Lundin to Acquire $950M Stake in Caserones Copper Mine in Chile

Canadian firm Lundin Mining has agreed to acquire a 51% stake in SCM Minera Lumina Copper Chile, which operates the Caserones copper-molybdenum mine in Chile, for $950m.

The stake will be acquired from JX Nippon Mining & Metals and a number of its subsidiaries.

Located in the Atacama region of the northern Chilean Andean Cordillera, the Caserones project comprises a traditional open pit mine, a conventional sulphide flotation plant, and a dump leach, solvent extraction and electrowinning plant.

According to the deal, JX will receive an $800m upfront cash consideration from Lundin Mining.

In addition, JX will also receive a $150m deferred cash consideration from Lundin Mining, which is payable over a six-year period following the closing date.

Lundin Mining CEO Peter Rockandel said: “Upon closing of the acquisition of Caserones, we add another long-life copper mine of material size and with significant growth potential to our portfolio, in a region in which we have considerable knowledge and experience.”

Furthermore, Lundin will have the right to acquire an additional stake of up to 19% in the Caserones mine for $350m over a period of five years. This would commence on the first anniversary of the closing date.

Rockandel added: “The initial controlling interest increases our exposure to what we believe is a growing top-tier copper mining district. We retain the option to further increase our ownership over the next few years at an attractive price.

“The acquisition further solidifies Lundin Mining’s position as a growing global producer of copper as the world shifts to a lower carbon future.”

The sale comes as part of JX Nippon’s review of its asset portfolio, which is aimed at driving its vision to move from an industry-type company to a technology-based entity.

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