Eramet, Vibrantz ink manganese ore supply agreement for Mn-based battery techs

French mining firm Eramet and American chemical coatings company Vibrantz Technologies announced a 10-year supply agreement for manganese ore late last month, an essential raw material used in Vibrantz's portfolio of manganese technologies meant for the production of lithium-ion batteries. 

Eramet's manganese ore will be sourced from its mine in Gabon, Central Africa. The agreement builds on the 20-year partnership between the companies to create a reliable pathway for Vibrantz's manganese sulfate manufacture used in the production of EV batteries.

"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", he added. 

Vibrantz had recently announced the construction of a pilot facility to process battery-grade high-purity manganese sulfate (HPMSM) at its facility in Tampico, Mexico. The company has leading positions in specialty mineral and chemical additives for batteries and electronic components, among other applications.