MMC secures 70% renewable energy supply through 20-year agreement with NOA Group

Manganese Metal Company (MMC) has entered into a long-term energy supply agreement with NOA Group to source approximately 70% of its electricity from renewable sources. The agreement leverages NOA’s portfolio of 86 MW of wind and solar PV facilities, reinforcing MMC’s commitment to sustainability and global decarbonisation efforts. As South Africa holds the world’s largest manganese reserves, the country plays a crucial role in producing high-purity manganese metal and manganese sulphate monohydrate for battery electric vehicles.

Karel Cornelissen, CEO of NOA Group, described the agreement as a major step in MMC’s sustainability strategy. “This Master Energy Supply Agreement (MESA) supports MMC’s goal to minimise its environmental impact by securing clean, renewable energy in alignment with the decarbonisation objectives of its global customer base,” he said.

Unlike traditional bilateral power agreements tied to individual generation facilities, NOA’s advanced aggregation model and trading platform decouples energy generation from the point of consumption. This system allows for greater flexibility, efficiency, and reliability by sourcing energy from multiple renewable generation sites across South Africa.

Under the 20-year agreement, NOA will supply 245 GWh of renewable energy per year through Eskom’s wheeling framework. By integrating multiple geographically diverse renewable energy sources, NOA enhances the stability and reliability of the energy supply while optimising generation profiles. This model ensures MMC benefits from a consistent supply of clean energy, reducing exposure to grid instability and fossil-fuel dependency.

The industrial and mining sectors are increasingly adopting renewable energy aggregation models to meet sustainability targets and regulatory requirements while securing reliable energy supply. Companies like MMC are prioritising decarbonisation not only as a regulatory necessity but also as a competitive advantage in a global market that values environmentally responsible production.

Bernard Swanepoel, Executive Chairman of MMC, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “This partnership with NOA Group marks a critical step in MMC’s sustainability journey. It ensures a stable and renewable energy supply that aligns with our commitment to decarbonisation and environmental stewardship while reinforcing our role as the largest global supplier of high-purity, selenium-free manganese metal (99.9% Mn). This will also allow our high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate product to be credited with industry-leading low carbon emission intensity.”

As the only non-Chinese producer of refined manganese metal, MMC continues to strengthen its position as a leading Western supplier of high-purity manganese variants critical for battery production. Beyond energy sustainability, the company has invested in water conservation initiatives, waste recycling improvements, and emissions reductions, demonstrating a broader commitment to achieving net-zero emissions.

Cornelissen emphasised the broader impact of the agreement, stating, “Driven by the growing focus on environmental sustainability, industrial sectors are proactively adopting clean energy solutions. Partnering with energy aggregators like NOA allows companies to secure long-term energy savings while significantly reducing their carbon footprints. This shift aligns with regulatory standards and corporate sustainability goals, positioning these industries as leaders in South Africa’s clean energy transition.”