Ore pre-treatment: crushing and grinding of manganese ore (e.g., carbonate manganese ore).
Acid leaching: Sulfuric acid dissolves the ore to form a solution of manganese sulfate (MnSO₄).
Solution purification: pH adjustment to remove impurities such as iron and heavy metals (neutralization or sulfidation is usually used).
Electrolysis: A direct current is passed through the electrolytic cell (the cathode current density is about 400-600 A/m²) and Mn²+ is reduced to manganese metal on the cathode.
Post-processing: cleaning, drying, slicing and packaging of finished products.