Sustainability
The Global Manganese Association (GMA) places sustainable development at the heart of the industry's strategic development
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
GMA drives accelerated low-carbon transition across every link of the industry — from mine extraction to end-stage processing — supporting member companies in optimizing their energy mix, raising energy efficiency, and continuously reducing their carbon footprint.
Environmental Management
Industry environmental management is extending from end-of-pipe treatment to whole-process clean production, progressively covering mining, beneficiation, 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 shift from fossil-based to clean energy: mining operations are replacing diesel-powered equipment with electrified alternatives, while smelting is raising its share of green power from wind and solar. Some GMA member companies already source more than 50% of their energy from clean sources and have begun building "zero-carbon industrial parks."
Waste & 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 for the green energy transition. Advancing the sustainable development of the manganese industry is not only a responsibility to the environment — it is a responsibility to the future of the global industrial chain. GMA will work hand in hand with member companies to build a cleaner, more efficient, and more 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
The industry is committed to building employees' skills and capabilities and creating sustained opportunities for professional growth. GMA encourages member companies to implement vocational skills upgrading programs, leadership development initiatives, and vocational education partnerships to help employees navigate industry technology upgrades and the green transition.
At the same time, the Association champions a workplace culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and opposes any form of discrimination. We encourage member companies to foster inclusive work environments and to continuously advance the health, safety, and well-being of all employees.