Metallised manganese pellets deal links GMnT and Scandinavian Steel

Manganese

Green Manganese Technologies signed a preliminary distribution deal with Scandinavian Steel for metallised manganese pellets. The agreement targets European steel buyers seeking stable inputs. Meanwhile, GMnT advances hydrometallurgical processing to make high-purity manganese from ores and industrial waste.

The companies plan a phased route to market. First, Scandinavian Steel will connect GMnT with European users for testing and qualification. As a result, buyers can validate metallised manganese pellets under real industrial conditions.

Once production scales, Scandinavian Steel will purchase up to 50,000 tonnes per year for exclusive European distribution. That volume could equal 5–6% of European Union manganese-based ferroalloy import demand. Therefore, the metallised manganese pellets plan signals a meaningful new supply option for the region.

China’s dominance keeps manganese metal markets exposed

Global manganese metal supply remains concentrated in China. This concentration links international availability to domestic demand shifts. Recently, a major Chinese buyer absorbed a large share of annual supply, tightening exports and lifting prices.

That volatility increases procurement risk for steel and battery materials. However, European buyers still need manganese units for alloying performance. As a result, traders and mills now prioritize diversification and contract visibility.

Decentralised manganese production could strengthen steel security

GMnT positions its technology as a decentralised alternative that uses domestic feedstocks, including waste streams. This approach could reduce exposure to shipping disruption and policy shocks. It could also support circular-economy goals in steelmaking.

Scandinavian Steel expects the model to help buyers manage geopolitical risk, said trading head Erik Eriksson. Meanwhile, product qualification will determine adoption speed and contract volumes. Therefore, the next milestone is performance validation that meets European metallurgical standards.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This deal highlights how “midstream innovation” now drives critical mineral resilience. However, scale-up and qualification will decide whether Europe treats manganese metal as strategic. Therefore, watch for long-term offtake structures and financing once pilot users convert.