Mining & Processing

How Manganese Is Mined and Processed

Manganese (Mn) is a battery metal with global annual production of approximately 20 million tonnes (ore), primarily from South Africa and Gabon. Typical ore grades range from 30-50% Mn.

Mining Methods

Manganese is extracted through the following methods, selected based on deposit type and geology:

• Open-pit mining
• Underground mining

Ore Types and Mineralogy

The principal ore types and mineral sources for Manganese include:

• Pyrolusite - MnO2
• Braunite
• Psilomelane
• Rhodochrosite

Processing and Beneficiation

Following extraction, Manganese ore undergoes the following processing stages:

1. Smelting (silicomanganese, ferromanganese)
2. Electrolytic manganese metal (EMM)
3. High-purity manganese sulfate (HPMSM) production

Major Mines and Production Centers

The following are key Manganese mining and processing operations worldwide:

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

Mining and processing of Manganese must comply with environmental regulations governing water use, tailings management, emissions, and land rehabilitation. Increasingly stringent environmental standards are raising production costs but also driving innovation in cleaner extraction technologies. The social license to operate and community engagement have become critical factors in project development, particularly in South Africa where 37% of global production is concentrated.