India can emerge as global ferro-alloys hub as steel capacity expands: IFAPA
India’s push towards 300 million tonnes of steel capacity is expected to drive demand for ferro-alloys, while the industry seeks secure mineral supplies, lower power costs and competitive input prices.
Manish Sarda, Chairman, IFAPA at the 6th International Ferro Alloys Conference (IFAC 2026) in Goa on Tuesday.
GOA: India’s expanding steel industry is creating new opportunities for the domestic ferro-alloys sector, with the Indian Ferro Alloy Producers’ Association (IFAPA) calling for stronger raw-material security and competitive input costs to help the country strengthen its position in global markets.
The industry’s outlook was discussed at the 6th International Ferro Alloys Conference (IFAC 2026) in Goa, organised by IFAPA under the theme “Fueling India’s Steel Surge: The Rising Importance of Ferro Alloys”.
India produced around 165 million tonnes of crude steel in calendar year 2025, registering growth of more than 10% year-on-year. Steel demand is expected to grow at around 7% annually, while the country is targeting about 300 million tonnes of steelmaking capacity by FY31.
The expansion is expected to increase demand for manganese, chromium, silicon and other alloying materials used in steel production.
Industry seeks raw-material security
IFAPA Chairman Manish Sarda said securing indigenous sources of critical raw materials should be a priority for the ferro-alloys industry.
He called for faster exploration and development of domestic manganese, chrome and other critical mineral resources, arguing that mine auction frameworks should encourage actual production rather than simply focus on the highest bids.
Sarda also highlighted the need for commercially viable access to domestic mineral resources to reduce import dependence and strengthen the self-reliance of the ferro-alloys industry.
IFAPA further called for zero import duties on manganese ore and raw materials required for noble alloys where suitable domestic grades are unavailable. The association also sought competitive electricity costs and rationalisation of electricity-related charges and levies for energy-intensive ferro-alloy producers.
Rising steel use expands opportunity
India’s per-capita steel consumption has increased from around 24 kg in 1991 to about 109 kg in 2025, crossing the 100-kg mark as the country enters another phase of steel demand growth.
Ferro alloys combine iron with elements such as manganese, chromium and silicon to impart properties including strength, hardness and corrosion resistance to steel. They are used in steel applications across infrastructure, automobiles, railways, defence and specialised industries.
According to BigMint data cited by IFAPA, silico-manganese production increased from around 1.9 million tonnes in FY20 to nearly 3.5 million tonnes in FY26. Ferro-manganese production rose from around 0.9 million tonnes to about 1.7 million tonnes during the same period.
India was also the world’s leading exporter of manganese alloys in 2025, according to the data cited by the association. IFAPA said the combination of a growing domestic market and an established export base provides Indian producers an opportunity to expand their role in global supply chains.
Imports highlight mineral challenge
Raw-material availability remains a key concern for the industry. India’s manganese ore imports increased 27% year-on-year to 4.03 million tonnes during the first half of 2026.
At the same time, domestic chrome ore production increased 12% to 3.53 million tonnes in FY2025-26, while ferro-chrome production rose 10% to 1.49 million tonnes.
The figures highlight both the continuing requirement for imported mineral resources and the scope for increasing domestic processing and value addition.
Global industry gathers in Goa
IFAC 2026 has brought together more than 700 participants, 35 speakers and over 15 knowledge sessions covering manganese security, steel and alloy demand, global trade, ferro-chrome and ferro-silicon, energy efficiency and critical minerals.
The conference features industry leaders and representatives from organisations including Sarda Group, MOIL, JSW Steel, MFA, Shyam Metalics, Eramet, The Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited (SMIORE), SAIL, Sumitomo Metal Mining, Nava Limited, Hira Group of Industries and the International Manganese Institute.
