Feb 10 2011
Manganese market remained buoyant in the previous decade driven by robust expansion in global infrastructure sector that encouraged large-scale production of steel, the key manganese end-user.
However, the recent turmoil in the global economy significantly impacted the manganese market and plummeted the market during 2008 and 2009. Bleak infrastructure scenario and huge drop in steel manufacturing activities across the world resulted in sharp fall in market revenues during the period. Further, weak metal sector compounded the market woes. The troubled times forced several manufacturers to holdback or curtail mining and processing operations and focus on implementing some cost cutting measures. Nevertheless, the market exhibited recovery in 2010 with the health of the world economy limping back to normalcy. Demand for manganese is poised to grow at a healthy pace fueled by increasing demand for steel in the infrastructure sector, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
Manganese is one of the world’s most abundantly available elements. Manganese ranks as the 12th most available element in the earth’s crust and the 4th most used metal in terms of tonnage after iron, aluminum, and copper. Despite its occurrence in over 300 minerals, it is hardly found in concentrates as high as to form a manganese ore deposit. Most of the world’s manganese resources are found in select countries, including China, Australia, South Africa, Gabon, Brazil, India, Mexico, and former Soviet nations. In recent years, China emerged as a major source for manganese. Large manganese reserves also exist buried in deep ocean beds taking the shape of polymetalic nodules. However, land-based resources constitute the major source of manganese.
Asia-Pacific represents the largest as well as fastest growing regional market for manganese worldwide, as stated by the new market research report on Manganese. Robust growth in the economies of several Asia-Pacific countries in the past decade, especially of China and India, positively impacted the manganese market in the region. In 2009, China emerged as the largest producer of manganese in the world. However, most of the mineral produced in China is of low-grade and the country relies on imports for high-grade manganese. Asia-Pacific manganese consumption is projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 7.9% over the analysis period. Europe represents the second major market. Alloys segment constitutes the largest manganese product group. Among manganese alloys, ferro manganese alloys and silico manganese alloys account for major share of the market. Compounds constitute the fastest growing product group. Market for manganese compounds comprising Oxides, Sulphates, and Chlorides is poised to grow at a compounded annual rate of more than 6.0% over the analysis period.
Steel represents the largest manganese end-use segment. Growth in infrastructure activities across the world is largely increasing the demand for steel, which in turn is bolstering the demand for manganese in the sector. Batteries constitutes the fastest growing end-use segment. Consumption of manganese in the end-use is projected to surge at a CAGR of more than 5.0% over the analysis period.
Major players profiled in the report include Assmang Ltd., Carus Corporation, Compania Minera Autlan, S.A.B. De C.V., Eramet SA, Manganese Metal Company, Nippon Denko Company Ltd., and Vale.
The research report titled “Manganese: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the Manganese markets, current market trends, product overview, recent industry activity, and profiles of major/niche global as well as regional market participants. The report provides annual sales estimates and projections for Manganese market for the years 2007 through 2015 for the following geographic markets – US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World. Key product segments analyzed include Alloys (Ferro Manganese Alloys, Silico Manganese, Refined Ferro Manganese Alloys, and Non-Ferrous Alloys) and Compounds (Oxides, Sulphates, and Chlorides). Key end-use segments analyzed include Steel, Batteries, and Others. Also, a seven-year (2000-2006) historic analysis is provided for additional perspective.
Source: http://www.strategyr.com/