1. Identification of the Substance / Mixture and of the Company
Product Name
Manganese Ore (Rock)
Synonyms
Natural Manganese Rock; Mn Ore; Pyrolusite ore
Product Code
WAL-MN-2024 (Lab Codes: 4WCT-01, 4WCT-02)
Intended Use
Mining / Metallurgical raw material; Industrial mineral processing; steel alloy feedstock
Country of Origin
United Republic of Tanzania
Testing Authority
The Mining Commission Laboratory, Ministry of Minerals, Tanzania
Report No.
995020806649 | Date Reported: 07/06/2024
2. Hazards Identification
Signal Word
WARNING
Hazard Class
Carc. 1A | Resp. Sens. 1
GHS Pictograms
GHS07 | GHS08 | GHS09
HMIS / NFPA
Health 1 | Fire 0 | Reactivity 0
Hazard Statements
- H372 | Causes damage to organs (nervous system, lungs) through prolonged or repeated exposure (Mn dust/fume).
- H350i | May cause cancer by inhalation (Mn compounds; crystalline silica if present as respirable fraction).
- H335 | May cause respiratory irritation from dust generation during processing.
- H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (Ni, Zn, Cr metal content).
Precautionary Statements (Summary)
- P260 | Do not breathe dust/fume generated during processing.
- P271 | Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- P280 | Wear appropriate PPE: gloves, protective clothing, eye/face protection, respiratory protection.
- P501 | Dispose of contents/container in accordance with applicable local regulations.
Other Hazards: Rock material is not flammable, explosive, or self-reactive in bulk form. Dust generated during crushing, milling, screening, and loading operations is the primary occupational health hazard. Risk of manganese with chronic inhalation of Mn dust above OEL.
3. Composition / Information on Ingredients
Composition derived from Mining Commission Laboratory Test Report No. 995020806649. Values represent the range across both samples tested. Balance consists of oxygen-bound mineral matrix (oxides, silicates).
| Component | CAS (Element) | CAS (Mineral) | Content (wt%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese (Mn) | 7439-96-5 | 1313-13-9 | 30.95 - 45.21 |
| Iron (Fe) | 7439-89-6 | 1317-61-9 | 4.73 - 4.79 |
| Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) | 7631-86-9 | 14808-60-7 | 0.87 - 1.87 |
| Aluminium (Al) | 7429-90-5 | -- | 0.12 - 0.15 |
| Potassium (K) | 7440-09-7 | -- | 0.10 - 0.74 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 7723-14-0 | -- | 0.05 - 0.10 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 7440-02-0 | -- | 0.11 - 0.16 |
| Zinc (Zn) | 7440-66-6 | -- | 0.08 - 0.12 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 7440-47-3 | -- | 0.03 - 0.05 |
| Vanadium (V) | 7440-62-2 | -- | 0.07 - 0.09 |
| Strontium (Sr) | 7440-24-6 | -- | 0.12 - 0.23 |
4. First Aid Measures
Inhalation
Remove person to fresh air immediately. Keep at rest in a comfortable breathing position.
If breathing is difficult, administer supplemental oxygen and seek immediate medical attention.
For severe or repeated overexposure, evaluate for manganism and refer to an occupational medicine specialist.
If breathing is difficult, administer supplemental oxygen and seek immediate medical attention.
For severe or repeated overexposure, evaluate for manganism and refer to an occupational medicine specialist.
Skin Contact
Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse.
Eye Contact
Flush eyes with clean running water for 15 to 20 minutes, lifting upper and lower eyelids. Seek medical attention if irritation or vision impairment persists.
Ingestion
Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water. Give 1 to 2 glasses of water to drink. Seek immediate medical attention.
Note to Physicians: Manganese causes CNS effects with chronic exposure. Monitor for pulmonary effects from silica exposure. No specific antidote.
5. Fire-Fighting Measures
Flammability
Not flammable. Manganese ore is an inorganic mineral and does not ignite.
Fire Hazard
No significant fire or explosion hazard in bulk form. Mn dust LEL is very high and not a practical risk under normal handling conditions.
Extinguishing Media
Use media appropriate for surrounding fire, including water, foam, dry chemical, or CO2. Water is acceptable.
Thermal Decomposition
At extreme temperatures, may release Mn and Fe oxide fumes which are toxic. Use SCBA.
Protective Equipment
Self-contained breathing apparatus and full-body protective suit required for fire-fighters.
6. Accidental Release Measures
- Personal Precautions: Evacuate non-essential personnel. Do not allow dust to generate. Wear P100 / FFP3 respirator and gloves minimum.
- Environmental Precautions: Prevent material from entering drains, watercourses, or soil. Mn and Ni are toxic to aquatic organisms. Notify environmental authorities if a significant spill reaches waterways.
- Containment and Cleanup: Wet-suppress the spill area before sweeping to control dust generation. Avoid dry sweeping. Collect material mechanically. Vacuum with HEPA filter where practicable. Dispose of collected material in accordance with local mining waste regulations.
7. Handling and Storage
- Safe Handling Practices: Handle in adequately ventilated areas. Use local exhaust ventilation during crushing, screening, or milling. Minimize dust generation at all transfer and loading points. Use enclosed conveyors where possible. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas. Practice strict personal hygiene. Ground and bond equipment during dry ore transfer to prevent static charge build-up.
- Storage Requirements: Store in a dry, covered area. Dampen stockpiles during dry and windy conditions to suppress dust. Segregate from strong oxidizers, mineral acids, and incompatible materials. Ensure storage areas have perimeter berms to contain runoff and prevent soil or groundwater contamination.
- Shelf Life: Indefinite when stored under appropriate conditions.
8. Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
| Component | ACGIH TLV | OSHA PEL | NIOSH REL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manganese (Mn) dust/fume | 0.2 mg/m3 TWA | 3.0 mg/m3 STEL | 0.02 mg/m3 |
| Iron oxide fume (Fe) | 5 mg/m3 TWA | -- | 5 mg/m3 |
| Silica, crystalline | 0.025 mg/m3 TWA | -- | 0.05 mg/m3 |
| Nickel compounds (Ni) | 0.1 mg/m3 TWA | -- | 0.015 mg/m3 |
Engineering Controls
- Install and maintain LEV at all dust-generating points.
- Use enclosed cabs with HEPA-filtered air-conditioning on mobile equipment operating near stockpiles.
- Implement a respiratory surveillance programme with regular air monitoring for Mn, total dust, and crystalline silica.
Personal Protective Equipment
- Respiratory: Routine work: NIOSH-approved N95 / P100 half-face respirator. High-exposure tasks: full-face supplied-air respirator or SCBA.
- Eyes / Face: Safety glasses with side shields as minimum. Goggles or face shield when dust risk is elevated.
- Hands: Chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile, neoprene, or equivalent. Replace when damaged.
- Body / Feet: Coveralls or dust-tight outer garment and steel-toed safety boots. Launder work clothing separately.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
Physical Form
Solid | natural rock / mineral ore
Appearance / Color
Dark grey to brownish-black rock
Odor
Odorless
pH
Not applicable (solid)
Melting Point
> 1,246 degrees C (Mn metal); bulk ore requires higher processing temperatures
Flash Point
Not applicable | non-flammable mineral
Vapor Pressure
Negligible at ambient temperature
Specific Gravity
3.7 - 4.5 typical manganese ore; bulk density approx. 1.9 - 2.2 t/m3
Solubility in Water
Practically insoluble in bulk; Mn2+ ions may leach under acidic conditions
Mn Grade (Sample 1)
45.21% Mn | Fe: 4.79% | Weight: 7,975 g (Lab code: 4WCT-01)
Mn Grade (Sample 2)
30.95% Mn | Fe: 4.73% | Weight: 4,153 g (Lab code: 4WCT-02)
10. Stability and Reactivity
Reactivity
Stable under normal ambient conditions.
Chemical Stability
Stable. No hazardous polymerization.
Conditions to Avoid
Extreme heat; strong mineral acids which may liberate soluble Mn2+ and other metal ions.
Incompatible Materials
Strong oxidizing agents, concentrated mineral acids.
Hazardous Decomposition
High-temperature combustion or fusion releases Mn oxide fumes, toxic by inhalation.
11. Toxicological Information
- Manganese (30.95 - 45.21%): Chronic inhalation of Mn dust or fume causes manganism, a progressive neurological disorder characterised by tremor, rigidity, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. IARC Group 2B carcinogen by inhalation.
- Nickel (0.11 - 0.16%): IARC Group 1 carcinogen by inhalation for nickel compounds. Dermal sensitizer and may cause allergic contact dermatitis.
- Chromium (0.03 - 0.05%): Cr(III) present; risk of Cr(VI) formation during high-temperature processing or ore beneficiation.
- Silicon Dioxide (0.87 - 1.87%): Respirable crystalline silica is an IARC Group 1 carcinogen and causes silicosis with chronic pulmonary exposure.
- Vanadium (0.07 - 0.09%): Respiratory irritant at elevated dust concentrations. Possible systemic toxicity with prolonged high exposure.
Summary
Acute Toxicity: Low via skin contact. Moderate via inhalation of high dust concentrations. Low via ingestion.
Chronic Toxicity: Significant, including manganese, silicosis, and nickel-related carcinogenicity risks with chronic overexposure.
Reproductive Toxicity: Mn compounds may have reproductive effects at elevated exposures in animal data. Minimize exposure for workers of reproductive age.
Acute Toxicity: Low via skin contact. Moderate via inhalation of high dust concentrations. Low via ingestion.
Chronic Toxicity: Significant, including manganese, silicosis, and nickel-related carcinogenicity risks with chronic overexposure.
Reproductive Toxicity: Mn compounds may have reproductive effects at elevated exposures in animal data. Minimize exposure for workers of reproductive age.
12. Ecological Information
- Manganese: Toxic to aquatic organisms at elevated concentrations. LC50 fish approximately 0.2 mg/L for soluble Mn2+. WHO drinking water guideline: 0.4 mg/L.
- Nickel (0.11 - 0.16%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. EC50 Daphnia approximately 0.02 mg/L.
- Zinc (0.08 - 0.12%): Aquatic hazard Category 1 per GHS. Bioaccumulates in aquatic organisms.
- Chromium (0.03 - 0.05%): Potential aquatic hazard if oxidized to Cr(VI) in leachate from acidic stockpiles.
Additional Environmental Notes
Persistence / Degradability: Inorganic mineral and not biodegradable. Metal ions may persist indefinitely in the environment.
Bioaccumulation: Mn and trace heavy metals may bioaccumulate in aquatic and terrestrial food chains.
Soil Mobility: Mn2+ may leach under low-pH conditions. Potential for groundwater contamination near acidic ore stockpiles.
PBT / vPvB Assessment: Not classified as PBT or vPvB under EU REACH criteria.
Persistence / Degradability: Inorganic mineral and not biodegradable. Metal ions may persist indefinitely in the environment.
Bioaccumulation: Mn and trace heavy metals may bioaccumulate in aquatic and terrestrial food chains.
Soil Mobility: Mn2+ may leach under low-pH conditions. Potential for groundwater contamination near acidic ore stockpiles.
PBT / vPvB Assessment: Not classified as PBT or vPvB under EU REACH criteria.
13. Disposal Considerations
- Manganese ore and associated processing waste is classified as mining waste under Tanzania Environmental Management Act (Cap. 191) and the Mining Act (Cap. 123, R.E. 2019).
- Characterise leachate prior to disposal using TCLP or equivalent test. If metals exceed regulatory thresholds, manage and dispose of as hazardous waste.
- Dispose of at a licensed mine waste facility in compliance with applicable regulations.
- Contaminated PPE such as disposable gloves and respirator filters should be disposed of as industrial waste per local authority requirements.
- Do not discharge slurry, wash-down water, or process water to natural watercourses without appropriate treatment.
14. Transport Information
UN Number
Not assigned | bulk mineral ore in normal transport conditions
UN Proper Shipping Name
Manganese Ore | Non-hazardous bulk mineral solid
Transport Hazard Class
Not classified as dangerous goods in bulk solid form under ADR / RID / IMDG / IATA
Packing Group
Not applicable
Marine Pollutant
Yes | Mn, Ni, Zn content qualifies as marine pollutant. Label accordingly for sea transport under IMDG Code.
Special Provisions
Applicable IMDG bulk cargo provisions apply. Implement dust suppression and ensure adequate hold ventilation during sea transport.
Environmental Hazards
Potential aquatic pollutant. Secure loads during transport to prevent spillage and runoff to waterways.
15. Regulatory Information
Tanzania Regulations
- Mining Act (Cap. 123, R.E. 2019) | governs mineral rights, operations, and environmental obligations.
- Environmental Management Act No. 20 of 2004 | environmental compliance and permitting requirements.
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (Cap. 297) | workplace exposure standards and worker protection.
- Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) | product quality compliance where applicable.
International Regulatory References
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1000 (Air Contaminants); 29 CFR 1910.134 (Respiratory Protection).
- EU CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 | GHS classification framework applied in preparation of this SDS.
- REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 | relevant for export to EU member state markets.
- IARC Monographs: Mn compounds (Group 2B); Ni compounds (Group 1); Crystalline silica (Group 1).