Manganese is a critical component in lithium-ion batteries, particularly in nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cathodes, where it contributes to structural stability, cost reduction, and thermal safety. Unlike cobalt and nickel, manganese is more abundant and less expensive, making it an attractive material for battery manufacturers seeking to balance performance and cost. The sourcing of manganese involves mining, processing into high-purity forms like electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD), and integration into cathode production. This article examines manganese mining in key regions like South Africa and Gabon, the production of EMD, its role in NMC cathodes, and its price stability compared to cobalt and nickel.

Manganese is primarily extracted from open-pit mines, with South Africa and Gabon being two of the world’s largest producers. South Africa holds approximately 70% of global manganese reserves, with the Kalahari Basin being a major mining region. The country’s manganese ore is typically high-grade, with manganese content ranging between 30% and 50%. Mining operations in South Africa are dominated by companies such as South32 and Assmang, which supply both domestic and international markets. Gabon, another significant producer, is home to the Moanda mine, operated by Compagnie Minière de l’Ogooué (COMILOG), a subsidiary of Eramet. Gabonese manganese ore is known for its high quality, with grades often exceeding 45%. Both countries play a pivotal role in supplying the raw material needed for battery production.

Once mined, manganese ore undergoes processing to produce high-purity manganese products, including electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD). EMD is a key material for lithium-ion batteries, particularly in NMC cathodes, where it ensures electrochemical stability. The production of EMD involves leaching manganese ore with sulfuric acid to extract manganese sulfate, which is then purified and electrolyzed to deposit manganese dioxide on anodes. This process requires significant energy and careful control of impurities to meet battery-grade standards. China is the leading producer of EMD, accounting for over 90% of global supply, with major manufacturers such as Guizhou Redstar Developing and Xiangtan Electrochemical Scientific. The concentration of EMD production in China presents both advantages in scale and potential risks related to supply chain dependency.

In NMC cathodes, manganese serves as a stabilizing agent, reducing reliance on expensive and geopolitically sensitive materials like cobalt and nickel. The most common NMC formulations include NMC 111 (equal parts nickel, manganese, and cobalt), NMC 532 (5 parts nickel, 3 parts manganese, 2 parts cobalt), and NMC 622 (6 parts nickel, 2 parts manganese, 2 parts cobalt). Higher-nickel formulations like NMC 811 (8 parts nickel, 1 part manganese, 1 part cobalt) have gained traction for their higher energy density, but manganese remains essential for structural integrity and safety. Manganese’s ability to suppress oxygen release during high-voltage operation enhances thermal stability, making it indispensable even in nickel-rich cathodes.

Price stability is a significant advantage of manganese over cobalt and nickel. Manganese prices have historically been lower and less volatile due to abundant reserves and diversified supply chains. For example, the average price of manganese ore in 2023 ranged between $4 and $6 per metric ton unit (MTU), whereas cobalt prices fluctuated between $30 and $40 per kilogram, and nickel prices ranged from $20 to $25 per kilogram. The price disparity reflects manganese’s wider availability and lower extraction costs. Cobalt prices are heavily influenced by supply constraints in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which produces around 70% of the world’s cobalt, while nickel prices are subject to market speculation and geopolitical factors, such as export restrictions in Indonesia. Manganese’s relative price stability makes it an attractive option for battery manufacturers aiming to reduce material costs without compromising performance.

Despite its advantages, manganese sourcing faces challenges related to environmental and social governance (ESG). Mining activities in South Africa and Gabon must adhere to strict environmental regulations to mitigate impacts such as water pollution and habitat disruption. In South Africa, manganese dust from mining and transportation has raised health concerns, prompting stricter dust control measures. Gabon has implemented sustainable mining practices under its Green Gabon initiative, which aims to balance resource extraction with environmental preservation. Additionally, the energy-intensive nature of EMD production raises concerns about carbon emissions, particularly in China, where coal-based electricity dominates the grid. Efforts to decarbonize EMD production through renewable energy adoption could enhance manganese’s sustainability profile.

Looking ahead, demand for manganese in batteries is expected to grow as the electric vehicle (EV) market expands. Analysts project that global manganese demand for batteries could increase by 10% annually over the next decade, driven by higher adoption of NMC cathodes. However, supply chain resilience will be critical to meeting this demand. Diversifying EMD production beyond China and investing in sustainable mining practices will be key strategies to ensure long-term availability. Furthermore, advancements in manganese utilization, such as the development of manganese-rich cathodes or lithium-manganese-iron-phosphate (LMFP) chemistries, could further elevate its importance in the battery industry.

In summary, manganese plays a vital role in NMC cathodes by providing cost-effective stability and safety benefits. Sourcing from major producers like South Africa and Gabon, along with EMD production primarily in China, forms the backbone of the manganese supply chain. Its price stability compared to cobalt and nickel makes it a strategic material for battery manufacturers. However, addressing ESG challenges and ensuring supply chain diversification will be essential to sustain manganese’s growing role in the energy transition. As the battery industry evolves, manganese is poised to remain a cornerstone of cathode chemistry, balancing performance, cost, and sustainability.