Global Manganese Production Has Been Down…But Won’ https://themanganesemission.wordpress.com/2012/07/19/global-manganese-production-has-been-downbut-wont-be-for-much-longer/
Economic slumps have hit hard all over the world, but most especially in Europe and the US. This slump slowed or halted the production of steel in construction and car making in those areas of the world. (For those of you who have been following along, this directly affects manganese ore, since manganese alloy is used in the production of steel to improve strength and flexibility.) Even countries like China that are huge suppliers of the ore were stockpiling the ore since the demand in other countries was so low.
However, as the global market begins to turn around, especially in India and other Asian nations, construction and car manufacturing should begin to pick up, as well. Experts predict this will drive the price of manganese up as the demand increases. While prices now are lower than in 2011, they still remain steady, and it is anticipated that they’ll begin to climb over the next five years.