However, Mn has become a critical component in
metallurgy, where it has a twofold application: it scavenges
impurities such as oxygen, sulfur, and other elements
during the steel-making process, and imparts toughness,
hardness and abrasion resistance as an additive to steel.
Approximately 90% of the Mn consumed in the world is
used in Mn ferroalloys. The rest is used to produce nonferrous
products, such as aluminum alloys, fertilizers,
bricks, and paint, and for water purification.