The demand for manganese is soaring as the world shifts to renewable energy. Much of the world’s known manganese reserves are found in South Africa, mostly in the Northern Cape. The multinational mining corporation South32 reported in July 2025 that sales of manganese products in South Africa increased by 48% in the last quarter of the fiscal year.
Additionally, according to a March 2025 study from the African Mining Market, manganese production increased 2.6% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, indicating that it continued to grow, despite some contractions in the mining sector as a whole.
Bulk bags, often referred to as flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs), are a straightforward but remarkably efficient solution that manganese mines can use to safely store and transport large quantities of material.
Custom Bulk Bags (CBB) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of bulk bags in South Africa. We produce up to 3.5 million units annually, and our products can safely hold between 500kg and 2 tonnes per bag.
What is manganese used for?
About 90% of all manganese is used in the production of steel, where it enhances the material’s strength, toughness, and resistance to wear by acting as an alloying agent and deoxidiser. The demand for South African manganese is growing along with the increase in global infrastructure.
As a crucial component of lithium manganese oxide (LMO) and nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems, the mineral is also essential to the worldwide clean energy transition in the future. South Africa’s position as a key provider is being cemented, as the demand for green energy is expected to increase by 15% by the end of 2025.
How bulk bags are used in manganese mining
Bulk bags play a crucial role throughout the entire manganese ore process, from the time it is extracted until it is prepared for export. They are ideal for the harsh conditions of a mine because of their longevity and design.
- Transporting raw ore – The raw manganese ore must be transported from the mine site to processing facilities after it has been crushed and sorted. Bulk bags are perfect for this because of their enormous load capacity, which can often store up to 2000kg. Since the ore is heavy and abrasive, the strong woven polypropylene fabric of the FIBCs can withstand the wear and tear. Their integrated lifting loops make it simple for cranes or forklifts to handle them, improving the loading and unloading procedure.
- Managing dust and spillage – Handling fine-grade manganese ore can involve dust, which creates a health and safety hazard. Duffle or spout top bags and dust-proof seams will keep tiny particles from escaping, protecting employees from dust inhalation and minimising product loss. Additionally, this makes the site safer and cleaner overall.
- Storing processed elements – Before being exported, the processed manganese must be stored safely. Bulk bags are a practical and cost-effective storage option. They can be stacked, so different grades of manganese can be kept apart and storage space can be maximised. Customisable printing also makes it simple to identify and track particular classes of bags.
- Increasing supply chain efficiency – The whole supply chain is made more efficient by bulk bags. They are simple to move by truck, train, plane or ship because of their uniform size and shape. They are highly durable so there is less chance of spillage during transportation, which minimises product loss and expensive delays.
The FIBC partner for mining in South Africa
CBB is a top producer and supplier of FIBCs in South Africa. We offer customised packaging solutions that increase manganese mines’ safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. We put a lot of emphasis on quality while manufacturing our bags, and each one is put through rigorous internal testing to ensure it satisfies ISO requirements.
Our ability to personalise bulk bags for our customers is what really makes us stand out. To properly fit your unique manganese business, we provide a variety of customisable options, such as baffle bags, side loop bags, and cross-corner loop bags, each of which is made to meet specific handling and storage requirements.
We can create bags that work in unison with your current machinery, whether you want spout bottoms for regulated discharge or duffle tops for simple filling. UV-resistant coatings can be sprayed onto the exterior of the FIBC fabric to slow down deterioration from exposure to sunlight. To improve your brand’s visibility and guarantee legal compliance, we can print your company’s logo, product details, and safety alerts straight into the bags.
Manganese mines can streamline operations, cut expenses, and guarantee the secure and effective handling of this vital mineral by working with Custom Bulk Bags. For more information about our bulk bags or to get advice on the ideal designs, please contact us today.
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Custom Bulk Bags is a leading South African manufacturer of woven polypropylene bags for various industries, such as mining, chemicals and food. We are a Level 2 B-BBEE manufacturer and supplier and fall under the ownership structure of Deneb Investments Limited. For more information on our products, contact sales@custombulkbags.co.za.
