Most South African manganese ore comes from the Kalahari Manganese Field in the Northern Cape. South Africa is the world's leading producer of manganese ore, and accounts for an estimated 70% of the world's manganese resources, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS notes that manganese consumption closely follows the steel industry, where it is added as ferromanganese or silicomanganese to clean and strengthen the steel.
Manganese ore is priced on its manganese content, with high grade and medium grade material quoted separately. Buyers also look closely at iron, silica, alumina and phosphorus, because each changes how the ore behaves in an alloy furnace.
South African chrome ore comes from the Bushveld Complex. South Africa was the leading chromite producer in 2025, with an estimated 23 million tons of a world total of about 51 million, according to the USGS. Much of it is recovered alongside platinum group metals from the UG2 reef, while dedicated chrome mines work the LG6 and MG seams. Most chrome ore is smelted into ferrochrome. The USGS notes that chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, its leading end use.
Chrome ore is bought on its chromium oxide (Cr2O3) content and its ratio of chrome to iron. China is the leading producer of ferrochrome and stainless steel and the leading consumer of chromium, according to the USGS.
What buyers check
- Manganese ore: manganese content, iron, silica, alumina, phosphorus, moisture, and whether it is lump or fines.
- Chrome ore: Cr2O3 content, chrome to iron ratio, silica, moisture and size.
- For both: the delivery basis, laycan, inspection and payment terms.