162. The market for manganese products is necessarily governed by the iron and steel industry, which remains severely affected by the continuing world recession. Procuction and trace in both manganese ores and alloys outside the USSR was at a low level in 1981, and in general potential supply exceeded demand. 163. It would appear that over-all rranganese ore production remained static in 1981. In Africa, G£bon prorucec rather less than before, and South Africa a little more. South Africa pos­ sesses the larrest proved manranese ore reserves; reserves in Gabon are estimated at appro:ximately 200 million tonnes of sale- 81 E/ECA /CM. 9/5 able products. In February 1982, a new high grade of fines will be available for export alongside the traditional lump grade. (.s) Cobalt 164. Producer stocks of cobalt at the end of 1981 were estimated at between 16,000 and 20,000 tonnes. Reported production in Zaire and Zambia in 1981 was well below installed capacity, and it is unlikely that production will rise to capacity levels in 1982. In Zaire production may be as low as 8,000 tonnes. Zam­ bia •s capacity of 1982 will be about 3,600 tonnes, but with the commissioning of a new cobalt plant it is expected to increase to 5,700 tonnes a year within the next 12-18 months and to 6,200 tonnes a year by 1984. 165. The producer price of $25.00 a pound set on 1 February 1980 was maintained until 2 March 1981, when the price for Zaire cobalt was reduced to $20.00 a pcuno. Zambia followed the producer price reduction, but the free market went further to about $18.00. Following a steady decline, the lowest free market price by November was $8.50 a pound. Although 1981 ended with the official producer price standing at $17.26, Zaire announced a price of $12.50 on 1 February 1982. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the global market trends and production levels of manganese and cobalt, two natural resources used in various industries. The information provided focuses on the supply and demand dynamics, production capacities, and prices of these metals. This suggests that the text is related to the natural resources and industry sectors, as it provides an overview of the market conditions and prospects for these commodities.

**Category**
Natural resources and industry