India’s imported manganese ore market remains firm; South African grades see minor price uptick

• Manganese alloys prices continue to head north
• Weekly imported ore cargo arrivals decrease

Imported manganese ore prices in India remained largely stable this week, although South African grades recorded a slight uptick due to limited port availability. Overall, subdued demand for ore kept prices steady across most major origins.

In contrast, Indian manganese alloys prices have shown a mild recovery in recent weeks, supported by improved spot demand from steel mills and tighter supply conditions in select regions. The uptrend in alloys continues amid rising inquiries and inventory build-up, even as domestic steel prices remain under pressure.

• Australian high-grade ore (46% Mn): Prices were stable w-o-w at $4.76/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
• Gabonese high-grade ore (44% Mn): Prices held steady w-o-w at $4.45/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
• South African lumps (37% Mn): Prices inched up by $0.05/dmtu w-o-w at $4.24/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.

Market updates

Manganese alloys prices firm on stronger mill buying: Indian manganese alloys prices moved slightly higher this week, supported by stronger domestic steel mill procurement and firm raw material costs. Silico manganese (60-14) prices rose by INR 700/t ($8/t) week-on-week to INR 71,100–71,600/t ($808–814/t) in Durgapur, Raipur, and Vizag, driven by higher manganese ore and coke costs, along with pre-festive inventory buildup to avoid supply disruptions. Export offers for the 65-16 grade also climbed by $11/t w-o-w to $931/t FOB Vizag/Haldia.

Meanwhile, ferro manganese (HC 70%) prices increased marginally by INR 300-400/t ($3-4/t) to INR 71,300/t ($811/t) exw-Durgapur and Raipur, supported by limited material availability and regular trade activity. However, HC 75% grade prices dipped slightly by $3/t w-o-w to $912/t FOB Vizag/Haldia.

At the latest SMIORE auction held on 16 October 2025, a total of 31,248 t of manganese ore was offered, with around 61% (19,152 t) sold. Bids rose slightly month-on-month across most grades, with the strongest demand for 28–30% Mn content, where nearly 16 lots were booked. Prices ranged from INR 3,000–9,080/t depending on grade and size, while 12,096 t remained unsold despite healthy participation.

Imported cargo arrivals fall w-o-w: Weekly manganese ore cargo arrivals (Mn37%, Mn44%, and Mn46%) to India decreased by 28% to 110,278 t over 01-07 October against 153,705 t in the previous week.