Kicking off FY’26 with a bang, Manganese Ore India Limited (MOIL), India’s largest manganese ore producer, has reported its highest-ever April performance. This milestone is a critical topic for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and State PCS, as it highlights the efficiency of public sector undertakings (PSUs) and India’s push for self-reliance in critical minerals. Here’s everything you need to know about MOIL’s stellar start to the fiscal year, tailored for exam preparation.
MOIL’s April 2025 Achievements
In April 2025, MOIL set new benchmarks in production and exploration, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence. The key highlights include:
- Record Production: Achieved 1.62 lakh tonnes of manganese ore, a 1.5% growth compared to the Corresponding Period Last Year (CPLY).
- Exploratory Core Drilling: Completed 11,453 meters of drilling, marking a massive 58% increase over CPLY.
These figures underscore MOIL’s role in strengthening India’s manganese supply chain, vital for the steel industry, and its focus on sustainable resource exploration.
Leadership Perspective
Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of MOIL, expressed optimism about the company’s trajectory:
“MOIL’s April performance sets a positive tone for the year ahead. The organization remains committed to sustained growth and value creation.”
This statement is a potential quote for descriptive questions in exams, emphasizing leadership vision and PSU performance.
Why MOIL Matters for Competitive Exams
MOIL, a Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Steel, plays a pivotal role in India’s industrial ecosystem. Here’s why this topic is crucial for aspirants:
- Economic Significance: Manganese ore is a key raw material for steel production, aligning with India’s industrial growth and Make in India initiatives.
- PSU Efficiency: MOIL’s record performance showcases the strength of India’s public sector in driving economic progress.
- Self-Reliance: MOIL’s production of Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide (EMD), used in pharmaceuticals and batteries, supports 100% import substitution.
- Exploration Focus: The 58% increase in drilling highlights MOIL’s efforts to secure future resources, a key aspect of sustainable mining.
Key Facts About MOIL
For quick revision, here are essential details about MOIL that often appear in objective-type questions:
- Full Form: Manganese Ore India Limited
- Contribution: Produces ~46% of India’s manganese ore
- Mines: Operates 10 mines (6 in Maharashtra, 4 in Madhya Pradesh)
- Notable Mines:
- Balaghat Mine: Deepest underground manganese mine in Asia
- Dongri Buzurg Mine: Largest opencast mine, produces manganese dioxide ore
- Vision: Double production to 3 million tonnes by 2030
- Recent Investments: Approved ₹886 crore for five shaft sinking projects to boost production
- Dividend: Interim dividend of ₹4.02 per share for FY’24-25, up 15% from ₹3.50 last year
Exam-Relevant Points to Memorize
For competitive exams, focus on these key metrics and context:
- Production: 1.62 lakh tonnes of manganese ore (April 2025)
- Growth: 1.5% year-on-year
- Drilling: 11,453 meters (+58% YoY)
- CMD: Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena
- Ministry: Ministry of Steel
- Context: Builds on FY’24’s strong performance (35% production growth, 30% sales growth, 17% PAT growth)
These figures are likely to appear in MCQs or short-answer questions, so commit them to memory!
Tips for Aspirants
To ace questions on MOIL in competitive exams:
- Link to Broader Themes: Connect MOIL’s performance to India’s economic goals like Atmanirbhar Bharat and industrial growth.
- Stay Updated: Follow MOIL’s progress through official sources like moil.nic.in or trusted news portals (PIB, Business Standard).
- Practice Questions: Expect questions on MOIL’s production stats, leadership, and its role in the steel industry.
- Revise PSU Basics: Know the difference between Miniratna, Navratna, and Mah Penal Interest Rates (PIR) for PSUs like MOIL, SAIL, and NMDC, as they often appear in exam questions.