The most significant use of manganese is steel production, which consumes more than 85% of all manganese mined. The ore is particularly useful in increasing steel’s resistance to oxidation; it can also improve the overall strength, durability and workability of the material.
In Manganese, we have a 40% shareholding in the Samancor joint venture (managed by South32, which holds 60%). The manganese operations are located in South Africa and Australia, producing ore products for the steel industry.
Ruben Fernandes
Chief Operating Officer
Ruben Fernandes
Chief Operating Officer
MBA, MSc (Metallurgical Engineering)
As Chief Operating Officer, Ruben is responsible for ensuring safe and responsible operations, optimising performance, future options and commercial value across Anglo American's portfolio.
Prior to this role, Ruben served as regional director for the Americas, CEO of Base Metals and CEO of Anglo American Brazil.
Ruben joined Anglo American in 2012, and was previously head of mining at Votorantim Metals in Brazil. Between 2009 and 2011, he was COO at Vale Fertilizers and, CEO of Kaolin Companies – Pará Pigments and Cadam – two subsidiaries of Vale, between 2007 and 2009, and held various analysis, marketing and project roles in Vale’s Base Metals business which he joined in 1999.