India’s MOIL ships 54,600 tonnes of low-grade manganese ore to Indonesia, marking the first STE export.

India’s MOIL has achieved a significant milestone by exporting its first shipment of 54,600 tonnes of manganese ore fines from Visakhapatnam to Indonesia as a State Trading Enterprise (STE).
Appointed by the Government of India as the STE for exports of manganese ore below 46% Mn grade, MOIL has implemented a mechanism under the FY’24-25 Trade Policy to ensure all low-grade manganese ore exports are routed through the company. The first consignment, shipped on August 22, 2025, was arranged through back-to-back coordination with domestic suppliers.
The export of low-grade manganese ore (Mn 25%) is strategically important, as India holds a surplus of such ore beyond domestic demand. These exports not only expand India’s global footprint in the manganese market but also contribute to foreign earnings.
Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD of MOIL, congratulated the team for this historic achievement, highlighting the importance of efficient operations and informed strategies to facilitate international trade.
This landmark export positions India as a key player in the global manganese ore market while showcasing MOIL’s role as a reliable facilitator for international mineral trade.
Source: PIB