Zanaga Completes Bulk Sampling Programme
Summary by AI BETAClose X
03 November 2026
Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited
(“ZIOC” or the “Company”)
Zanaga Completes Bulk Sampling Programme
Advancing Towards Metallurgical Testing and Final Engineering
Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited (“ZIOC” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the bulk sampling programme (“Programme”) at its Zanaga Iron Ore Project (“Zanaga” or the “Project”) in the Republic of Congo (“RoC”).
Completion of the Programme marks an important milestone in the continued development of the Zanaga Project and a key step toward completing the metallurgical test work and the subsequent Front-End Engineering and Design (“FEED”) programme.
Overview
- Programme completed on time and within budget.
- Successful extraction of approximately 30,000 tonnes of ore to assemble a 100-tonne composite sample from the hematite zone targeted for Stage 1’s 12Mtpa operation.
- Progress towards metallurgical testing: The composite sample will support the next phase of pilot scale metallurgical test work validation of Zanaga’s revised Direct Reduced Iron (“DRI”) processing flowsheet, allowing immediate progress to detailed engineering and design.
- Safety, environmental and community performance: No non-compliances reported throughout the Programme.
- Regulatory engagement: Representatives of RoC authorities expressed complete satisfaction with the Programme, including its planning, communication and transparency.
Martin Knauth, CEO of Zanaga Iron Ore Company Ltd, commented:
“The successful completion of the bulk sampling Programme represents a significant milestone for the Zanaga Project, constituting the first major equipment mobilisation at the Project site since 2014. The Programme was completed on schedule and within the allocated budget, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship and community engagement.
“We are particularly pleased with the positive feedback from observers representing the RoC authorities, who commended the Programme’s planning, communication and transparency. This reflects the considerable effort invested by our team and partners to deliver the Programme responsibly and in close coordination with the relevant stakeholders.
“With this important phase complete, we aim to progress to metallurgical testing and the subsequent final engineering and design work, strengthening the technical basis for Zanaga’s DRI grade plan.”
Next Steps
With the bulk sampling programme now complete, the composite sample will support subsequent metallurgical testing, including pilot-scale test work to validate Zanaga’s revised DRI processing flowsheet, characterise concentrate specifications, and facilitate product testing with steel mill customers, independent laboratories, and off-takers.
The results of this work will define process equipment requirements (including crushing, grinding and screening configurations), update mass, energy and water balances, and inform the basis for capital and operating cost estimates
The Company remains on schedule to advance through these next stages of technical development, supporting Zanaga’s continued progression toward a Final Investment Decision (“FID”) and eventual project construction.
Please visit the website's media section for the latest photos and videos by following this link here.
Figure 1: Bulk sampling pit (top left) and stockpile and sampling area (right) at Zanaga Project 
Figure 2: Samples being excavated at Zanaga Project
Figure 3 : ITG and ITF hematite lithology
For further information, please contact:
|
Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited
|
Andrew Trahar +44 20 3916 5021 |
|
Panmure Liberum Limited Nominated Adviser, Financial Adviser and Joint Broker |
Scott Mathieson / John More +44 20 3100 2000 |
|
Tamesis Partners LLP Joint Broker |
Richard Greenfield / Charles Bendon +44 203 882 2868 |
|
Shard Capital Partners LLP Joint Broker |
Damon Heath +44 20 7186 9952 |
|
BlytheRay Public Relations |
Megan Ray / Will Jones +44 20 7138 3204 Zanaga@BlytheRay.com |
ENDS
About ZIOC:
Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited (AIM ticker: ZIOC) is an iron ore exploration and development company, with its flagship asset being the 100% owned Zanaga Iron Ore Project, located in the Republic of Congo. The Government Mining Licence, Environmental Permit and Mining Convention are all in place for the Project.
The Zanaga Iron Ore Project is a globally significant asset with a 6.9 billion tonne resource and a 2.1 billion tonne reserve, targeting 30Mtpa production of high-grade DRI pellet feed with very low impurity levels. When fully developed, Stage One (12Mtpa) and Stage Two (18Mtpa expansion) together could establish Zanaga as one of the world’s largest iron ore mines. With all key permits secured, Zanaga is well positioned to benefit from increasing demand for high-quality, low-impurity iron ore, supported by low operating costs and an efficient slurry pipeline to port.
In the context of the global transition towards lower-carbon steel production, the Zanaga Project is well positioned to become one of the largest producers of high-grade, premium DRI pellet feed iron ore concentrate.
The Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited LEI number is 21380085XNXEX6NL6L23.
RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.
Latest directors dealings
- 10 minutes ago Volta Finance Limited NPV (GBP)
- 31 minutes ago Bytes Technology Group
- 1 hour ago Great Portland Estates
- 1 hour ago Hongkong Land Holding Ltd. (Sing.Reg)
- 1 hour ago Unilever