Explanation:

• Manganese is not found as a free element in nature.
• It is often found in combination with iron.
• The most important manganese ore is pyrolusite.
• Manganese is primarily used in iron and steel industry.
• India processes second largest reserves in the world after Zimbabwe; 430 million tonnes
• India is the world’s fifth largest producer after China, Gabon, South Africa and Australia.
• Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are the major manganese ore producing states.