India: Imported manganese ore prices witness mixed trends

• Key miners raise Mar’26 manganese ore prices 
• Weekly cargo arrivals at Indian ports drop 39% 

Indian imported manganese ore prices showed a mixed trend this week, even as manganese alloy prices moved on an upward trajectory. However, recent price hikes announced by key miners for March 2026 deliveries helped keep ore prices largely stable, with only marginal w-o-w fluctuations.

A marginal slowdown in inquiries for high-grade manganese alloys has led to a slight softening in high-grade manganese ore prices as well.

• Australian high-grade ore (Mn 46%): Down $0.02/dmtu w-o-w to $5.54/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
• Gabonese high-grade ore (Mn 44%): Down $0.02/dmtu w-o-w to $5.18/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
• South African lumps (Mn 37%): Up $0.08/dmtu w-o-w to $4.62/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.

Market overview

Global manganese ore prices tick higher: United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) has set March offers for 36% semi-carbonate lumps at $4.45/dmtu CIF China, up $0.13/dmtu m-o-m. South32 has raised prices for South African Mn37% ore to $4.50/dmtu, up $0.10/dmtu, supported by tighter supply from South African disruptions and steady steel demand. Eramet Comilog priced March shipments at $4.98/dmtu for Mn44.5% lumps and $4.78/dmtu for Mn43% chips, both up $0.08/dmtu m-o-m. Rising ore prices continued to support Indian manganese alloy prices, with smelters unwilling to cut offers due to higher raw material costs.

Manganese alloys prices climb on firm sentiment: Indian manganese alloy prices moved up w-o-w. Silico manganese (60-14) rose by INR 800/t ($9/t) to INR 72,900–74,000/t ($804–817/t) in Durgapur, Raipur, Vizag, and Raigarh, supported by acceptance of higher-priced material and bulk deals concluded at the upper end of the range. HC 65-16 silico manganese export prices increased by $11/t to $921/t FOB Vizag/Haldia.

Ferro manganese (70%) prices climbed by INR 1,500–1,600/t to INR 73,800/t in Durgapur and INR 74,200/t in Raipur, driven by higher-priced trades and rising raw material costs. Export prices for 75% grade also increased by $18/t w-o-w to $918/t FOB Vizag/Haldia.

Imported manganese ore cargo arrivals drop: Weekly manganese ore cargo arrivals (Mn37%, Mn44%, and Mn46%) to India fell by 39% to 145,370 t over 22-28 January against 145,370 t in the previous week.