This is a memorandum, to inform all SIEF members/ REACH joint Registrants for Manganese - 231-105-1, that the Lead Registrant South32 will be resigning  from its responsibilitty as Lead registrant by the end of this month. Haven been Lead Registrant since 2010, South32 has worked tirelessly with MARA to ensure a fair registration for all joint registrants and  ensured that the information inherent in the dossiers are supported by studies and expert judgement/analysis in the absence of studies. 

With a new business scheme where significant quantities of manganese either in metal or alloys forms are not marketted in the EU, South32's resignation was accepted by the Consortium Board and a proposal was put forth for Ore & Metal Company to take over the lead registrant responsibilities. 

To this end, any SIEF members that object to this change or to this proposed new Lead Registrant should do so by writing an objection letter while proposing another legal entity as lead registrant.

Send all objections and proposals to reach@manganese.org by Friday, 20th February (close of business).

In the absence of any objections, MARA looks forward to working with Ore & Metal Company Ltd.