system is the primary geological host for manganese in the country.

Leading Producers and Their Belts

Madhya Pradesh and Odisha are the leading producers of manganese in India.

• Odisha: The major mines are located in the central part of the iron ore belt of India. The specific districts are:

  • Bonai
  • Kendujhar (Keonjhar)
  • Sundergarh
  • Gangpur
  • Koraput
  • Kalahandi
  • Bolangir
  Note

  The textbook asks you to think about why manganese mines in Odisha are located in the central part of the iron ore belt. The reason is that manganese is a key raw material for smelting iron ore. Locating the mines close to the iron ore belt reduces the cost of transporting manganese to the steel plants that use it in the smelting process.

• Madhya Pradesh: The manganese belt of Madhya Pradesh extends through the following districts:

  • Balaghat
  • Chhindwara
  • Nimar (East and West Nimar)
  • Mandla
  • Jhabua

Other Important Producers

• Karnataka: Another major producer. The mines are located in the districts of:
  • Dharwar
  • Ballari (Bellary)
  • Belagavi (Belgaum)
  • North Canara (Uttara Kannada)
  • Chikkmagaluru (Chikmagalur)
  • Shivamogga (Shimoga)
  • Chitradurg (Chitradurga)
  • Tumakuru (Tumkur) …