India: Manganese ore import prices remain stable w-o-w, barring high-grades

• South32 adjusts Aug manganese prices, UMK follows with m-o-m dip
• Manganese alloys see modest price increase across key regions

Imported manganese ore prices in India remained largely stable w-o-w, indicating a range-bound market trend. Despite the overall steadiness, price movements varied across different high-grade ores and alloy types. This divergence reflects selective demand and supply dynamics, with certain grades experiencing minor fluctuations while low grade held firm.

• Australian high-grade ore: Australian high-grade (46% Mn) ore dipped by $0.02/dry metric tonne unit (dmtu) w-o-w to around $4.65/dmtu.
• Gabonese high-grade ore: Prices of Gabonese high-grade (44% Mn) ore edged down by $0.01/dmtu w-o-w to $4.35/dmtu.
• South African lumps: South African lumps (37% Mn) remained flat w-o-w at $3.98/dmtu amid limited inquiries from smelters.

Market overview

Global manganese ore prices show mixed trends: The global manganese ore market is experiencing mixed movements due to regional supply disruptions and subdued demand. South32 increased its August pricing for South African semi-carbonated lumps (37% Mn) by $0.05/dmtu to $3.90/dmtu CIF China, citing ongoing labour strikes that are impacting mining operations. In contrast, Australian lumps (42% Mn) saw a price drop of $0.05/dmtu to $4.35/dmtu, reflecting weaker market sentiment.

United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) lowered its July offer for 36% South African semi-carbonated lumps by $0.05/dmtu to $3.85/dmtu CIF China. Meanwhile, African lumps (37% Mn) remained stable at $3.98/dmtu w-o-w, as limited inquiries from smelters kept the market quiet.

Manganese alloy prices inches up w-o-w: Manganese alloy prices in India have shown a slight upward trend w-o-w due to limited supply and strategic production cuts by major smelters. Silico manganese (60-14) prices rose by INR 200/t ($2/t) to INR 71,500–72,300/t ($836–846/t) in Durgapur, Raipur, and Vizag. Export prices for the 65-16 grade also increased by $1/t to $922/t FOB Vizag/Haldia.

Ferro manganese (HC 70%) prices climbed by INR 300/t ($4/t) to INR 71,900–72,100/t ($841–843/t) exw in Durgapur and Raipur, driven by material shortages. Additionally, HC 75% grade saw a $10/t rise to $913/t FOB Vizag/Haldia.

Imported ore arrivals to India inch down w-o-w: Imported manganese ore arrivals to India inched down by 5% w-o-w, with shipments totalling 159,349 t over 11- 17 June 2025 compared to 167,296 t in the previous week.