High-Purity Manganese Demand Rises as LFP and LMFP Batteries Gain Traction
Manganese, long known for its role in steel production, is quickly becoming a critical mineral priority as automakers adopt manganese-rich cathode chemistries such as LMFP (Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate) to boost energy density over standard LFP cells. While global manganese ore supply is abundant, high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) for batteries is scarce and highly concentrated in China. G7-aligned nations are now moving to develop domestic processing to secure this new battery feedstock.
Key Points:
Euro Manganese advanced its Chvaletice Project in the Czech Republic, aiming to be Europe’s first HPMSM producer from recycled tailings.
https://www.mn25.ca/South32 is expanding its Groote Eylandt mine output while exploring downstream manganese refining options.
https://www.south32.net/U.S. DOE has listed HPMSM as a priority under its latest battery materials funding round, citing dependence on Chinese supply chains.
https://www.energy.gov/articles/doe-announces-new-funding-battery-materialsAmerican Battery Technology Company (ABTC) reported successful pilot production of HPMSM from U.S. ore.
https://americanbatterytechnology.com/news/abtc-successfully-produces-manganese-sulfate/
Why It Matters:
Chemistry Diversification – LMFP cathodes promise longer range and better safety than LFP while avoiding nickel and cobalt.
Processing Bottleneck – While manganese ore is mined globally, nearly all HPMSM processing capacity is in China.
Policy Alignment – G7 strategies now explicitly list battery-grade manganese processing as a de-risking priority.
Watchlist Companies:
Euro Manganese – Recycling historical mine waste into high-purity manganese for the European battery market.
https://www.mn25.ca/American Battery Technology Company – Developing U.S.-based HPMSM processing to supply domestic cell manufacturing.
https://americanbatterytechnology.com/
Critical Minerals Spotlight:
Manganese – Improves cathode stability, reduces reliance on nickel and cobalt, and can be sourced from more politically stable jurisdictions.
Lithium – Still essential in LMFP batteries, but manganese reduces lithium intensity per kWh by boosting cathode capacity.
Action Points:
Track permitting and financing for non-Chinese HPMSM facilities.
Monitor automaker cathode chemistry announcements for manganese adoption rates.
Evaluate projects that combine mining with downstream refining to capture higher margins.
Watch G7 and DOE grant allocations for manganese processing as a market signal.
https://444Critical.com
This update is for informational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed.