Transnet and United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) have entered into a 10-year agreement for the rail transportation and manganese export from UMK’s operations in South Africa’s Northern Cape.

Announced on Wednesday, the agreement forms part of Transnet’s Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) 3 program, which allocates rail and port capacity to domestic manganese producers to support their export operations. Transnet stated that the deal reflects UMK’s confidence in the state-owned operator’s ability to facilitate efficient access to international markets.

“We are encouraged by the vote of confidence expressed by UMK through their long-term commitment as part of the MECA program,” said Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips. “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 Chief Executive Malcolm Curror emphasized the critical role of reliable rail freight in supporting South Africa’s industrial landscape. “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 revitalization of the country’s logistics network,” he said.

Curror also noted that the agreement’s importance extends beyond logistics, contributing to ongoing national discussions about the mining sector’s role in economic development. He highlighted that such partnerships are essential for sustaining economic growth and attracting broader investment across industries.

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