MUMBAI, Sept. 14 -- Deepening its partnership with Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd, Tata Steel has tapped Brahmani River Pellets Ltd (BRPL) to develop and operate its manganese mines, according to two people familiar with the matter.

The steelmaker has awarded the Joda West mine in Odisha to BRPL and if it achieves the required operational efficiency, Tata Steel could consider awarding its other mines to the company, one person said, requesting anonymity.

BRPL is fully owned by Thriveni Pellets Pvt. Ltd, in which Tata Steel holds a 50.01% stake. The balance in Thriveni Pellets is held by Lloyds Metals.

Tata Steel has a total manganese ore capacity of about 300,000 tonnes a year across its Tiringpahar, Bamebari, Joda West and Khondbond min...