Transnet Secures 10-Year Manganese Export Deal with Hotazel Manganese Mines to Boost Rail and Port Capacity
State-owned Transnet has signed a ten-year contract with Hotazel Manganese Mines (HMM), a joint venture operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of South32, under the third phase of the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA3) framework.
The agreement guarantees long-term rail and port export capacity for manganese, strengthening the partnership between the two organisations and providing operational certainty for one of South Africa’s most established manganese producers.
HMM, based in the Kalahari Basin of the Northern Cape, has been a key player in the global manganese supply chain for more than 40 years. Its operations include two major sites — the Wessels and Mamatwan mines.
According to Transnet, the relationship between the two companies dates back to the 1970s, with rail forming an integral part of HMM’s logistics and export network. Over the decades, the partnership has evolved to support higher volumes, infrastructure expansion, and South Africa’s broader export agenda.
The MECA3 agreement builds on this legacy, introducing a demand-led, multi-year capacity allocation model aimed at improving planning, efficiency, and investment confidence across the manganese value chain. Under this framework, manganese will be exported through key channels such as Saldanha Bay and Ngqura to HMM’s global customer base.
“This agreement is a testament to the efficiency and reliability of our services,” said Transnet group chief executive Michelle Phillips. “By securing dedicated rail and port capacity, we are providing HMM with the operational certainty needed to sustain its mining and export activities, supporting local jobs and contributing to South Africa’s economic growth.”
South32 HMM operations vice president Barry Bezuidenhout added: “Long-term rail and port capacity is vital for HMM to access international markets.
This agreement reinforces our position as a leading global manganese supplier and a significant employer in the Northern Cape.
We look forward to building on our long-standing relationship with Transnet and exploring opportunities to further expand rail logistics capacity in South Africa.”
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