For nearly five decades, Manganese Metal Company (MMC) has thrived as a key player in the mining industry.
Based in Nelspruit, South Africa, MMC has earned a reputation as the world’s largest producer of selenium-free electrolytic manganese metal (EMM).
Under the leadership of mining luminary Bernard Swanepoel, the company is poised for an exciting new venture in response to the soaring demand in the global battery electric vehicle (BEV) market.
MMC’s storied history has revolved around the acquisition of high-grade manganese fines from Hotazel in South Africa’s Northern Cape, which they skillfully transform into beneficiated manganese products. Now, their focus extends to developing high-purity battery-grade manganese sulfate, positioning themselves to meet the burgeoning demand in the BEV market.
The company is gearing up for the construction of a 5,000-ton-per-year brownfield plant at its existing 28,000-ton-per-year EMM facility.
With commercial sales aimed at catering to the escalating BEV demand expected around 2026/27, MMC envisions a much larger 30,000-ton-per-year greenfield manganese sulfate plant.
This ambitious expansion plan reflects MMC’s commitment to securing a prominent role in the BEV revolution.
Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) senior economist Gaylor Montmasson-Clair, speaking at MMC’s Open Day, praised the company as a “South African industrial jewel” with untapped potential.
He emphasized MMC’s alignment with the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan and the industrialization of renewable energy and battery storage value chains in the country.
In a global landscape where high-purity manganese sulfate projects are rapidly emerging, MMC aims to provide both metal and high-purity sulfate for battery production.
Yet, the challenge lies in pricing, as the reference price for non-China supply remains uncertain. MMC seeks to establish a competitive pricing structure to support its growth while meeting environmental standards.
MMC’s strength lies not only in its access to raw manganese ore but also in its advanced processing capabilities.
With a workforce of 600 employees and a reputation as a trusted EMM exporter, MMC stands out as a rare non-Chinese player in the industry.
As the world races towards the BEV era, MMC, nestled in the scenic Lowveld region, appears poised to continue its legacy as a manganese masterpiece for the next half-century.
