Seaborne manganese ore prices in China soared in the week ended Friday April 3, driven by strength in the portside market following supply concerns after South Africa's nationwide lockdown permeated the seaborne market.
South Africa entered a 21-day nationwide lockdown on Thursday March 26 and ordered the country's metals and mining operations to be placed on care and maintenance.
South African manganese ore producers are not able to actively participate in the market until the lockdown implemented to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is lifted, which is currently planned for April 16.
Fastmarkets'
manganese ore index for 37% Mn, cif Tianjin rose by 57 cents per dry metric tonne unit (dmtu) or 14.2% week on week to $4.58 per dmtu on Friday.
The corresponding index for
manganese ore, 37% Mn, fob Port Elizabeth grew by 46 cents per dmtu or 13.6% week on week to $3.85 per dmtu on the same day.
Fastmarkets' index for manganese ore 44% Mn, cif Tianjin climbed by 59 cents or 13.8% to $4.86 per dmtu on...