NONOALCO

During 2009, in Nonoalco, In spite of being a tough year for the Industry, Nonoalco Mining Unit operated throughout 2009, meeting shipment and production programs. The production of Battery Grade Manganese Dioxide was 23 % over the amounts planned meeting timely all shipment dates that were 46% above the plan. With respect to Ceramic Grade Manganese Dioxide, the company made the decision to lower current stocks of this product, implementing some measures to save power. In terms of Manganese Oxide, the production of this Plant was 2 % above the plan, with sales 21 % higher than expected. In the process area, record operation times were reported demonstrating great consistency and full operation control.

The company was completing geologic studies to quantify clay resources, which could be useful for production and commercialization of bricks and mud floors. In 1964, the company began to operate the Nonoalco mine, in order to exploit natural manganese dioxide. Simultaneously, the technical team concluded successful metallurgical studies of the manganese carbonates. A calcination and nodulization process was the solution to converting the carbonates into manganese nodules, substantially improving their properties.