Menar Set to Revitalize South Africa’s Ferromanganese Sector with Metalloys Acquisition

In a strategic move poised to reshape the ferromanganese landscape in South Africa, Menar, a key player in the private investment arena, is gearing up to breathe new life into the formerly largest global ferromanganese facility, Metalloys. Located in Meyerton, this powerhouse was discontinued in 2020 due to power supply issues under its previous ownership, Samancor.

Menar’s Managing Director, Vuslat Bayoglu, has signaled robust plans in an interview with Mining Weekly and other recent statements. The anticipated revival comes as Menar awaits the green light from the Competition Commission to finalize its acquisition. The optimism hinges on the potential restart of two out of the facility's four furnaces initially, which would mark a significant step in ramping up production capabilities to around 500,000 tonnes per year of ferromanganese, utilizing approximately one million tonnes of locally sourced manganese ore.

The strategy includes not only reviving the traditional power setup but also integrating sustainable energy sources. Menar aims to utilize the site's existing gas-fired power station alongside Eskom's baseline power supply, supplemented by progressive waste-to-power and solar energy solutions. This approach underpins Menar’s vision of fostering a green production environment, aligning with global sustainability trends while also contributing substantially to local employment and economic growth in the Meyerton and Vereeniging areas.

The venture is set to rename Metalloys to Khwelamet, symbolizing a fresh start. Bayoglu shared his anticipation of securing the necessary approvals by early next year, projecting that operations could recommence within the subsequent 12 months if all conditions are met satisfactorily.

This revival is crucial, as Bayoglu pointed out, especially considering the closure of Assmang’s ferromanganese operations in Cato Ridge, which could leave a significant gap in the nation's ferromanganese production capacity. The reactivation of Metalloys thus stands as a beacon of industrial and economic hopes for South Africa, opening up new job prospects and reinforcing the country’s stance in the global ferromanganese market.

Beyond the immediate objectives, Menar’s broader portfolio highlights their engagement across various mining sectors, including anthracite, coal, manganese, gold, and nickel, showcasing a well-rounded approach to resource management and environmental responsibility.