Eramet Manganese Ore Volumes Rise Despite Lower Gabon Mine Output

Eramet Manganese

Eramet manganese ore volumes increased in the first quarter as stronger transportation and external sales offset lower mine production from Comilog’s Moanda operations in Gabon. The French multi-metals group transported 1.61mn t of manganese ore in January-March, up 16% from a year earlier.

Eramet manganese ore volumes are on course to reach 6.4mn-6.8mn t for the full year. This suggests that logistics performance and inventory movement remain strong despite weaker quarterly production.

Eramet manganese ore volumes matter because Gabon is one of the world’s key manganese ore supply sources. Stable exports from Comilog support alloy producers in steelmaking markets, especially outside China.

Manganese ore production at Moanda fell by 11% on the year to 1.59mn t in the first quarter. However, external ore sales rose by 10% to 1.36mn t, showing that market deliveries remained resilient.

Alloy Output Supports Manganese Chain

Eramet’s manganese alloy production rose by 4% on the year to 168,000t in the first quarter. Sales increased by 6% to 158,000t.

The company produces manganese alloys across six sites in Norway, the US, France and Gabon. This gives Eramet exposure to both upstream ore and downstream alloy markets.

Manganese alloys are essential inputs for steelmaking. Ferro-manganese and silico-manganese improve strength, hardness and deoxidation performance in steel production.

The increase in alloy output indicates that downstream demand remained sufficient to support production. This is important at a time when some regional steel markets are under pressure from weak construction activity and cautious buying.

Eramet’s integrated position gives it flexibility. Higher transported ore volumes support external customers, while alloy production allows the company to capture additional value further along the manganese chain.

India Demand Offers Support as China Remains Weak

Eramet expects manganese ore demand to increase slightly in 2026. Growth is expected to come from higher alloy production in India and other non-China markets.

India is becoming more important in the manganese market because of steel production growth and alloy capacity expansion. Stronger Indian alloy output can support ore demand even when Chinese consumption is weaker.

China remains a pressure point. Eramet expects manganese ore demand in China to stay under pressure, reflecting slower steel demand and weaker market conditions.

This creates a more regionalised manganese outlook. Suppliers with access to growing alloy markets outside China may be better positioned than those heavily dependent on Chinese demand.

For Eramet, the key issue will be maintaining transported volumes while improving mine output. If Moanda production recovers and alloy demand remains steady, the company can strengthen its position across both ore and alloy markets.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Eramet’s first-quarter figures show that manganese supply strength depends as much on logistics and sales execution as mine output. India’s alloy growth could become a more important demand anchor if China’s steel-linked manganese consumption remains weak.