Looking deeper into the meaning of BHP’s acquisition attempts of Anglo American, one thing becomes evident: the dreams of a just green transition may not come true so easily.
The failed deal brought the impending shortage of critical metals, such as copper, needed for the transition, to the attention of the broader market.
In my view, this perfectly demonstrates a lack of real investment ideas to increase the production of necessary materials, even among market leaders. After all, M&As are merely movements of mineral reserves from one company’s balance sheet to the other.
To address the coming deficit of metals and minerals needed for the low carbon transition (at least in the mid-term), vast investments need to be channelled into the exploration and expansion of existing mines.
After a decade of structural underinvestment within the mining sector, companies require major financial support of long-term capital. Governments and financial institutions need to reevaluate the industry’s role and provide the necessary support for responsible mining operations that will play a key role in enabling the net zero transition.
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