Key minerals of the African continent: South Africa to increase manganese ore exports to China
As the world's largest manganese (le manganèse) exporter, South Africa is preparing to increase its exports. To this end, the country is planning to build a new port with an annual export capacity of 16 million tons of manganese ore. The tender is expected to start in one month (April 2026). In global manganese ore exports, South Africa accounts for nearly 40%. The main export destination of South African manganese ore is China.
South Africa plans to build a new large port for manganese ore exports
African country South Africa wants to accelerate its manganese ore exports. South Africa is the world's largest supplier of manganese (le manganèse), a raw material essential for the steel industry, especially for processing and strengthening steel. A consortium of manganese ore producers in the country recently announced plans to collaborate on building a new, large export port. In the future, this port will not only have an annual manganese ore export capacity of 16 million tons, but it may also improve the logistics of South Africa's port network, which is currently a weak point.
The state-owned transport group Transnet of South Africa is seeking strategic partnerships to address logistics efficiency issues. The latest collaboration was in February 2026 with Belgium's second-largest port, Antwerp-Bruges (Anvers-Bruges).
South Africa has decided to dismantle an existing old bulk manganese ore wharf
According to the information, the current largest manganese ore bulk wharf in South Africa is located in Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, on the southeast coast. The port has an annual throughput of about 5.5 million tons, but it has been decided to be dismantled. The reason is that the exposed ore produces dust that is carried by the wind, causing serious environmental and health hazards.
The state-owned transport group Transnet of South Africa will carry out this project with the support of private enterprises. The new wharf, three times larger than the current one, is planned to be built about 20 kilometers away from Ngqura port. The state-owned railway and port freight operator of South Africa will launch a tender for this export wharf next month (April 2026).
Manganese ore is an important pillar of South Africa's foreign trade, mainly exported to China
The state-owned transport group Transnet of South Africa, which has long been plagued by governance and corruption problems, has opened part of its network to private enterprises. However, the goal remains to restore its transportation capacity, which has sharply declined in recent years and limited mineral exports. Especially for iron ore, South Africa lost its position as the third-largest exporter in the world two years ago, which was replaced by Canada.
Manganese (Le manganèse) is not only a strategic mineral in South Africa, but also an important pillar of its foreign trade. South Africa accounts for about 40% of global manganese ore exports. The country's main professional mining organizations believe that last year, this southern African nation recorded a record high in manganese ore exports, shipping nearly 26 million tons of manganese ore abroad. South Africa's manganese ore exports are mainly sold to the huge demand market of China. Manganese is indispensable in steel production.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859220830844235/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.