South Africa is making a targeted push into electric vehicle (EV) battery production and its supply chain by providing an additional R29.9 million (~$1.9 million) to Giyani Metals.
The funding, supplied by the state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), is intended to advance Giyani Metals’ high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) demonstration plant in Johannesburg.
HPMSM is a refined precursor crucial for producing cathode powders used in lithium-ion batteries for EVs and energy storage systems, making it a key component of the expanding green technology sector.
“We would like to thank the IDC for being such a supportive partner,” said Nigel Robinson, interim executive chairperson of Giyani, in an interview with Mining Weekly.
The additional financing raises the total IDC-backed loan facility to R329.9 million and allows the company to integrate operational data from its demonstration plant into a definitive feasibility study (DFS), now expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026.
These findings will guide the scaling of Giyani’s operations and support its transition to commercial manganese production.
South Africa’s investment in Giyani Metals aligns with a broader national objective to expand into the EV battery materials sector.
By funding initiatives that produce high-purity, low-carbon battery inputs, the country aims to establish itself as a hub for Africa’s EV supply chain, reduce reliance on imports, and cultivate local expertise in a rapidly growing market across the continent.
The demonstration plant has already validated critical operational parameters such as reagent usage, crystalliser performance, and large-scale process management, providing data to inform future projects including the planned commercial HPMSM plant at the K.Hill project in Botswana.
Once operational, this facility will supply battery manufacturers both regionally and internationally, reinforcing Africa’s participation in the global energy transition.
IDC-backed projects like this not only foster local job creation and technological capacity but also strengthen South Africa’s presence in a market where sustainable, low-carbon battery materials are increasingly strategic.
For the continent’s EV industry, initiatives of this nature signal a move toward a fully integrated supply chain from raw materials to battery-grade products positioning Africa to play a competitive role in the global EV revolution.