While the steel industry is the primary end user of manganese metal, consuming it as an alloy to enhance the strength and workability of the key construction material, manganese is also mixed with aluminum to manufacture tin cans. Aside from that crucial application, manganese dioxide and manganese oxide are often used as cathode materials in the production of zinc-carbon and alkaline batteries. Additionally, after crude oil is refined, manganese may be used as an additive to help coat and protect a car’s engine. And, as mentioned, one of the most promising uses of manganese is in the lithium-ion battery sector. The silvery metal is used to make lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide, which is known to improve energy loading and lifespan. Batteries using this mineral composition are in high demand from the electric vehicle sector. As the manganese market continues to develop, it’s useful to know where the metal comes from. Interestingly, almost 38 percent of global manganese mineral reserves are found in South Africa, though many other countries are significant manganese producers with sizeable reserves. Below the Investing News Network has compiled a brief overview of the 10 top manganese-producing countries in 2022. All stats are taken from the US Geological Survey’s most recent report on the metal.