Transnet has entered into a 10-year agreement with United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) to transport manganese by rail from UMK’s Northern Cape mine to South African ports for export.

The deal forms part of the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) 3 initiative, through which Transnet assigns rail and port capacity to local manganese producers to support their export volumes. The agreement reflects UMK’s trust in Transnet’s ability to provide reliable access to global markets.

Transnet Group Chief Executive 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.”

ALSO READ:
Rail reform and liberalisation: Where are we?

UMK CEO Malcolm Curror emphasised the importance of dependable freight services for South Africa’s economy. “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 also highlighted MECA’s wider importance to national development discussions. “This is essential for sustaining economic growth and attracting further investment across all sectors.”

Curror further noted that the MECA agreement holds significant and broader relevance to current national dialogue regarding the mining sector in South Africa.