Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Manganese

Manganese (Mn) is a high-criticality battery metal with annual global production of approximately 20 million tonnes (ore). Manganese is essential in steelmaking, where it acts as a deoxidizer and alloying element, with virtually all steel containing manganese. It is increasingly important in lithium-ion battery cathode chemistries, particularly manganese-rich NMC formulations for electric vehicles. South Africa holds the world's largest reserves, while supply chain concentration in processing remains a concern.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Manganese span multiple sectors. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Steel production (ferromanganese) - Key alternatives include No substitute. Manganese is essential in virtually all steel production for deoxidation and sulfur control; there is no alternative element that provides equivalent metallurgical benefits
• Lithium-ion battery cathodes - Manganese is valued in lithium-ion battery cathodes for its unique physical and chemical properties that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Aluminum alloy additive - Manganese is valued in aluminum alloy additive for its unique physical and chemical properties that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Chemical production - Manganese is valued in chemical production for its unique physical and chemical properties that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Dry cell batteries - Manganese is valued in dry cell batteries for its unique physical and chemical properties that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Product Forms and Specifications

Manganese is commercially available in 5 primary product forms, each serving different industrial requirements:

Demand Outlook

Manganese appears on both the USGS Critical Minerals List and the EU Critical Raw Materials List, underscoring its strategic importance across Western economies. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization is expected to place additional pressure on the Manganese supply chain through the end of this decade.