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WO Trackworks

South32 Hotazel Manganese Mines Rail Infrastructure Upgrade

  • Writer: Belinda Pinto
    Belinda Pinto
  • Nov 17
  • 2 min read

Client: South32

Location: Hotazel Manganese Mines – Northern Cape, South Africa

Period: 2023–2024


Scope of Works

  • Construction of new rail superstructure works forming part of two new rail balloons at Mamatwan and Wessels Mines.

  • Upgrade from 20TAL to 30TAL of the departure line at Middelplaats staging yard. - Supply and installation of sleepers, rails, turnouts, ballast, level crossings, and tie-ins with existing infrastructure.

  • All works executed in a live operational environment, requiring close coordination with South32, Transnet, EPCM engineers, and other contractors.


Key Challenges

  • Maintaining continuous mine and rail operations while executing major superstructure works.

  • Coordination with multiple stakeholders including EPCM engineers, Transnet, and other contractors.

  • Resource balancing while simultaneously delivering the BRMO Project.

  • Managing logistics across multiple mine sites and staging yard.

  • Managing volatile local community expectations around employment, whilst addressing socio-economic commitments.

  • Rolling out large-scale skills training programmes to develop local workforce capability.


Solutions & Innovations

  • Applied phased methodology to execute works safely in a live operational corridor.

  • WOT’s vertically integrated rail and civil divisions supported seamless delivery across multiple sites.

  • Deployment of WOT’s wholly owned on-track plant and equipment allowed full control over productivity and scheduling.

  • Strong stakeholder engagement ensured alignment with South32 and Transnet operational requirements.


Outcome & Benefits

  • Successfully completed within budget and programme.

  • Enhanced rail capacity and reliability through construction of new balloon loops and upgraded departure line.

  • Contributed to South32’s ability to move manganese more efficiently from mine to market.

  • Demonstrated WOT’s ability to simultaneously deliver large-scale projects, with a BRMO and South32 combined valued of R346 million.

  • Reinforced WOT’s standing as a trusted partner for heavy-haul mining infrastructure projects in the Northern Cape.

  • Delivered exemplary safety performance with zero Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) recorded, in alignment with WOT’s ISO9001 accreditation.



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