Damon Mcknight
Manganese is a critical mineral for many countries, including Australia, due to its use in essential modern technologies. It is used in renewable/dry cell batteries, wind turbines, aluminium steel alloys, plant fertilisers, animal feeds, and as a colorant in glass and ceramics. Australia is the world's second-largest producer of manganese, with its production increasing to 7.5 million tonnes in 2019, a 7% increase from the previous year. The country's manganese reserves are attributable to three operating mines: Woodie Woodie, Groote Eylandt, and Bootu Creek.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manganese mines in Australia | Woodie Woodie, Groote Eylandt, Bootu Creek |
| Ore reserves in 2019 | 91 million tonnes |
| Ore production in 2019 | 7.5 million tonnes |
| Average reserve life of manganese mines | 12 years |
| Resource life of the three operating mines | 26 years |
| Resource life of the three operating mines, including Inferred category | 30 years |
| Manganese alloys | Ferromanganese, Silicomanganese, Aluminium, Copper |
| Other uses | Plant fertilisers, animal feeds, colourant in glass and ceramics, lithium-ion batteries |
| Top manganese-producing countries | South Africa, Gabon, Australia |
| Largest producer of manganese ore | South32 |
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What You'll Learn
Manganese is Australia's second-largest mineral export
Manganese is a critical mineral for Australia, and it is the country's second-largest mineral export. It is used in various industries, including the manufacture of renewable and dry-cell batteries, wind turbines, and aluminium steel alloys. Manganese is also an important alloying element with aluminium and copper and is used in plant fertilisers and animal feeds. In addition, manganese is used as a colourant in glass and ceramics.
Australia has significant manganese reserves, with three operating mines: Woodie Woodie, Groote Eylandt, and Bootu Creek. These mines produced 7.5 million tonnes of manganese ore in 2019, a 7% increase from the previous year. The Groote Eylandt mine, owned by South 32, is one of the world's largest manganese producers and has generated over 115 million tonnes of manganese ore since June 2018.
The majority of manganese supply goes to the steel industry, where it is used as an alloy to enhance the strength and workability of steel. However, the demand for manganese in the lithium-ion battery sector is also increasing. Manganese is used in lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries, which have improved energy loading and lifespan. With the transition to green energy, the demand for manganese in electric vehicle batteries is projected to increase eightfold between 2020 and 2030.
Manganese is a crucial component of Australia's critical minerals strategy, and the country is the world's second-largest producer of manganese after South Africa. The country's manganese production in 2024 was 2.8 million metric tons, a slight decrease from 2023. South32, the world's largest producer of manganese, operates the Groote Eylandt mine and has a 60% stake in the GEMCO manganese operations in the Northern Territory.
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It is designated a critical mineral by Australia
Manganese is designated a critical mineral by Australia due to its importance in several industries. Manganese is used in the manufacture of renewable and dry-cell batteries, wind turbines, aluminium, steel alloys, fertilisers, animal feeds, and as a colourant in glass and ceramics.
Manganese is also a crucial component in the production of lithium-ion batteries, which are in high demand in the electric vehicle sector. Its use in this sector is projected to increase eightfold between 2020 and 2030. This makes manganese vital for the well-being of the world's economies, and a secure supply is essential.
Australia is the world's second-largest producer of manganese, with 7.5 million tonnes produced in 2019. This production is derived from three operating mines: Woodie Woodie, Groote Eylandt, and Bootu Creek. The Groote Eylandt mine, owned by South 32, is one of the world's largest producers of manganese and has generated over 115 million tonnes of manganese ore and concentrate since June 2018.
The majority of Australia's manganese production is attributable to open-cut mining, which is a more cost-effective method than underground mining. Australia's manganese resources are reported in compliance with the Joint Ore Reserve Committee (JORC) Code, providing transparency and consistency in the industry.
In summary, manganese is designated as a critical mineral by Australia due to its diverse applications, particularly in the energy and automotive sectors. Australia plays a significant role in manganese production globally, and its reserves and production methods contribute to a stable supply of this critical mineral.
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Manganese is used in plant fertilisers and animal feeds
Manganese is an important trace mineral for both plants and animals. In plants, it is involved in the biosynthesis of choline, and a deficiency of manganese can lead to a choline deficiency, which affects the plant's ability to metabolize fats and use them for energy. Manganese also plays a role in activating the enzymes responsible for the production of mucopolysaccharides and glycoproteins, which form the organic matrix of bone and cartilage.
In agriculture, manganese is used in plant fertilizers to prevent or correct nutrient deficiencies that may limit crop growth and yields. Manganese sulfate is commonly used in fertilizers as it is easily absorbed and utilized by plants. It can be applied by a spray method mixed with water, or through hydroponics and aeroponics. Manganese fertilizers can be used on a wide range of crops, including legumes, grain crops, root crops, cucurbits, cole crops, leafy vegetables, and various types of fruits.
For animals, manganese is necessary for bone strength and reproductive health. It helps animals synthesize fatty acids and cholesterol, and a deficiency can lead to reduced growth or abnormal development, such as perosis in chickens or shortened or malformed bones in fetuses from cows. Manganese sulfate is the most common source of manganese supplementation in animal nutrition, but in recent years, "organic" forms of manganese, such as chelated or complexed forms, have gained popularity due to their potential for increased absorption and reduced interaction with other dietary factors.
Overall, manganese plays a critical role in plant and animal health, and its use in fertilizers and animal feeds helps ensure optimal growth, development, and reproduction in both plants and animals.
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It is used in the manufacture of renewable/dry cell batteries
Manganese is found in Australia, with the country being one of the top manganese producers in the world. In 2024, Australia's manganese production was 2.8 million metric tons, a slight decrease from 2023's 2.86 million. The majority of the manganese supply goes to the steel industry, but it is also used in the manufacture of renewable/dry cell batteries.
Manganese is an important alloying element with aluminium and copper. It is used in a variety of industries, including the manufacture of renewable/dry cell batteries, wind turbines, and aluminium steel alloys. Batteries are the largest non-alloy market for manganese, accounting for 2% to 3% of world manganese consumption.
In batteries, manganese is usually in the form of manganese dioxide and sulphate and is primarily used as a cathode material in battery cells. Manganese sulphate is used primarily in lithium-ion batteries, which are in high demand in the electric vehicle sector. Manganese is added to lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries to make lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) batteries, increasing their energy density, capacity, and low-temperature performance.
The use of manganese in many essential modern technologies has resulted in it being designated a critical mineral by several countries, including Australia, the United States, Canada, and Japan. Critical minerals are those considered vital for the well-being of the world's economies but are at risk of supply disruption.
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Australia's manganese production in 2024 was 2.8 million metric tons
Manganese is a critical mineral for Australia, the US, Canada, and Japan, due to its importance in many modern technologies. The mineral is used in the manufacture of renewable/dry cell batteries, wind turbines, and aluminium steel alloys. It is also used in plant fertilisers and animal feeds and as a colorant in glass and ceramics.
In 2024, Australia produced around 2.8 million metric tons of manganese, a slight decrease from 2023's production of 2.86 million metric tons. Australia is one of the top manganese-producing countries in the world, alongside South Africa, Gabon, and Ukraine. Manganese ore reserves in Australia are mostly found in the states of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The Northern Territory is home to the GEMCO manganese mine, in which South32, the largest producer of manganese ore, has a 60% stake. The open-cut manganese mine is one of the world's lowest-cost manganese ore producers.
In April 2024, manganese prices rose due to Tropical Cyclone Megan, which caused significant damage to the Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO) manganese mine in Australia. However, a surge in alternative supplies and weak demand from China caused prices to return to their original level by September.
Looking forward, analysts predict that manganese demand will increase eightfold between 2020 and 2030 due to rising demand for electric vehicle batteries. While the steel industry is currently the primary consumer of manganese, using it as an alloy to enhance strength and workability, the metal's role in lithium-ion batteries is becoming increasingly important as the green energy transition progresses.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, manganese is found in Australia.
Some manganese mines in Australia include the Woodie Woodie mine in Western Australia, the Groote Eylandt mine in the Northern Territory, and the Bootu Creek mine in the Northern Territory.
Manganese is important to Australia's critical minerals strategy. It is used in various industries, including the manufacture of renewable/dry cell batteries, wind turbines, and aluminium steel alloys. The demand for manganese is projected to increase eightfold between 2020 and 2030 due to its use in electric vehicle batteries.
Manganese oxides are the most versatile and economically significant forms of manganese. Examples include psilomelane, cryptomelane, pyrolusite, and wad (manganiferous earth).
Australia is the world's second-largest producer of manganese, after South Africa.
