South African manganese reserves were estimated at 150 million tonnes in 2011.
The country is amid the largest world manganese mine producers. The combined mine output of its domestic companies reached 7.2 million tonnes in 2011.
South Africa produced around 7.6 million tonnes of manganese in total in 2011, while the amount was assessed at slightly over 7.5 million tonnes in 2010.
Local manufacturers traditionally offer certain volumes of their manganese to overseas consumers. As a result, the country exports several million tonnes of the product each year.
South African exports of manganese ores and concentrates were about 7.3 million tonnes in 2010, indicating a roughly twofold rise from 2009. Most exports were forwarded to China and India.
The country also exports ferromanganese. Its export volume of the product amounted to 410,000 tonnes in 2010, up by 150,000 tonnes year on year. The USA was the key destination for the South African deliveries from 2009 through 2010.
South African companies sell silicomanganese to foreign buyers on an annual basis, as well. Their silicomanganese exports were 202,000 tonnes in 2010, showing an upsurge by 80,000 tonnes from a year earlier.
Besides, the country is engaged in the import activity. Its import volumes of manganese ores and concentrates were evaluated at 5,300 tonnes in 2010, opposing to 500 tonnes in the preceding year.
South Africa imported 2,200 tonnes of ferromanganese in 2010, while its imports were only 510 tonnes in 2009.
Silicomanganese from overseas traders enjoys a relatively high interest amid purchasers based in the country. South Africa imported 4,200 tonnes of the material in 2010.
World structure of Manganese Reserves, 2011
South Africa, Ukraine, Brazil, Australia and India are amid owners of the most prominent manganese reserves with the largest deposits located on the territory of South Africa.
Global manganese mine output amounted to 58.3 million tonnes in 2011. It was 900,000 tonnes higher than in 2010.
China’s mine production level was the highest in 2011. It reached 14 million tonnes. The amount was similar to the one in 2010.
Manganese ore: world mine production structure, by country, 2011
South Africa and Australia were also in the list of manganese mine majors in 2011.
The manganese consumption is set to be highly dependent on steel production in the coming years. It is forecast by go up by around 1.5% per year.
The world manganese output is expected to grow to 56.8 million tonnes in 2012.