Tshipi Borwa Manganese Mine
One of the world's lowest-cost manganese producers in the heart of South Africa's Kalahari Manganese Field.
Tshipi Borwa is a large open-pit manganese mine located in the Kalahari Manganese Field of South Africa's Northern Cape Province. It is jointly owned by Tshipi e Ntle Manganese Mining (Ntsimbintle Mining, Jupiter Mines, and other shareholders). The mine produces high-grade manganese ore (37-44% Mn) and has rapidly grown to become one of the world's largest and lowest-cost manganese producers. It exports primarily through the Port of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) and produced approximately 3.7 million tonnes in fiscal year 2023.
- 01Maintain position as one of the world's lowest-cost manganese ore producers
- 02Produce and export approximately 3.5-4 million tonnes of manganese ore annually
- 03Supply high-grade manganese to global steel and battery markets
- 04Maximize stakeholder value through efficient open-pit mining operations
- 05Ensure broad-based black economic empowerment and community benefit
- 06Operate with minimal environmental impact through progressive rehabilitation
2010 · completed
Mining Right Granted
Tshipi e Ntle Manganese Mining received its mining right for the Tshipi Borwa deposit.
2012 · completed
Construction Completed
Mine construction was completed on time and within budget.
2013 · completed
First Production
First manganese ore was produced and exported in early 2013.
2017 · completed
Production Expansion
Annual production capacity was expanded to over 3 million tonnes through fleet additions.
2023 · completed
Record Output
The mine produced approximately 3.7 million wet tonnes of manganese ore.
2025 · in progress
Continued Operations
Tshipi continues to operate as a major global manganese supplier with a mine life extending beyond 2040.
Mineral Resource
Manganese Ore Reserve
Ore reserve of approximately 93 million tonnes of manganese ore at an average grade of 37-44% Mn.
Mining Infrastructure
Open Pit Mine
A large-scale open-pit operation with optimized bench heights and truck-and-shovel fleet.
Processing Plant
Processing Plant
Crushing, screening, and dense media separation plant producing lumpy and fine ore products.
Transport Infrastructure
Rail and Port Access
Rail access via the Transnet Manganese Export Railway to the Port of Ngqura (Port Elizabeth).
- Conventional open-pit truck-and-shovel mining
- Crushing and screening ore processing
- Dense media separation for ore beneficiation
- Rail logistics via Transnet Manganese Export Railway
- GPS-guided mining fleet
- Environmental monitoring and dust suppression systems
What it means for the community
Tshipi Borwa directly employs over 1,700 people and supports thousands of indirect jobs in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, one of South Africa's most economically disadvantaged areas. The mine has contributed billions of rands in taxes, royalties, and dividends. Its broad-based black economic empowerment structure ensures significant ownership by historically disadvantaged South Africans.
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- Tshipi e Ntle Manganese Mining (Ntsimbintle Mining, Jupiter Mines, and others)
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