Supplemental data from: Manganese ore systems: A Canadian perspective on a critical element in the transition to a sustainable green economy within North America

Manganese is a critical metal for modern economic development. Over 85% of
manganese is used in the production of steel, where, as a desulphurising
agent, it is an essential additive in all steelmaking, and as an alloying
agent it makes a range of specialty steels. Additionally, it has
significant uses in fertilizer, animal feed, rubber, glass, unleaded
gasoline, ceramics, and paints. Currently over 80% of manganese ore comes
from a few mines in Africa and Australia, but its production is facing two
potential paradigm shifting developments over the next decade: the
potential extraction of manganese nodules from the ocean floor; and within
the transition to a green economy as a battery component for electric
vehicles. Herein we present the first national inventory of Canada’s
manganese occurrences in 90 years. While Canada has no current production,
it does contain many occurrences, though most are too small to be viable
operations. Presently, the deposits most suitable for mining are in the
Woodstock area, New Brunswick. Not only are these relatively large tonnage
and high grade, their mineral composition makes them more suitable for
electric vehicle batteries than most current mines or in the future
manganese nodules.