South Africa’s Transnet, UMK Sign 10-Year Manganese Transport Deal

State-owned logistics firm Transnet and mining company United Manganese of Kalahari (UMK) have signed a 10-year contract for the rail transport of manganese from UMK’s mine in South Africa’s Northern Cape to local ports for export. The deal was signed last week under the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) 3 program.

MECA is the framework through which Transnet allocates rail and port capacity to manganese producers. The new agreement secures UMK’s long-term access to export infrastructure and aligns with South Africa’s broader goals of improving logistics efficiency.

The contract comes amid efforts to stabilize and reform the country’s freight logistics sector. Transnet is currently implementing its “Reinvent for Growth Strategy,” aimed at improving service delivery and attracting investment in critical sectors like mining.

Michelle Phillips, Group Chief Executive, Transnet, said, “We are encouraged by the vote of confidence expressed by UMK through their long-term commitment as part of the MECA program.”

Malcolm Curror, CEO, UMK, stated, “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.”