Electric Metals optimizes North Star Manganese Project in Minnesota

Electric Metals has initiated a multi-workstream optimization program at its North Star Manganese Project in Minnesota. The program aims to enhance project economics through technical and engineering improvements in ore selectivity, recovery, and processing costs ahead of upcoming prefeasibility studies. Results from these efforts are expected to emerge between 2026 and 2027.

The North Star project includes the Emily manganese deposit, described as the highest-grade deposit in North America. A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for the project indicates a US$1.39 billion after-tax net present value and an internal rate of return of 43.5%. The project plans to produce 100,000 tonnes of high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) per year, with plans to expand to 200,000 tonnes by the third year, alongside a 10,000-tonne electrolytic manganese metal (EMM) circuit.

Developing domestic manganese production is viewed as a strategic move to address supply chain vulnerabilities, as the United States currently imports 100% of its manganese. The metal is a critical component for batteries, defense, and various industrial sectors, with demand for battery-related manganese in the US projected to increase significantly by 2035.