Sustainability
For the Global Manganese Association (GMA), sustainable development sits at the core of the industry's strategy.
We firmly believe that the long-term prosperity of the manganese industry must be built on a solid foundation of environmental responsibility, social well-being, and economic viability. The Association is committed to leading the industry's transition toward low-carbon, circular, and responsible development — setting scientific standards, fostering industry collaboration, and driving technological innovation to help the world achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement climate targets .
GMA brings together global member companies from mining, smelting, processing, and new-energy sectors. We call on members to uphold the highest standards of ethics, environmental and social conduct, to strictly comply with national and international regulations, and to jointly build a transparent, responsible global manganese supply chain.
Environment, Climate and Decarbonization
GMA promotes a faster low-carbon transition across the industry, from mining through downstream processing. We support member companies in optimizing their energy mix, improving energy efficiency, and steadily reducing their carbon footprint.
Environmental Management
Environmental management in the industry is shifting from end-of-pipe treatment to clean production throughout the entire process, gradually covering all stages from mining and ore beneficiation to smelting and deep processing.
Process Optimization & Technological Upgrades
Process innovation and equipment upgrades are the core levers for raising energy efficiency and cutting carbon emissions. The industry is accelerating its shift toward high-efficiency, energy-saving technologies such as closed submerged arc furnaces, refining furnaces, and integrated desulfurization-denitrification units, with new-generation equipment delivering marked gains in both energy efficiency and emission reduction. Meanwhile, electrolysis processes continue to improve, with new electrolytic cells and energy-saving electrode plates effectively reducing overall power consumption and driving the industry's shift from "high-energy, high-emission" toward "high-efficiency, low-emission."
Energy Mix Transition
The industry is accelerating its transition from traditional fossil fuels to clean energy: in the mining sector, diesel-powered equipment is being replaced with electric-powered equipment, while in the smelting sector, the proportion of green electricity—such as wind and solar power—is increasing. A number of GMA members already boast over 50 % share of clean energy in their energy mix and have launched “zero‑carbon park” initiatives.
Waste and the Circular Economy
The Association advocates efficient resource use and recycling, advancing the reduction, recovery, and harmless disposal of by-products such as manganese slag, helping the industry move toward a closed-loop model.
Manganese is a critical metal driving the green energy transition. Advancing sustainable development across the manganese industry stands for environmental stewardship as well as a commitment to the future of global supply chains. GMA will collaborate with members to forge a cleaner, more efficient and sustainable future for the manganese industry.
Social Responsibility
GMA embraces the principles of responsible corporate citizenship, encouraging member companies to actively fulfill social responsibilities alongside their economic value creation, with community development and employee well-being as integral parts of their sustainability strategy. The Association supports members in building long-term, systematic governance mechanisms for social responsibility, embedding it into everyday operations and decision-making.
Community Building
Manganese mining and smelting companies are often key economic pillars and sources of employment in their host communities. GMA encourages member companies to build long-term partnerships of mutual trust and benefit with local communities, respect community culture and rights, and maintain continuous dialogue with stakeholders through open communication. The Association supports members in backing community development projects — including infrastructure improvements, public health, local employment and skills training, education, and cultural heritage preservation — to ensure that manganese resource development and production benefit community livelihoods.
Employee Development
Manganese mining and smelting businesses are vital economic pillars and employers for local communities.GMA advocates members to build long-term mutually beneficial partnerships with communities, respect local culture and rights, and maintain ongoing, open dialogue with stakeholders. GMA encourages members to fund community initiatives including infrastructure, public health, local employment & skills training, education and cultural heritage preservation, ensuring manganese development and production benefit residents’ livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Association advocates a workplace culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and opposes discrimination in any form. We encourage members to cultivate inclusive working environments and pursue sustained advancement of health, safety and well-being for all employees.