In steelmaking, 90% of manganese ore is primarily used to produce ferromanganese (FeMn) and silicomanganese (SiMn), which are essential alloying agents. Here’s a breakdown of its key roles:
1. Deoxidization & Desulfurization
– Manganese removes oxygen (as MnO) and sulfur (forming MnS) from molten steel, improving purity and preventing brittleness.
2. Alloying Agent
– Enhances strength, hardness, and wear resistance in steel (e.g., high-strength low-alloy/HSLA steels).
– Critical in austenitic stainless steels (e.g., 200-series) for stability and corrosion resistance.
.jpg)
3. Process Efficiency
– Lowers melting points and improves forgeability during production.
4. Byproduct Recovery .jpg)
– Slag from manganese refining can be repurposed in construction materials.
Key Stats:
– Global manganese ore production: ~20 million tonnes/year (2023).
– Top producers: South Africa (~30%), Gabon, Australia, Ghana.
– China dominates ferroalloy production (~65% of global output).
Sustainability Note:
Recycling scrap steel recovers manganese, reducing primary ore demand—a growing focus in circular economy strategies.
Would you like details on specific steel grades or market trends?