Reviewing the performance of the PSU Manganese Ore (India) Limited, MOIL, Union Minister of Steel Beni Prasad Verma on Wednesday directed the company to increase production of manganese ore to cater to the growing needs of steel industry. The Minister also advised MOIL to look for acquisition of mines abroad to increase both production and turnover.

An official press release says, during the first half of the year 2012-13, the production of manganese ore increased by 3.69 per cent over the corresponding period in the previous year. Sales Turnover of the company increased by 3.27 per cent over the corresponding period last year.

AIR correspondent adds, MOIL is the largest producer of manganese ore in India. The company mines about 1.2 million tonnes annually, which is about 50 per cent of the India's production.