MOIL has cut prices for the third consecutive month, while the Belkundi mine, which had been shut down for 17 years, is seeing a turnaround toward resumption of production.
The company aims to double its production to 3.5 million tonnes by 2030-31 and explore for minerals in Ghana, Mozambique, and Zambia; however, its own manganese ore quotations have seen consecutive price cuts over the past four months.
With nearly 10 million tonnes of manganese ore still relying on truck transport in 2025, miners are now bringing capital and long-term commitments. However, South Africa has previously failed to deliver on similar reform pledges more than once.
The Gabonese government aims to increase total rail freight volume from approximately 9 million tonnes per year currently to 21 million tonnes per year by 2029.
Simultaneous supply chain disruptions in South Africa, Gabon, and Ghana—the three major manganese ore producers—have tightened global supply. South Africa's exports hit a record, yet structural problems persist; Gabon faces transport interruptions and policy risks; and Ghana's audit has prompted investment caution. The combined impact of these disruptions is heightening market uncertainty.
Tropical Cyclone Narelle has been downgraded to a tropical low, with sustained wind speeds of 55-75 km/h and gusts of 85 km/h, affecting northern Australia. The focus is now on warnings for heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Its eyewall did not directly strike the main community on Groote Eylandt, and the impact was lighter than expected.