It could increase freight costs for some miners by 65%, and then there’s the question of what to do about rampant cable theft.

Transnet’s draft ‘Network Statement’, which is intended to ready the logistics provider for private investment, has received a lukewarm reception from the transport sector.

Off-the-record discussions are more frosty, in part because Transnet appears intent on retaining its monopolistic control of rail and setting tariffs that could lump miners with a 65% increase in rail transport costs, according to some estimates.