BHP Group and Lundin Mining Corporation have finalized their acquisition of Filo Corp., creating a new joint venture named Vicuña Corp. This partnership aims to develop the Filo del Sol and Josemaria copper projects, strategically located along the Argentina-Chile border. The joint venture combines the strengths of both companies in a 50/50 ownership to advance these projects.
The acquisition deal was valued at approximately C$4.0 billion, excluding shares already held by BHP and Lundin Mining. BHP contributed C$2.0 billion (or US$1.4 billion) in cash, paying C$33.00 per share of Filo Corp, while Lundin Mining's contribution included C$877.8 million in cash and 94.1 million shares of its own stock. Vicuña Corp. will capitalize on the proximity of the projects to maximize shared infrastructure and economies of scale.
The creation of Vicuña Corp. reflects a shift in industry trends, as major mining players like BHP are opting to acquire early-stage copper assets to mitigate rising development costs and navigate regulatory challenges. Reuters noted that this move aligns with growing global demand for copper, driven partly by the need for resources in green technology and technological advancements.