Jul 13 2007
Manganese is one of the world's most abundant element and the twelfth most available mineral in the earth's crust. Gabon, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, and Ukraine are the countries that account for more than 80% of manganese resources. China, South Africa, Gabon, Australia, and Brazil are some of the leading manganese producing countries.
Manganese alloys consumption is estimated to account for over 84% of total manganese consumption in 2006. SiMn alloy is the fastest and largest manganese alloy that is projected to grow at a CAR of 4% over the forecast period 2001-2010. Asia-Pacific, the largest and fastest growing region for ferro manganese and silico manganese alloys, is projected to consume 1.6 million metric tons and 2.2 million metric tons respectively by 2010.
Manganese is mostly used in steel production. Total manganese consumption by the steel industry is projected to grow at a CAR of 3.1% over the forecast period 2001-2010. More than 80% of manganese produced across the world is consumed by steel. Therefore, manganese consumption is mainly based on steel demand and is directly influenced by the steel industry. Over the past three years, as steel witnessed an increase both in production and demand, manganese consumption also increased simultaneously. Demand for steel has been rising due to ongoing economic boom leading to rapid growth in various industries in the world's two largest populous countries in Asia-Pacific, China and India, with simultaneous increase in production leading to wide fluctuations is steel prices. Other countries in Asia-Pacific such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan; Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Latin America have witnessed an increase in steel consumption. Further, steel industry is also going th rough consolidation mode with some of the two biggest acquisitions in the past ten months. With increase in steel consumption in China, many manganese production facilities have been established in the country in recent past. As China and India exhibited phenomenal economic growth for past four years with rapid expansion in almost all the industries, changing lifestyle, increasing disposable income, changing consumer thinking, rising consumption, and various other factors; demand for steel witnessed an increase leading to an increase in manganese demand. This trend is expected to continue for another five years after which demand is expected to stabilize.
Ferro Manganese and Silico Manganese are the two forms of manganese that are widely used in steel production. Percentage of carbon present in these alloys is of primary importance for steel production. Apart from steel, batteries such as lithium and dry cell batteries also consume manganese at the time of their production.
GIA's comprehensive research report titled "Manganese: A Global Strategic Business Report" analyzes similar market trends with hard-to-find data and analytics for key regions such as the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and others alongside up and coming markets of Asia-Pacific.
The study also sheds light on trends, issues, and price dynamics prevalent in the industry. Also discussed are competitive analysis of leading manufacturers in the manganese industry, amply illustrated with numerous data rich, market data tables depicting major research findings (market share, mine production, and reserve base among others). Demand patterns quantified in volume terms across major product segments include, Alloys (FeMn, SiMn, Refined FeMn, and Non-Ferrous Alloys), and Compounds (Oxides, Sulphates, and Chlorides). Dominant global forces in the market are Assmang Ltd., CVRD, and Compania Minera Autlan, among others. In addition to the global leaders, the report offers detailed profiles of the dominating players in the South African manganese market - Compagnie Miniere De L'ogooue, Samancor Limited, and Manganese Metal Company, among others. Carus Chemical Company of the US, Nippon Denko Company Ltd. of Japan, Eramet SA of France, and Companhia Paulista de Ferro Ligas of Latin America, and several other regional players are also profiled in the report. The study enumerates recent developments, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic industry activities, and is an easy guide to What, Why, When, How, Where, and Who of the industry.