Black Rock Private Rail Siding Project: Upgrading Infrastructure for the Future
- Belinda Pinto
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 17
Date: 25 April 2025
Assmang and Hotazel Manganese Mines (HMM) partnered in a strategic project to upgrade and expand the existing 10 km private railway line connecting Black Rock Mine Operations (BRMO) and Hotazel Station. The goal: to improve capacity by upgrading the track from a 20-ton axle load (TAL) to a 30 TAL line, including the construction of a new bridge over the Gamagara River.
Modernising a Legacy Line
The current railway siding and bridge structure — over 50 years old — was originally built for 20 TAL and not designed to accommodate 125-wagon trains or the increased rail capacity now required. The upgrade aimed to deliver a safer, more reliable, and efficient rail system, while reducing ongoing maintenance costs and improving long-term operational performance.
Integrated Project Delivery
Executed in collaboration with key contractors including Stefanutti Stocks, ERB Technologies, Makali Plant and Construction, and WO Trackworks, the project benefitted from extensive stakeholder engagement, including coordination with Transnet Freight Rail (TFR), the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), and the surrounding community.
Track work and installation of the 30 TAL rail line took place during TFR’s Cape Corridor shutdown between 12 November 2024 and 21 November 2024. Final commissioning was completed on 22 November 2024, and the official handover of the new siding occurred on 30 January 2025.
Strong Safety and Community Impact
The project recorded zero lost-time injuries (LTIs) from 25 July 2022 to 30 January 2025, maintaining exceptional safety performance throughout.
It also created 180 local job opportunities, with employees receiving training in essential operational roles such as track masters and equipment operators.
A Model of Industry Collaboration
Andre Joubert, Chairman of Assmang’s Executive Committee, praised the project as a model of successful collaboration between the mining sector, government, and local industry. The upgrade demonstrates how focused teamwork and skilled execution can unlock significant value in South Africa’s rail infrastructure sector.
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