Eramet and Vibrantz announce manganese supply agreement

Another significant step in both companies’ commitments to corporate social responsibility and supporting the transition to a lower emission future, the agreement builds on the 20-year Eramet-Vibrantz partnership to create a reliable pathway for Vibrantz’s manganese sulfate manufacture used in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Eramet’s manganese ore will be sourced from its Gabon mine which will undertake the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance’s (IRMA) audit process to align its operations with international best practices.

“This agreement confirms Eramet’s ability to satisfy and win the loyalty of its customers and partners by supplying quality ore produced under responsible conditions,” said Christel Bories, Eramet Chairman and CEO. “Eramet is particularly well positioned to become a key responsible player in the battery value chain through our long-life, high-grade deposits in strategic metals, such as manganese in Gabon, lithium in Argentina at Centenario, and nickel and cobalt in Indonesia at Weda Bay.”

Bories added that Eramet seeks to have all of its sites IRMA audited by 2026.

This news comes on the heels of Vibrantz’s announcement that it is constructing a pilot facility to process battery-grade high-purity manganese sulfate (HPMSM) at its Tampico, Mexico, site.

“As Vibrantz advances our commitment to becoming a sustainable and world-class specialty chemicals and materials solutions provider, we value our enduring partnership with Eramet,” said D. Michael Wilson, Vibrantz President and CEO. “This agreement allows Vibrantz to leverage both companies’ 50 years of combined expertise in manganese chemicals as we work to make environmentally friendly vehicles a growing reality for millions of consumers.”

Wilson also said the company continues to receive positive market reception of its recent HPMSM capacity investments from battery producers and automotive original equipment manufacturers.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/20122023/eramet-and-vibrantz-announce-manganese-supply-agreement/