Eramet Eyes Additional Growth for Mn Ore

French major ferroalloy maker, Eramet’s chief executive officer Patrick Buffet said at press meeting held in Tokyo on Wednesday the firm tries to growth through organic growth, new metals business and acquisition. The firm increases manganese ore production in Gabon by 500,000 tonnes to record 3.7 million tonnes in 2011 from 2010, which is 100,000 tonnes higher than the plan in February. The firm targets 4 million tonnes of capacity in 2012 by expanding the supply chain from mine to transport infrastructure.

The world second largest manganese ore producer continues study for development of new manganese mining area adjacent to existing mine in Gabon. The world top maker of manganese ferroalloy plans to start operation of new plant with 20,000 tonnes of annual output capacity for metallic manganese and 65,000 tonnes of silicomanganese in 2013.

Eramet continues study for development of deposit with rare earths, niobium, tantalum and uranium in Gabon. By adding new metal items, the firm eyes further growth under tight raw materials supply.