Manganese Ore Prices in Zambia
Updated March 2026 · Mining & Resources Guide
Zambia, particularly the Luapula and Central provinces, holds incredibly rich deposits of high-grade manganese. Manganese is essential for global steel production, and trading it locally or for export is a massive industry. Prices are strictly dependent on the percentage grade of raw ore.
Current Manganese Prices (2026 Estimates)
| Manganese Grade (Mn %) | Estimated Price per MT | Market Notes |
|---|---|---|
| High Grade Ore (48% - 52% Mn) | $100 – $150/MT | Premium grade, heavily dependent on low silica and iron |
| Medium Grade Ore (40% - 47% Mn) | $75 – $110/MT | Standard export grade |
| Low Grade Ore (30% - 39% Mn) | $35 – $70/MT | Requires local beneficiation before export |
| Silicomanganese (Processed) | $850 – $1,200/MT | Ferroalloy processed in local smelters (e.g. Kabwe/Serenje) |
| Ferromanganese (Processed) | $900 – $1,300/MT | High-value alloy for steel production |
*Disclaimer: The above prices indicate Ex-Works or mine-gate rates. CIF (transported to port) prices will be significantly higher. Exact prices require a verified laboratory assay.
Understanding Manganese Impurities and Penalties
It is a common pitfall for new traders to look only at the Manganese percentage (e.g., 50% Mn) and ignore the impurities. Smelters and international buyers will impose severe price penalties, or reject the shipment entirely, if the assay shows high levels of:
- Iron (Fe): High iron content weakens the steel-alloying process. Iron levels should ideally be below 5%.
- Silica (SiO2): High silica forces smelters to use more power to process the ore. Typically, anything over 10% silica results in extreme penalties.
- Phosphorus (P): Makes steel brittle. Buyers demand very low phosphorus levels (usually under 0.1%).
- Moisture Content: You are paid for the dry weight. High moisture means the final payable tonnage is reduced.
When trading, never make a finalized payment to an artisanal miner without first obtaining a lab assay report from a trusted entity like the Geological Survey Department in Lusaka or an independent firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Manganese mined in Zambia?
The vast majority of Zambia’s manganese is mined in the Luapula Province (Mansha, Samfya) and the Central Province (Serenje, Mkushi). These regions boast some of the highest-grade manganese deposits in Africa.
How is Manganese Ore priced in Zambia?
Manganese ore is priced per Metric Tonne (MT) and is strictly dependent on the Manganese (Mn) percentage grade, determined by laboratory assays. The presence of impurities, particularly high Iron (Fe), Silica (SiO2), or Phosphorus (P), will result in heavy price penalties or outright rejection by buyers.
Can I export raw Manganese from Zambia?
The Zambian government frequently updates policies regarding the export of raw manganese to encourage local value addition (creating silicomanganese and ferromanganese). Exporting raw ore often requires special permits and attracts steep export duties. Always check the latest Ministry of Mines regulations.
Who are the main buyers of Zambian Manganese?
Most high-grade manganese from Zambia is sold to international commodity traders who export it via Dar es Salaam or Beira to steel manufacturing hubs in China and India. There are also several local Chinese and Indian-owned smelters in Serenje and Kabwe purchasing ore locally.
Do I need a license to trade Manganese?
Yes. Buying, transporting, and selling manganese legally requires a Mineral Trading Permit. Additionally, to export, you will need a mineral export permit, assay certificates from the Ministry of Mines, and clearance from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).