Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Strengthens Leadership with Manoj Kumar Jha

Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited, a prominent diversified commodity producer in India, has strategically reinforced its senior leadership team with the appointment of Manoj Kumar Jha. While Jha previously joined the company on January 14, 2026, as the Chief Risk Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Governance, his extensive background continues to play a pivotal role in the firm’s ongoing corporate restructuring and governance initiatives.

The appointment is part of a broader organizational effort to streamline financial oversight and risk management as the company scales its integrated mining and ferroalloy operations.

Strategic Governance and Leadership Transition

Manoj Kumar Jha, a Chartered Accountant with over three decades of professional experience, brings deep expertise in audit, fund raising, strategic planning, and risk management. His appointment followed a formal transition where the former Chief Risk Officer, Uttam Kumar Bhageria, stepped down from the risk oversight role to focus exclusively on his responsibilities as the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

"The appointment of Manoj Kumar Jha as Senior Vice President - Business Governance positions him as a critical member of the senior management team," officials stated, noting that the move is designed to ensure robust oversight of the company's expanding operations.

Operational Context and Industry Impact

As SMIORE continues to maintain its status as one of India's largest private-sector manganese ore producers, the firm has been actively strengthening its financial and risk-management infrastructure. The company’s recent performance, including a significant 61% year-on-year growth in consolidated revenue reported for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026, highlights the success of its current operational strategy.

Jha’s expertise, garnered from his tenure at major multinational groups such as Tata Africa Holdings SA and Tata International Limited, is expected to provide valuable insights for SMIORE as it navigates complex market cycles and regulatory requirements in the commodity sector.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Executive Role: Manoj Kumar Jha serves as the Chief Risk Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Governance.

• Professional Background: Jha is a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years of experience in audit, risk management, and strategic finance.

• Organizational Structure: The appointment allows current CFO Uttam Kumar Bhageria to focus fully on financial operations, while Jha oversees the firm’s business governance and risk management framework.

• Company Growth: The leadership update aligns with SMIORE’s broader goal of maintaining sustainable growth, following a strong FY26 performance.

FAQ Section

1. Who is Manoj Kumar Jha, and what is his role at Sandur Manganese?

Manoj Kumar Jha is the Chief Risk Officer and Senior Vice President of Business Governance at SMIORE. He joined in January 2026 to lead the company's risk and governance frameworks.

2. Does this appointment change the CFO position?

No. Uttam Kumar Bhageria remains the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited. He previously held both the CFO and Chief Risk Officer roles but stepped down from the risk role to dedicate his focus to financial operations.

3. Why was this leadership change implemented?

The company aimed to strengthen its governance and leadership structure to better manage risks and support its diversified business verticals, which include mining, ferroalloys, and coke production.

Source: Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited (SMIORE) Official Website, ScanX News.