JordProxa Africa is proud to announce its selection by Manganese Metal Company (MMC) for the supply of a Crystalliser Plant to produce battery grade HPMSM in Mbombela, South Africa.
This important milestone between the two well established South African companies, follows engagements spanning the past few years and an intensive collaborative effort including extensive laboratory test work and conceptual engineering over the past 9 months.
MMC is an advocator of the numerous benefits of increased manganese content in multiple battery chemistries coupled with the development of a local South African capability in HPMSM. MMC has been producing high purity manganese metal for more than 50 years and partnering with JordProxa Africa with similar experience within the crystallisation industry forges together a world-class, experienced and competent team centred in the “Home Country of Manganese”. South Africa is the world’s largest producer of manganese ore and this HPMSM plant will contribute to increased local beneficiation.
Crystallisation technology is integral to producing high-purity, battery-grade manganese sulphate monohydrate to meet the very stringent quality and purity requirements of lithium-ion batteries for the growing electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors.
JordProxa will leverage over 300 global references in diverse crystallisation and evaporation applications in conjunction with MMC’s unique expertise in purified feed solution preparation to deliver the first project on the route to development of a future HPMSM hub in South Africa.
“This collaboration underscores our capability to innovate and adapt our technological solutions to the needs of our customers, to test and validate 50 years’ of technology offerings in our R&D facility and hone them to new and challenging applications,” said Chris Wortley, Sales Director, JordProxa Africa. “We are excited to contribute to a project which will substantially change the global HPMSM supply chain outside of China and ultimately contribute to diversified and resilient critical material sourcing,” said Johan Liebenberg, Managing Director, JordProxa Africa.
“The Crystallisation Plant is a key enabler for MMC to expand our customer base in the lithium-ion battery segment and grow South Africa’s participation in the global energy transition. By adding HPMSM to the product basket of our works in Mbombela, we can leverage our existing footprint, strong brand and global expertise to ensure market access in a short time,” said Louis Nel, CEO, MMC. “By partnering with JordProxa Africa, we recognise their experience in complex crystallisation as a local and accessible group and look forward to an ongoing relationship. The current Crystallisation Plant is only Step 1!”
About JordProxa
JordProxa provides cost effective, state of the art evaporation, crystallisation and drying plant solutions with current focus on the rapidly emerging, high purity battery chemicals market. Services span the full project lifecycle; from laboratory testwork, conceptual development through to design, construct, commissioning and plant operations support.
About MMC
Manganese Metal Company (MMC) stands as a global leader in the production and export of refined, high-purity manganese products. Based in Mbombela, South Africa, and operating since 1974, MMC caters to a diverse client base across 20 countries, supplying products crucial for various high-grade materials including special steel, aluminium can stock and battery active materials for EVs (electric vehicles). MMC is the world’s only non-Chinese producer of high-purity manganese metal and the largest producer of selenium-free manganese metal (99.9% Mn). MMC’s commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability is reflected in our leading ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) performance, making us a trusted partner in the industry.
