Glencore (GLEN.L) on Monday agreed to buy Canadian miner Pan American Silver Corp's (PAAS.TO) majority stake in an Argentine copper project for $475 million, as the Swiss commodities giant bulks up red metal that is expected to play a crucial role in the transition to greener economy.
Pan American said it will sell a 56% stake in Minera Agua Rica Alumbrera (MARA), which Glencore had already partially owned, giving the company complete ownership of the project. Glencore had already acquired another 18.75% stake in the project from Newmont Corp (NEM.N) last year.
The deal marks Glencore's second copper deal this year and underscore CEO Gary Nagle's bullish bet on copper. In April, Glencore launched an unsolicited $22.5 billion bid for Teck Resources (TECKb.TO) copper and coal assets, which the Vancouver-based miner rejected twice. Since then, Glencore has approached Teck to buy its coal business for $8 billion.
Glencore's copper output last year stood at 1,058.1 thousand tonnes (kt) in 2022, compared with the top producer BHP that produced 1,574 kt.
The disposal is part of Pan American's plan to hive off certain non-core assets and the company will use the proceeds to pay down debt and improve cash flow. Pan American shares jumped 7.20% to C$22.49, while the benchmark Toronto share index was up by 1%.
Big miners are seeking assets with longer mine life and high-quality grade ore to meet the growing demand for the red metal. In July, Glencore also bought out a remaining 18% stake in PolyMet Mining; Glencore's shares were up 1.1% at 471.50 pounds.
Copper's recent fall has pressured smaller miners to raise funds, sparking bets more consolidation in the industry.
The initial MARA joint venture in Argentina's Catamarca province, with proven and probable mineral reserves of 5.4 million tonnes of copper and 7.4 million ounces of gold, was established in December 2020 by Glencore, Newmont and Yamana Gold Inc, which was acquired by Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (AEM.TO) and Pan American in November last year.
Pan American expects the Glencore deal to be completed in the third quarter of 2023.
"The sale of these non-core assets is aligned with our stated aim of optimizing our portfolio following the Yamana acquisition," said Pan American CEO Michael Steinmann.
Pan American also raised $118 million by selling its other copper assets in Peru and Chile.
