Anglo American plc has sold its Eskom-tied domestic thermal coal operations in South Africa to a wholly owned subsidiary of Seriti Resources Holdings Proprietary Ltd, a company majority owned by historically disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs) and led by a management team with extensive experience of operating and developing large coal mines in South Africa.
The Eskom-tied domestic thermal coal operations consist of the New Vaal, New Denmark and Kriel coal mines, as well as four closed coal mines (the Operations). The transaction will result in Seriti becoming the second largest provider of thermal coal to Eskom, supplying almost a quarter of Eskom’s current annual coal requirements.
The consideration payable for the Operations as at 1 January 2017 is ZAR2.3 billion (approximately US$164 million). Under the terms of the transaction, the consideration payable will be adjusted for cash flows generated by the Operations between 1 January 2017 and the date on which the transaction is completed in order to determine the final payment to be made by Seriti upon completion.
Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: “We are pleased to have agreed the sale of our Eskom-tied domestic thermal coal operations in South Africa. This transaction forms part of our ongoing commitment to reshape and upgrade our global asset portfolio, recognising appropriate value and further demonstrating Anglo American's longstanding support for the development and sustainability of South Africa's mining industry.”
Norman Mbazima, Deputy Chairman of Anglo American South Africa, said: “We believe that the sale to Seriti supports transformation objectives for the industry as well as the country, while ensuring a sustainable, reliable and cost efficient supply of coal to Eskom.”
Mike Teke, Chief Executive of Seriti, said: “Seriti is excited about the transaction, which represents a significant step-forward in our vision to become a black-controlled, broad based South African mining champion, and a coal player of significant size and scale. The transaction allows Seriti to achieve its strategic objective of preserving and operating strategic energy assets for the benefit of South Africa and its people. Our structure brings together an experienced team capable of operating and developing large scale thermal coal assets and provides a unique mining opportunity for black women. The team looks forward to managing and growing the Operations going forward, with a focus on ensuring their ongoing sustainability, given their strategic importance.”
The transaction is subject to conditions precedent that are customary for a transaction of this nature, including regulatory approvals in South Africa, as well as Eskom’s consent for the transfer to Seriti of the coal supply agreements, which govern the Operations’ supply of coal to Eskom. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2017.
