THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF ARTICLE 7 OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) 596/2014 AS IT FORMS PART OF UK DOMESTIC LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018 ("MAR"), AND IS DISCLOSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMPANY'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER ARTICLE 17 OF MAR
13 March 2025
Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited
("ZIOC" or the "Company")
Buyback of Glencore Shares, Board Change and Termination of Material Agreements
Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited (AIM: ZIOC) is pleased to announce the completion of the buyback ("Buyback") of 290,843,718 ordinary shares of the Company ("Ordinary Shares") held by Glencore Projects Pty Limited ("Glencore") ("Glencore Shares") in accordance with the terms of a share purchase agreement dated 1 March 2025 ("Buyback Agreement").
Pursuant to the Buyback Agreement, the Company has purchased all the shares held by Glencore at US$0.0516 per share (approximately 4.16 pence per share) for an aggregate purchase price of US$15.0 million. All Ordinary Shares repurchased from Glencore will be cancelled later today. The Company has also applied to have the admission to trading on AIM of the Glencore Shares cancelled ("Cancellation") and Cancellation is expected to occur on Monday 17 March 2025.
The Company also announces that pursuant to the completion of the Buyback, the existing Relationship Agreement between the Company and Glencore, and the offtake agreement between the Company's wholly owned subsidiary MPD Congo S.A, the Company and Glencore International AG have been terminated.
The Company also announces Mr. Peter Hill has resigned as a director of the Company. The Board would like to thank Mr Hill for his valuable service and consistent support for the Company and the long-term objectives of the Company's iron ore project.
Total Voting Rights
Following completion of the Buyback and cancellation of the Glencore Shares, the total number of Ordinary Shares and voting rights in the Company will be 722,740,460 and this figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. The Company does not hold any shares in treasury.
As a result of the cancellation of the Buyback Shares, each shareholders' percentage shareholding will increase and accordingly, each shareholder should ensure that they comply with their obligations to disclose interests in the total voting rights of the Company.
Further announcements will be made in due course and as required as Second Admission of the fundraise announced on 3 March 2025 is completed.
Martin Knauth, CEO of ZIOC, commented:
"I'm pleased that this process has been finalised in line with our expectations, and I would like to reiterate our thanks to Glencore for their support and positive engagement around this transaction.
"Now that these strategic changes have been enacted, we are well placed to proceed with our drive toward a construction decision and the formation of a construction consortium. I look forward to outlining these key processes, pathways and initiatives at our upcoming Investor Day."
Investor Day
The management team will update shareholders at the Investor Day on 18 March 2025, where it will provide further clarity on the ongoing strategic review process, financing pathway, and key operational updates and initiatives.
To register for the Investor Event please follow the link below:
Registration link: Zanaga Iron Ore Company Investor Day, Tue, Mar 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
For further information, please contact:
Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited
Corporate Development and Investor Relations Manager
|
Andrew Trahar
+44 20 3916 5021
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Panmure Liberum Limited
Nominated Adviser, Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker
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Scott Mathieson / John More / Josh Borlant
+44 20 3100 2000 |
Shard Capital Partners LLP
Corporate Broker
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Damon Heath
+44 20 7186 9952 |
BlytheRay
Public Relations
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Tim Blythe / Megan Ray / Will Jones
+44 20 7138 3204 |
ENDS
About ZIOC:
Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited (AIM ticker: ZIOC) is an iron ore exploration and development company, with the Company's flagship asset being its 100% owned Zanaga Iron Ore Project located in the Republic of Congo, for which the Government Mining Licence, Environmental Permit and Mining Convention are all in place.
The Zanaga Iron Ore Project is a world-class asset with a 6.9 billion tonne resource and 2.1 billion tonne reserve, designed for 30Mtpa production of high-grade (66-68.5% Fe) pellet feed with very low levels of impurities. A 2024 Feasibility Study reaffirmed its robust economics. When fully ramped, Phase 1 and Phase 2 combined could make Zanaga one of the largest iron ore mines globally. With all key permits in place, Zanaga is positioned to capitalise on growing demand for high-quality, low-impurity iron ore, leveraging low operating costs and a cost-efficient slurry pipeline to the port.
In light of the changes in the world's economy, and the growing demand for low-carbon steel production, the Zanaga Project is well-placed to become one of the largest producers of high grade premium pellet feed iron ore.
The Zanaga Iron Ore Company Limited LEI number is 21380085XNXEX6NL6L23.