SOUTH AFRICAN MANGANESE AND THE US MARKET.
GROK South African manganese is highly desirable for the United States and Tesla due to its abundance, quality, and strategic importance for electric vehicle (EV) battery production. Here’s an analysis based on available information: Why South African Manganese is Desirable for the US and Tesla Global Production Dominance : South Africa is the world’s largest producer of manganese, accounting for 37% of global production in 2024, with 7.4 million metric tons mined. It also holds 70% of the world’s known manganese ore reserves, estimated at 560 million metric tons. This makes South Africa a reliable and significant source for manganese, critical for both steel and battery applications. Battery-Grade Manganese Demand : Manganese is increasingly vital for lithium-ion batteries, particularly in nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistries, which Tesla and other automakers are exploring to reduce reliance on costly and ethically problematic cobalt. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has highlighted ...