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We mine. We serve. We grow.

Kalagadi Manganese produces Low-Volatile High-Grade Manganese (LVHGMn), providing premium input for manganese alloy production and iron refinement used in global steel manufacturing.

Mining responsibly, serving with care and growing together

Kalagadi Manganese is an African woman-led mining company operating in South Africa's Northern Cape. We mine manganese, a critical mineral essential to global steel production and the energy transition. Our business is fully integrated across the value chain, from underground shaft and open-pit mining to processing plants and logistics. Through this end-to-end capability, we supply Low Volatile High-Grade Manganese to partners across international markets, reinforcing Africa's role in the global minerals economy.

Dive into our story: from start-up to industry leader in resource extraction.
Discover our journey in the video

Underground Mining

Deep-level mining operations accessing high-grade ore bodies.

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Open Pit

Surface mining techniques maximizing resource extraction efficiency.

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Ore Processing

Advanced beneficiation facilities ensuring premium product quality.

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Sinter Plant

State-of-the-art sintering technology for value-added production.

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Logistics

Integrated rail and road networks connecting to global markets.

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We mine. We serve. We grow.

Our mission defines how Kalagadi Manganese operates as a globally competitive, African women-led mining company. We mine a critical mineral that powers global steel production and the energy transition. We serve our partners, communities and markets through a fully integrated value chain that delivers reliability and consistency from pit to port. We grow by building long-term capability, strengthening local value, and positioning Africa as a trusted supplier to the world.

Key Milestones

Start
2005
2007
2008
2013
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2024
2025

Genesis

Kalahari Resources was founded in 2001 by a group of South African black women entrepreneurs to pursue investments in the mining sector. The company was established with a long-term vision to participate meaningfully in South Africa's mineral economy. This marked the foundation for what would later become one of the country's flagship black women-led mining investments.

Entry into the Kalahari Manganese Field

In 2005, Kalahari Resources was granted a new order prospecting right for manganese in the Kalahari Manganese Field. The right covered approximately 6,300 hectares across the farms Umtu 281, Olivepan 282 and Gama 283, located about 10 kilometres northwest of Hotazel in the Northern Cape. Daphne Mashile-Nkosi and her late husband Stan Nkosi personally funded the drilling of 14 exploration holes, confirming the manganese potential of the resource.

Establishment of Kalagadi Manganese

In January 2007, Kalahari Resources sold a 20 percent stake to the Industrial Development Corporation, enabling the establishment of Kalagadi Manganese. This transaction positioned the project for large-scale development and funding. A Bankable Feasibility Study was commissioned, and later in November 2007, Kalagadi, the IDC, and ArcelorMittal S.A. entered into a joint venture agreement.

Feasibility and Strategic Investment

The Bankable Feasibility Study was completed in 2008, confirming the technical and economic viability of the project. In August of the same year, ArcelorMittal S.A. acquired a 50 percent interest in Kalagadi Manganese. This investment brought global industry expertise and strengthened the project's credibility.

Completion of the Sinter Plant

In 2013, the Kalagadi Manganese sinter plant was successfully completed and commissioned. This milestone marked a major step in establishing downstream beneficiation capacity. The plant enabled the production of sintered manganese for both local and international markets.

Acquisition of ArcelorMittal Stake

In 2016, ArcelorMittal S.A. exited the joint venture and sold 100 percent of its stake to Kgalagadi Alloys. This transaction resulted in a restructured ownership model aligned with long-term operational objectives. It also reinforced local control of the asset.

Financial Restructuring and Production Readiness

In 2017, Kalagadi Manganese completed a comprehensive debt restructuring of its senior debt and shareholder loans. This process stabilised the balance sheet and positioned the company for sustainable operations. The mine was thereafter fully ready to commence production.

Commencement of Production

Production officially commenced in March 2018, marking the transition from development to full operational status. By December 2018, the mine had successfully loaded 44,000 tonnes of manganese. This demonstrated early operational capability and market access.

Logistics and Export Milestones

In 2019, Transnet signed an R3 billion manganese rail contract, strengthening bulk commodity logistics from the Northern Cape. In February 2019, the first vessel carrying Kalagadi sintered manganese arrived in Xingang, China. This milestone confirmed Kalagadi's entry into global export markets.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Kalagadi Manganese retained all employees and did not implement retrenchments. The company remained committed to workforce stability during a period of global uncertainty. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy granted permission for Kalagadi to clear stockpiles during lockdown, ensuring operational continuity.

Operational Restructuring

In 2021, Kalagadi Manganese terminated its contract with Murray and Roberts Cementation. This decision formed part of a broader operational review. The move set the foundation for a revised mining model aligned with long-term efficiency.

Transition to Owner Mining

In 2022, Kalagadi transitioned from contract mining to owner mining. All affected employees were absorbed in terms of Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring continuity of employment. This transition enhanced operational control and internal capability.

Record Production Performance

In 2024, Kalagadi Manganese successfully hoisted its highest tonnage since the mine's commissioning. This achievement reflected operational maturity and improved efficiencies. It also demonstrated the mine's ability to scale production sustainably.

Open Pit Blast Milestone

In 2025, Kalagadi achieved a significant open pit blasting milestone. This event marked progress in mine development and future ore access. It underscored the mine's continued growth trajectory and long-term production outlook.

Video 1
Kalagadi Infrastructure
Video 2
Common Users Facility
Video 3
Kalagadi Open Pit Milestone