EMD Processing plant

Current South African Manganese Stats

South Africa holds approximately 75% to 80% of the world’s identified manganese resources, a strategic advantage in the global market. In the early 1970s, Delta EMD Limited established the country’s first EMD production facility to support global dry cell battery production.

However, the closure of Delta EMD in 2014 has resulted in the country relying on EMD imports to meet local demand, especially for dry cell battery production.

About Gugulamahlubi's Projects

At Gugulamahlubi, our name reflects both heritage and purpose. “Gugu” means “treasure” in isiXhosa, while “Hlubi” is a proud clan name shared among Xhosa, Zulu, and Sesotho cultures. Rooted in these diverse traditions, the name “Gugulamahlubi” embodies the idea of Hlubi’s treasure – a symbol of the wealth, resilience, and unity that these communities represent. Just as the Hlubi people have flourished across different regions, we aim to grow our presence and value by contributing to sustainable industries with purpose and innovation.

Vision

Our Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide (EMD) project is the heart of Gugulamahlubi’s vision and mission: to extract and convert value from the earth into sustainable energy solutions. As a proudly South African company, we are committed to building a local supply chain that supports global battery manufacturing while fostering economic development within our communities. Just as treasures are discovered and nurtured over time, Gugulamahlubi is dedicated to unlocking the potential within our resources, people, and partnerships to drive a greener, more connected future.

Feasibility study

EMD is a critical material in modern energy storage solutions, including alkaline, lithium, and sodium batteries, as well as electrochemical capacitors and hydrogen production. The global market for EMD is projected to reach USD 2.01 billion by 2025, positioning it as a key component in the renewable energy sector. Given its cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits, EMD is expected to remain a preferred material for future energy applications.

Innovation in technology

With the rising need for sustainable energy solutions and the global shift away from fossil fuels, EMD derived from low-grade manganese ores presents a strategic opportunity within the renewable energy and portable electronics sectors. South Africa, as the largest energy consumer on the African continent, is facing severe energy shortages, stifling socio-economic development. In this context, establishing a new EMD production facility in South Africa is both urgent and strategic, aligning with the country’s abundant manganese resources and the growing global demand for renewable energy storage materials.

Stakeholders benefiting

Gugulamahlubi Pty Ltd is a South African company specialising in manganese exploration, mining, and processing. Established in 2019, the company has focused on the export market, particularly to China, the global leader in steel production and manganese consumption.

Benefits for South Africa

increased employment, international recognition, empowerment of local businesses, funding institutions, and attraction of international investment into South Africa.