Africa, known for its natural abundance, holds a treasure trove of manganese, a vital mineral for various industries. Africa’s significance in the global manganese landscape cannot be overstated, as it houses over 80% of the world’s land-based manganese ore resources. These deposits, found across the continent, are not only vast but also diverse, stemming from various geological origins.
A multitude of manganese origins
Africa’s manganese deposits fall into four primary categories:
BIF-Hosted Deposits: These deposits are rich in manganese and commonly associated with banded iron formations. The Kalahari Manganese Field (KMF) in South Africa is the standout example, containing a staggering 4,200 million metric tons of manganese metal.
Black Shale-Hosted Deposits: Vital sources of high-value oxide ore, these deposits are located in Gabon’s Francevillian district and West Africa’s Birimian district, with Ghana playing a significant role.
Oolitic Deposits: While less common, oolitic manganese deposits contribute to Africa’s manganese resource portfolio.
Supergene/Karst-Hosted Deposits: Shaped by weathering and dissolution processes, these deposits are often found in karst structures formed above dolomite formations.
Manganese production leaders
The majority of manganese ore production in Africa revolves around two deposit types in three key districts:
BIF-Hosted Deposits (Kalahari Manganese Field – KMF)
South Africa is the dominant player in manganese production, primarily due to the rich reserves within the Kalahari Manganese Field. This region features five structurally preserved erosional relics with manganese embedded in banded iron formations.
Black Shale-Hosted Deposits (Francevillian and Birimian Districts)
Gabon and Ghana contribute significantly to Africa’s manganese production. Gabon’s Francevillian district is particularly noteworthy, boasting significant high-value oxide ore resources.
Abundant Resources in Francevillian Deposits
The Francevillian deposits emerge as Africa’s most substantial manganese resource, rivalling South Africa. These deposits hold approximately 325 million metric tons of washed product with manganese content around 49 wt%, with potential for another 100-200 million metric tons through regional exploration.
Key manganese mining districts
Africa’s primary manganese-producing districts include:
Moanda District
Located east of Moanda town, this district is the core of manganese production. The majority of output originates from the Bangombe and Okouma plateaus, while other plateaus yield lower-grade ore.
Nsuta (Ghana) and Tambao (Burkina Faso)
These two deposits significantly contribute to regional production. Nsuta in southern Ghana produced substantial manganese metal from carbonate ore in 2013. However, Tambao in northern Burkina Faso faces logistical challenges, limiting mining activities.
Unveiling new discoveries
Africa continues to unveil fresh manganese resources, with recent discoveries in South Africa’s northwestern province. These discoveries feature manganese wad, nodules, and crusts, formed in karst structures due to dolomite weathering.
Africa’s manganese deposits represent a vast reservoir of this indispensable industrial resource. The diversity of deposit types and the prominence of key producing regions underscore Africa’s pivotal role in the global manganese supply chain. As exploration and mining efforts persist, the continent’s contribution to satisfying global manganese demand remains indispensable and filled with promise.
Unveiling new discoveries
Africa continues to unveil fresh manganese resources, with recent discoveries in South Africa’s northwestern province. These discoveries feature manganese wad, nodules, and crusts, formed in karst structures due to dolomite weathering.
Africa’s manganese deposits represent a vast reservoir of this indispensable industrial resource. The diversity of deposit types and the prominence of key producing regions underscore Africa’s pivotal role in the global manganese supply chain. As exploration and mining efforts persist, the continent’s contribution to satisfying global manganese demand remains indispensable and filled with promise.