Defence · Rhodochrosite (MnCO₃)
Manganese
China produces 95% of the world's electrolytic manganese metal. Steel for armour, shells and vehicles (about 90% of all manganese) and battery cathodes for drones and soldier power.
- 95%
- of electrolytic manganese metal is in China
- 85%
- of EU imports of manganese metal and articles from outside the EU came from China in August 2026
- 6
- sites watched from orbit on OreOrbit
Where it is made
Share of world output held by the leading country at each stage. Sources: 2025, USGS, capacity, SMM 2026.
What Europe imports
In August 2026, the EU imported €23.5 m of manganese metal and articles from outside the EU, 85% of it from China.
China everywhere else outside the EU. Monthly value of EU imports, Manganese metal and articles. Source: Eurostat Comext.
Why it matters for Europe
Europe has no operating manganese mine. Chvaletice in the Czech Republic, an EU strategic project, plans battery-grade manganese from old tailings, with a feasibility study due in the first half of 2027.
Key figures
- >95% of world electrolytic manganese metal capacity is in China SMM, 2026
- 38% of world manganese ore came from South Africa in 2025 (7.6 of 20 Mt manganese content) USGS MCS 2026
Sites on the atlas
- Kalahari Manganese FieldMine, South Africa
- Moanda manganese mineMine, Gabon
- Nsuta manganese mineMine, Ghana
- Groote EylandtMine, Australia
- Manganese Triangle refineriesProcessing plant, China
- Chvaletice manganese projectPlanned project, Czechia
Options for Europe
- EU strategic projects: Euro Manganese Chvaletice (Czechia)
Key questions
Which country controls manganese?
China produces 95% of the world's electrolytic manganese metal. Source: SMM, 2026.
What is manganese used for in defence and space?
Steel for armour, shells and vehicles (about 90% of all manganese) and battery cathodes for drones and soldier power.
Can Europe produce manganese itself?
Europe has no operating manganese mine. Chvaletice in the Czech Republic, an EU strategic project, plans battery-grade manganese from old tailings, with a feasibility study due in the first half of 2027.
How can a manufacturer check its exposure to manganese?
OreOrbit's free quick check shows which critical minerals a product type depends on (bohemiadefense.com/atlas/#check). A readiness review by Bohemia Defense maps one product line's actual parts in two to three weeks.