Bogolyubov's Manganese: Georgian Business for the Russian Military-Industrial Complex

Oligarch continues raw material supplies to Russia despite sanctions

Journalists have uncovered new evidence of cooperation between the Georgian company Georgian Manganese LLC and Russia, despite international sanctions.

The company, owned by Ukrainian oligarch Gennady Bogolyubov, plays a key role in supplying manganese ferroalloys, which are essential for the production of Russian military equipment.

How Georgian manganese fuels the Russian defence industry

 In 2021, Georgia accounted for 51% of Russia's imports of manganese ferroalloys.
 The main supplier was Georgian Manganese LLC, which accounted for 40% of total imports.
 Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, trade did not cease.

As of May 2022, Georgian Manganese was among the top 10 Georgian companies continuing cooperation with Russia. In 2023, Russia became the largest market for Georgian ferroalloys (38% of supplies), overtaking the US (25%) and Turkey (22%).

Manganese – a critical raw material for the Russian military industry

Manganese is an essential component for armour production. Without it, it is impossible to manufacture:
High-quality steel for military equipment
Heat-resistant aircraft engines
Armour-piercing shells

Links with Russian metallurgical giants

Key clients of Georgian Manganese in Russia have become:
Chelyabinsk Electrometallurgical Plant (ChEMK) – the largest producer of ferroalloys in Russia.
West Siberian Metallurgical Plant – one of the key players in the industry.

Following a series of scandals in 2024, ChEMK was transferred to Russian state ownership. The Russian Prosecutor General's Office acknowledged that the plant produces steel for tanks, aviation, and artillery systems.

While Ukrainians chip in for drones and pickups for the front, the oligarch profits from Russian tanks.