- Imported Mn ore tags show mixed trends m-o-m
- Domestic, export SiMn prices climb up m-o-m
MOIL, the state-owned mining company, has announced a price revision for manganese ore, effective 1 August 2025. The company has implemented a modest 3% increase in prices of ferro grades “both above and below 44% Mn content”, as per a company release. However, prices of all SMGR grades, including Mn30% and Mn25%, have been reduced by 3% m-o-m.
Factors affecting prices
Imported high-grade ore prices reflect mixed trends m-o-m: South African-origin manganese ore (37%) prices increased slightly to a monthly average of $4.06/dry metric tonne unit (dmtu) in July, compared with $3.96/dmtu in June. However, for manganese ore of Australian (46%) origin, prices dipped by 1% to $4.62/dmtu in July as against $4.67/dmtu in June. Gabon-origin ore (Mn44%) also moved down by 1% to $4.32/dmtu in July as against $4.36/dmtu in June.
Global miners raise offers for Aug’25: In August 2025, United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) set offers for its 36% semi-carbonate lumps at $3.9/dmtu CIF China, reflecting a $0.05/dmtu m-o-m increase. Jupiter Mines followed suit, offering its 36.5% grade lumps at the same price. South32 also announced its 37% semi-carbonate lumps at $3.90/dmtu, up $0.05/dmtu m-o-m. The price hikes were largely driven by ongoing labour strikes in South Africa, which have disrupted mining operations and tightened supply in the global manganese ore market.
Domestic silico manganese prices rise m-o-m: Domestic prices of 60-14 grade silico manganese increased by INR 1,100/tonne (t) ($13/t) m-o-m to around INR 73,000/t ($843/t) exw Raipur in July, compared with INR 71,900/t ($830/t) in June, as per BigMint’s assessment. The uptrend was driven by constrained domestic supply and growing demand from steel mills, which led to a bullish outlook in the market.
India’s SiMn export offers edge up m-o-m: Silico manganese (60-14) export offers inched up by $14/t m-o-m to $854/t FOB India in July, compared with $840/t in June. Meanwhile, the 65-16 grade also rose by 1% to $933/t FOB India in July as against $921/t in June. India’s silico manganese export prices strengthened, supported by robust market sentiment and a rise in export inquiries. Limited availability of export-grade material further tightened the supply-demand balance, reinforcing the upward price trend.
Indian billet prices inch down by 2% m-o-m: Domestic billet prices edged down by 2% m-o-m, with tags at INR 36,900/t ($426/t) exw-Raipur in July compared to INR 37,800/t ($437/t) in June. The decline was attributed to cautious buying from downstream sectors, fluctuating raw material costs, and an overall lack of strong demand momentum.
Outlook
The near-term outlook remains cautiously positive, with steady domestic demand supporting silico manganese prices. However, mixed global ore prices and softer billet demand may limit significant price gains, keeping the market balanced and watchful.
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