India’s imported manganese ore prices hold ground; South African grades see minor uptick

• UMK raises Oct’25 offers, lifting market sentiment 
• Weekly imported cargo arrivals decrease

Imported manganese ore prices in India remained largely stable this week, with South African grades witnessing a slight uptick due to limited port availability and higher offers from key global miners. In contrast, Indian manganese alloys prices have shown a mild recovery in recent weeks, supported by improved spot demand and restricted supply.

• Australian high-grade ore (46% Mn): Prices were stable w-o-w at $4.76/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.

• Gabonese high-grade ore (44% Mn): Prices held steady w-o-w at $4.45/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.
• South African lumps (37% Mn): Prices inched up by $0.04/dmtu w-o-w at $4.26/dmtu CNF Haldia/Vizag.

Market updates

UMK’s price hike adds market momentum: United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK), a leading South African manganese ore producer, has announced offers for its 36% grade semi-carbonate lumps at $4.10/dmtu CIF China for October deliveries, marking a $0.10/dmtu m-o-m increase. The firm offers have lent additional support to the weekly index, particularly bolstering imported Mn 37% grade ore prices, which continued to trend upward on improved sentiment and tighter availability.

Manganese alloy prices in India edge higher: Indian manganese alloys prices have bounced back in recent weeks, riding on stronger spot demand and tight supply conditions. With most major smelters already booked out till November—and some even through December—spot availability has dried up, lending a solid boost to market sentiment.

Silico manganese (60-14) prices edged up by INR 500/t ($6/t) w-o-w to INR 71,800–72,100/t ($809–812/t) across Durgapur, Raipur, and Vizag. The rally was fuelled by limited supply, labour shortages during the festive season, and bulk order commitments by key producers. Export prices of the 65-16 grade also climbed $4/t w-o-w to $931/t FOB Vizag/Haldia, signalling renewed buying interest from overseas markets.

Ferro manganese (HC 70%) prices followed a similar trajectory, up INR 500–600/t ($6–7/t) w-o-w to INR 72,000–72,100/t ($811–812/t) exw-Durgapur and Raipur, respectively, amid steady demand and constrained supply. Meanwhile, HC 75% ferro manganese prices jumped by $18/t w-o-w to $931/t FOB Vizag/Haldia, further underscoring the market’s firm undertone.

Imported cargo arrivals fall w-o-w: Weekly manganese ore cargo arrivals (Mn37%, Mn44%, and Mn46%) to India decreased by 82% to 56,470 t over 08-14 October against 308,348 t in the previous week.