In June 2024, BHP’s attempt to acquire fellow miner Anglo American failed. The negotiations had lasted six weeks, the offer prices were hiked twice, and yet the deal broke down because BHP only wanted Anglo’s copper operations. The deal put copper in the spotlight—on the scene of resource scarcity.
Peter Bryant spoke to Irina Slav of oilprice.com, saying the deal “shows the only way for miners to grow their revenue with copper is through acquisition since no new major copper assets are available. Even if they did exist, it may take up to 20 years to permit and build.”