April 25, 2024
BHP-Anglo American potential merger: It’s all about copper
An electrified world has become increasingly dependent on battery metals, particularly on copper, and BHP is, not surprisingly, eager to secure a leading position in the market. A tie-up would give the mining giant about 10% of the global copper production. It would also boost its presence in the world’s top copper producing countries Chile and Peru, as with the acquisition of Anglo American, BHP would gain access to three of the world’s largest copper mines — Collahuasi (with ownership of 44%), Los Bronces (50.1%), El Soldado (50.1%) and Quellaveco (60%). This would improve the company’s exposure to copper by