- South Africa’s logistics woes squeeze ore supply
- Weekly cargo arrivals fall by 19% at Indian ports
India’s imported manganese ore prices increased for the third consecutive week to a 10-month high across grades (last seen in March 2025), supported by limited availability at exporting ports. Supply constraints stemmed from wet season disruptions impacting mine output, coupled with delays in rail and road movements due to infrastructure challenges in South Africa.
- Australian high-grade ore (Mn 46%): Up $0.05/dmtu w-o-w to $5.52/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag; near 10-month high.
- Gabonese high-grade ore (Mn 44%): Up $0.05/dmtu w-o-w to $5.16/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag; at 10-month high.
- South African lumps (Mn 37%): Up $0.14/dmtu w-o-w to $4.48/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag; at 10-month high.
Market overview
Mining, logistics bottlenecks tighten global ore availability: Supply disruptions from key exporting regions significantly impacted the manganese ore market. Wet season conditions curtailed mining operations, reducing output and slowing material movement to ports. Additionally, logistical bottlenecks –especially rail and road delays in South Africa due to infrastructure constraints — further tightened availability at exporting ports. Additionally, a key ore importer told BigMint that rising geopolitical tensions have disrupted shipment timelines, delaying arrivals at Indian ports.
These delays have increased spot inquiries for manganese ore, providing support to prices. Meanwhile, some Indian buyers have adopted cautious procurement strategies.
South32, Jupiter Mines raise ore offers on limited availability: Key miners have raised February 2026 manganese ore prices amid tight supply. South32 increased South African Mn37% material to $4.40/dmtu, up $0.25/dmtu, while Jupiter Mines set high-grade Mn36.5% semi-carbonate lumps at $4.32/dmtu CIF China, up $0.17/dmtu. Rising production costs and limited availability led to these price hikes.
Manganese alloys market shows mixed trends w-o-w: Indian manganese alloys prices showed a mixed trend w-o-w. Domestic silico manganese (60-14) prices edged up by INR 200/t ($2/t) to INR 70,700-71,700/t ($780-791/t) across Durgapur, Raipur, Vizag, and Raigarh, supported by higher imported manganese ore costs, limited availability as key smelters are booked till mid-March, and the absence of discounted offers.
High-carbon silico manganese 65-16 prices remained stable w-o-w at $908/t FOB Haldia/Vizag.
High-carbon ferro manganese (70%) prices were largely range-bound, with Durgapur prices rising by INR 200/t to INR 71,900/t exw ($793/t), while Raipur prices slipped by INR 100/t to the same level, as weak bulk export demand offset rising ore costs. Meanwhile, high-carbon ferro manganese 75% prices increased by $2/t w-o-w to $897/t FOB Haldia/Vizag, India.
Imported cargo arrivals fall w-o-w: Weekly manganese ore cargo arrivals (Mn37%, Mn44%, and Mn46%) to India decreased by 19% to 120,048 t over 01-07 January 2026 against 149,082 t in the previous week.
Outlook
Imported manganese ore prices in India are expected to continue strengthening as multiple supply-side pressures converge. Wet season disruptions are sharply curbing mine output, while severe logistical bottlenecks at key exporting ports, particularly in South Africa, are delaying shipments. With port inventories low and domestic alloy demand steady, the market faces sustained tightness, likely keeping prices elevated and leaving little room for near-term relief.
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