Stanmore Resources agreed to acquire BHP’s 80% interest in BHP Mitsui Coal (BMC) for US$1.35 billion in cash. BMC comprises the Poitrel and South Walker Creek metallurgical coal mines, Red Mountain infrastructure and the Wards Well development in Queensland, Australia.
The cash consideration includes US$1.1 billion cash on completion, US$100 million in cash six months after completion, and the potential for up to US$150 million in a price-linked earnout payable in 2024.
The acquisition would be transformational for Stanmore creating a leading global metallurgical coal producer with a portfolio of high-quality assets in Australia’s Bowen Basin, according to the company. Stanmore’s production would grow to more than 11 million metric tons per year (mtpy). Stanmore said it is expecting even greater production now that it has restarted Isaac Downs and the ramp up of the Millennium and Mavis mines.
BMC’s assets lie close to Stanmore’s and MetRes’ joint ventures existing operations and there is potential for shared infrastructure and coal blending opportunities. In addition to the mines, the BMC portfolio also includes the 8.4-million-mt/y South Walker Creek prep plant and the 9-million-mt/y Red Mountain prep plant, two rail loops and train loading facilities, two Marion 8050 draglines, and a fleet of excavators, dozers and haul trucks.
“This transaction will see the company become one of the leading metallurgical coal producers globally and provides Stanmore with a portfolio of tier 1 assets,” Stanmore CEO Marcelo Matos said. “It will significantly increase our resources and reserves extending operational mine life to 25 years or more.”
Stanmore Resources would assume economic and operating control of BMC on completion of the sale, including its share of all current and future liabilities of BMC subject to certain limited exceptions. Completion is expected to occur in the middle of 2022.
BHP will continue to operate BMC until completion and work closely with Stanmore Resources to ensure a successful transition of ownership.
