Transnet signs R8.5bn rail deal with UMK

State-owned freight utility Transnet and manganese producer United Manganese of Kalahari on Wednesday “renewed their business vows” by signing an R8.5-billion contract to move two-million to three-million tonnes a year of manganese by rail to six South African exports channels. Transnet commercial sales and marketing group executive Mike Fanucchi noted that the contract would be valid until 2023, as part of the utility’s manganese export capacity allocation two contracts.