Manganese production begins in Nayega, Togo
Two years after its complete takeover by the state, the Nayega manganese deposit is preparing to enter its operational phase. The British company Keras Resources, Togo's technical partner for this project, has announced the launch of production from the end of June.
According to information provided by Keras Resources, production will begin with an initial target of 4,000 tonnes of marketable ore during the first three months, starting in July. Subsequently, production capacity will be increased to 8,000 tonnes per month . This strategic cooperation agreement, signed with the State in May 2023, stipulates that Keras will receive a consultancy fee of 1.5% of the gross revenue generated by the mine for three years. In addition, the company will receive 6% for the provision of brokerage services, depending on the shorter of two agreed options: either 3.5 years or 900,000 tonnes of enriched manganese ore produced and sold.
For Togo, which has set up a public company to develop and better manage the exploitation of this crucial mineral, the start of production represents a significant milestone in achieving the objectives set out in its five-year roadmap.
With estimated reserves of 8.5 million tonnes and a mine life of more than a decade, the Nayega mine could enable the country to diversify its mining portfolio and position itself as a major player in the manganese market. This metal, the fourth most widely used in the world, is particularly sought after for its applications in the electrical and electronics sectors.
The Emissary