[1] Copper ore had to be transported by ox wagon from the mines around O'okiep to the harbour at Port Nolloth on the West Coast.

The poor roads through mountainous areas hindered development of the mines and the already high transport cost was often aggravated by droughts and animal sickness.

[3][4] The first 48 miles (77 kilometres) long section of the Namaqualand Railway, from Port Nolloth to Nonams, was authorised by the Cape Government under Act no.

The 93+1⁄2 miles (150 kilometres) long line between Port Nolloth and O'okiep was opened for mule traction on 1 January 1876.

[1][3][4] The line passed through sandy terrain from the coast and then made a rapid ascent of 2,000 feet (610 metres), about 35 miles (56 kilometres) inland, with a very steep gradient en route in Dick's Cutting.

[3][4] Since the railway was to be mule-powered, it was constructed using iron bridge rails, mounted on longitudinal sleepers in order to allow free passage to the animals that worked the line.

[1] Even though the Act of 1869, which authorised the construction of the first section of the railway to Nonams, near Anenous, did not provide for the use of steam power on the line, two "illegal" tank locomotives were acquired by the mining company on an experimental basis in 1871.

Apart from the cylinder size, no other details about this locomotive are known and the rest of the specifications as shown in the table are all applicable to the engine John King only.