Tshipi Increased Rail Volumes Through Fiscal 2026
The mining company expanded manganese transport capacity following a new rail agreement and infrastructure upgrades.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Transportation
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Tshipi moved 2.6 million tonnes of manganese by rail during the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2026. This performance was bolstered by a ten-year rail agreement signed in September 2025 and a total production output of 3.5 million tonnes.
Why it matters
Improved rail capacity access and strategic infrastructure upgrades allowed Tshipi to maintain high export volumes despite regional operational challenges. The company leveraged lower rail usage by other miners to increase its throughput and optimize logistics across South Africa and Namibia.
Tshipi produced and sold 3.5 million tonnes of manganese ore in FY26, with 828,000 tonnes routed through the Port of Lüderitz. The company operates with a capital cost estimate of R34 million for a planned conveyor initiative.
The players
Tshipi
Tshipi is a mining company with operations in the Kalahari Manganese Field of South Africa.
Jupiter Mines
Jupiter Mines is a mining firm that maintains a 49.9 percent interest in the Tshipi operation.
Transnet Freight Rail
Transnet Freight Rail is a state-owned South African rail operator that manages freight infrastructure.
Tradeport Namibia
Tradeport Namibia is a logistics and port infrastructure entity collaborating on the Lüderitz transshipment project.
The details
Operational efficiency gains resulted from fewer derailments, reduced cable theft, and the utilization of larger rail wagons. Tshipi also relied on road capacity to supplement logistics when Transnet Freight Rail experienced shutdowns or derailment incidents.
Timeline
September 2025: Tshipi signed the MECA3 agreement with Transnet Freight Rail.
June 30, 2026: The financial year ended for Tshipi rail volume reporting.
Market Landscape
The company's logistics strategy follows the implementation of the ten-year MECA3 agreement with Transnet Freight Rail. This long-term contract allows Tshipi to secure network access in a competitive market while positioning itself against peers through transshipment projects in Namibia.
For customers and partners, the stabilization of rail logistics ensures more consistent supply chains for manganese ore exports. The planned expansion of capacity and transshipment infrastructure suggests Tshipi is aiming for higher production reliability in future quarters.
The takeaway
Tshipi has successfully leveraged long-term rail agreements and infrastructure investment to mitigate the impact of regional transit disruptions. These logistical improvements are essential for maintaining export capacity within the volatile South African mining sector.
Further reading
For additional context on regional logistics and industry trends, see the Transportation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Railwaysafrica.
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