India can strengthen its position as a global ferro-alloys hub as steel industry scales up: IFAPA

India's booming steel industry is unlocking new growth potential for the domestic ferro-alloys sector, positioning the nation for stronger global competitiveness, according to the Indian Ferro Alloy Producers’ Association (IFAPA). At the 6th International Ferro Alloys Conference (IFAC 2026) held in Goa, IFAPA emphasized the importance of securing indigenous sources of critical raw materials like manganese, chromium and silicon to build a self-reliant ferro-alloys industry.

IFAPA highlighted the need for faster exploration and development of domestic mineral resources to reduce import dependence and support the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The conference, themed "Fueling India’s Steel Surge: The Rising Importance of Ferro Alloys," also called for improving input-cost competitiveness through zero duties on essential manganese ore and raw materials where domestic alternatives are unavailable, along with competitive power costs for energy-intensive producers.

India's crude steel production reached 165 million tonnes in 2025, growing more than 10% year-on-year, while steel demand is projected to expand at around 7% annually. This growth, coupled with rising demand for specialized steels, is creating substantial opportunities for manganese, chromium, silicon and other alloying inputs. India aims to reach a steelmaking capacity of 300 million tonnes by FY31, further expanding the demand for ferro-alloys.

With per-capita steel use rising from 24 kg in 1991 to 109 kg in 2025, the next phase of consumption growth could significantly boost the requirement for steel and, consequently, ferro alloys. IFAPA stressed that commercially viable access to domestic mineral resources is crucial for lowering import dependence and establishing a stronger, self-reliant ferro-alloys industry.