The first manganese ore mining in the State dates back to 1924 and this was in Thakurani. The deposit is being presently worked by OMDC. There are now 36 leases for manganese ore and another 61 for iron and manganese ore. Of these, 26 and 52 leases are in operation.
The State currently produces around 6,50,000 tonnes of manganese ore with low grade (35% Mn) constituting about 75% of the total production. Major producers are