The Tshipi manganese mine has entered into a 10-year Manganese Export Capacity Allocation Agreement (MECA 3) with Transnet Freight Rail (Transnet) in South Africa. The agreement was formally signed on 2 September 2025 in Johannesburg.

The agreement secures long-term rail and port capacity for Tshipi, enabling the continued efficient movement of manganese ore to global markets. It marks a significant step in ensuring long-term logistics certainty and supporting Tshipi’s position as one of the world’s most consistent and competitive manganese producers.

Land logistics remain the largest cost contributor for Tshipi and other producers in the Kalahari Manganese Field, with ore transported approximately 1,000 kilometres from mine to port. Constraints in South Africa’s national rail system, which include infrastructure limitations, have historically impacted capacity. When rail is constrained, producers must rely on higher-cost road haulage to maintain export volumes.

With shareholder support, including from Jupiter, Tshipi continues to collaborate closely with Transnet to access spare rail capacity and pursue cost improving long-term solutions. Separately, the new MECA 3 agreement provides long term rail access certainty.

Transnet Group Chief Executive, Michelle Phillips, said: “Our partnership with Tshipi demonstrates the value of aligning logistics and mining capacity to secure sustainable export flows. This long-term agreement will not only facilitate consistent delivery to international customers, but it will also strengthen confidence in South Africa’s ability to serve global markets.”

Tshipi Chief Executive Mr Ezekiel Lotlhare said: “Tshipi’s journey from its establishment over a decade ago to becoming one of the world’s leading manganese exporters has been underpinned by strong partnerships. This 10-year agreement with Transnet ensures that we remain on a stable logistics platform that supports our growth ambitions while continuing to create value for our employees, shareholders, and host communities.”

As outlined in Jupiter’s Company Strategy update, released in January 2025, a key focus has been improving cost-efficiency through logistics optimisation. This agreement marks a meaningful step in delivering on that commitment under the “Fittest in the Field” pillar. Jupiter remains committed to supporting Tshipi’s long-term success and delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees and host communities.

Read about the world-class Tshipi manganese mine.