Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.35–0.55 m³/t (typical 0.45)12.4–19.4 ft³/t (typical 15.9) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | A and C |
| Angle of repose | ~30-35 |
| BCSN | MANGANESE ORE |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Manganese ore is a key input to steelmaking as an alloying and de-oxidising agent, moving in large parcels from a handful of producing countries. As a dense ore it loads down to the marks well before the holds fill, behaving as a deadweight cargo, and like iron ore and bauxite its safety profile depends entirely on whether the parcel is coarse or fine.
Stowage & loading
Coarse ore is loaded by conveyor or grab, trimmed level and stows low with high tank-top loading, much like iron ore. The decisive check at the load port is the parcel's particle-size distribution and moisture: a coarse, dry parcel is inert, while a fine, moist one must be handled as a cargo that can liquefy, so the declaration and grading are verified rather than assumed.
Hazards & handling
Coarse manganese ore is largely inert, but fine ore and concentrate can take up and hold moisture and liquefy under a voyage's motion, producing a free surface and loss of stability in the same way as iron ore fines. The practical hazard is misjudging a fine, wet parcel as ordinary inert ore. Dust and high structural loading are the secondary concerns common to dense ores.
Carriage & discharge
An inert coarse parcel is an undemanding passage with routine checks for water in holds and bilges. A fine parcel accepted within safe moisture limits is monitored for shifting or free water exactly as a liquefiable cargo. Discharge is by grab or unloader, with abrasive residue washed down on completion.
Key hazards
- Liquefaction of fine, wet manganese ore, producing a free surface and loss of stability
- Misjudging a fine, moist parcel as inert coarse ore
- High point loading on the tank top from a dense, low stow
Loading precautions
- Check the particle-size distribution and moisture of the actual parcel before loading
- Where the ore is fine and potentially wet, treat it as a Group A liquefiable cargo with moisture and TML certification
- Respect tank-top loading limits and trim the stow level
Stowage factors are indicative and vary with grade, origin, moisture and packing. Always verify against the shipper's cargo declaration and the applicable IMSBC Code schedule before fixing or loading. This is general information, not professional or safety advice.