In the world of mining, the spotlight has turned to manganese, a mineral with potential that is yet to be fully exploited. Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad admitted to having no immediate plan for the mineral in the midst of a group restructure, but South32, the joint venture partner in the manganese assets, sees opportunity where others do not.
Located in the Northern Cape near Hotazel, South Africa’s manganese mines are part of a vast resource that holds immense potential. With some of the world’s largest manganese mines right on its doorstep, South Africa is poised to capitalize on the increasing demand for high-purity manganese sulphate, a key component in lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries.
The race is on to secure a slice of the EV battery market, with demand expected to grow tenfold by 2030. As the US looks to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers, South Africa’s manganese producers are gearing up to meet the challenge and tap into a lucrative market.
While the road ahead is filled with uncertainties, including changing consumer preferences and evolving battery technologies, one thing is clear: the time to invest in high-purity manganese is now. With prices for manganese in carbon steel on the rise and global supply expected to tighten in the coming years, the opportunities for growth in the manganese market are immense.
As companies like MMC and Giyani Metals gear up to enter the high-purity manganese market, all eyes are on South Africa as it looks to secure its position as a key player in the EV battery supply chain. The future of manganese looks bright, and the potential for growth in this sector is limitless.
