Faiza Tehseen

Extraction and processing of manganese in different forms can provide the much-needed raw material for the local industry.

"Manganese is an important industrial metal. In Pakistan, its deposits are generally found in association with other mineral deposits, including chromite and iron. Though not too large manganese deposits exist in the country, with proper investment and modern mining methods, the existing deposits can be of considerable value for small and medium-scale industries,” said Abdul Bashir, the chief geologist with Koh-e-Daleel Mining Company Private limited. Talking to WealthPK, he said small-scale mining of manganese limits its contribution to the local industry and economy.

“Typically, the manganese concentrates range between 25% to 40% in the country. Pakistan can also export manganese if beneficiation process is properly implemented to enhance the ore quality, besides its use for local industry.” Bashir said, “Manganese is a silvery, hard and brittle transition metal. The source rocks of magnesite are mostly the igneous rocks. In Pakistan, manganese and ferromanganese ores have been reported from many places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The mineral’s rich deposits occur in Chagai, Ras-Koh Mountain Range, Khanozai, Muslim Bagh and Khuzdar ophiolites in Balochistan.”

The geologist said manganese is widely used in a number of industrial applications. “It is primarily used in steel production, to deoxidise molten steel and to control the sulphur content in it. It is used as a catalyst and an industrial alloy to enhance hardness and as an anti-corrosive agent. In organic synthesis, it is widely used as a chemical oxidant. Manganese is used to produce dry cell batteries, railway tracks, prison bars, and rifle barrels. It is also a key element in lithium-ion batteries.”

Bashir said, “In the paint industry, it is used as a black brown pigment. Manganese salts are used in photography, match box manufacturing and leather industries. When combined with iron, it is used as a glass decolouriser for stained glass windows. Magnesite is an important content to produce bleaching powder. Magnesite is extensively used in calico printing, electrical industries, and production of chemical fertilisers, fungicides, pesticides and insecticides.”

Highlighting the importance of exploration, processing and value addition of magnesite, Imran Babar, a Balochistan-based miner and geologist, said, “Although not too large deposits of magnesite are reported from Balochistan, further exploration can help reach more. Small-scale miners are mostly mining it but they lack smart mining technology to tap its true potential.” He said magnesite mining and processing can fetch handsome benefits with government support. “Awareness sessions regarding the mineral’s potential should be conducted for miners and investors.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk