Manganese Mining Market - Global Forecast 2025-2030

The Manganese Mining Market size was estimated at USD 33.41 billion in 2024 and expected to reach USD 37.62 billion in 2025, at a CAGR 12.24% to reach USD 66.84 billion by 2030.

Manganese is an essential element for modern industrial societies, serving as both a purifying agent in iron-ore refining and a critical alloying component that converts iron into steel. Although only 6 to 9 kilograms of manganese are consumed per ton of steel produced, no substitute can replicate its role in improving strength, durability, and resilience. Beyond steelmaking, manganese electrolytic compounds have become indispensable in battery cathode chemistries, enhancing energy density and thermal stability in lithium-ion systems.

Land-based manganese resources are abundant yet geographically concentrated, with South Africa and Brazil together accounting for nearly 60 percent of global reserves. In contrast, United States onshore deposits are low grade and challenging to extract economically, and domestic ore containing more than 20 percent manganese has not been produced since 1970. However, the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone holds significant ferromanganese nodules and crusts offshore, presenting potential future opportunities should processing technologies advance sufficiently.

Given its strategic importance, manganese was designated a critical mineral by the U.S. Geological Survey under the Energy Act of 2020. Recent executive directives have highlighted vulnerabilities in imported processed mineral supply chains, leading to investigations under Section 232 to assess national security risks from reliance on foreign manganese salts, oxides, and alloys. This executive summary synthesizes the key forces reshaping manganese mining, from policy shifts and technological innovation to evolving global demand dynamics.

The manganese mining sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by decarbonization imperatives across the broader minerals industry. Leading companies are adopting clean energy solutions to reduce carbon footprints, with initiatives such as renewable energy integration and battery-powered haulage that align with the goals of net-zero emissions by 2030. Solar arrays paired with large-scale battery systems are displacing diesel generators at remote mine sites, while electric vehicle fleets are being tested to decarbonize hauling operations, demonstrating that environmental stewardship and cost efficiency can advance in tandem.

Concurrently, the integration of advanced digital technologies is redefining operational efficiency and safety in manganese extraction. Autonomous haul trucks navigate mine roadways using AI-driven route optimization to reduce cycle times, while drones equipped with multispectral sensors deliver real-time geological and environmental data for precise mapping. Digital twins-virtual replicas of processing plants and extraction sites-facilitate scenario modeling and predictive maintenance, enabling operators to anticipate equipment failures, optimize resource allocation, and minimize downtime. These technological shifts are not simply incremental improvements but represent a fundamental reimagining of how manganese resources are discovered, extracted, and processed.

On April 15, 2025, the U.S. administration directed the Commerce Department to initiate a Section 232 investigation into imports of processed critical minerals, including manganese oxides, salts, and derivative alloys. The inquiry is assessing the extent to which reliance on foreign processing capacity for these materials poses a national security risk and is evaluating potential trade remedies such as tariffs or import restrictions on manganese dioxide products used in battery manufacturing and specialty chemicals. Stakeholders anticipate the Commerce Department’s findings by late 2025, which could reshape import rules and incentivize domestic processing expansion.

Earlier in the year, measures aimed at bolstering domestic industrial resilience included the restoration and escalation of Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum. In February 2025, the full 25 percent tariff was reinstated on all steel and aluminum imports, closing previous exemptions and loopholes. Then in June, tariffs on these metals were raised to 50 percent, with the increased rate applied to the metal content of derivative products. While these policies do not directly target manganese ore or ferroalloys, they influence the cost structure of the steel sector-manganese’s largest end market-thereby affecting global manganese demand and price dynamics.

However, the evolving tariff framework has faced judicial scrutiny. In late May 2025, the United States Court of International Trade issued an injunction against portions of the recently expanded emergency tariffs, ruling that certain proclamations exceeded executive authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This legal development has injected uncertainty into trade policy, compelling mining and processing firms to adapt supply contracts and risk management strategies as the final scope of tariff measures remains in flux.

Within the manganese market, products are distinguished between ferroalloys and raw ore, each encompassing specialized subsegments that cater to discrete industrial requirements. Ferroalloys include formulations such as electrolytic manganese dioxide, which is critical for advanced battery cathodes, as well as high carbon and medium carbon ferromanganese grades used to enhance steel strength and workability. Silico manganese, blending manganese with silicon, addresses specific metallurgical processes where combined elemental properties yield performance advantages. On the ore side, high-grade deposits suitable for direct smelting coexist with lower-grade ores that require beneficiation to upgrade manganese content, resulting in a spectrum of feedstocks that mining companies tailor to targeted downstream applications ranging from automotive batteries to water treatment chemicals.

Distribution pathways shape how manganese materials reach end users, encompassing direct sales agreements with integrated steel or battery manufacturers, partnerships through established distributors navigating complex global logistics, and the emergence of online trading platforms that enable transparent pricing and smaller transaction volumes. Differentiation by purity levels-high purity for battery and specialty chemical applications, metallurgical grade for steelmaking, and technical grade for industrial additives-drives processing intensity and price differentials. Processing methodologies bifurcate into dry processes, which rely on gravity separation and milling techniques, and wet processes, employing leaching and chemical precipitation to produce manganese salts and oxides. These extraction and processing choices further reflect the nature of the mine, with open-pit operations favored for accessible near-surface ore bodies, while underground developments target deeper, structurally complex deposits, each presenting distinct economic, safety, and environmental considerations.

In the Americas, manganese supply dynamics are shaped by the absence of significant domestic ore production onshore in the United States and Canada, driving reliance on imports from South American sources such as Brazil. Brazil’s extensive high-grade deposits have historically supplied U.S. steel mills, while Canadian ferroalloy capacities support North American alloy diversity. Emerging critical minerals projects in the U.S. Gulf Coast and offshore nodules are under evaluation as policymakers incentivize domestic processing capacity to mitigate supply chain vulnerabilities and strengthen economic resilience.

Across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the landscape is defined by Africa’s dominance in ore output and Europe’s growing processing capacity. South Africa’s Kalahari Basin stands as the largest single source of manganese ore globally, while Gabon’s Moanda operations rank among the highest-grade suppliers to international markets. European ferroalloy smelters leverage African feedstocks to produce high-carbon and silico manganese alloys, with regional trade agreements facilitating smooth flows. North African nations are exploring deeper participation by developing processing facilities to capture additional value chain segments.

The Asia-Pacific region commands a substantial share of manganese processing and end-user consumption. Australia’s South32 operations rank among the world’s leading ore producers, though recent maintenance-induced shutdowns highlight operational sensitivities. Malaysia has emerged as a ferroalloy hub, supplying silico manganese and ferromanganese alloys to East Asian steel producers. Simultaneously, battery-grade manganese sulfate facilities are under development across Asia to meet burgeoning electric vehicle demand, reflecting a strategic shift toward integrated supply chains that link ore extraction to cathode precursor manufacturing.

South32, the global leader in manganese ore production, reported a sharp decline in third-quarter 2025 output due to scheduled maintenance at its South African mines and a preemptive pause at its Australian facilities ahead of the wet season. The group’s South Africa Manganese joint venture, operating the open-pit Mamatwan and underground Wessels mines, has faced logistical challenges that underscore the interplay between seasonal conditions and mining continuity. Despite these setbacks, South32’s diversified portfolio and substantial resource base reinforce its strategic positioning in the global manganese supply chain.

France’s Eramet, through its Comilog subsidiary, operates the Moanda mine in Gabon, known for its high-grade manganese ore. In late 2024, Eramet cut its production targets and temporarily suspended operations for market rebalancing, reflecting sensitivity to fluctuations in Chinese steel output and global ore supply. Comilog’s strategic adjustments illustrate the responsiveness required to navigate transient market oversupply and regulatory permit constraints in key jurisdictions.

In Botswana, Giyani Metals received the nation’s first mining license for the Kgwakwe Hill project, marking the country’s entry into high-purity manganese sulfate production essential for battery cathode precursors. This development diversifies global sourcing away from traditional hubs and introduces new competition in the battery-grade segment, bolstered by forward-looking offtake agreements and demonstration plant validation in South Africa to secure international market acceptance.

Among smaller yet strategically important players, OM Holdings operates a ferrosilicon and manganese alloy smelter in Malaysia that supplies a significant share of the U.S. and East Asian markets, while Jupiter Mines’ Tshipi Borwa mine in South Africa stands as one of the largest single manganese ore producers under joint venture ownership. The activity of these firms highlights the breadth of the competitive landscape, where global heavyweights, agile mid-tier operators, and emerging regional entrants each pursue specialized niches across the value chain.

To navigate evolving trade policies and strengthen resilience, industry leaders should proactively engage with policymakers and participate in public comment periods on Section 232 investigations, ensuring that the unique characteristics of manganese derivatives are accurately represented. Collaborative forums involving producers, processors, and end users can drive balanced trade measures that protect domestic interests without curtailing essential supply channels. Further, cultivating strategic partnerships with downstream battery and steel manufacturers will enable coordinated forecasting and inventory management that buffers against abrupt policy shifts.

Investment in domestic processing infrastructure is critical to reduce foreign dependency on manganese salts and oxides. By leveraging existing refining assets in the Gulf Coast and Midwest, stakeholders can repurpose capacity to produce value-added derivatives, thereby capturing incremental margin. Concurrently, securing financing and offtake commitments for new processing facilities-particularly for electrolytic manganese dioxide and manganese sulfate-will align capacity expansion with projected demand from battery and chemical sectors.

Incorporating decarbonization strategies into project planning not only addresses regulatory and ESG imperatives but also enhances cost competitiveness. Early adoption of renewable energy microgrids, electrified haul fleets, and energy storage integration can reduce operating expenses and position companies favorably with investors seeking low-carbon portfolios. Furthermore, digital transformation initiatives-spanning predictive maintenance, autonomous operations, and supply chain analytics-should be prioritized to improve asset utilization and mitigate operational risks.

Finally, firms should diversify sourcing by exploring nontraditional deposits and emerging jurisdictions such as offshore nodules and deeper Australian reserves. Engaging in joint ventures and local partnerships can accelerate development timelines and broaden supply options. A comprehensive risk management framework that includes scenario planning for geopolitical, environmental, and market variables will enable more agile decision-making in an increasingly dynamic manganese landscape.

This analysis integrates both primary and secondary research methodologies to ensure comprehensive coverage of the manganese mining ecosystem. Primary research included interviews with industry executives, processing plant managers, and regulatory authorities to capture firsthand insights into operational challenges, policy impacts, and investment priorities. Site visits to key mining operations and processing facilities provided observational data on production techniques, sustainability practices, and technology adoption.

Secondary research involved systematic review of public sources such as government reports, trade data, company disclosures, and peer-reviewed journals. Data from the U.S. Geological Survey, White House policy announcements, and leading news organizations were cross-referenced to validate emerging trends and quantify resource distributions. Industry publications and technical papers guided the understanding of processing technologies and environmental best practices.

Quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated through comparative analysis and expert validation workshops, ensuring that findings reflect both macro trends and project-level dynamics. Geospatial information systems (GIS) and statistical software were employed to map resource locations, analyze production flows, and model trade scenarios. Ethical considerations and data confidentiality were maintained throughout the research process, adhering to best practices in market intelligence gathering.

Manganese mining occupies a pivotal junction in global supply chains, underpinning steel production, battery innovation, and critical industrial processes. The sector faces significant transformation driven by policy interventions, technological advancements, and the imperative to decarbonize. Tariff investigations and legal developments in the United States have introduced new complexities that require strategic engagement and adaptive procurement strategies.

Emerging market segments, particularly in battery-grade manganese derivatives, present promising growth avenues, while technological innovations in automation, digital twins, and renewable energy integration offer pathways to operational excellence and sustainability. Geographic diversification and value-added processing capabilities are essential to mitigate supply risks and capture incremental value.

As demand for manganese continues to intersect with energy transition goals and national security priorities, stakeholders must balance near-term market fluidity with long-term investments in domestic capacity and supply chain resilience. By leveraging integrated insights from this analysis, industry participants can navigate evolving landscapes and position themselves for sustained competitiveness in the global manganese arena.

To acquire comprehensive insights, tailored analysis, and strategic guidance on the manganese mining sector, reach out to Ketan Rohom, Associate Director of Sales & Marketing. Drawing on deep industry expertise and a robust research framework, Ketan can provide you with a detailed market research report designed to empower your organization with actionable intelligence. Engage today to unlock opportunities, optimize supply chains, and fortify your competitive positioning in a rapidly evolving manganese landscape.