Domestic Output of Battery-grade Manganese Sulphate Increased in July amid the Production Resumption

Global chrome ore departures from major export ports totaled 717,000 mt in the week ended August 7, up 12.68% week-on-week, according to SMM's latest data. The increase was primarily driven by Maputo, which handled 496,200 mt, accounting for about 69% of total shipments. Richards Bay followed with 171,500 mt, while Mersin recorded 49,300 mt and Beira reported no chrome ore departures. The latest data also shows a notable shift in weekly flows. Maputo shipments increased from 389,300 mt in the previous week, while Richards Bay shipments eased from 180,400 mt and Mersin shipments declined from 66,600 mt. The stronger overall departures, led by Maputo, point to increased seaborne chrome ore flows from Southern Africa during the latest reporting week, with the port distribution highlighting the continued importance of Mozambique and South Africa's export corridors in global chrome ore supply.

[SMM Express] The UK has introduced sanctions targeting Russian companies involved in the import of tantalum and niobium, alongside broader measures aimed at disrupting supply chains supporting Russia’s defence sector. The move reflects growing government attention to the role of strategic metals in the production of advanced military equipment, including missiles, drones and other weapons. The sanctions could increase scrutiny of Russian-linked tantalum and niobium trade flows, potentially contributing to further supply-chain fragmentation and greater demand for alternative sources. The development nevertheless reinforces the growing relationship between critical minerals, trade policy and geopolitical security.

[SMM Express] Nigeria’s position in the columbite-tantalite (coltan) supply chain is gaining attention as the country seeks to expand its role in global critical-mineral markets. The country was estimated to be the world’s second-largest tantalum producer in 2024, accounting for around 16% of global tantalum production. Nigeria also hosts significant deposits of niobium and tantalum-bearing minerals, particularly columbite-tantalite ores. These minerals are strategically important because tantalum is widely used in high-performance electronics and other advanced applications while niobium is essential for specialised steel and superalloys. The emergence of mineral trading companies focused on consolidating production, verifying grades and improving traceability could help connect Nigeria’s fragmented mining sector with international processors. This is particularly relevant for columbite-tantalite, where ore grade, Ta₂O₅/Nb₂O₅ content, origin and chain-of-custody documentation are important factors for international buyers. Nigeria is also moving towards greater local processing and value addition, potentially creating opportunities beyond the export of raw concentrates. As global buyers seek to diversify critical-mineral supply chains, Nigeria’s columbite-tantalite resources could become increasingly relevant to the international tantalum-niobium market. The key challenge remains converting geological potential into consistent, verifiable and compliant supply capable of meeting international processor requirements.