SNIM and Essar signed a rail-transport and logistics agreement in Paris on 2 November for the Askaf iron-ore project in Tiris Zemmour. The government describes it as the first opening of the national railway to private operators. SNIM expects additional transport income and shared railway-maintenance costs.
The official announcement projects annual capacity of 7.5 million tonnes and about 2,000 jobs during construction. It says exploitation should begin within six months—approximately May 2027. Essar’s January 2026 corporate presentation instead scheduled commercial operations for the end of 2028, with project costs exceeding $800 million. Neither document explains whether the different dates concern separate operating stages or a revised schedule.
The agreement therefore secures a key logistics arrangement, while the timing of commercial production remains unresolved.