Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2020 - 2030 |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 1.79 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 2.53 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 7.19% CAGR |
| Fastest Growing Market | Middle East and Africa |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
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Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide Market size is estimated at USD 1.79 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 2.53 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.19% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Accelerated electrification in transport, growth of portable devices, and cost-driven demand for alkaline batteries underpin this expansion. Material innovations that raise manganese content in lithium-ion cathodes and early commercial deployment of zinc-ion stationary storage are reshaping long-term consumption patterns. Supply-chain localization in North America and Europe complements China’s still-dominant processing base, while resource-rich Africa is the next production hub.(1)Source: International Manganese Institute, “Manganese in Batteries,” manganese.org EMD’s versatility across primary and secondary batteries gives producers a resilient revenue mix even as chemistries such as LFP take share in low-cost electric vehicles.(2)Source: IEA, “Global EV Outlook 2025,” iea.org
Key Report Takeaways
- By type, alkaline-battery grade led with a 49.9% revenue share of the electrolytic manganese dioxide market size in 2024. Lithium-ion battery grade will expand at an 8.7% CAGR to 2030.
- By application, batteries dominated with 91.5% of the electrolytic manganese dioxide market share in 2024, and is also advancing at a 7.3% CAGR through 2030.
- By end-user, consumer electronics held 43% share of the Electrolytic manganese dioxide market size in 2024, while automotive is rising at an 8.1% CAGR through 2030.
- By geography, Asia-Pacific commanded 52.2% of the Electrolytic manganese dioxide market share in 2024, and the Middle East and Africa region is forecast to post the fastest 7.9% CAGR through 2030.
Global Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demand surge from alkaline primary batteries in emerging economies | +1.2% | APAC core, spill-over to MEA and Latin America | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Rapid scale-up of lithium-ion cathodes with high-manganese content (NMC, LMO) | +2.1% | Global, with concentration in APAC and North America | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Localization incentives for battery-grade manganese under US IRA & EU CRMA | +0.8% | North America & EU | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Commercialization of zinc-ion stationary storage using EMD cathodes | +1.0% | Global, early adoption in North America and EU | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Closed-loop recycling streams for spent alkaline & Li-Mn batteries | +0.7% | Global, with leadership in EU and North America | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Low-carbon hydrometallurgical EMD from furnace-dust & laterite effluents | +0.6% | Global, with focus on high-ESG regions | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Demand Surge from Alkaline Primary Batteries in Emerging Economies
Growing penetration of portable electronics in emerging markets sustains large-volume orders for alkaline-grade EMD. Grid limitations in rural Asia and Africa keep disposable batteries relevant where recharging infrastructure lags. India’s battery demand outlook of 250–500 GWh by FY33 includes notable alkaline consumption, with plants targeting 75% utilization. BloombergNEF estimates USD 69 trillion in emerging-market energy investment needs through 2050, a share of which will back distributed power solutions that rely on primary batteries.(3)Source: BloombergNEF, “Emerging Markets Energy Investment Outlook 2024,” bbhub.io Consequently, the Electrolytic manganese dioxide market benefits from stable, high-volume sales even as rechargeable cells spread in mature economies.
Rapid Scale-up of Lithium-ion Cathodes with High-Manganese Content
Automakers prioritize manganese-rich cathodes to trim exposure to volatile nickel and cobalt prices. Tesla and Volkswagen publicly confirmed programs exploring manganese-enhanced NMC and LMO packs, attracted by thermal stability and lower cost.(4)Source: Euronews, “Manganese batteries: Could they be the main driver for EVs?” euronews.com NMC chemistries held 60% global share in 2022; upgraded formulations are now displacing nickel-heavy variants. Euro Manganese projects a 13-fold jump in high-purity manganese demand by 2031, underscoring the magnitude of this pivot. The Electrolytic manganese dioxide market thus captures premium demand from next-generation cathode producers, lifting average selling prices.
Localization Incentives for Battery-Grade Manganese under US IRA & EU CRMA
The Advanced Manufacturing Production Tax Credit and Defense Production Act funds in the United States, plus the EU’s requirement that 25% of strategic raw materials be processed locally by 2030, accelerate domestic EMD projects. South32’s DOE-backed Clark facility marks the first U.S. battery-grade manganese refinery, while Euro Manganese’s Czech project plans to supply one-fifth of Europe’s needs. These incentives reshape trade flows, allowing regional producers to command premium pricing and reduce reliance on Chinese imports.
Commercialization of Zinc-ion Stationary Storage Using EMD Cathodes
Developers are piloting zinc-ion batteries with EMD cathodes that target sub-USD 100/kWh costs. The U.S. DOE lists zinc-manganese dioxide among priority chemistries for long-duration storage.(5)Source: U.S. Department of Energy, “Technology Strategy Assessment – Zinc Batteries,” energy.gov California’s Haybarn project showcases 486 MWh of zinc-hybrid capacity. This pathway diversifies the Electrolytic manganese dioxide market beyond consumable batteries into capital-equipment deployments with multiyear off-take contracts.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese ore & power cost volatility squeezing margins | -1.5% | Global, with acute impact in China and high-cost regions | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Rapid share gains of LFP and sodium-ion chemistries in entry-level EVs | -0.9% | APAC core, expanding to global markets | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Stricter Chinese environmental permits curbing high-purity EMD output | -0.8% | China, with global supply chain implications | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Anti-dumping duties & export controls on EMD in key trade lanes | -0.5% | US, EU, and other importing regions | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Manganese Ore & Power Cost Volatility Squeezing Margins
Electricity accounts for a major share of EMD production cost, so spikes in utility rates can wipe out margins. China’s electrolytic manganese output fell 44% in 2022 as operators curtailed capacity in response to power shortages and higher tariffs.(6)Source: USGS National Minerals Information Center, “The Mineral Industry of China in 2022,” pubs.usgs.gov The World Bank still warns of volatility despite an expected 12% slide in overall commodity prices in 2025.(7)Source: World Bank, “Commodity Markets Outlook—April 2025,” worldbank.org Producers with renewable-energy contracts or captive hydro assets enjoy a structural cost advantage in the Electrolytic manganese dioxide market.
Rapid Share Gains of LFP and Sodium-ion Chemistries in Entry-Level EVs
Low-cost electric cars now frequently employ LFP packs. CATL and BYD advanced cell-to-pack designs that push LFP above 50% of battery supply in China, and Tesla adopted LFP for its base Model 3. India expects 70–75% of future battery demand to use LFP, squeezing addressable volume for manganese-rich chemistries. Sodium-ion prototypes add competitive pressure. These trends temper upside for the Electrolytic manganese dioxide market, although mid-range EVs and energy storage keep manganese demand solid.
Segment Analysis
By Type: Premium Growth in Lithium-ion Grade EMD
Lithium-ion battery grade captured rising demand as automakers shifted to high-manganese cathodes. This tier earns higher margins owing to stricter purity specifications. The segment is forecast to post an 8.7% CAGR, outpacing alkaline grade that retains a 49.9% revenue weight in 2024. Battery manufacturers increasingly favor hydrometallurgical EMD, which offers lower trace-metal contamination and aligns with sustainability mandates. Alkaline and zinc-carbon grades remain critical for consumable batteries and rural off-grid markets, ensuring a balanced revenue mix across the Electrolytic manganese dioxide market.
Manufacturers innovate to lower energy intensity and boost throughput. Tosoh introduced specialized electrodes that cut electrolytic voltage, lifting plant energy efficiency by up to 15%. Such process upgrades help protect margins against raw-material volatility.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Application: Batteries Dominate While Water-Treatment Holds Niche Demand
Battery use accounted for 91.5% of global revenue in 2024 and will advance 7.3% between 2025 and 2030 as electric vehicles and stationary storage ramp up. Water-treatment leverages EMD’s oxidizing power to remove iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide in municipal systems, but represents a stable, low-growth stream. Future diversification may emerge from zinc-ion grid projects; Enerpoly estimates these systems can reach sub-USD 100/kWh cost targets with EMD cathodes. Consequently, the Electrolytic manganese dioxide market retains its primary dependence on battery applications, yet opportunities for ancillary uses persist.
By End-user: Automotive Ascendancy Reshapes Demand Patterns
Consumer electronics held a 43% share in 2024, but automotive demand is accelerating fastest at 8.1% CAGR as global EV sales surge past 20 million units in 2025. Higher grades of EMD command premium pricing from cell makers that supply Tesla, Volkswagen, and Asian OEMs. Industrial applications remain steady, covering specialty cells for aerospace and medical devices. The evolving demand mix pulls the Electrolytic manganese dioxide market toward higher-purity production and tighter supplier qualification standards.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
Asia-Pacific retained 52.2% of global revenue in 2024, anchored by China’s integrated mine-to-battery ecosystem. Environmental permit constraints now limit incremental high-purity supply, opening opportunities for Japanese, South Korean, and Southeast Asian entrants. India scales local refineries to serve projected domestic battery output exceeding 250 GWh by FY33.
The Middle East and Africa posts the quickest 7.9% CAGR on the back of resource strength and new processing zones. Giyani Metals secured a 50-year SEZ license in Botswana to build a 73,000 t/y battery-grade plant. South Africa’s ore deposits underpin low-cost feedstock, while regional energy policies encourage local value addition.
North America benefits from the US IRAs’ incentives. South32’s Clark facility, backed by a USD 166 million DOE grant, is slated as the first large battery-grade EMD source for U.S. gigafactories. Chemours’ alliance with Energy Fuels strengthens feedstock security through recycling and co-processing.
Europe races to domesticify value chains under its Critical Raw Materials Act. Euro Manganese’s Chvaletice tailings project in the Czech Republic targets 20% regional supply by 2030. Provisional anti-dumping duties of up to 34.6% on Chinese EMD imports protect local producers.
Competitive Landscape
The Electrolytic manganese dioxide market is moderately fragmented. Chinese groups such as CITIC Dameng and Xiangtan Electrochemical hold scale and ore-supply advantages but face tightening environmental rules. Tosoh and other Japanese suppliers differentiate through high-purity grades for automotive and electronics. Prince International maintains diversified specialty-materials exposure.
Investment flows into battery-grade projects. Element 25 secured AUD 32.6 million in Australian government debt to expand mine output, signaling confidence in long-term demand. Process innovation is another battleground: Tosoh’s patented electrode designs reduce power consumption, while recycling start-ups achieve 96% metal recovery from electrolytic residue, cutting carbon footprints.
Producers who certify low-carbon or recycled EMD gain an edge with automakers subject to stringent ESG audits. Long-term offtake agreements with gigafactories increasingly require lifecycle transparency, pushing smaller miners to partner or consolidate.
Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide Industry Leaders
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CITIC Dameng Holdings
-
Tosoh Corporation
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Xiangtan Electrochemical Scientific
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Prince International (Vibrantz)
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Tronox Holdings
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- June 2025: Element 25 obtained AUD 32.6 million in state financing to double manganese concentrate capacity for downstream EMD processing.
- March 2025: Chemours and Energy Fuels formed a U.S. critical-minerals alliance covering manganese refining.
- January 2025: Giyani Metals won a 50-year SEZ license for its Botswana battery-grade plant.
- September 2024: South32 secured a USD 166 million DOE grant for the Clark manganese refinery.
Global Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide Market Report Scope
| Alkaline Grade EMD |
| Lithium-ion Battery Grade EMD |
| Zinc-carbon Grade EMD |
| Batteries |
| Water Treatment |
| Others |
| Automotive |
| Consumer Electronics |
| Industrial |
| Others |
| North America | United States |
| Canada | |
| Mexico | |
| Europe | Germany |
| United Kingdom | |
| France | |
| Italy | |
| NORDIC Countries | |
| Russia | |
| Rest of Europe | |
| Asia-Pacific | China |
| India | |
| Japan | |
| South Korea | |
| ASEAN Countries | |
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
| South America | Brazil |
| Argentina | |
| Rest of South America | |
| Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia |
| United Arab Emirates | |
| South Africa | |
| Egypt | |
| Rest of Middle East and Africa |
| By Type | Alkaline Grade EMD | |
| Lithium-ion Battery Grade EMD | ||
| Zinc-carbon Grade EMD | ||
| By Application | Batteries | |
| Water Treatment | ||
| Others | ||
| By End-user | Automotive | |
| Consumer Electronics | ||
| Industrial | ||
| Others | ||
| By Geography | North America | United States |
| Canada | ||
| Mexico | ||
| Europe | Germany | |
| United Kingdom | ||
| France | ||
| Italy | ||
| NORDIC Countries | ||
| Russia | ||
| Rest of Europe | ||
| Asia-Pacific | China | |
| India | ||
| Japan | ||
| South Korea | ||
| ASEAN Countries | ||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | ||
| South America | Brazil | |
| Argentina | ||
| Rest of South America | ||
| Middle East and Africa | Saudi Arabia | |
| United Arab Emirates | ||
| South Africa | ||
| Egypt | ||
| Rest of Middle East and Africa | ||
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current value of the Electrolytic manganese dioxide market?
The market is valued at USD 1.79 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.53 billion by 2030.
How fast is demand from automotive applications growing?
Automotive EMD demand is forecast to rise at an 8.1% CAGR through 2030 as manganese-rich cathodes scale in electric vehicles.
Which region is expanding the quickest?
The Middle East and Africa region is projected to post a 7.9% CAGR, supported by new battery-grade facilities in Botswana and South Africa.
Why are lithium-ion battery makers increasing manganese content?
Manganese lowers cell cost and improves thermal stability versus nickel-heavy packs, making it attractive under current critical-material constraints.
How do policy incentives affect EMD supply chains?
U.S. IRA and EU CRMA incentives encourage domestic refining projects, reducing reliance on imports and supporting premium pricing for local output.
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