SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Anglo American exits steelmaking coal with major Australian sale

The British mining giant Anglo American sells its steelmaking coal mines in Australia to Peabody Energy for $3.775 billion, marking its strategic withdrawal from this sector.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

SUBSCRIBE

Anglo American, a major global mining player, announced the sale of its steelmaking coal mines in Australia to Peabody Energy, an American company specializing in coal extraction. This transaction, estimated at a maximum of $3.775 billion, represents a key step in the British group’s strategic repositioning.

In May 2024, Anglo American revealed a divestment plan aimed at reducing its portfolio in steelmaking coal, platinum, and diamonds in South Africa. This strategic choice is intended to focus its activities on resources deemed essential for future demands, particularly copper, high-grade iron ore, and agricultural nutrients. These segments are seen as critical in the context of the energy transition and the growing demand for high-quality materials.

A Strategic Turning Point for Anglo American

Duncan Wanblad, Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American, emphasized that this divestment represents a new milestone in the implementation of the announced strategy. Simultaneously, the group confirmed the recent sale of its stake in Jellinbah, a joint venture operating in steelmaking coal, for $1.1 billion. These initiatives demonstrate a clear intent to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in favor of strategic materials like copper, widely used in electric vehicles and other clean technologies.

The promising outlook for copper reinforces this strategy. Recognized as a key metal for renewable energy industries and energy storage technologies, copper plays a central role in the infrastructure supporting the global energy transition.

A Market in Transition

This divestment occurs amidst a reorganization of the mining sector. The Australian giant BHP had attempted to merge with Anglo American, but discussions failed. Such a merger would have been one of the largest consolidation deals in the recent history of the mining industry.

Beyond copper, Anglo American also plans to finalize the spin-off of its Anglo American Platinum entity by mid-2025. Additionally, the sale process of its nickel business is progressing rapidly, reflecting increasing interest in these critical metals amidst the energy transition.

Founded in 1917 by Ernest Oppenheimer, Anglo American remains one of the largest global mining companies, with headquarters in London and Johannesburg. This latest strategic decision highlights a significant turning point, not only for the company itself but also for the global mining industry.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Sinopec Shanghai Posts Half-Year Loss Amid Declining Petrochemical Demand
Ukrainian Arrested in Italy for Alleged Role in Nord Stream Sabotage
Moretti expected to chair Petrobras board with ministerial backing
The U.S. Department of Energy Extends Operations of a Coal Plant in the Midwest
Investments in Green Hydrogen Expected to Reach USD 510 Billion by 2032
Core Natural Resources reports USD220.2mn in cash flow and adjusts its financial policy
Core Natural Resources announces USD220.2mn in operating cash flow for the second quarter of 2025, while revising its capital return strategy and increasing post-merger synergies.
Global demand could extend coal’s role beyond 2030
A report by Wood Mackenzie reveals that geopolitical pressures and rising global electricity demand could keep coal-fired generation elevated well beyond current forecasts.
Ramaco opens first US rare earth mine in 70 years
Ramaco Resources officially opens in the United States the first mine dedicated to rare earths in seven decades, also inaugurating Wyoming's first new coal mining operation in over half a century during a ceremony attended by senior political officials.
Turkey’s Eren Energi seeks 375,000 tonnes of thermal coal before December
Turkish power producer Eren Energi Elektrik Uretim has launched a tender to buy 375,000 tonnes of thermal coal to be delivered in five shipments starting from August 2025, according to a document seen by Platts on June 27.
Ireland exits coal permanently with closure of Moneypoint power plant
Ireland ends four decades of coal-based electricity production by converting its Moneypoint power plant to heavy fuel oil, now exclusively reserved for the balancing market until 2029.
Duke Energy considers sale of coal units at Cayuga in Indiana
Duke Energy Indiana will launch a technical study to evaluate the potential sale of its coal units at the Cayuga site following the planned commissioning of new natural gas plants in 2029 and 2030.
China’s Coal Imports Fall by 18%, Affected by Low Domestic Prices
China's coal imports dropped 18% in May, driven by historically low domestic prices and significant growth in national production, shifting the country's energy market dynamics.
India’s coal-fired electricity generation drops 9.5% in May, steepest decline in five years
India’s unprecedented drop in power demand led to a sharp decline in coal-based generation in May, while renewable energy output reached a record high.
China approves 11.29 GW of coal in Q1 despite unprecedented decline in 2024
Greenpeace data shows a renewed wave of coal projects in early 2025, as renewable capacity surpasses thermal energy for the first time.
Coal Lawsuit: BlackRock Warns on U.S. Energy Independence
Financial giant BlackRock highlights economic and strategic risks linked to an antitrust procedure backed by Washington, targeting major asset managers accused of conspiring to reduce coal production in the United States.
Adani Power invests $2bn in a 1,500 MW coal power plant in Uttar Pradesh
Adani Power will supply 1,500 MW to Uttar Pradesh through an ultra-supercritical coal power plant built under the DBFOO model, at a tariff of Rs 5.383 per unit.
Australian coal mines emit 40% more methane than reported, according to EMBER and KAYRROS
A satellite analysis led by Ember and Kayrros shows that methane emissions from Australian mines are 40% higher than official reports, revealing significant gaps in the current coal sector monitoring.
Trump signs executive orders to ease coal industry regulations
Donald Trump issues several executive orders aimed at reducing regulations on the U.S. coal industry, addressing economic expectations from coal-producing states while securing national energy supply.
Zambia and Zimbabwe restart coal-fired power plants despite global decline
Backed by Chinese funding, Zambia and Zimbabwe are reviving coal projects in contrast to international energy sector trends.
New coal-fired power plant additions fall to 20-year low
New coal-fired electricity capacity added in 2024 dropped to 44 GW, driven mainly by China and India, according to a report released on Thursday.
Finland: Helen ends coal use with closure of Salmisaari power plant
Finnish energy company Helen has halted operations at the Salmisaari plant, the country’s last coal facility, halving its carbon dioxide emissions in one year.
India surpasses one billion tonnes of coal, reducing imports
India crosses the symbolic milestone of producing over one billion tonnes of coal for the first time, significantly cutting its imports and strengthening energy independence through recent governmental reforms in the mining sector.
Glencore challenged over major discrepancies in methane emissions at Australian mine
An independent study suggests that the Hail Creek mine may emit up to eight times more methane than reported in Glencore's official disclosures.
Eskom adds 800 MW to South Africa’s grid with Kusile Unit 6
Eskom has connected Unit 6 of the Kusile coal-fired power station, adding 800 MW to the national grid amid efforts to stabilise electricity supply in South Africa.
India Proposes the Creation of a Coal Exchange for the Domestic Market
The Indian government presents a project to create a coal exchange for the domestic market, a measure aimed at improving transparency and regulating the local coal market.
Consent Preferences