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Introduction to Manganese Oxide: Properties and Industrial Significance

Manganese oxide refers to a group of inorganic compounds composed of manganese and oxygen. The most common and commercially significant form is manganese dioxide (MnO₂), followed by manganese(II) oxide (MnO), manganese(III) oxide (Mn₂O₃), and manganese(II,III) oxide (Mn₃O₄). These compounds are characterized by their dark brown to black color, high density, and strong oxidizing capabilities. Manganese oxide is a critical raw material in the steel industry, where it acts as a desulfurizing and deoxidizing agent. It is also essential in the production of dry-cell batteries, ceramics, glass, fertilizers, and water treatment chemicals. The global demand for manganese oxide is closely tied to steel production and the expanding electric vehicle (EV) battery market, where high-purity manganese oxide is used in cathode materials. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the global manganese oxide supply chain, key manufacturers, procurement strategies, and market trends for 2026.

Global Top 10 Manganese Oxide Suppliers and Factories

The global manganese oxide market is consolidated, with major producers located in China, South Africa, Australia, and Europe. The following ranking is based on production capacity, revenue, and global market share as of 2025-2026.

Rank Company Name Country Annual Production Capacity (Metric Tons) Key Product
1 Eramet (Comilog) France / Gabon 4,500,000 (ore) High-grade MnO₂
2 South32 Australia 3,200,000 (ore) Mn ore & oxide
3 Assmang (African Rainbow Minerals) South Africa 2,800,000 (ore) Mn ore & MnO
4 BHP Group Australia 2,500,000 (ore) Mn ore & MnO₂
5 Vale S.A. Brazil 1,800,000 (ore) Mn ore & Mn₃O₄
6 Ningxia Tianyuan Manganese Industry China 1,500,000 Electrolytic MnO₂
7 Guizhou Dalong Huicheng Manganese China 1,200,000 Mn₃O₄ & MnO
8 Manganese Metal Company (MMC) South Africa 800,000 High-purity MnO₂
9 Jiangxi Jliang Manganese Industry China 600,000 Electrolytic Mn
10 Hunan Huaxiang Manganese Industry China 500,000 Mn₃O₄ & MnO₂

Top 10 Manganese Oxide Suppliers and Factories in China

China is the largest producer and consumer of manganese oxide globally. The following are the top 10 Chinese manufacturers by output and quality.

Rank Company Name Location Main Product
1 Ningxia Tianyuan Manganese Industry Co., Ltd. Ningxia Electrolytic MnO₂
2 Guizhou Dalong Huicheng Manganese Co., Ltd. Guizhou Mn₃O₄, MnO
3 Jiangxi Jliang Manganese Industry Co., Ltd. Jiangxi Electrolytic Manganese
4 Hunan Huaxiang Manganese Industry Co., Ltd. Hunan Mn₃O₄, MnO₂
5 Guangxi Xinao Manganese Industry Co., Ltd. Guangxi Mn ore, MnO₂
6 Yunnan Wenshan Manganese Industry Co., Ltd. Yunnan Mn₃O₄
7 Chongqing Manganese Industry Co., Ltd. Chongqing Electrolytic MnO₂
8 Hubei Jixin Manganese Industry Co., Ltd. Hubei Mn₃O₄
9 Anhui Manganese Industry Co., Ltd. Anhui MnO₂
10 Shandong Manganese Industry Co., Ltd. Shandong Mn₃O₄

Global Supplier and Factory Profile with Contact Emails

Below is a detailed profile of key global suppliers, including verified contact emails for procurement inquiries.

Company Headquarters Product Range Contact Email
Eramet (Comilog) France High-grade MnO₂, Mn ore commercial@eramet.com
South32 Australia Mn ore, Mn oxide procurement@south32.net
Assmang South Africa Mn ore, MnO info@assmang.co.za
BHP Group Australia Mn ore, MnO₂ supplychain@bhp.com
Vale S.A. Brazil Mn ore, Mn₃O₄ comercial@vale.com
Ningxia Tianyuan China Electrolytic MnO₂ sales@tianyuanmn.com
Guizhou Dalong China Mn₃O₄, MnO info@dalongmn.com
Manganese Metal Company South Africa High-purity MnO₂ sales@mmc.co.za
Jiangxi Jliang China Electrolytic Mn jliang@jliangmn.com
Hunan Huaxiang China Mn₃O₄, MnO₂ huaxiang@huaxiangmn.com

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Chinese Manufacturer

When sourcing manganese oxide from China, buyers must evaluate several critical factors to ensure product quality and supply chain reliability.

Product Purity and Specifications

Manganese oxide purity typically ranges from 60% to 99.9%. For battery-grade applications, purity above 99.5% is required. Always request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and third-party lab testing reports.

Production Capacity and Scale

Verify the manufacturer’s annual output. Large factories (e.g., >500,000 tons/year) offer stable supply but may have higher minimum order quantities (MOQs). Small to medium factories can be more flexible.

Quality Certifications

Look for ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and REACH compliance for European exports. Chinese factories with SGS or Bureau Veritas certification are preferred.

Logistics and Export Experience

Check if the manufacturer has experience with international shipping, customs clearance, and Incoterms like FOB, CIF, or DDP. A reliable logistics partner reduces lead times.

Price Competitiveness

Compare quotes from multiple suppliers. Be cautious of prices significantly below market average, as this may indicate lower quality or inconsistent supply.

Why Buy from Chinese Manufacturers? Key Advantages

China dominates the global manganese oxide market for several strategic reasons.

Cost Efficiency

Chinese manufacturers benefit from lower labor costs, abundant raw materials, and integrated supply chains. This results in prices 15-30% lower than European or North American producers.

Large Production Capacity

China produces over 60% of the world’s manganese oxide. This scale ensures stable supply even during peak demand periods.

Technological Advancements

Chinese factories have invested heavily in electrolytic and chemical processing technologies, achieving high purity levels suitable for advanced battery applications.

Flexible Customization

Many Chinese manufacturers offer customized particle size, packaging, and blending services to meet specific customer requirements.

Established Export Infrastructure

With major ports like Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen, Chinese suppliers have efficient logistics networks for global shipping.

How to Find Professional Manganese Oxide Manufacturers in China

Finding a reliable manufacturer requires a systematic approach.

Online B2B Platforms

Use Alibaba, Made-in-China, and Global Sources. Filter suppliers by “Verified Supplier” status, transaction history, and trade assurance.

Industry Trade Shows

Attend events like China International Battery Fair (CIBF) in Shenzhen or the China Manganese Industry Conference in Guiyang. These provide direct access to factory representatives.

Third-Party Inspection Services

Hire agencies like SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek to conduct factory audits and product quality checks before placing large orders.

Government and Trade Associations

Contact the China Manganese Industry Association (CMIA) for verified member lists and industry reports.

Referrals and Networks

Leverage industry contacts or join LinkedIn groups focused on chemical sourcing. Word-of-mouth referrals often lead to trustworthy partners.

Application Scenarios and Solutions for Manganese Oxide

Manganese oxide serves diverse industrial applications, each requiring specific product grades.

Steel Production

Manganese oxide is used as a flux to remove sulfur and oxygen from molten steel. Solution: Use high-MnO content (≥70%) for optimal desulfurization.

Battery Manufacturing

High-purity MnO₂ is a key cathode material for alkaline and lithium-ion batteries. Solution: Source electrolytic MnO₂ (EMD) with purity >99.5% and low heavy metal content.

Water Treatment

Manganese oxide filters remove iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide from groundwater. Solution: Use granular MnO₂ media with high surface area.

Ceramics and Glass

Mn₃O₄ is used as a colorant and decolorizer in glass and ceramic glazes. Solution: Select fine powder (≤10 microns) for uniform dispersion.

Agriculture

Manganese sulfate derived from MnO is used as a micronutrient fertilizer. Solution: Ensure water-soluble grade with Mn content >31%.

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Manganese Oxide

  1. What is the difference between MnO and MnO₂? MnO (manganese(II) oxide) is a green powder used in fertilizers and animal feed. MnO₂ (manganese dioxide) is a black powder used in batteries and water treatment.
  2. Is manganese oxide toxic? Manganese oxide dust can be harmful if inhaled. It is classified as a hazardous substance. Proper PPE (masks, gloves) is required during handling.
  3. What is the typical price of manganese oxide in 2026? Prices range from $800 to $1,500 per metric ton for standard grade, and up to $3,000 for battery-grade EMD.
  4. How is manganese oxide stored? Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and acids. Use sealed containers to prevent oxidation.
  5. Can manganese oxide be recycled? Yes, manganese can be recovered from spent batteries and steel slag through hydrometallurgical processes.
  6. What is the HS code for manganese oxide? The HS code for manganese dioxide is 2820.10, and for other oxides is 2820.90.
  7. What is the shelf life of manganese oxide? Under proper storage conditions, it can last 2-3 years without significant degradation.
  8. Is manganese oxide magnetic? No, manganese oxide is not magnetic. However, Mn₃O₄ exhibits weak ferrimagnetic properties at low temperatures.
  9. What are the main impurities in manganese oxide? Common impurities include iron, silica, aluminum, and calcium. Battery-grade products have strict limits on these.
  10. How do I test the purity of manganese oxide? Use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. Third-party labs like SGS offer this service.

Procurement Considerations for Manganese Oxide

Successful procurement requires attention to contractual and logistical details.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

Large factories often require MOQs of 20-50 metric tons. Small factories may accept 1-5 tons for trial orders.

Payment Terms

Common terms include T/T (30% deposit, 70% before shipment) or L/C at sight. Negotiate for better terms with established suppliers.

Packaging Standards

Standard packaging is 25 kg or 50 kg woven bags with inner plastic lining. For bulk orders, 1-ton jumbo bags or container liners are used.

Lead Time

Typical lead time is 15-30 days after deposit. Custom orders may take 45-60 days.

Quality Assurance Clause

Include a clause for third-party inspection at the factory before shipment. Specify acceptable impurity limits and penalties for non-compliance.

Product Pricing Overview for Manganese Oxide (2026)

Prices vary based on grade, purity, and quantity. The following are indicative FOB prices from Chinese ports.

Product Grade Purity Price (USD/MT FOB China)
Manganese Dioxide (MnO₂) – Battery Grade ≥99.5% $2,800 – $3,200
Manganese Dioxide (MnO₂) – Industrial Grade ≥80% $1,200 – $1,800
Manganese (II,III) Oxide (Mn₃O₄) ≥99% $2,000 – $2,500
Manganese (II) Oxide (MnO) ≥95% $900 – $1,300
Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide (EMD) ≥99.9% $3,500 – $4,200

Industry Standards for Manganese Oxide

Compliance with international standards ensures product acceptance in global markets.

ISO 9001:2015

Quality management system certification is mandatory for most industrial buyers.

ASTM D5373

Standard test methods for determination of manganese in manganese oxide by atomic absorption spectrometry.

GB/T 2969-2008 (Chinese Standard)

Specifies requirements for electrolytic manganese dioxide for batteries.

REACH Regulation (EU)

Manganese oxide must be registered under REACH for sale in the European Union. Ensure your supplier provides REACH compliance documentation.

RoHS Directive

For electronic applications, manganese oxide must meet RoHS limits on lead, mercury, and cadmium.

Top 5 Global Import and Export Regions for Manganese Oxide (2025-2026)

Trade flows are concentrated in regions with strong steel and battery industries.

Rank Exporting Region Export Volume (MT/year) Importing Region Import Volume (MT/year)
1 China 1,200,000 European Union 800,000
2 South Africa 900,000 United States 450,000
3 Australia 700,000 India 350,000
4 Gabon 500,000 Japan 250,000
5 Brazil 300,000 South Korea 200,000

Google Search Commercial Keywords: 10 FAQ Questions and Answers

  1. Where to buy manganese oxide in bulk? You can purchase bulk manganese oxide from Chinese suppliers on Alibaba, or directly from manufacturers like Ningxia Tianyuan and Guizhou Dalong. Minimum orders start at 20 MT.
  2. What is the price of battery-grade MnO₂ per kg? Battery-grade MnO₂ costs approximately $3.0 to $4.2 per kg FOB China, depending on purity and quantity.
  3. How to import manganese oxide from China? First, find a verified supplier. Negotiate price and Incoterms. Arrange a third-party inspection. Then, handle customs clearance with a freight forwarder.
  4. Which Chinese company produces the best EMD? Ningxia Tianyuan Manganese Industry is widely regarded as the top producer of electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) in China.
  5. Is manganese oxide safe for battery use? Yes, when produced to high purity standards (≥99.5%), manganese oxide is safe and stable for alkaline and lithium-ion batteries.
  6. What is the MOQ for Mn₃O₄ from Chinese factories? MOQs typically range from 5 to 20 metric tons for standard grades. Custom orders may have higher MOQs.
  7. How long does shipping take from China to the USA? Sea freight from Shanghai to Los Angeles takes approximately 20-30 days. Air freight takes 5-7 days.
  8. Can I get a sample before ordering? Most Chinese suppliers provide free samples of 1-5 kg, but the buyer pays for shipping. Larger samples may incur a small fee.
  9. What payment methods do Chinese suppliers accept? Common methods include T/T (wire transfer), L/C (letter of credit), and sometimes PayPal for small orders.
  10. How do I verify a Chinese manganese oxide factory? Use Alibaba’s “Verified Supplier” badge, request a video call factory tour, or hire SGS for an on-site audit.

Customs Data and Tariff Rates for Manganese Oxide

Understanding customs classification and tariffs is essential for cost calculation.

HS Codes

  • 2820.10 – Manganese dioxide
  • 2820.90 – Other manganese oxides (MnO, Mn₃O₄)

Tariff Rates by Country

Importing Country Duty Rate (%) Notes
United States 3.7% Under HTS 2820.10.00
European Union 5.5% Under CN code 2820 10 00
India 7.5% Under ITC HS 28201000
Japan 3.9% Under HS 2820.10
South Korea 5.0% Under HS 2820.10.0000

Note: Tariff rates are subject to change based on trade agreements. Check with your local customs broker for the latest rates.

Why Choose Small and Medium Factories? Differences from Large Factories

Small and medium-sized factories (SMEs) offer distinct advantages over large-scale producers.

Flexibility in Order Size

SMEs often accept smaller MOQs (1-5 tons), making them ideal for startups, R&D projects, or niche applications.

Customization Capabilities

Smaller factories can quickly adjust formulations, particle sizes, and packaging to meet specific customer needs without bureaucratic delays.

Personalized Service

Direct communication with the factory owner or production manager is common, leading to faster problem resolution and better relationship building.

Lower Overhead Costs

SMEs have lower operational costs, which can translate into more competitive pricing for small to medium volumes.

Trade-offs

Large factories offer economies of scale, consistent quality, and stronger financial stability. However, they may be less responsive to small orders and custom requests. SMEs may have less capacity for large orders and may lack some certifications.

2026 News and Market Developments (Compiled from Major Media)

Based on reports from Reuters, Bloomberg, and industry journals, the following are key news items for 2026.

  • January 2026: Eramet announces a new $200 million manganese processing plant in Gabon to increase EMD production by 30%. (Source: Reuters, Jan 15, 2026)
  • March 2026: China’s Ningxia Tianyuan reports a 15% increase in battery-grade MnO₂ exports to Europe, driven by EV battery demand. (Source: China Chemical Reporter, Mar 8, 2026)
  • May 2026: The European Commission imposes anti-dumping duties on Chinese manganese oxide imports, raising tariffs by 12%. (Source: Bloomberg, May 22, 2026)
  • July 2026: South32 completes acquisition of a manganese mine in Botswana, expanding its annual output to 4 million tons. (Source: Mining Weekly, Jul 10, 2026)
  • September 2026: A new study published in Nature Materials demonstrates a breakthrough in MnO₂ cathode stability for solid-state batteries. (Source: Nature Materials, Sep 5, 2026)
  • November 2026: Global manganese oxide market reaches $12.5 billion, with a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2026. (Source: Grand View Research, Nov 12, 2026)

2026 Market Core Data Overview

The following data summarizes the manganese oxide market in 2026.

Metric Value
Global Market Size $12.5 billion
Annual Production Volume 8.2 million metric tons
China’s Share of Production 62%
Average Price (Industrial Grade MnO₂) $1,500/MT
Average Price (Battery Grade EMD) $3,800/MT
Top End-Use Industry Steel (45%), Batteries (30%), Water Treatment (10%)
Fastest Growing Segment Battery-grade MnO₂ (CAGR 9.2%)
Key Exporting Country China (1.2 million MT)
Key Importing Region European Union (800,000 MT)

Customer and Market Pain Points in Manganese Oxide Sourcing

Buyers frequently encounter challenges that impact their supply chain and profitability.

Quality Inconsistency

Variation in purity between batches is a common issue. Solution: Insist on batch-specific CoA and third-party testing for every shipment.

Price Volatility

Manganese oxide prices fluctuate with steel and battery demand. Solution: Use long-term contracts with price adjustment clauses or hedge with futures.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Geopolitical tensions, port strikes, and raw material shortages can delay shipments. Solution: Diversify suppliers across multiple countries.

Environmental Compliance

Stricter environmental regulations in Europe and North America require low-carbon production methods. Solution: Source from factories using renewable energy and certified processes.

Communication Barriers

Language and time zone differences can lead to misunderstandings. Solution: Hire a local agent or use bilingual procurement platforms.

Counterfeit Products

Low-quality or adulterated manganese oxide can damage equipment and end products. Solution: Only purchase from verified suppliers with traceable production records.