How Much Is Manganese Worth Based on Its Form and Grade?
Understand manganese's complex market value. Learn how its form, grade, and market dynamics determine its worth and price.
Manganese, a silvery-gray metal, is a fundamental element found naturally in the Earth’s crust, contributing to modern manufacturing and technology. While often not as prominently featured as some other metals, its unique properties make it an indispensable component in many industrial processes.
Understanding Manganese Forms and Valuation
Manganese value varies considerably based on its form, purity, and application. Manganese ore, the raw material extracted from the earth, is typically valued by its manganese content, with higher grades commanding better prices. For example, common grades include 36%-38% manganese and 44% manganese, with their market value directly reflecting this concentration.
Beyond raw ore, manganese is processed into alloys and refined forms, each with distinct pricing. Ferromanganese (FeMn) and silicomanganese (SiMn) are primary alloys used extensively in steelmaking. Ferromanganese (74%-82% manganese) is categorized by carbon content (high, medium, low), with higher purity and lower carbon often fetching premium prices. Silicomanganese, containing both manganese and silicon, also sees significant use in steel production and is priced based on its specific composition.
Electrolytic Manganese Metal (EMM) is a highly purified form, typically 99.7% manganese. Higher purity levels, such as 99.85% or ultra-pure 99.9% battery-grade EMM, command a premium due to their suitability for specialized applications, including advanced alloys and battery components. EMM’s stringent purity differentiates it from less refined products. Manganese also appears in various chemical compounds, such as manganese sulfate, which is gaining importance in battery manufacturing, particularly for electric vehicles, and manganese dioxide used in traditional batteries. These chemical forms are valued based on their composition and industrial roles.
Current Market Pricing and Trends
Manganese prices fluctuate based on global supply and demand. For instance, in June 2025, manganese prices in the USA reached approximately $1,180 per metric ton. Prices can also be observed in other regions, with China seeing around $850 per metric ton and Germany at $1,210 per metric ton during the same period.
Electrolytic Manganese Metal (EMM) has its own pricing structure. Domestic Chinese spot prices ranged from 13,400 to 13,600 yuan per metric ton in July 2025. International EMM prices, such as FOB China export prices, were reported between $1,880 and $1,920 per metric ton, while CIF Rotterdam prices were higher, typically between $2,020 and $2,080 per metric ton, reflecting shipping and insurance costs. Premium 99.9% purity EMM grades saw a $50-$70 per metric ton price differential above standard grades, indicating specialized demand.
Ferromanganese and silicomanganese also have distinct prices. High-carbon ferromanganese was approximately $671-$690 per metric ton as of late August 2025, while medium-carbon ferromanganese was in the range of $973-$992 per metric ton. Silicomanganese prices varied, with typical ranges around $714-$733 per metric ton for common grades. Battery-grade manganese sulfate, a chemical form, was priced around $714-$747 per metric ton in late August 2025. These prices represent a market snapshot, which can change dynamically.
Key Drivers of Manganese Value
Manganese market value is influenced by supply, demand, and broader economic and geopolitical conditions. Supply dynamics are significantly shaped by where manganese is mined and the costs associated with its production. South Africa holds the largest manganese reserves globally, accounting for a substantial portion, followed by countries like Australia, Brazil, China, and Gabon, which are also major producers. Concentration of reserves and production in a few nations means political stability or instability in these regions directly impacts global supply and prices.
Production costs (energy prices, labor wages, environmental regulations) determine mining and processing profitability. Technological advancements in extraction and processing can lead to more efficient production, potentially influencing supply levels. Logistical considerations, like transport cost and efficiency from mines to markets, also affect pricing.
Steel industry demand overwhelmingly drives manganese consumption (85%-90% globally). Manganese is indispensable in steelmaking, where it acts as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer, enhancing the strength, hardness, and toughness of steel. Global steel production directly correlates with manganese demand; a slowdown, especially from China, can lead to oversupply and price pressures.
The battery industry, especially for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, is a rapidly growing demand sector. Manganese is a component in various lithium-ion battery chemistries, such as nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) and lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), contributing to energy density and safety. Increased EV sales and manganese-rich battery formulations are expected to boost demand for high-purity manganese. Other industrial uses, though smaller in scale, also contribute to overall demand, including applications in chemicals, agriculture (as micronutrients), and construction. Global economic health, affecting industrial output and infrastructure, also impacts manganese demand.
Accessing Manganese Price Data
Reliable sources for current and historical manganese price data exist within commodity and financial markets. Specialized market intelligence firms are a primary resource, offering detailed reports and analyses. Companies such as Fastmarkets, SMM (Shanghai Metals Market), and CRU Group regularly publish price assessments and market insights for various manganese forms, including ore, ferroalloys, and high-purity metals. These reports are often subscription-based due to their proprietary data and analysis.
Industry associations also serve as information repositories. The International Manganese Institute (IMnI), for example, is a leading organization that provides data and market research reports covering manganese ore and alloy producers, offering a comprehensive overview of the industry. These associations often compile statistics on production, consumption, and trade, informing price trends. Additionally, government geological surveys, such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), publish statistics and information on mineral commodities, including manganese, which can include historical price data and supply/demand trends.
When interpreting price data, consider the form and grade of manganese, as prices vary significantly between raw ore, alloys, and high-purity metal. The terms of delivery, such as Free On Board (FOB) or Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF), also impact the quoted price, as they account for different stages of transportation and associated costs. Understanding these nuances ensures accurate data interpretation.