- Business
- The Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited engages primarily in the mining and production of manganese and iron ores, operating through three key segments: Mining, Ferroalloys, and Coke and Energy. The company extracts high-grade manganese ore, used in steel production, batteries, and ceramics, alongside high-quality iron ore utilized in steel, pig iron, and sponge iron manufacturing. It manufactures and sells ferroalloys, including ferromanganese and silicomanganese, as well as coke produced at its Vyasankare plant near Hospet. Additionally, the company operates a 32-megawatt waste heat recovery boiler-based captive power plant and has begun producing solar photovoltaic modules with an annual capacity of 30 MW to diversify its energy portfolio. The company supplies industrial and manufacturing sectors and engages in exports primarily across India, with operations centered in the Ballari District of Karnataka. Founded in 1954, it is headquartered in Bengaluru and is a subsidiary of Skand Private Limited.
Recent major developments include the receipt of final government approval for the diversion of forest land to establish a downhill conveyor pipe system to enhance mining logistics. The company also secured increased maximum permissible annual production allocations for iron and manganese ores, reflecting capacity expansion efforts. In 2025, the National Company Law Tribunal approved the amalgamation of three promoter group companies within its ownership structure to streamline operations. The company continues its focus on sustainable development and safety, winning top safety awards and achieving a five-star environmental performance rating by the Indian Bureau of Mines. It is actively pursuing downstream expansion and diversification into renewable energy solutions alongside its core mining businesses.
The Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited’s extensive reserves include approximately 110-117 million tonnes of iron ore and 15-17 million tonnes of manganese ore, mined from large-scale leases extending through 2033. These reserves enable annual production capacities of around 1 million tonnes of manganese ore and 1.2 million tonnes of iron ore. Its product portfolio also encompasses ferroalloys such as ferromanganese and silicomanganese and petroleum coke. The company’s operations emphasize systematic, mechanized mining processes to efficiently supply its products to steelmakers and other industrial clients. It actively reinvests in technology and infrastructure to enhance production efficiency and environmental compliance.
The company serves domestic and international markets and holds a prominent position among private-sector manganese ore producers in India. It is also involved in hydroelectric power generation as part of its diversified energy segment and has recently expanded into solar panel manufacturing, a first of its kind for the company, with a capacity to produce 30 megawatts annually. This positions Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited as a diversified commodity producer with a strategic focus on sustainability, operational excellence, and stakeholder value.
Founded by the former ruler of the Princely State of Sandur, the company benefits from a long-standing legacy while advancing through modern scientific mining and manufacturing methodologies. The company headquarters are in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Its subsidiary and parent company relationships provide a robust organizational structure supporting its integrated operations in mining, manufacturing, and energy production.