Utilization of Manganese in Russian Metallurgy

Abstract

Abstract—Although Russia has considerable reserves of manganese, the quality of its manganese ore is relatively poor. (Its mean Mn content is 9–23%, with a high content of harmful impurities, primarily phosphorus). In terms of economic security, it is essential to create a Russian source of manganese. This entails enrichment of the lean manganese ore; the development of effective technology for producing manganese ferroalloys from the resulting concentrates; and improved methods of removing phosphorus from manganese concentrates. In the production of manganese ferroalloys from ore, about 50% of the manganese is lost. Numerous byproducts are formed in this process. The processing of such byproducts not only reduces the demand for the initial ore but also increases the efficiency of ore processing and decreases the environmental impact.