Transnet, UMK sign manganese rail deal

Transnet SOC Ltd and United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) have signed a 10-year agreement for transporting manganese by rail from UMK’s Northern Cape mine to export ports

The deal falls under the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) 3 framework, through which Transnet allocates rail and port capacity to South African manganese producers. The long-term commitment reflects UMK’s confidence in Transnet’s capability to support access to global markets efficiently.

Transnet group CEO, Michelle Phillips, said, “We are encouraged by the vote of confidence expressed by UMK through their long-term commitment as part of the MECA programme. This agreement is a clear demonstration of our customers’ confidence in the efficiency and reliability of our services. It also bodes well for Transnet’s growth and sustainability, which is underpinned by our ambitious Reinvent for Growth Strategy amid various reform initiatives within the freight logistics sector.”

UMK CEO, Malcolm Curror, emphasised the importance of reliable rail freight, “By enabling the efficient movement of bulk commodities such as manganese, MECA not only positively adds to our national export capability but also to a greater competitive revitalisation of the country’s logistics network.”

He added that this efficiency is vital for sustaining economic growth and encouraging investment across sectors.

Curror also noted, “The MECA agreement holds significant and broader relevance to current national dialogue regarding the mining sector in South Africa.”