Manganese Export Capacity Allocation Outcomes

Transnet is pleased to announce that it has concluded its process to allocate 2 million tons per annum of export manganese capacity to emerging miners through the Manganese Export Capacity Allocation (MECA) III process. This is the first phase in implementing the resolution from the emerging miner workshop hosted by Transnet in May 2022. 

An invitation to mining right holders to apply for MECA III was issued through an open market process and closed on Friday, 20 January 2023. Transnet underwent a thorough process of assessing all applications received for the MECA III program. The assessment process comprised a two-way process – desktop assessment and due diligence, as well as physical verification of mining activities. 

Nineteen (19) applications were received for capacity allocation, 10 of which were pre-qualified through the desktop assessment. Of the 10 pre-qualified, 6 were successful in securing export rail capacity. This will bring the total number of active emerging miners on rail to 10, up from the current 4. 

This is a major step in the transformation of the mining sector as it will increase the share of emerging miners’ allocation from 12,5% to 25% of the overall available capacity. Transnet remains committed to doing further work to facilitate transformation through its logistics services. 

Transnet congratulates the successful applicants and is excited to be an enabler of their meaningful participation in the export markets.