Correct Option: D

The metallic manganese on earth is rated as the 12th most abundant element in the lithosphere, estimated around 28.46 ×1018 tonnes or so i.e., 0.1087% by proportion of weight. Thus it almost becomes a scarce one, so far as its deposits are concerned. Industrially manganese metal is a vital component of steel and its major use is for the metallurgical purpose. The 96% of global production of manganese today is from barely 7 countries viz. CIS, RSA, Brazil, Gabon, Australia, China and India in decreasing order of tonnages raised annually. Orissa occupies second place in terms of reserves and first place in respect of manganese production in the country. In Orissa bulk of the manganese ore production comes from Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Koraput. Kalahandi and Bolangir districts, where it is associated with quartzite, garnet and schist.