World Manganese Mining: Production, Reserves, and Key Players
Manganese is a critical mineral used primarily in the steel industry, where it serves as a key alloying agent to improve strength, workability, and resistance to wear. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), global manganese production in 2023 was approximately 64 million metric tons of manganese content in mined ore, a figure that has remained relatively stable over the past decade with modest year-on-year fluctuations.
The largest producer of manganese in 2023 was South Africa, which accounted for about 37% of global output—approximately 23.7 million metric tons—making it the dominant player in the industry. South Africa’s vast Kalahari Manganese Field, located in the Northern Cape Province, is recognized as the world’s largest manganese resource, hosting a significant portion of global reserves..jpg)
Australia ranked second, producing around 9.4 million metric tons in 2023, supported by large-scale operations such as the Groote Eylandt mine operated by South32. This mine is one of the highest-grade manganese deposits globally, with ore grades exceeding 45% manganese.
Gabon, a long-standing producer in Central Africa, contributed about 6.9 million metric tons in 2023. The country’s Moanda mine, operated by Compagnie minière de l’Ogooué (COMILOG), is a major source of high-grade manganese, much of which is exported to Europe and Asia.
Ghana and China followed, each producing approximately 4 to 5 million metric tons annually. Ghana’s production has grown steadily due to investments in infrastructure and mining operations by companies such as Ghana Manganese Company. In contrast, China’s output has seen limited growth due to declining ore grades and environmental regulations, despite being the world’s largest consumer of manganese for its steel and battery industries.
Global manganese reserves are estimated at around 1.1 billion metric tons, according to the USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries (2024). South Africa holds the largest share, with approximately 480 million metric tons, followed by Ukraine (140 million), Australia (130 million), Gabon (120 million), and Brazil (44 million).
Manganese mining typically involves open-pit methods due to the near-surface occurrence of most deposits. Processing includes crushing, washing, and screening to produce metallurgical-grade ore, with a growing trend toward beneficiation and ferromanganese alloy production closer to mine sites to add value before export..jpg)
Environmental and social considerations have increasingly shaped manganese mining practices. Dust control, land rehabilitation, and water management are critical in open-pit operations. In Gabon and South Africa, mining companies are under pressure to minimize ecological impact and support local communities through employment and infrastructure development.
Demand for manganese is expected to grow, driven not only by steel production but also by its use in lithium-ion batteries, particularly in lithium-manganese oxide (LMO) and nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistries used in electric vehicles. However, manganese’s role in batteries remains secondary compared to lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
Recycling of manganese from steel slag and end-of-life batteries is limited but gaining attention as a potential supplementary source. Nonetheless, primary mining remains the dominant supply route.
In summary, world manganese mining is concentrated in a few key countries, with South Africa, Australia, and Gabon leading production. The industry supports global steel manufacturing and is cautiously expanding into new applications in energy storage. Sustainable practices and resource efficiency will be crucial as demand evolves in the coming decades.
—
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries (January 2024)
Additional data from industry reports by CRU Group, International Manganese Institute (IMnI), and company disclosures (South32, Eramet).