The Mining of Manganese in South Africa 2023

Introduction

The South African manganese mining industry’s output, exports and employment have grown in recent years. The country was the world’s largest manganese ore producer and it had the largest reserves in 2021. It is the largest exporter of manganese ore, accounting for more than 50% of global exports in US dollar terms. The consumption of manganese in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries for battery electric vehicles is increasing. The industry faces challenges such as poor economic growth, high input costs and inadequate rail and port capacity for exports.

Opportunities

The consumption of manganese in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries for battery electric vehicles is increasing.

Transnet is increasing port and rail capacity for the export of manganese ore.

Outlook

Global crude steel output is forecast to rise in 2023 and 2024 after dropping in 2022. Demand for manganese ore is expected to increase in line with rising steel output, at least over the next two years. The use of manganese in batteries is expected to surge in the long term due to rising electric vehicle production and higher amounts of manganese used per battery.

South African production is expected to grow strongly, as it will account for about 50% of the world’s additional manganese ore output over the next decade. There are opportunities for acquisitions and joint ventures among local producers as some shallow reserves get depleted and some producers may not be able to finance underground mines.

Report Coverage

This report on the mining of manganese in South Africa includes information on the size and state of the industry, notable players, volumes produced and exported, employment, technology and environmental and other influencing factors.

There are profiles of 12 companies including Assmang, Afrimat, Hotazel, Tshipi e Ntle, Kalagadi and Mokala.

Strengths

Some of the largest mining companies in the country are active in the industry.

South Africa has the world’s largest manganese reserves, at 42.9% of the total in 2021. South Africa is the world’s largest producer and exporter of manganese ore. South Africa’s largest manganese mines have long lives.

Threats

Inadequate rail and port capacity for manganese ore exports.

Increasing input costs, in particular electricity, water, diesel, logistics and labour costs.

Weaknesses

Demand for manganese ore is heavily reliant on demand for crude steel, which is largely determined by economic conditions. Shortage of skills in certain disciplines.