Manganese, a critical element for numerous industrial applications, is sourced from various corners of the world. India, Australia, Brazil, and China emerge as some of the key players in the global manganese landscape, each contributing significantly to the production and distribution of this essential mineral.
Manganese in India
India boasts a substantial manganese mining sector, with 131 reporting mines in 2019-2020. The state of Madhya Pradesh leads the production charts, accounting for a remarkable 33% of the country’s total output, followed closely by Maharashtra (25%) and Odisha (19%). Notably, 71% of the manganese ore produced in India falls into the lower-grade category (<35% Mn), while 19% is of medium grade (35-46% Mn), and 9% qualifies as higher grade (<46% Mn). Furthermore, India contributed 22,572 metric tons (1%) of manganese dioxide (MnO2) production during that year.
Manganese in Australia
Australia has established itself as a global powerhouse in manganese production. The GEMCO manganese mine, located at Groote Eylandt, stands as a world-class facility, contributing over 15% of global manganese production. Operating since 1965, this mine has produced an astounding 130 million metric tons of manganese ore and concentrate until June 2022. The manganese ore from GEMCO has an impressive chemical composition, featuring dominant minerals like pyrolusite, braunite, and cryptomelane.
Woodie Woodie is another noteworthy Australian manganese deposit, known for its high manganese content and low phosphorus levels, making it highly prized for various industrial applications.
Manganese in Brazil
Brazil plays an important role in manganese mining, with several significant mines contributing to the global supply chain.
Brazil Azul
This manganese mine is the largest producer of manganese oxide ore in Latin America, with an annual production capacity of 2.5 million metric tons.
Urucum
The Urucum manganese mine, with a rich history of exploration, features sedimentary deposits primarily composed of primary manganese oxides such as cryptomelane and pyrolusite.
Morro da Mina
Located in Conselheiro Lafaiete, Minas Gerais, this mine extracts manganese-rich carbon-silicate rocks, featuring minerals like rhodochrosite, pyroxmangite, espessartite, and tephroite.
Serra do Navio
This manganese deposit in the Federal Territory of Amapá, northern Brazil, is distinguished by two types of manganese protore: carbonatic and siliceous. It holds historical significance as the first industrial mining activity in the Amazon region, conducted by ICOMI (Indústria e Comércio de Minérios S.A.).
Manganese in China
China is a formidable player in the global manganese landscape, ranking fifth in terms of total manganese reserves. The majority of China’s manganese deposits fall under the sedimentary category, constituting 70% of the nation’s total manganese reserves. These deposits are primarily hosted by mud rock, black shale, carbonate rock, and chert–mudstone–limestone formations.
Manganese mining and production are global endeavors with India, Australia, Brazil, and China playing crucial roles in meeting the world’s manganese demands. Each of these nations offers unique geological characteristics and rich deposits that collectively contribute to sustaining industries that rely on this essential metal. As the world’s appetite for manganese continues to grow, the contributions of these key players remain pivotal in ensuring a steady supply of this indispensable resource.