Lundin Mining Finalizes Joint Acquisition of Filo with BHP

Deal News | Jan 15, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Lundin Mining Corporation

Lundin Mining Corporation has announced the completion of a joint acquisition of Filo Corp in collaboration with BHP Investments Canada Inc. The transaction, named the 'Filo Acquisition', coincides with the formation of Vicuña Corp, a 50/50 joint venture between the two companies that will oversee the development of the Filo del Sol (FDS) and Josemaria projects. As part of the agreement, BHP paid Lundin Mining $690 million for a 50% share in the Josemaria project. Vicuña Corp aims to create a strategic alliance to develop a significant copper mining district, leveraging economies of scale and strategic expansion opportunities. Lundin Mining's financial commitment to the Filo Acquisition amounted to approximately C$877.8 million in cash along with the issuance of additional shares, representing an 11% dilution for its stakeholders. BHP contributed C$2.0 billion in cash toward its share. The management of Vicuña Corp will be handled through a joint board with figures from both companies, including Jack Lundin and Dave Dicaire spearheading operations. The district planning involves strategic drilling and exploration, anticipating a mineral resource estimate by mid-2025. This partnership and the creation of Vicuña Corp highlight a significant strategic expansion for both companies in a growing copper market.

Sectors

  • Mining
  • Metals & Minerals
  • Joint Ventures

Geography

  • Canada – Lundin Mining Corporation, one of the main participants, is a Canadian company and the transaction involves Canadian interests.
  • Argentina – The location of the mining projects involved, specifically the Josemaria and Filo del Sol projects, which are situated in Argentina.
  • Sweden – Lundin Mining is also listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm, indicating Swedish financial interest and involvement.

Industry

  • Mining – The article discusses activities related to the mining and development of copper extraction projects, including the acquisition of a mining asset and the creation of a joint venture for mining operations.
  • Metals & Minerals – The article involves companies focused on the production and development of copper and other base metals, which fall under the broader metals and minerals industry.
  • Joint Ventures – The formation of a joint venture, Vicuña Corp, for the purpose of managing and developing mining assets, is a central theme of the article.

Financials

  • US$690 million – The cash consideration paid by BHP to Lundin Mining for a 50% interest in the Josemaria project.
  • C$4.0 billion – The total consideration for the joint acquisition of Filo Corp, excluding existing shares.
  • C$877.8 million – Lundin Mining's share of the consideration for the Filo Acquisition.
  • C$2.0 billion – BHP's cash consideration for its interest in Filo at C$33.00 per share.
  • $312 million – The forecasted capital expenditures for the Joint Arrangement in 2025.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Lundin Mining CorporationAcquiring CompanyCompanyA Canadian base metals mining company involved in the acquisition and joint venture.
BHP Investments Canada Inc.Acquiring CompanyCompanyThe Canadian subsidiary of BHP involved in the joint acquisition and strategic partnership.
Filo Corp.Target CompanyCompanyThe mining company being acquired by Lundin Mining and BHP.
Vicuña Corp.Joint Venture CompanyCompanyNewly formed joint venture company to manage the projects in the copper district.
Jack LundinPresident & CEO of Lundin MiningPersonLeader overseeing the joint venture and strategic developments within Lundin Mining.
Dave DicaireGeneral Manager of Vicuña Corp.PersonResponsible for the operations and management of Vicuña Corp with extensive mining project experience.