Tata Steel Strengthens Lloyds JV for Odisha Manganese Mine

has deepened its collaboration with Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd by appointing Brahmani River Pellets Ltd (BRPL), a joint venture between the two, to develop and operate the Joda West manganese mine in Odisha. Ownership Structure: BRPL is fully owned by Thriveni Pellets Pvt. Ltd, where Tata Steel holds a 50.01% stake and Lloyds Metals owns the remainder. This arrangement strengthens Tata Steel’s control while leveraging Lloyds’ mining expertise. Resource Capacity & Leases: Tata Steel’s manganese ore capacity stands at approximately 300,000 tonnes annually across its Tiringpahar, Bamebari, Joda West, and Khondbond mines. These leases are valid until 2030, ensuring medium‑term resource security. Operational Model: The company is pursuing a hybrid approach—combining in‑house mining with the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO) model—to optimize capital expenditure and operational efficiency. BRPL’s performance at Joda West could determine its role in other Tata Steel mines. Manganese in Steelmaking: Manganese is critical for enhancing steel’s strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Roughly 15 kg of manganese is required per tonne of steel, making secure access to this raw material vital for Tata Steel’s production strategy. Future Growth Plans: Beyond manganese, Tata Steel and Lloyds Metals are exploring a greenfield steel plant in Maharashtra with a planned capacity of 6 million tonnes annually, to be developed in two phases. This project would expand Tata Steel’s footprint in the state and integrate mining, iron ore processing, and steelmaking capabilities.