Songtao's manganese producers shuttered by pollution

SHANGHAI, Jun 5 (SMM) – Just one manganese producer in Songtao, Guizhou province resumed operation after inspection as of Tuesday June 5. Another indicated that it will restart production within this week, SMM learned. 

All manganese plants and some parts of mines in Songtao were shut by the local government last Friday after the area's water and soil pollution, caused by untreated manganese residue, received much media coverage last week.

Songtao's daily output of manganese stood at 400 mt, about 10% of China's total output per day. 

It remains unclear when the suspended plants will resume. It takes at least a month for production to return to normal. Producers also have to undergo rectification, inspection, and acceptance checks by local authorities, some market participants told SMM. 

Manganese production in nearby regions such as Tongren, has not been affected but their procurement of manganese ore from Songtao will be affected.

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