Environmental probes, losses shutter more Hunan manganese producers

‍‍Several manganese producers in Hunan province have suspended operation from the end of October, three in Huayuan, one in Huaihua and one in Anhua

There were eight manganese producers in operation in Hunan before this round of shutdowns. The closures were mostly attributed to environmental probes and losses.

Manganese ore miners in Huayuan have suspended since May after a safety accident and pollution issues. Local manganese producers have to purchase beyond the county and this substantially grows their costs. As of today, total costs for manganese producers in Huayuan stood above 14,000 CNY/MT, while manganese prices fell below 13,000 CNY/MT.

The central environmental unit sent five inspection teams to 10 provinces earlier this month. Manganese ore miners and manganese producers in Huayuan all underwent inspections.

High prices of ore shut the biggest manganese producer in Huayuan for maintenance over the weekend, despite its high environmental standards.

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