India: Medium-carbon silico manganese prices gain on rising costs

• Higher ore costs raise alloy replacement values
• Tighter supply supports prices amid limited availability

India’s medium-carbon silico manganese (Mn 53%, Si 20%, C max 0.5%) prices increased by INR 3,000/t ($31/t) w-o-w to INR 97,500/t ($1,018/t) in the assessment week ended 8 October 2026.Prices moved higher w-o-w as rising manganese ore costs and tighter availability lifted producers’ replacement values.

Higher manganese ore costs lift alloy replacement values

Domestic manganese ore costs increased after MOIL raised prices of all ferro grades with Mn content of 44% and above by 5% for October, effective 1 October. Global miners followed with higher forward offers: South32 increased its November China quotation by $0.15/dmtu for South African semi-carbonate to $4.35/dmtu and by $0.11/dmtu for Australian lump to $4.88/dmtu. Meanwhile, high-grade imported manganese ore prices moved up w-o-w on firmer global price indications, further increasing feedstock costs for medium-carbon SiMn producers.

Australian high-grade manganese ore (Mn 46%) prices increased by $0.19/dmtu w-o-w to $5.40/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag, reaching a three-month high.

Gabonese high-grade manganese ore (Mn 44%) prices increased by $0.18/dmtu w-o-w to $5.05/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag, reaching a two-month high.

Smelter maintenance tightens prompt medium-carbon supplies

Supply-side constraints are adding another layer of support. Maintenance at several manganese alloy furnaces has restricted spot availability, while some producers have allocated material towards export commitments. BigMint reported that Indian SiMn export prices increased as smelter maintenance restricted spot supply this week.

This has reduced freely available tonnes in the domestic market and strengthened sellers’ negotiating position. With producers managing production according to alloy economics and committed orders, buyers are finding fewer prompt tonnes, particularly for specific medium-carbon specifications.

Outlook

Medium-carbon silico manganese prices are likely to remain firm in October, supported by higher manganese ore costs, elevated imported ore values and constrained spot supply. However, cautious procurement could moderate the pace of further gains.