India: Silico manganese export prices edge up on strengthening global manganese ore market

• Global miners lift Feb’26 ore prices as supply shrinks
• Alloys export prices set to gain on higher ore costs

Indian silico manganese export prices have edged up, driven primarily by rising ore prices from major overseas miners. In addition, miners have been allocating lower-than-required volumes of raw material a shift from earlier practice when supply closely matched buyer demand. This reduction in allocation has tightened the regular availability of ore in the market, adding upward pressure on prices.

At the same time, consistent bulk inquiries from Turkiye, the UAE, and Japan have provided further support to export prices, keeping the market sentiment firm.

BigMint’s assessment on 19 January 2026 reveals silico manganese export prices were slightly higher w-o-w across grades. The 65-16 variant stood at $912/t FOB, up by $2/t w-o-w from $910/t FOB on 5 January, while the 60-14 grade was assessed at $821/t FOB, up by $10/t w-o-w, reached 2 months high.

Market overview

Imported manganese ore prices extend gains: India’s imported manganese ore prices rose for the third straight week, reaching a 10‑month high across grades due to tight supply at exporting ports. Wet‑season disruptions have reduced mine output, while logistics delays in South Africa further constrained availability.

Prices (CNF Haldia/Vizag):

• Australia Mn 46%: Up $0.05/dmtu w‑o‑w to $5.52/dmtu
• Gabon Mn 44%: Up $0.05/dmtu w‑o‑w to $5.16/dmtu
• South Africa Mn 37% lumps: Up $0.14/dmtu w‑o‑w to $4.48/dmtu

Global manganese miners raise Feb’26 offers: South32 and Jupiter Mines have raised their February 2026 manganese ore offers amid limited global availability.

• South32 increased its South African Mn 37% ore offer to $4.40/dmtu, up $0.25/dmtu.
• Jupiter Mines set its high‑grade Mn 36.5% semi‑carbonate lumps at $4.32/dmtu CIF China, a $0.17/dmtu increase.

A Durgapur‑based smelter told BigMint that major manganese ore miners are offering reduced volumes at port due to tightening availability. “If we typically procure 8,000 t a month, we are now being allocated only around 5,000 t,” the smelter said, adding that the shortfall is raising concerns over production costs, especially as ore prices continue to firm.

The smelter also noted that the European market remains quiet, with buyers yet to resume inquiries after the New Year holidays. “We expect clarity by next week. Bulk inquiries from Europe are likely, and that could shape near‑term demand,” the smelter added.

Outlook

Export prices are likely to gain momentum in the near term, with smelters facing rising ore costs and tightening raw material supply, adding further pressure on production margins.