Episode Details

Interview with Brian Savage, CEO, Electric Metals USA

Recording date: 25th June 2026

Electric Metals USA is advancing the North Star Manganese Project in Minnesota, anchored by the Emily deposit—the highest-grade manganese resource in North America. The company aims to build a fully integrated domestic supply chain producing high-purity manganese sulfate (HPMS) for electric vehicle batteries, electrolytic manganese metal (EMM) for defense-grade steel, and electrolytic manganese dioxide for alkaline batteries. This strategy targets a critical gap: the United States currently relies entirely on imports, largely from China, for all manganese-related materials.

Rather than selling raw ore, Electric Metals is focused on downstream processing, capturing higher-value chemical outputs. A preliminary economic assessment estimates initial mine development costs at approximately $150 million, with HPMS production costs projected to be competitive with Chinese suppliers even without tariff support. A more detailed study, including a 10,000-tonne-per-year EMM circuit, is expected soon and represents a key milestone.

The Emily deposit grades 17.5% manganese and benefits from oxide mineralogy, which simplifies permitting compared to sulfide-based projects. Historical exploration data and recent test work support its development potential, though additional drilling is required to upgrade resource classifications.

The project is also strategically aligned with U.S. national security and industrial policy. Manganese is essential for both emerging battery chemistries and military-grade steel, yet domestic production is nonexistent. Government interest, combined with rising demand from EV manufacturers, strengthens the investment case.

While technical risks remain—particularly scaling HPMS production from laboratory to commercial levels—the company plans to mitigate these through pilot testing and flexible processing options, including third-party ore sourcing if needed.

With a relatively small market capitalization and strong exposure to critical mineral supply chains, Electric Metals USA represents an early-stage but potentially significant player in reshaping U.S. manganese independence.

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