Global Manufacturers of Manganese Tetroxide: Country-by-Country Analysis

Manganese tetroxide (Mn₃O₄) serves as a critical compound in various industrial applications, particularly in the battery and steel sectors. This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the top manufacturers across 25 countries, highlighting their production capabilities, market presence, and specializations within this niche but economically significant market valued at approximately $235 million annually.

India

India has established itself as a significant producer of manganese tetroxide, hosting several specialized companies with decades of experience in manganese processing:

• MOIL Limited (Manganese Ore India Limited) - As India's largest producer of manganese ore, MOIL has integrated operations that include high-quality manganese tetroxide production facilities in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

• Jyoti Dye Chem Agency - Specializing in manganese compounds, this Mumbai-based manufacturer produces industrial-grade manganese tetroxide for battery applications and catalysts.

• USB Chemicals - With facilities in Gujarat, this company has built a reputation for consistent quality in manganese tetroxide production, particularly serving the electronics industry.

• Nagpur Pyrolusite - Leveraging proximity to manganese reserves, this specialized producer focuses on high-purity grades for technical applications.

China

China dominates global manganese tetroxide production with its extensive manufacturing infrastructure:

• Ningxia Tianyuan Manganese Industry Group - One of the largest dedicated manganese compound producers in Asia with an annual capacity exceeding 50,000 tons.

• Hunan Vale Electronics - Focused on battery-grade manganese tetroxide with specialized manufacturing processes.

• Guangxi CAVA Manganese Industry - Vertically integrated from mining operations to refined manganese compounds.

Japan

Japan's manufacturers focus on high-purity, specialized grades:

• Nacalai Tesque Inc. - Produces laboratory and research-grade manganese compounds.

• Kanto Chemical Co. - Specializes in ultra-pure manganese tetroxide for electronic applications.

• Toda Kogyo Corp - A leading producer of inorganic materials including manganese-based compounds for batteries.

South Korea

POSCO Chemical and EcoPro BM have emerged as significant producers, primarily serving the rapidly growing lithium-ion battery industry in the region.

United States

The U.S. market features specialized chemical manufacturers that produce manganese tetroxide for diverse applications:

• American Elements - Based in Los Angeles, this global manufacturer specializes in high-purity inorganic compounds including various grades of manganese tetroxide for research and industrial applications.

• Lorad Chemical Corporation - A Connecticut-based specialty chemical producer focused on manganese compounds for technical applications.

• Santa Cruz Biotechnology - While primarily known for biochemicals, they produce laboratory-grade manganese tetroxide for research purposes.

• Noah Technologies Corporation - Texas-based manufacturer of specialty inorganic chemicals including high-purity manganese compounds.

• Erachem Comilog Inc. - The U.S. subsidiary of Eramet Group specializing in manganese chemicals production.

Canada

Canada's involvement in manganese tetroxide production is more limited but includes:

• EMEC Products - Primarily operates as a supplier and distributor, though with some production capabilities for manganese compounds.

• 5N Plus Inc. - Montreal-based producer of specialty chemicals including high-purity manganese compounds for electronic applications.

• Teck Resources - While primarily a mining company, Teck has processing operations that include manganese compound production.

Norway

Norway has established itself as a hub for high-purity manganese compounds:

• Elkem ASA - A world-leading supplier of silicon-based advanced materials, Elkem produces high-purity manganese products including manganese tetroxide.

• Glencore Nikkelverk - While primarily focused on nickel, this facility also produces manganese compounds as part of its operations.

• Eramet Norway - The Norwegian division of the French mining giant specializing in manganese alloys and compounds.

France

France's production is dominated by:

• Eramet Group - Through its subsidiary COMILOG, Eramet processes manganese ore into various compounds including manganese tetroxide at facilities in Dunkirk.

• Société Chimique Metaleurop - Specialized producer of metal compounds including manganese-based chemicals.

• Rhône-Poulenc (now part of Solvay) - Historical producer with continued operations in specialty manganese compounds.

Germany

Germany's chemical industry includes several manganese tetroxide producers:

• BASF SE - The world's largest chemical producer manufactures manganese compounds for catalysts and other applications.

• Merck KGaA - Produces high-purity manganese tetroxide primarily for laboratory and analytical applications.

• Chemetall GmbH (now part of BASF) - Specializes in metal-related chemicals including manganese compounds.

United Kingdom

The UK's notable producers include:

• Johnson Matthey - Specializes in advanced materials chemistry including manganese compounds for catalytic applications.

• William Blythe Ltd - A specialty inorganic chemicals manufacturer producing various manganese compounds.

Spain

Spain's producers focus primarily on export markets:

• Ferroatlántica (now part of Ferroglobe) - Produces manganese alloys and compounds.

• Española del Zinc - While primarily zinc-focused, also produces manganese compounds.

European manufacturers generally adhere to stringent environmental and quality standards, with REACH compliance being a key feature of their operations.

South Africa

As a major global producer of manganese ore, South Africa hosts several companies involved in manganese tetroxide production:

• South32 - Through its GEMCO operations, this diversified mining company processes manganese into value-added products including manganese tetroxide.

• Assmang Proprietary Limited - A joint venture between Assore Limited and African Rainbow Minerals Limited that produces manganese ore and alloys, with some operations in manganese compounds.

• Manganese Metal Company - Specializes in electrolytic manganese metal but also produces manganese chemical compounds.

• Kalagadi Manganese - A relatively new entrant focusing on integrated manganese processing.