South Africa’s Iron Ore Export Line Maintenance Boosts Economic Activity

Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) is conducting extensive maintenance and renewal work on the 861km Iron Ore Export Line, which connects Sishen in the Northern Cape to the Port of Saldanha in the Western Cape. This critical freight rail corridor supports mineral exports, economic activity, and thousands of jobs across the logistics value chain.

The maintenance activities occur during the annual Iron Ore Line shutdown, with Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips and Group Chief Operating Officer Solly Letsoalo inspecting technical maintenance alongside Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy on Monday, October 13, 2026. This effort aims to enhance export volumes to support fiscal growth and economic development by 2026.