Table of Contents
Key Points
- Anglo American moved its 66.7% Amplats stake to a subsidiary, streamlining its corporate structure while keeping overall ownership unchanged.
- The move is part of a broader strategy to reshape Anglo American’s portfolio, prioritizing high-growth assets like copper and premium iron ore.
- The transfer signals progress toward Anglo American’s planned demerger amid shifting demand for platinum group metals.
Anglo American Plc, the global mining giant led by South African executive Duncan Wanblad, has transferred its 66.7 percent stake in Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) to Anglo American International Limited (AAI), a wholly owned subsidiary. The internal restructuring consolidates control under AAI while keeping Anglo American’s overall ownership unchanged.
The move is part of Anglo American’s broader effort to simplify its corporate structure, improve efficiency, and better manage assets. With the transfer, Anglo American South Africa (AASA) no longer holds shares in Amplats, as AAI now assumes full control of the stake. The shift is another step in Anglo American’s ongoing effort to refine its portfolio and strengthen its focus on core business areas.
Reshaping the portfolio amid market shifts
The restructuring aligns with the company’s broader transformation plan announced on Sept. 2, 2024, as Anglo American prepares for a demerger that will reshape its business and enhance shareholder value. The plan includes separating its diamond business, De Beers, while prioritizing high-growth assets like copper, premium iron ore, and crop nutrients. At the same time, it continues divesting from steelmaking coal, nickel, and platinum group metals.
Though the transfer does not change Anglo American’s total stake in Amplats, it signals further progress toward the demerger—a move closely watched by investors amid shifting demand for platinum group metals (PGMs). The Anglo American Platinum board confirmed that all regulatory filings have been made with South Africa’s Takeover Regulation Panel.
With key operations in South Africa and Zimbabwe, Anglo American Platinum remains a major player in the global PGMs market. As the company sharpens its strategic focus, investors will be watching how the demerger unfolds and what it means for its future in the evolving mining industry.
A stronger focus on core assets
Since taking the helm in April 2022, Wanblad has led Anglo American through a major restructuring aimed at delivering stronger returns for shareholders. With operations spanning Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas, the company remains the world’s largest producer of platinum, diamonds, and steelmaking coal.
This latest step underscores Anglo American’s commitment to long-term value creation, reinforcing its focus on streamlining operations and positioning itself to better navigate the changing dynamics of the global mining sector.
