Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited (LSE:ZIOC) has completed its bulk sampling programme at the Zanaga Iron Ore Project in the Republic of Congo, marking the next stage in preparations for metallurgical testing and detailed engineering work.
The programme involved extracting approximately 30,000 tonnes of ore to produce a 100-tonne composite sample from the hematite zone targeted for the project’s initial 12 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) operation.
The company confirmed that the work was completed on schedule and within budget, with no reported safety, environmental or community-related non-compliances.
Bulk Sampling Programme Completed on Schedule
The sampling programme represents the first major mobilisation of equipment at the Zanaga project site since 2014.
Approximately 30,000 tonnes of material were extracted to assemble a representative 100-tonne composite sample for the next phase of technical evaluation.
The sample will be used in pilot-scale metallurgical testing to assess the project’s revised Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) processing flowsheet.
Zanaga said the programme was conducted in coordination with local stakeholders and regulatory authorities, with representatives of the Republic of Congo government expressing satisfaction with its planning, communication and transparency.
Martin Knauth, Chief Executive Officer of Zanaga Iron Ore Company, said the completion represented an important step in the project’s development.
“The Programme was completed on schedule and within the allocated budget, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship and community engagement,” Knauth said.
Metallurgical Testing to Validate DRI Processing Flowsheet
Following completion of the sampling programme, Zanaga will proceed with pilot-scale metallurgical test work using the composite ore sample.
The testing will focus on validating the revised DRI processing flowsheet and determining the specifications of the iron ore concentrate that could be produced.
The company also intends to undertake product testing with steel mill customers, independent laboratories and potential off-takers.
The results will help establish the technical requirements for processing equipment, including crushing, grinding and screening systems.
Metallurgical findings will also inform updated mass, energy and water balances, providing the technical basis for refining capital expenditure and operating cost estimates.
These activities are intended to support the subsequent Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) programme.
Engineering Work to Support Project Development
The completion of bulk sampling allows Zanaga to advance the technical studies required before a potential Final Investment Decision (FID).
The next development stages will focus on confirming the processing characteristics of the ore, finalising engineering requirements and establishing updated project economics.
The company said it remains on schedule to progress through metallurgical testing and subsequent engineering activities.
The results of these studies will be important in determining the project’s processing configuration and informing future construction planning.
Zanaga Project Targets 30 Million Tonnes of Annual Production
The Zanaga Iron Ore Project is wholly owned by Zanaga Iron Ore Company and contains an estimated mineral resource of 6.9 billion tonnes and an ore reserve of 2.1 billion tonnes.
The development plan targets eventual annual production of 30 million tonnes of high-grade DRI pellet feed concentrate.
The project is designed to be developed in two stages, beginning with a 12Mtpa operation, followed by a proposed 18Mtpa expansion.
The initial stage will focus on ore from the hematite zone, which was the subject of the recently completed bulk sampling programme.
Zanaga has secured its government mining licence, environmental permit and mining convention for the project.
The proposed development also includes a slurry pipeline to transport iron ore concentrate to port facilities.
The company is positioning the project to supply high-grade, low-impurity iron ore concentrate suitable for DRI production, a process used in steelmaking that can support lower-carbon production routes.
Outlook
With the bulk sampling programme completed, Zanaga’s immediate priority is to undertake pilot-scale metallurgical testing and validate its revised DRI processing flowsheet.
The results will support product specification work, equipment selection and updated capital and operating cost estimates before the project advances through FEED.
Although the company has secured key permits and completed the latest sampling milestone, further technical studies and a Final Investment Decision remain necessary before construction can proceed.
Zanaga said the programme’s completion keeps the project on schedule for its next development stages as it works towards establishing the technical and economic basis for the proposed 30Mtpa operation.
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