RE: Do We Have Lift-Off?7 Feb 2026 10:50
Let's upgrade to a G-Class instead, ATG :)
Archy, keep in mind I’m writing through £500k rose-tinted glasses so hardly independent. I first saw ZIOC 10 years ago when the EP dropped; traded it then for a low 5-figure gain over 18 months or so, but then realised it was stalled while Glencore was involved. Today’s status is better than I ever expected: 100% asset ownership with no Glencore commitments is extraordinary. The 'Legends' clearly used all their influence to achieve this. It’s the most unique Tier 1 play I’ve seen: a 100% owned monster ($10b NPV10 for Stage 1+2 post-enhancements), fully permitted, DFS/FEED done, and ultra-high grade DRI product in huge demand for a century. Management has true legendary status, and when combined with major partners, own over half of the company. Hence my big bet.
Rebster, specifics remain key, but my logic is simple: they won't yield more than 20% of the PLC, as it would require pre-emptive rights and an EGM. That target likely drives the SP suppression marked by the Chairman’s sell. Even at 7.3p, a deep-pocketed partner providing 'sovereign air-cover' is a huge, huge win. I see no reason for the 'Legends' to take on debt when they can trade up to 50% project-level equity for a full Capex carry, which is standard practice for mega-projects at this stage (look at Simandou or Kamoa-Kakula). Holding 50% means 1bn shares owning half of a fully funded Stage 1 (+ Stage 2 pipeline), valued at a conservative $2bn NPV10 (50% of enhanced NPV). With a 35% free float, virtually nil for a future Fortescue, we’re looking at a decade-long value surge IF ZIOC remains public.
My roadmap, keeping in mind the small free-float means this could get crazy when IIs / Funds are allowed to buy:
- NPV upgrade & Partner reveal: 20-30p
- Funding agreement signed: 30-40p
- Presidential decree: 40-60p (Moves to NPV8; adds 30% value to NPV10 as IIs/Funds enter 'Wave 2 cycle')
- FID and Construction Start: 60-90p
- Construction to Name-plate (+4 years): 90p - £2.50
What I strongly suggest is using AI to help you understand potential (likely) partnership structures and associated valuations. Ensure you add all key information about the project, and assume the "legends" will not heavily dilute their ownership of a multi-generational asset. They wouldn't do it when running Glencore, Anglo, Rio etc., so they certainly won't do it here. It's extraordinary what you can find. I have even looked at who is attending from the RoC delegation, the attendance and timing of potential partner presentations at Indaba, and even the use of The Mount Nelson as a presentation venue. I use Gemini Pro as my life helper - it's fantastic.