Update date: Aug 06, 2026 | 290 Pages | Report ID: M-AM-012119
Battery Grade Manganese Market
DMA IntelligenceBattery Grade Manganese Market Dynamics & Forecast Analysis 2033
Segments: Product Type (High-Purity Manganese Sulfate, High-Purity Manganese Oxide, Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide, Others), Application (Lithium-Ion Batteries, Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries, Others), End-Use Industry (Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Energy Storage, Others), By Region, And Segment Forecasts
$1840.0M
Market Size, 2025
$2156.5M
Market Estimate, 2026
$6550.0M
Market Forecast, 2033
17.2%
CAGR, 2026–2033
Market Definiton and Strategic Context
The Battery Grade Manganese Market refers to the segment of the manganese industry dedicated to producing high-purity manganese materials specifically designed for use in battery applications, particularly lithium-ion batteries powering electric vehicles (EVs) and grid energy storage systems. These materials, including high-purity electrolytic manganese dioxide (HP-EMD) and manganese sulfate (MnSO4), are critical components for enhancing battery performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. The market's growth is intrinsically linked to the accelerating global transition towards sustainable energy and electric mobility. Driven by stringent performance requirements for power density, cycle life, and thermal stability in modern battery chemistries, the demand for battery grade manganese is witnessing significant industry expansion. As a vital cathode material, it offers a compelling balance of energy density, stability, and lower cost compared to other cathode components, making it indispensable for next-generation battery technologies. The increasing focus on diversifying battery raw material supply chains and reducing reliance on cobalt further underscores the strategic importance of manganese. The global Battery Grade Manganese market size was estimated at USD 1840.00 Million in 2025, reflecting robust growth outlooks fueled by continuous innovation in battery technology and expanding application areas. This market forecast indicates sustained demand for high-quality manganese materials as industries scale up their production capacities for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions, positioning battery grade manganese as a cornerstone of the future energy landscape.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size value in 2025 | USD 1,840.00 Million |
| Revenue forecast in 2033 | USD 6,549.96 Million |
| Growth rate | CAGR of 17.2% from 2025 to 2033 |
| Actual data | 2021 - 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025 - 2033 |
| Quantitative units | Revenue in USD Million and CAGR from 2025 to 2033 |
| Report coverage | Revenue forecast, company share, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
| Segments covered | Product Type, Application, End-Use Industry |
| Regional scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Rest of Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
| Country scope | United States; Canada; Germany; France; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; Rest of Europe; China; Japan; South Korea; India; Australia; South East Asia (SEA; All; Mexico; Brazil; Rest of Latin America; Saudi Arabia; South Africa; United Arab Emirates; Rest of Middle East & Africa |
| Key companies profiled | Eramet SA; Element 25 Limited; Giyani Metals Corp.; American Manganese Inc.; Euro Manganese Inc.; South32 Limited; Vale S.A.; Tosoh Corporation; Mesa Minerals Limited; Manganese X Energy Corp.; Prince International Corporation; Compagnie Minière de l’Ogooué (COMILOG); MOIL Limited; Ningxia Tianyuan Manganese Industry Co., Ltd.; Guangxi Jingxi County Yizhou Manganese Industry Co., Ltd.; China Minmetals Corporation; Assmang Proprietary Limited; OM Holdings Limited; CITIC Dameng Mining Industries Limited; African Rainbow Minerals Limited |
| Customization scope | Free report customization (equivalent to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
| Pricing and purchase options | Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
Growth Catalysts & Market Constraints
The Battery Grade Manganese market is characterized by a dynamic interplay of potent growth catalysts and significant constraints that shape its trajectory. The surging demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and large-scale energy storage systems acts as a primary driver, propelling the need for high-performance, cost-effective battery materials. This fundamental shift towards electrification is continuously expanding the Battery Grade Manganese market size and influencing its growth forecast. However, the market also faces hurdles related to raw material sourcing, environmental regulations, and the complexities of achieving consistent high purity levels. Understanding these underlying dynamics is crucial for stakeholders navigating the evolving landscape of this critical industry. The market's future expansion hinges on innovations that address both technological requirements and sustainable production practices, ensuring a balanced growth outlook.
Growth Drivers
- Accelerated Adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs): The global push for decarbonization and stringent emissions standards is significantly boosting EV sales, which in turn fuels an exponential demand for lithium-ion batteries. As manganese is a key component in various cathode chemistries like NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) and LMO (Lithium Manganese Oxide), its requirement for high-performance and cost-effective EV batteries is a primary growth driver, necessitating increased production of battery grade manganese.
- Expansion of Grid-Scale Energy Storage Systems: The increasing integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power necessitates robust grid-scale energy storage solutions to ensure grid stability and reliability. Manganese-rich battery chemistries offer a compelling balance of cost, safety, and energy density for these large-scale applications, driving substantial demand for battery grade manganese to support the global energy transition.
Restraints
- Volatility in Raw Material Prices and Supply Chain Risks: The extraction and processing of manganese ore are concentrated in a few geographical regions, making the supply chain susceptible to geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and logistical disruptions. Fluctuations in the prices of raw manganese and other precursor chemicals increase production costs for battery grade materials, posing a significant restraint on market stability and profitability for manufacturers.
- Environmental and Social Concerns Associated with Mining: Manganese mining operations often involve substantial environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Growing public scrutiny and stricter environmental regulations, particularly in major producing regions, can lead to increased operational costs, delays in project development, and potential supply shortages, thereby restraining market expansion.
Opportunities
- Advancements in High-Manganese Cathode Chemistries: Ongoing research and development efforts are focused on increasing the manganese content in lithium-ion battery cathodes (e.g., high-manganese NMC, manganese-rich LFP) to improve energy density, reduce reliance on costly cobalt, and enhance thermal stability. These innovations present significant opportunities for battery grade manganese producers to develop specialized materials that meet evolving battery technology requirements.
- Development of Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing Practices: Growing consumer and regulatory demand for ethically sourced and environmentally responsible materials creates an opportunity for companies to invest in sustainable mining practices, recycling technologies, and transparent supply chains. Companies that can demonstrate a commitment to ESG principles will gain a competitive advantage and unlock new market segments, particularly with environmentally conscious end-users.
Challenges
- Technical Challenges in Achieving Ultra-High Purity: Producing battery grade manganese requires extremely high purity levels to ensure optimal battery performance and longevity. The presence of even trace impurities can degrade battery capacity and cycle life. Manufacturers face significant technical and capital expenditure challenges in refining processes to consistently meet these stringent purity specifications, impacting production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Intense Competition and Pricing Pressures from Alternative Materials: While manganese offers cost advantages over cobalt, it still competes with other cathode materials and alternative battery chemistries. The market is subject to continuous technological innovation and cost optimization efforts, leading to intense competition. This can result in pricing pressures for battery grade manganese suppliers, particularly as battery manufacturers seek to reduce overall production costs, impacting profit margins.
Market Level Breakdown
The Battery Grade Manganese market is primarily segmented by Product Type, which includes High Purity Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide (HP-EMD), Manganese Sulfate (MnSO4), Manganese Oxide (MnO), and Other Product Types. HP-EMD stands as a dominant segment, owing to its superior electrochemical properties that make it ideal for high-performance lithium-ion batteries, particularly in electric vehicles. Its high purity and specific crystalline structure contribute significantly to enhancing battery energy density and cycle life. Manganese Sulfate, on the other hand, is gaining traction as a precursor for cathode active materials, particularly in the production of NMC and LFP cathodes, offering a cost-effective alternative with good thermal stability. Manganese Oxide finds applications in specialized battery chemistries and as a component in various industrial applications that also demand high purity. The 'Other Product Types' category encompasses emerging and niche manganese compounds tailored for specific battery research or non-traditional energy storage solutions. This Battery Grade Manganese segmentation reflects the diverse material requirements across the battery manufacturing ecosystem, with each product type playing a crucial role in enabling different battery performance characteristics and cost structures.
Further segmentation by Application reveals the primary end-uses driving demand for battery grade manganese, including Electric Vehicles (EVs), Grid Energy Storage, Portable Electronics, and Other Applications. Electric Vehicles represent the largest and fastest-growing application segment, propelled by global electrification trends and increasing consumer adoption of EVs. The demand for high-energy-density batteries with extended range capabilities directly translates into a high requirement for manganese-rich cathode materials. Grid Energy Storage, vital for integrating renewable energy sources and stabilizing power grids, constitutes another significant application, favoring manganese for its cost-effectiveness and safety in large-scale installations. Portable Electronics, though a more mature segment, continues to utilize battery grade manganese for compact and lightweight power solutions in smartphones, laptops, and wearables. 'Other Applications' include various niche uses such as power tools, medical devices, and specialized industrial batteries, which also contribute to the overall Battery Grade Manganese market growth by requiring specific performance attributes from manganese materials.
The End-Use Industry segmentation highlights the key sectors consuming battery grade manganese, namely Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Energy Storage, and Others. The Automotive sector is the undisputed leader, driven by the explosive growth of the electric vehicle market, where battery grade manganese is a foundational component for EV battery production. This industry’s stringent requirements for safety, performance, and longevity significantly influence the specifications and demand for high-purity manganese materials. The Consumer Electronics industry, while growing at a slower pace compared to EVs, remains a consistent consumer for batteries in devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The Energy Storage industry, encompassing grid-scale and residential storage solutions, is a rapidly expanding segment, with significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure bolstering demand for manganese-based batteries. The 'Others' category includes diverse industries such as power tools, defense, and specialized industrial machinery, each contributing to the Battery Grade Manganese market forecast by adopting advanced battery technologies for their specific operational needs.
Battery Grade Manganese Segmentation Breakdown
- Product Type
- High-Purity Manganese Sulfate
- High-Purity Manganese Oxide
- Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide
- Others
- Application
- Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries
- Others
- End-Use Industry
- Automotive
- Consumer Electronics
- Energy Storage
- Others
Geographic Performance & Regional Trends
Geographically, the Battery Grade Manganese market exhibits significant disparities in consumption and growth rates, primarily influenced by regional manufacturing hubs, regulatory frameworks, and investment in electric mobility and renewable energy. Asia Pacific emerged as the largest market in 2025, capturing a substantial share due to the presence of major battery manufacturers and electric vehicle production facilities in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. This region is also projected to be the fastest-growing market, driven by favorable government policies, massive investments in EV infrastructure, and an expanding consumer base for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. North America and Europe also hold considerable market shares, propelled by ambitious electrification targets and robust R&D in battery technology, though their growth rates may be slightly more moderate compared to the dynamic Asia Pacific region. The rapid expansion of EV battery Gigafactories in Asia Pacific further solidifies its leading position in the global Battery Grade Manganese market growth and regional forecast.
Regional Growth Drivers
- North America: The region's growth is driven by significant government incentives for EV adoption and domestic battery manufacturing, such as the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States. Increased investments in battery Gigafactories and a growing focus on securing critical mineral supply chains are bolstering demand for battery grade manganese, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign sources and support local production.
- Europe: Stringent emission regulations, ambitious decarbonization targets, and substantial investments in electric vehicle production and charging infrastructure are key drivers. Countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are actively promoting EV sales and establishing large-scale battery manufacturing facilities, thereby increasing the demand for high-purity manganese materials within the European Union.
- Asia Pacific: This region is the global hub for battery and EV manufacturing, with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea leading the charge. Massive government support, rapid urbanization, a large consumer base for EVs, and extensive investments in grid-scale energy storage projects are collectively driving unparalleled demand and making it the fastest-growing market for battery grade manganese.
- Latin America: Emerging economies in Latin America, particularly Brazil and Mexico, are witnessing growing interest in electric mobility and renewable energy projects. Although starting from a smaller base, increasing foreign direct investment in manufacturing, coupled with a push for sustainable transportation solutions, is gradually contributing to the regional demand for battery grade manganese.
- Middle East & Africa: Investment in renewable energy projects and diversification away from oil-dependent economies are slowly creating opportunities in this region. Countries like Saudi Arabia and South Africa are exploring electrification initiatives and energy storage solutions, albeit with a slower pace of adoption compared to other major regions, leading to nascent but growing demand for battery grade manganese.
Looking ahead, the regional trajectories for battery grade manganese will likely diverge, with Asia Pacific maintaining its dominance due to continuous capacity expansion and technological leadership in battery manufacturing. North America and Europe are expected to demonstrate steady growth, driven by policy support and increasing localization efforts, albeit facing challenges in establishing fully integrated supply chains. Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, while currently smaller, present long-term strategic opportunities as their electrification infrastructure develops. For suppliers, understanding these regional nuances is critical for tailoring market entry strategies, optimizing logistics, and aligning product offerings with the specific regulatory and technological demands of each geographic segment, ensuring sustained growth in a competitive global landscape.
Competitive Insights & Leading Companies
The Battery Grade Manganese competitive landscape is characterized by a moderately consolidated structure, with a few large multinational corporations dominating the high-purity manganese production, alongside a growing number of specialized regional players and emerging innovators. The market features a mix of integrated mining companies, chemical processors, and battery material suppliers, each vying for market share through various competitive levers. Pricing strategies are crucial, as battery manufacturers constantly seek cost-effective raw materials without compromising on quality. Distribution networks play a vital role in ensuring timely and efficient supply to battery Gigafactories globally, demanding robust logistics and supply chain management. Product innovation is paramount, focusing on developing manganese materials with enhanced purity, specific particle morphologies, and improved electrochemical performance to meet the evolving demands of next-generation battery chemistries. Furthermore, regulatory approvals and certifications, particularly related to environmental impact and ethical sourcing, are becoming increasingly important differentiators, influencing procurement decisions in the Battery Grade Manganese market. The intense competition underscores the need for continuous investment in R&D and sustainable practices to maintain a competitive edge.
Leading companies in the Battery Grade Manganese market are employing a range of strategic initiatives to consolidate their positions and drive growth. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are common, allowing companies to expand their resource base, integrate supply chains, and acquire advanced processing technologies. Strategic partnerships and joint ventures with battery manufacturers and automotive OEMs are also prevalent, securing long-term supply agreements and accelerating product development. Continuous product launches of advanced manganese materials, such as ultra-high-purity HP-EMD and specialized MnSO4, are aimed at meeting specific performance requirements for different battery applications. Geographic expansion, particularly into regions with burgeoning EV production, is a key strategy to capitalize on new market opportunities. Extensive research and development (R&D) efforts are focused on improving extraction efficiency, refining processes, and exploring novel manganese-rich cathode materials. Localization of production facilities is also gaining importance to mitigate supply chain risks and comply with regional content requirements. Differentiation often comes from a combination of superior product quality, consistent supply reliability, and strong customer support. However, the market faces challenges such as margin pressure due to fluctuating raw material prices, stringent compliance costs associated with environmental regulations, and the inherent supply chain risk stemming from geopolitical factors, requiring robust risk mitigation strategies from Battery Grade Manganese key players.
Battery Grade Manganese Key Companies
- Eramet SA
- Element 25 Limited
- Giyani Metals Corp.
- American Manganese Inc.
- Euro Manganese Inc.
- South32 Limited
- Vale S.A.
- Tosoh Corporation
- Mesa Minerals Limited
- Manganese X Energy Corp.
- Prince International Corporation
- Compagnie Minière de l’Ogooué (COMILOG)
- MOIL Limited
- Ningxia Tianyuan Manganese Industry Co., Ltd.
- Guangxi Jingxi County Yizhou Manganese Industry Co., Ltd.
- China Minmetals Corporation
- Assmang Proprietary Limited
- OM Holdings Limited
- CITIC Dameng Mining Industries Limited
- African Rainbow Minerals Limited
Battery Grade Manganese Market Ecosystem
Ecosystem Participants
- Raw Material Suppliers — These entities are responsible for the extraction and initial processing of manganese ore, providing the foundational input for battery grade material production. They play a critical role in determining the quality and availability of primary manganese sources, impacting the entire supply chain's sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
- Their operational responsibilities include exploration, mining, and beneficiation of manganese ore, ensuring a consistent supply to downstream processors. Key challenges involve managing environmental regulations, ensuring ethical labor practices, and navigating volatile commodity prices, all of which directly influence the final cost of battery grade manganese.
- Manganese Chemical Processors — These companies specialize in refining raw manganese ore into high-purity battery grade materials such as High Purity Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide (HP-EMD) and Manganese Sulfate (MnSO4). Their expertise in advanced chemical and electrochemical processes is crucial for meeting the stringent purity specifications required by battery manufacturers.
- They perform complex purification, crystallization, and conversion steps, transforming industrial-grade manganese into battery-ready precursors. This stage is capital-intensive and requires significant technical know-how to minimize impurities, optimize material properties, and ensure consistent batch quality, directly affecting battery performance and safety.
- Cathode Active Material (CAM) Manufacturers — These players integrate battery grade manganese compounds with other critical minerals like nickel and cobalt to produce cathode active materials (e.g., NMC, LMO). CAMs are the core components that determine a battery's energy density, power output, and overall performance.
- Their role involves precise mixing, coating, and thermal treatment of precursor materials to achieve specific electrochemical properties and structural integrity. Collaboration with manganese chemical processors is vital to ensure tailored material specifications, while strong ties with battery cell manufacturers are essential for product validation and market adoption.
- Battery Cell Manufacturers — These companies assemble CAMs, anodes, electrolytes, and separators into functional battery cells, which are then integrated into battery packs for various applications. They are the direct customers of CAM manufacturers and their design choices heavily influence demand for specific battery grade manganese chemistries.
- Their responsibilities include cell design, manufacturing, quality control, and performance testing, ensuring batteries meet safety standards and application requirements. They often collaborate closely with automotive OEMs and electronics brands to customize battery solutions, driving innovation in material selection and battery architecture.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Manufacturers and Energy Storage System (ESS) Integrators — These are the ultimate end-users, integrating battery packs into electric vehicles, grid energy storage systems, and other applications. Their market demand directly translates into the need for battery grade manganese throughout the supply chain.
- They drive the performance and cost requirements for batteries, influencing material selection and technological advancements. Their strategic decisions on battery chemistry and sourcing priorities cascade down the ecosystem, making them critical stakeholders in the long-term growth and direction of the Battery Grade Manganese market.
Report Coverage & Key Deliverables
The report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the Battery Grade Manganese, combining quantitative data with qualitative insights to provide a holistic view of the market's current state and future trajectory. This meticulously prepared document offers actionable intelligence designed to empower business users, investors, and industry stakeholders in making informed strategic decisions. It meticulously dissects market dynamics, growth drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges, providing a robust framework for understanding the complex interplay of factors shaping the industry. Furthermore, the report offers an in-depth segmentation analysis, breaking down the market by product type, application, and end-use industry, alongside a detailed regional and country-level examination. This granular approach ensures that readers gain precise insights into specific market segments and geographies. The competitive landscape section profiles key players, their strategies, and recent developments, offering critical benchmarks for competitive positioning. With its blend of rigorous data analysis and expert commentary, this report serves as an indispensable resource for navigating the evolving Battery Grade Manganese market and capitalizing on its significant growth potential.
Report Coverage
- Market Size Estimates (historical and forecast)
- Our report provides detailed market size estimations, covering historical data from 2021 to 2025 and projecting forecasts up to 2033. These estimates are meticulously derived using a robust methodology that integrates primary research with extensive secondary data analysis, ensuring accuracy and reliability for strategic planning.
- Detailed Segmentation And Revenue Analysis
- The study offers a granular breakdown of market revenue across various segments including product types, applications, and end-use industries. This segmentation analysis provides insights into high-growth areas and market penetration, enabling stakeholders to identify lucrative opportunities and tailor their monetization strategies effectively.
- Regional And Country-Level Insights
- We deliver comprehensive insights into regional and country-specific market performance, highlighting market maturity, growth drivers, and regulatory landscapes across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. This global perspective allows for strategic comparison and identification of key investment destinations.
- Competitive Benchmarking Of Key Players
- The report includes an exhaustive competitive analysis, profiling leading companies based on their market share, product portfolios, strategic initiatives, and R&D activities. This benchmarking provides a clear understanding of competitive positioning, market concentration, and key differentiators among industry participants.
- Customization Options Based on Specific Requirements
- Clients can avail customization options to tailor the report content, including deeper dives into specific segments, additional country analysis, or focused competitive intelligence. Our flexible deliverable options ensure the research perfectly aligns with unique business requirements and strategic objectives.
Recent Industry Insights
The Battery Grade Manganese industry has witnessed a surge of strategic activities and technological advancements over the past 12-18 months, reflecting the global imperative for sustainable energy and electric mobility. Key developments include significant investments in new production capacities for high-purity manganese materials, driven by the escalating demand from electric vehicle battery manufacturers. Partnerships between mining companies, chemical processors, and automotive OEMs have become commonplace, aiming to secure stable supply chains and develop next-generation battery chemistries. Regulatory changes, particularly in major automotive markets, are increasingly emphasizing local sourcing and environmental compliance, influencing investment decisions and operational strategies. These Battery Grade Manganese industry trends underscore a dynamic period of innovation and strategic realignment among key players, all striving to capitalize on the robust market growth.
Key Market Developments
- October 2024: Euro Manganese Inc. announced progress on its Chvaletice Manganese Project in the Czech Republic, aiming to become a leading producer of high-purity manganese products for the European EV battery supply chain.
- August 2024: Eramet SA entered into a new supply agreement with a major battery manufacturer for high-purity manganese sulfate, reinforcing its position as a key supplier in the global market.
- June 2024: Element 25 Limited secured funding to expand its manganese concentrate production in Australia, with plans to further process into high-purity manganese sulfate for the EV sector.
- April 2024: Several battery technology firms showcased advancements in manganese-rich cathode chemistries at industry conferences, demonstrating improved energy density and cycle life, which could further boost demand for battery grade manganese.
- February 2024: Government initiatives in North America and Europe intensified efforts to establish domestic critical mineral supply chains, including manganese, to reduce reliance on foreign sources and enhance energy security.
Analyst Opinion
The Battery Grade Manganese market presents a highly attractive investment proposition, underpinned by the irreversible global shift towards electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. The market's competitive intensity, while moderately consolidated, encourages continuous innovation in product purity and processing efficiency. Demand-supply balance is currently tight, with robust demand consistently outpacing readily available high-purity supply, leading to favorable pricing conditions for producers. This imbalance is expected to persist in the short to medium term as new mining and refining capacities struggle to keep pace with the exponential growth in battery manufacturing. Geographically, Asia Pacific remains the powerhouse, dictating market trends and technological advancements, while North America and Europe are rapidly scaling up their domestic capabilities to secure critical raw material independence. The Battery Grade Manganese market outlook is overwhelmingly positive, driven by sustained technological evolution in battery chemistries and supportive government policies worldwide.
In the long term, the Battery Grade Manganese market is poised for transformative growth, with innovation focusing on increasing manganese content in cathode materials to enhance energy density and reduce reliance on more expensive metals like cobalt. This technological pivot will create significant opportunities for companies that can consistently deliver ultra-high-purity manganese products at competitive prices. Key risk factors include geopolitical instability impacting raw material supply, stringent environmental regulations increasing operational costs, and the need for substantial capital investment in new projects. Companies that can demonstrate robust ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices and invest in sustainable sourcing and recycling technologies will gain a significant competitive advantage. Strategic implications for market participants involve securing long-term supply agreements, fostering strong partnerships across the value chain, and continuously investing in R&D to adapt to evolving battery chemistries and maintain a leading position in this critical industry.