The largest producer of manganese ore in Egypt, Sinai Manganese Company (SMC), has resumed operations at its alloy production workshop after modernization.
The company said the launch of silicon-manganese alloys capacity needed for both local industry and international markets is "consistent with the company's strategic plan to improve operations, expand production capabilities and support the mining and services sectors."
Located in Abu Zenim (South Sinai), the plant managed to overcome previous production challenges by restoration and modernization and reach a “stable production capacity of 1,500 tonnes per month”.
According to Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Public Enterprises Sector, the furnaces reignition indicates the company’s successful comprehensive development strategy implementation, which included an increase in industrial production and the introduction of new industries. “In partnership with the private sector, we have reached consensus on the construction of a new facility aimed at increasing economic benefits and revitalizing existing manufacturing sectors,” he said. “The key project was the kaolin calcination project, utilizing state-of-the-art furnaces.” The project, the minister added, aims to transform Egyptian raw materials into premium components for various industrial applications, including refractories, rubber, plastics, fiberglass, ceramics, paper, coatings and paints. The initiative is designed to meet domestic demand and promote international trade.
Egypt is currently focusing on a shift from simple mining to manufacturing and processing. The current agenda of the government includes attracting domestic and foreign investments to activate industrial processes for various natural resources such as talc, gypsum, iron and phosphate for the benefit of the domestic market and international expansion.
Founded in 1957, SMC was the first to develop manganese deposits in the Sinai Peninsula. As the largest producer of manganese ore in Egypt, the company has expanded its scope of activities to explore and develop additional mineral resources including kaolin, gypsum, bentonite, quartz sand, quartz and manganese ore.
Hélène Tarin for Rough&Polished
