South32 Resumes Manganese Exports from Gemco Mine

Manganese Shipments Resume After Cyclone-Induced Suspension

South32 resumes manganese exports from Gemco following a four-month disruption caused by Cyclone Megan. The Australian miner loaded 56,606 tonnes of manganese ore onto the Stenia Colossus on 19 May. The cargo is set to depart for Tianjin, China, from the export wharf in the Northern Territory. A second vessel, the Loch Crinan, is scheduled to carry another 54,078 tonnes on 28 May.

The cyclone damaged port infrastructure and flooded areas of the mine in March 2024. As a result, South32 paused operations and conducted dewatering throughout Q1 2025. These actions delayed exports and pressured customers relying on regular supply.

South32 Targets Full Production Ramp-Up at Gemco Mine

The company plans to return Gemco’s output to pre-cyclone levels during the 2025–26 financial year. Gemco’s nameplate capacity stands at 6 million tonnes annually. South32 reported 5.9 million tonnes in output for FY2022–23, the last full year before the storm. While no formal guidance has been given for FY2025–26, the Northern Territory government expects 5 million tonnes in production.

Meanwhile, supply disruptions have already impacted the downstream market. GFG Alliance’s Liberty Bell Bay ferromanganese facility in Tasmania reduced operations due to limited ore availability. Manganese remains a vital input for ferromanganese alloying and high-strength steel production.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

South32’s quick restart at Gemco is a bullish signal for manganese market stability in Asia-Pacific. As China’s demand for manganese rebounds, consistent exports from Australia will be essential. However, downstream volatility from supply-chain shocks underscores the need for diversified sourcing strategies.