Mergers soar in global mining sector

23 February 2024

 

This month's Agenda also includesSaudi Arabia transforms mining sector


Register for MEED's guest programme 

There was a surge in mergers and acquisition (M&A) activity in the global mining sector in 2023, extending a period of consolidation in the industry that began in the previous decade.

The total value of M&A deals in the industry increased by 75% compared to the previous year, to reach $121bn, according to a report by GlobalData. The number of M&A transactions grew 5% year-on-year to 1,526, while the number of mega deals – which are defined as deals with a transaction value of $1bn or more – stood at 16.

The Asia-Pacific region, excluding China, recorded the highest M&A deal value, surpassing North America as the leading region. Despite this, North America maintained its leadership position in terms of deal volume.

GlobalData attributes the increase in M&A activity to companies seeking to position themselves favourably amid disruptive threats in the industry.

Major deals

The year’s biggest mining M&A deal was recorded in December, when Japanese steelmaker Nippon Steel announced its $14.98bn takeover of Pittsburgh-based United States Steel.

In November, Swiss commodities giant Glencore announced it will acquire a majority 77% stake in Elk Valley Resources, the steelmaking coal business of Canadian miner Teck Resources. The transaction is valued at $6.93bn, making it the second-biggest deal of 2023.

Nippon Steel Corporation will acquire a 20% stake in Elk Valley Resources, while South Korea’s Posco will take 3%.

Within months of being established, Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals entered into a transaction in July with Brazilian mining major Vale to become a 10% shareholder in its $26bn subsidiary, Vale Base Metals. 

Manara Minerals teamed up with investment firm Engine No 1, which took a 3% stake in Vale Base Metals. The $3.4bn transaction was the third-biggest M&A deal in 2023.

Manara Minerals was formed in January 2023, when Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) signed a joint-venture agreement with the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to establish a firm that would invest in mining assets globally. Maaden owns a 51% stake and the PIF holds the other 49% in the company.

Manara Minerals aims to invest in iron ore, copper, nickel and lithium projects as a non-operating partner, taking minority equity positions.

In another key deal, Australia’s MMG entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire the parent company of Botswana’s Khoemacau copper mine, with a deal value of $1.8bn.

Prominent themes

Among all mining commodities, gold continued to account for the largest share of M&A activity in 2023, in line with the trend observed in 2022, according to the GlobalData report. Last year, there were 375 gold asset-related deals, with a combined value of $49bn.

The report identified energy transition as the most prominent theme driving M&A deal value in 2023. 

The industry is facing headwinds from stricter regulatory, social and environmental requirements when it comes to obtaining licences to develop and operate mining operations. In response, the sector is embracing the shift to a green economy and net-zero emissions. 

Most mining companies recognise the need to develop more environmentally friendly mineral exploration technologies to improve relations with local communities and advance mine development.

The estimated $17bn-worth of energy transition-themed M&A transactions last year demonstrates this commitment to a cleaner, greener future by mining companies globally.

The positive momentum of M&A activity is expected to continue into 2024. This year will likely once again see mergers of equals; major mining producers acquiring small producers to strengthen their near-term production profiles; and the strategic acquisition of high-quality, long-life development projects to bolster producers’ development pipelines.

It is also expected that mining companies will continue to prioritise projects that can increase their exposure to critical minerals, including copper, nickel, cobalt and lithium deposits – all of which are an integral part of the global electrification transition that is under way.

Saudi Arabia transforms mining sector

https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/11502734/main.gif
Indrajit Sen
Related Articles
  • QatarEnergy selects contractors for Bul Hanine oil field project Indrajit Sen

    11 August 2025

    QatarEnergy has selected contractors for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) works on a project to maintain and increase the oil production potential of the Bul Hanine offshore oil field development.

    QatarEnergy divided the EPC scope of work on the Bul Hanine expansion project into three main packages.

    State-owned China Offshore Oil Engineering Company (COOEC) has been selected for the first two EPC packages, while Qatari contractor Doha Petroleum Construction Company (Dopet) has been picked for the third EPC package, according to sources.

    Additionally, COOEC has appointed US-based KBR to provide detailed engineering services for the first and second EPC packages, sources told MEED.

    QatarEnergy received technical bids for the three EPC packages in late January and early February.

    Contractors submitted commercial bids for the first package on 13 July, and for the second and third packages on 7 July, MEED previously reported.

    The following contractors, among others, are understood to have been bidding for the Bul Hanine offshore oil field development expansion project:

    • China Offshore Oil Engineering Company (China)
    • Doha Petroleum Construction Company (Qatar)
    • Larsen & Toubro Energy Hydrocarbon (India)
    • McDermott (US)
    • PetroVietnam Technical Services (Vietnam)

    Qatar's Bul Hanine oil field lies about 120 kilometres offshore in the Gulf’s waters. The field has been in production since 1972 and has produced more than 1.3 billion barrels of oil to date, with an average rate of production of 40,000 barrels a day (b/d).

    Through this project, QatarEnergy intends to increase and stablise the field’s output to 93,000 b/d.

    EPC works on the first package cover:

    • Installation of four wellhead platforms, requiring 80,000 tonnes of fabrication work
    • Expansion of existing offshore production stations
    • Construction of living quarters
    • Construction of utilities platform
    • Installation of gas-injection platform
    • Installation of riser platform
    • Modifications to existing structures
    • Installation of safety and security systems

    EPC works on the second package cover:

    • Installation of subsea pipelines
    • Installation of umbilicals
    • Installation of subsea cables
    • Installation of associated offshore infrastructure.

    EPC works on the third package cover:

    • Installation of brownfield hookups
    • Installation of flowlines
    • Laying of pipelines
    • Maintenance works
    • Associated offshore infrastructure.
    ALSO READ: Contractors submit revised prices for QatarEnergy NGL train project

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14445614/main1052.jpg
    Indrajit Sen
  • Almabani wins $870m Riyadh road schemes Yasir Iqbal

    11 August 2025

     

    Saudi Arabian contractor Almabani General Contractors has won two contracts worth over SR3.2bn ($853m) for the construction of two road schemes in Riyadh.

    The contracts were awarded by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).

    The first contract was awarded to develop road networks around Riyadh's King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The SR1bn project will enhance connectivity within KAFD.

    The project involves the construction of 17 bridges, comprising 211 spans measuring 20-45 metres in length and 6.7-16.5 metres in width.

    The scheme includes 247 piers, including abutments and frames, with heights of 3.5-29.5 metres. The scope also covers traffic detours and utility diversions; geotechnical investigations; mechanical, electrical and plumbing works; and hardscape and landscape enhancements.

    Candian firm WSP and US-based Parsons are managing the project.

    The construction works have started, and the project is expected to be completed by May 2027.

    The other SR2.1bn ($583m) contract was awarded for the development of Al-Thumamah central section. 

    This project is part of the broader Al-Thumamah Road and Imam Bin Faisal Road development scheme, which is a 24-kilometre (km) east-west corridor in the northern region of Riyadh. 

    The scope covers the construction works on a section that stretches from Mohammed Bin Salman Road to Uthman Bin Affan Road, with a total length of 7.7km.

    The construction work encompasses major interchanges and structures, including tunnels, underpasses, bridges, viaducts, pedestrian bridges and associated infrastructure works.

    Spanish engineering firm Idom is the project consultant.

    The project is due to be completed by October 2028.

    Planning for growth

    In 2021, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud said that the population of Riyadh will double to 15-20 million people by 2030. 

    He directed government entities to work closely with the RCRC to prepare the city’s development strategy.

    The RCRC’s major projects include Riyadh Metro, Riyadh Art, Sports Boulevard, King Salman International Park, Green Riyadh and the Diriyah Gate project.

    The RCRC's road schemes are expected to improve Riyadh's road networks in preparation to host major events in the coming years.

    In November last year, Riyadh was selected to host the Expo 2030 event, where the kingdom plans to invest $7.8bn. The figure was revealed in June 2024 in Paris at the 172nd general assembly of the expo organising body, the Bureau International des Expositions.

    This announcement was followed by Saudi Arabia's official selection to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup in December last year.

    Saudi Arabia will likely invest hundreds of billions of dollars in developing the required infrastructure to host the events. 

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14445476/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • UCC-led team wins $4bn Syria airport redevelopment Yasir Iqbal

    7 August 2025

    Syria's General Authority of Civil Aviation has signed a $4bn memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop and expand Damascus International airport with a consortium of international firms led by Qatar's UCC Holding.

    The agreement designates UCC Holding as the primary developer – through its investment arm UCC Concessions Investment – along with three Turkish partners, Cengiz, Kalyon, TAV and the US-based Assets Investments USA.

    The project will be implemented under the build, operate, transfer model and covers the expansion of the Damascus International airport in five phases.

    The expansion will ultimately increase the airport's capacity to handle 31 million passengers annually.

    The agreement also includes the construction of a 50-kilometre (km) road leading to the airport and $250m in financing to purchase up to 10 Airbus A320 aeroplanes for Syrian Airlines.

    The signing ceremony took place at the presidential palace in Damascus in the presence of President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. It was attended by US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack and representatives from the Qatari embassy in Damascus.

    The agreement was signed by Omar Al-Husari, chairman of the General Authority of Civil Aviation; Mohammad Moataz Al-Khayyat, chairman of UCC Holding; Sani Sener, chairman of TAV; Anthony Salter, CEO of Assets Investments USA; Murat Ergonul, board member of Cengiz Insaat; and Mustafa Kocar, CEO of Kalyon Insaat.

    READ MORE: Turkiye's Kalyon goes global

    The project adds to UCC Holding's portfolio of projects in Qatar and elsewhere. UCC has been involved in airport projects, including Hamad International Airport in Qatar, Rwanda's new international airport and Tripoli airport in Libya.

    UCC is also bidding for the contract to develop the first phase of Terminal 6 and the Iconic Terminal at King Salman International airport (KSIA) in Riyadh.

    The agreement follows on from the Syrian Ministry of Energy's signing of a $7bn memorandum of understanding (MoU) in May with a team led by UCC Holding to develop 5GW of power generation capacity – doubling the country’s output – by constructing new gas and solar power plants.

    The agreement covers the development of four combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants in Traifawi, Homs, Zayzoun, Deir-Azzour and Mehardeh in Hama with an installed capacity of 4GW, and a 1GW solar power plant in Wedian Al-Rabee in the southern region of Syria.

    The projects will be implemented under build, own, operate (BOO) and build, operate, transfer (BOT) models alongside power purchase agreements. Following final agreements and financial close, completion is expected within three years for the gas plants and two years for the solar plant.

    This aviation package also includes:

    > Middle East invests in giant airports
    > Broader region upgrades its airports
    > Global air travel shifts east


     

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14423948/main.jpg
    Yasir Iqbal
  • Region remains top of construction momentum index MEED EDITORIAL

    7 August 2025

    Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

    The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region remains the most active global market according to the latest Construction Project Momentum Index (CPMI) report released by GlobalData.

    The region recorded a CPMI score of 1.01 in June 2025, a 9% increase from May. In May, the score was 0.93, which was a 12% increase from April. This growth reflects ongoing efforts to diversify economies and invest in infrastructure projects across the region.

    The three-month moving average score remained stable, shifting from 0.96 in April to 0.97 in June.

    For projects at the execution stage, the CPMI maintained a strong performance with a score of 1.13, slightly down from 1.21 in May. This score reflects ongoing commitments to completing significant projects, particularly in the energy and utilities sector, which achieved a score of 1.40, up from 1.04 in May. This surge indicates increased investments in renewable energy and infrastructure upgrades.

    Infrastructure challenges

    The industrial sector also showed notable improvement, scoring 1.20, a significant rise from 0.49. However, the infrastructure sector faced challenges, experiencing a significant decline to a score of 0.12 from 0.49 in May, raising concerns about the pace of essential infrastructure projects.

    The commercial and leisure sector saw a downturn, decreasing to a score of 0.73 from 1.25, reflecting the ongoing impact of economic uncertainties. Meanwhile, the institutional sector recorded a score of 0.88, down from 1.35, indicating a slowdown in public sector projects. The residential sector remained relatively stable with a score of 0.90, slightly down from 0.92.

    Other markets

    Australasia also topped the index with a score of 1.01, driven primarily by advancements in the energy and utilities sector, which scored 1.32. The sector's growth is attributed to increased investments in renewable energy projects and infrastructure upgrades, positioning Australasia as a leader in sustainable construction practices.

    North America and China reported scores of 0.97 and 0.88 respectively, reflecting steady progress in their construction sectors. North America’s resilience can be attributed to ongoing infrastructure projects and a recovering economy, while China continues to navigate its post-pandemic recovery with a focus on urban development.

    Sub-Saharan Africa also showed promise with a score of 0.83, indicating a gradual improvement in construction activities, although challenges remain in terms of funding and project execution.

    Sector performance varied widely, with the commercial and leisure sector in Latin America lagging at a score of 0.50, underscoring the region's struggles. Conversely, the residential sector in South Asia performed well, achieving a score of 0.93, driven by increasing demand for housing and urban development.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14423589/main.gif
  • Adnoc Gas registers highest-ever quarterly profit Indrajit Sen

    6 August 2025

    Adnoc Gas has announced a 16% year-on-year growth in net income to $1.4bn in the second quarter of 2025, which is the highest-ever profit the company has achieved in a quarter.

    The company, which is the natural gas processing subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), registered an 8% year-on-year increase to $2.3bn in its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda).

    Adnoc Gas’ board of directors has approved an interim dividend of $1.8bn, up 5% year-on-year, scheduled for distribution in September. The company is the highest dividend payer on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

    Strong performance

    “Q2 2025 saw a strong performance across Adnoc Gas’ product portfolio, especially in the local gas market. The company serves local customers under long-term contracts with competitive prices and improved underlying margins,” Adnoc Gas said in a 6 August statement.

    “Adnoc Gas also capitalised on opportunities to sell additional volumes at favourable prices, in the local gas market and in the export market as liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Q2 results show the company’s product portfolio is resilient to oil price volatility.” 

    Following its inclusion in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index in June, Adnoc Gas experienced a net capital inflow of approximately $500m. The company is now on course to join the UK's FTSE Index in September, with market estimates of added inflows of more than $200m.

    Adnoc Gas

    Adnoc Group announced the creation of Adnoc Gas through the merger of its subsidiaries Adnoc Gas Processing and Adnoc LNG in November 2022. Adnoc Gas began operating as a commercial entity on 1 January 2023.

    The consolidation of Adnoc’s gas processing and LNG operations into Adnoc Gas has created one of the world’s largest gas-processing entities, with a processing capacity of about 10 billion standard cubic feet of gas a day across eight onshore and offshore sites, which include its Asab, Bab, Bu Hasa, Habshan and Ruwais plants.

    The company also owns a 3,250-kilometre (km) gas pipeline network to supply feedstock to its customers in the UAE. This sales gas pipeline network is being expanded to over 3,500km through the estimated $3bn Estidama project.

    In February, Adnoc Group completed a marketed offering of approximately 3.1 billion shares in Adnoc Gas, raising $2.8bn from the exercise. The offering represented 4% of the issued and outstanding share capital of Adnoc Gas.

    Following the marketed offering of shares, Adnoc Group continues to hold the majority 86% of shares in Adnoc Gas.

    The parent entity listed 5% of Adnoc Gas’ shares on the ADX in March 2023, in an initial public offering (IPO) from which it raised about $2.5bn.

    Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) owns the remaining 5% shares in Adnoc Gas.

    https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/14416325/main.jpg
    Indrajit Sen