Zanaga District
Zanaga | |
|---|---|
 Zanaga District in the region | |
  Zanaga Location within Republic of the Congo | |
| Coordinates: 2°51′00″S 13°49′24″E / 2.85°S 13.8233°E | |
| Country |  Republic of the Congo |
| Department | Lékoumou Department |
| Capital | Zanaga |
| Area | |
• Total | 2,290 sq mi (5,931 km2) |
| Population (2023 census)[1] | |
• Total | 16,581 |
| • Density | 7.241/sq mi (2.796/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (GMT +1) |
Zanaga is a district in the Lékoumou Region of the Republic of the Congo. The capital lies at Zanaga. The district is known for its substantial iron ore deposits, and the Zanaga Iron Ore Project, which is a significant economic driver for the area.
History
During the European colonial race for Africa in the late 19th century, the French occupied the Congo region.[2] The discovery of mineral resources, especially iron ore, in the middle of the 20th century brought about investment and industrial growth to the region.[3][4]
Geography
Zanaga is a district in the Lékoumou Region of the Republic of the Congo.[4][5] The capital and the largest city of Zanaga is approximately 216 km (134 mi) from the national capital Brazzaville, and 232 km (144 mi) from Kinshasa.[6]
Zanaga lies in the basin of the Ogooué River, which empties into Gabon to the north. The region consists of a mix of forests and grasslands.[3] The Ogoué-Leketi National Park was established in 2018 to protect the area.[7] The topography of the Zanaga district includes several mountains, the highest and most prominent of which is Ballouni at an elevation of 762 m (2,500 ft).[8]
Demographics and economy
As per a pre-independence administrative census, the estimated population of the district was 11,316 people.[9] A 2007 census estimated the population to be 16,649.[10] The district is well-known for its substantial iron ore deposits, and the Zanaga Iron Ore Project is a significant potential economic driver for the area.[3][4] While further development on the project was halted in 2015,[11] it has since secured Chinese investment for further mining and production.[12]
References
- ↑ "Congo (Rep.): Administrative Division". Retrieved 1 June 2024.
- ↑ "French Colonization of the Republic of the Congo". ARC GIS. 5 January 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- 1 2 3 "The Zanaga iron ore mine – a test of best laid plans for preserving wildlife". Mongabay. 6 October 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- 1 2 3 "Zanaga Project". Mining Technology. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ↑ "Zanaga, Lékoumou Department, Republic of the Congo". Mindat. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ↑ "Zanaga". Geo Countries. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Creation of Ogoué-Leketi National Park". Congo WCS. 9 November 2018. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Zanaga Mountains". PeakVisor. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
- ↑ "Population Size In African Countries: An Evaluation Vol. 2" (PDF). Paris: Groupe De Demographie Africaine. 1988.
- ↑ "The Republic of the Congo". GeoHive. Archived from the original on 22 May 2012.
- ↑ "Zanaga iron ore mine". Wood Mackenzie. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
- ↑ "Zanaga Investor Presentation" (PDF). Zanaga Iron Ore. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 July 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
