MOIL Interview Preparation

Read the following important points for the preparation of interview of MOIL:
• MOIL is a Schedule “A” Miniratna Category-I Company. Head Office is in Nagpur.
• It was originally incorporated as Manganese Ore (India) Limited in the year 1962. Subsequently, name of the Company was changed from Manganese Ore (India) Limited to MOIL Limited during the financial year 2010-11.
• MOIL was originally set up in the year 1896 as Central Province Prospecting Syndicate which was later renamed as Central Provinces Manganese Ore Company Limited (CPMO), a British Company incorporated in the UK.
• In 1962, as a result of an agreement between the Government of India and CPMO, the assets of the latter were taken over by the Government and MOIL was formed with 51% capital held between the Govt. of India and the State Governments of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh and the balance 49% by CPMO.
• It was in 1977, the balance 49% shareholding was acquired from CPMO and MOIL became a 100% Government Company under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel.
• At present the shareholding pattern of the company is Govt. of India (53.35%), Govt. of Maharashtra (5.96%) and Govt. of Madhya Pradesh (5.38%) and Public (35.31%).
• At present, MOIL operates its underground and opencast mines located in the Nagpur and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh.
• The Balaghat Mine is the largest mine of the Company. The mine has now reached a mining depth of about 435 meters from the surface. Dongri Buzurg Mine located in the Bhandara district of Maharashtra is an opencast mine that produces manganese dioxide ore used by dry battery industry. This ore in the form of manganous oxide is used as micro-nutrient for cattle feed and fertilizers.
• MOIL fulfils about 46% of the total requirement of dioxide ore in India. At present, the annual production is around 1.3 million tonne which is expected to grow in the coming years.
• It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel.
• It is headquartered in Nagpur, Maharashtra. At present, MOIL operates 11 mines, seven located in the Nagpur and Bhandara districts of Maharashtra and four in the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. The Balaghat Mine is the largest mine of the Company.

MOIL has also set up a plant based on indigenous technology to manufacture 1,500 MT per annum capacity of Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide (EMD). This product is used for the manufacture of dry battery cells. EMD produced by the Company is of good quality and well accepted by the market. MOIL is having a Ferro manganese plant with a capacity of 12,000 MT per annum for value addition.
Renewable Energy Harnessing by MOIL
In order to promote non-conventional energy resources, MOIL has installed 4.8 MW Wind Energy Farm at Nagda Hills and 15.2 MW Wind Farm at Ratedi Hills, Dist. Dewas in Madhya Pradesh.

MOIL produces and sells different grades of Manganese Ore. They are: -
High Grade Ores for production of Ferro manganese
Medium grade ore for production of Silico manganese
Blast furnace grade ore required for production of hot metal and
Dioxide for dry battery cells and chemical industries.

Products
• MOIL excavates manganese dioxide ore from its mines. The production was 1.3 million tonne in 2020.
• Various grades of the ore are used for production of manganese metal and alloys such as ferro-manganese and silicon-manganese.
• Refined manganese dioxide is used as a supplement in cattle feed, in fertilizers and in chemical industry.
• MOIL refines the ore to produce 1,000 tonne electrolytic grade used in dry batteries.
• MOIL uses its ore to produce 11,000 tonnes of ferro-manganese. The total sales were Rs. 16.3 billion in 2018.19 but only Rs. 12.2 billion in 2019–20.
• MOIL also produces 30 MW electricity by wind mills.

Press Information Bureau (News)
• With a production of 1.2 lakh tones of Manganese Ore in November, 2022, MOIL has registered a significant growth of 60% during the month over October, 2022. On the sales front, MOIL has recorded a growth of 82% during the period over the previous month, in spite of challenging market conditions.
• Smt. Usha Singh, Director (Human Resource) attributed the improved performance of the company to the great team effort exhibited by all concerned and reiterated that MOIL is geared up for much better performance in the remaining period of the financial year.
• MOIL Limited is a Schedule-A, Miniratna Category-I CPSE under the administrative control of Ministry of Steel, Government of India.
• MOIL is the largest producer of manganese ore in the country and operates eleven mines in the states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
• MOIL holds about 34% of the manganese ore reserves of the country and is contributing approximately 45% of the domestic production.
• The company has an ambitious vision of almost doubling its production to 3.00 million tonnes by 2030.
• MOIL is also exploring business opportunities in the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Odisha besides other areas in the state of Madhya Pradesh

Press Release: MOIL
• Continuing the momentum of high growth, MOIL produced 1.23 lakh tonnes of manganese ore in August 2023, delivering best August production since inception, registering a remarkable growth of 53% y-o-y.
• Cumulative production for the financial year up to August 2023 has been 6.79 lakh tonnes, which is 44% higher than y-o-y. On the sales front too, performance has been spectacular with sales of 1.11 lakh tonnes for the month, which is more than double than August, 2022.
• For April-Aug, 2023 period, cumulative growth of 53% has been achieved.
• CMD, Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena, once again congratulated team MOIL for their continued improvement in performance and reposed full confidence that improved levels of performance will be maintained.
• MOIL has attributed this success to its focus on exploration and achieving core drilling of 7,530 metres in April 2023, which is 3.6 times that of April 2022
• The company plans to carry out exploration in brown-field and green-field areas during FY’24.
• MOIL is also exploring business opportunities in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and other areas in Madhya Pradesh.
• The company achieved a record capital expenditure (CAPEX) of Rs. 245 crores in FY'23, which is almost equal to the net profit (PAT) of the year. MOIL has carried out best ever exploration core drilling of 41,762 meters in FY’23 which is 2.7 times of the average exploration achieved in last 5 years. The same will not only form the basis of enhanced production from its existing mines but will also be the foundation of opening new Manganese mines in the country.
• The company has made profit before tax (PBT) and profit after tax (PAT) of Rs. 334.45 crores and Rs. 250.59 crores respectively during FY’23, which has come down by 39% and 38% respectively. The profits have been impacted due to lower NSR on account of market conditions and increase in manpower cost. Total dividend for the year recommended by MOIL is Rs. 3.69 per share for the year (including paid interim dividend of Rs. 3.00 per share).
• On this occasion, Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena, CMD MOIL, reiterated that the company is fully committed towards achieving higher growth and specific plans for the same has already been put in place. The company is confident of continuing its growth trend, targeting double digit production growth in FY’24.
Top three manufacturer of Manganese Ore in India
• Manganese Ore India Limited (MOIL)
• Tata Steel Ltd.
• Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Ltd.
Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer of manganese in India. Currently, India is one of the major importers of manganese ore. This article will briefly throw light on the largest producers of manganese in India and the uses of manganese.

Location of Manganese Ores in India
• In Madhya Pradesh, manganese ore is found in Balaghat, Chhindwara and Jhabua districts.
• In Maharashtra, manganese ore is found in Nagpur and Bhandara districts.
• In Odisha, manganese ore is found in Sundargarh, Koraput, and Ganjam districts.

Manganese – Uses
• Manganese is used in rifle barrels, railway tracks, safes, and prison bars.
• Manganese is used in the production of steel.
• Manganese is used in the production of a variety of important alloys and to deoxidise steel and desulfurise.
• Manganese is used in dry-cell batteries.
• Manganese is used as a black-brown pigment in paint.
• Manganese is also used as a catalyst to decolourise glass
• Manganese sulfate is used to make a fungicide and other pesticides

FAQ
Q Which state is the largest producer of manganese in India?
As of 2018-19, Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer of manganese in India.
Q Which country is the largest producer of manganese in the world?
South Africa is the largest producer of manganese in the world.
Q Which is the largest manganese mine in India?
The Balaghat Mines in Madhya Pradesh is the largest manganese ore mine in India. It is also the deepest manganese ore mine in Asia.
Q Where is manganese found in India?
Manganese ore is found in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, etc.
Q Which state is the largest producer of uranium in India?
Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of uranium in India. One of the largest uranium reserves in the world is found in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.

Open Cast and Underground Mines
Open-cast mines(also known as open-pit mines) are surface mining operations that extract minerals from a large open pit in the ground. The overburden (the rock and soil that lies above the mineral deposit) is removed to expose the mineral, which is then extracted and transported away. Open-cast mining is typically used for mining large deposits of minerals near the surface, such as coal, iron ore, and copper.

Underground mines are mining operations that extract minerals from underground deposits. Access to the mineral deposit is gained through shafts or tunnels. Miners then work underground to extract the mineral and transport it to the surface. Underground mining is typically used for mining deposits of minerals that are too deep for open-cast mining, or for deposits that are located in environmentally sensitive areas.

Which mining method is used depends on a number of factors, including the type of mineral being mined, the depth of the deposit, and the environmental impact of the operation. Open-cast mining is generally the preferred method where possible, as it is less expensive and safer than underground mining. However, underground mining is necessary for mining deep deposits of minerals or deposits that are located in environmentally sensitive areas.

Deepest Mine in India
The deepest mine in India is the Champion Reef Mine, located in the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in Karnataka. It was operational for over 120 years, from 1880 to 2001, and reached a depth of 3,217 meters (10,558 feet), making it one of the deepest gold mines in the world.
The Champion Reef Mine was known for its high-quality gold and its challenging mining conditions. The mines were very deep and hot, and the miners often had to work in cramped and dangerous conditions. Despite the challenges, the KGF was a major economic engine for India for many years, and the Champion Reef Mine was one of its most important assets.
The mine was closed in 2001 due to a number of factors, including declining gold reserves, high mining costs, and safety concerns. However, the KGF remains an important historical and cultural site, and the Champion Reef Mine is a reminder of India's rich mining heritage.

Environmental Impacts of Mines
Mining can have a significant impact on the environment, both during operation and after closure. Some of the most common environmental implications of mines include:
• Air pollution: Mining operations can release a variety of pollutants into the air, including dust, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide. These pollutants can contribute to climate change, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

• Water pollution: Mining operations can also pollute water resources, both surface water and groundwater. This can happen through accidental spills, leaks from waste disposal sites, and the release of wastewater from mining processes. Water pollution can harm aquatic life and make water unsafe for human consumption.

• Land degradation: Mining operations can cause significant land degradation, including deforestation, erosion, and soil contamination. This can reduce the productivity of land and make it difficult to restore for other uses after mining has ceased.

• Loss of biodiversity: Mining operations can also fragment habitats and displace wildlife, leading to a loss of biodiversity. This can be especially problematic in areas with unique or sensitive ecosystems.
In addition to these environmental impacts, mining operations can also have social and economic impacts on local communities. For example, mining can lead to noise and dust pollution, increased traffic, and a decline in water quality. It can also disrupt traditional livelihoods and displace people from their homes.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the environmental impact of mining, such as:
• Using best practices for mining and processing: There are a number of best practices that can be used to reduce the environmental impact of mining, such as using water-efficient methods and minimizing the use of chemicals.
• Reclaiming mined land: Mined land can be reclaimed for other uses, such as agriculture, forestry, or recreation. This can help to mitigate the long-term environmental impacts of mining.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Mining operations can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by using renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency.
• Engaging with local communities: Mining companies should engage with local communities early in the planning process and work to minimize the negative impacts of mining on the community.
It is important to weigh the economic benefits of mining against the environmental and social costs. By taking steps to reduce its environmental impact, mining can be a more sustainable industry.

Various Challenges in Mining for workers
Mining is a physically demanding and hazardous occupation. Workers face a number of challenges, including:
• Health and safety risks: Miners are exposed to a variety of health and safety risks, including dust, noise, vibration, chemicals, and heavy machinery. These risks can lead to respiratory problems, hearing loss, musculoskeletal injuries, and other health problems.
• Long hours and irregular shifts: Miners often work long hours in irregular shifts. This can be physically and mentally demanding, and can make it difficult to maintain a work-life balance.
• Remote locations: Many mines are located in remote areas. This can make it difficult for workers to access essential services, such as healthcare and education. It can also make it difficult for workers to maintain close relationships with their families and friends.
• Low wages and poor working conditions: Miners in some parts of the world are paid low wages and work in poor conditions. This can lead to poverty, exploitation, and abuse.
In addition to these general challenges, miners also face a number of specific challenges, depending on the type of mine they work in. For example, underground miners are exposed to additional risks, such as cave-ins and explosions. Open-pit miners are exposed to extreme weather conditions and dust.

Personal protective equipment for mining
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for miners to protect themselves from the hazards of the mining environment. PPE can help to prevent injuries and illnesses from dust, noise, vibration, chemicals, and heavy machinery.Some of the most common types of PPE used in mining include:
• Hard hats: Hard hats protect the head from falling objects and bumps
• Safety glasses or goggles: Safety glasses or goggles protect the eyes from dust, flying debris, and chemicals.
• Earplugs or earmuffs: Earplugs or earmuffs protect the hearing from loud noise.
• Respirators: Respirators protect the lungs from dust, fumes, and gases
• Steel-toe boots: Steel-toe boots protect the feet from crushing injuries.
• Gloves: Gloves protect the hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemicals.
• High-visibility clothing: High-visibility clothing helps miners to be seen by other workers and vehicles

Brown field and Greenfield projects
Brownfield projects are those that take place on previously developed land. This can include former industrial or commercial sites, abandoned mines, or urban areas that are undergoing redevelopment. Brownfield projects can be challenging because they often require remediation to clean up contamination and make the land safe for reuse. However, brownfield projects can also offer a number of advantages, such as existing infrastructure, access to transportation and markets, and the potential to revitalize communities.
Greenfield projects are those that take place on undeveloped land. Greenfield projects are often easier to develop than brownfield projects because they do not require remediation. However, greenfield projects can also be more expensive and time-consuming to develop, as they often require the construction of new infrastructure. Greenfield projects can also have a greater environmental impact, as they can lead to the loss of forests and other natural habitats.

Examples of brownfield projects:
• The redevelopment of a former industrial site into a mixed-use development with residential, commercial, and office space
• The conversion of an abandoned mine into a tourist attraction
• The revitalization of an urban neighborhood with new housing, retail, and community spaces

Examples of greenfield projects:
• The construction of a new highway on undeveloped land
• The development of a new suburban community with residential and commercial space
• The construction of a new solar farm on agricultural land
The decision of whether to pursue a brownfield or greenfield project depends on a number of factors, including the specific requirements of the project, the availability of land, and the environmental and social impacts.

Types of furnaces used
There are many different types of furnaces used in industry, each with its own specific purpose and design. Some of the most common types of furnaces include:
• Blast furnaces: Blast furnaces are used to smelt iron ore into pig iron. They are typically very large and tall, with a height of 30 to 100 meters and a diameter of 6 to 10 meters. Blast furnaces operate at very high temperatures, up to 1,500 degrees Celsius.
• Cupola furnaces: Cupola furnaces are used to melt cast iron and other metals. They are typically shorter and wider than blast furnaces, with a height of 5 to 10 meters and a diameter of 1 to 2 meters. Cupola furnaces operate at temperatures ranging from 1,200 to 1,400 degrees Celsius.
• Electric arc furnaces (EAFs): EAFs are used to melt scrap metal. They use an electric arc to generate heat, which melts the scrap metal. EAFs are typically smaller than blast furnaces and cupola furnaces, with a height of 3 to 5 meters and a diameter of 1 to 2 meters. EAFs can melt a wide variety of metals, including steel, iron, and aluminum.
• Induction furnaces: Induction furnaces use an electromagnetic field to heat and melt metal. They are typically used to melt small quantities of metal, such as jewelry or medical implants. Induction furnaces are very efficient and can produce very high-quality metal.
• Crucible furnaces: Crucible furnaces are used to melt metals with low melting points, such as aluminum and brass. They use a crucible, which is a pot made of a high-melting-point material, to hold the molten metal. Crucible furnaces are typically small and portable.

Blast furnace
A blast furnace is a type of metallurgical furnace used to smelt iron ore into pig iron. It is a tall, vertical furnace with a refractory brick lining. The blast furnace is charged with iron ore, coke (a type of coal), and limestone. A blast of hot air is blown into the furnace through tuyeres, which are pipes located at the bottom of the furnace. The hot air reacts with the coke to produce carbon monoxide, which reduces the iron ore to pig iron. The limestone reacts with impurities in the iron ore to form slag, which floats to the top of the molten iron and is removed.

Applications of Manganese
Manganese is a versatile element with a wide range of applications. Here are some of its most common applications:
• Steel making: Manganese is an essential alloying element in steel. It improves the strength, toughness, and hardenability of steel. Manganese is also used to desulfurize steel, which improves its machinability.
• Aluminum alloys: Manganese is also used as an alloying element in aluminum. It improves the strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys. Manganese is also used to deoxidize aluminum, which improves its castability.
• Other metal alloys: Manganese is also used as an alloying element in other metals, such as copper, nickel, and magnesium. It improves the strength, toughness, and wear resistance of these metals.
• Dry cell batteries: Manganese dioxide is used as a cathode material in dry cell batteries.
• Pigments: Manganese compounds are used as pigments in paints, ceramics, and plastics.
• Fertilizers: Manganese sulfate is used as a fertilizer for crops that require manganese, such as soybeans, peanuts, and potatoes.
• Catalysts: Manganese compounds are used as catalysts in a variety of chemical reactions.
• Water treatment: Manganese compounds are used to remove iron and other impurities from water.
• Medicine: Manganese is an essential trace element for humans. It is involved in a number of metabolic processes, including energy production and bone formation.

Dry cell battery
A dry cell battery is a type of primary battery that uses a paste electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte. This makes dry cell batteries less likely to leak and easier to transport than wet cell batteries. Dry cell batteries are commonly used in flashlights, radios, and other portable devices.
• The most common type of dry cell battery is the zinc-carbon battery, which has a voltage of 1.5 volts. Zinc-carbon batteries are relatively inexpensive and have a good shelf life, but they do not have a high capacity.
• Another common type of dry cell battery is the alkaline battery, which also has a voltage of 1.5 volts. Alkaline batteries have a higher capacity than zinc-carbon batteries and last longer, but they are more expensive.
• Dry cell batteries work by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. The chemical reaction that takes place inside a dry cell battery is as follows:

Zn + 2MnO₂ + 2NH₄Cl → ZnCl₂ + 2NH3 + Mn₂O₃
• In this reaction, the zinc anode is oxidized and the manganese dioxide cathode is reduced. This reaction produces electrons, which flow through the external circuit and power the device.
• Dry cell batteries are eventually depleted when all of the zinc anode has been oxidized or all of the manganese dioxide cathode has been reduced. Once a dry cell battery is depleted, it cannot be recharged.
• Dry cell batteries are a convenient and reliable source of power for many portable devices. They are relatively inexpensive and have a good shelf life. However, dry cell batteries do not have a high capacity and cannot be recharged.

Why you to want to join MOIL?

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to join MOIL company:

• MOIL is a leading producer of manganese ore in India. Manganese ore is an essential raw material for the steel industry, and MOIL plays a key role in meeting the country's demand for manganese ore.
• MOIL is a public sector company with a strong track record of profitability. MOIL has been profitable for over 50 years, and it has a good reputation for corporate governance and social responsibility.
• MOIL offers competitive salaries and benefits to its employees. MOIL employees enjoy a wide range of benefits, including health insurance, pension plans, and paid time off.
• MOIL provides opportunities for professional development and growth. MOIL invests in training and development programs for its employees, and it offers opportunities for advancement within the company.
• MOIL has a strong commitment to safety and sustainability. MOIL is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its employees, and it is also committed to minimizing its environmental impact.
• You are interested in working in a particular location, and MOIL has operations in various parts of India.
• You are interested in working on a particular project, and MOIL is involved in a variety of projects, including exploration, mining, processing, and reclamation.