Anglo American Refocuses Strategy After Valterra Sell, JSE: ANG Share Price Confirms the Uptrend
Anglo American's complete separation from Valterra Platinum is a turning point in the history of mining worldwide as the business simplifies
Quick overview
- Anglo American's full divestment from Valterra Platinum marks a significant shift in the platinum group metals industry.
- Valterra Platinum has emerged as a strong independent player following its demerger from Anglo American, with its stock climbing 40% since trading began.
- Anglo American's share price has faced pressure post-transaction, declining 13% as the company focuses on key growth areas like copper and iron ore.
- CEO Duncan Wanblad's strategic overhaul includes divesting non-core assets to strengthen the company's balance sheet and focus on future-facing commodities.
Anglo American’s complete separation from Valterra Platinum is a turning point in the history of mining worldwide as the business simplifies its holdings and Valterra becomes a powerful stand-alone force.
A Major Transition in Global Mining
Anglo American’s decision to fully divest its platinum interests has reshaped the landscape of the platinum group metals (PGM) industry. The final sale of its remaining 19.9% stake in Valterra Platinum for $2.5 billion (R44.1 billion) not only marks a financial milestone but also a pivotal moment for both companies. While Anglo’s share price has faced pressure following the transaction, Valterra’s independent journey has begun on a strong footing, with investors showing growing confidence.
The Birth of Valterra Platinum
Valterra Platinum emerged from Anglo American’s formal demerger of its South African platinum operations. Approved by a wide majority of shareholders in April, the separation saw Anglo initially divest about 51% of its stake before Valterra’s shares began trading independently on June 2, 2025, on both the JSE and LSE. Investor appetite proved robust, with Valterra’s stock climbing 40% by September, signaling strong demand for a pure-play platinum producer.
Anglo’s Share Price Under Pressure
Anglo American’s stock, which had been in a downtrend since 2022, found support above the R400 level and it seems like the trend is changing now, after the breakout higher above the 50 monthly SMA (yellow) which was acting as resistance in 2025.
ANGJ Chart Weekly – The 200 SMA Has Been Broken
On the weekly chart buyers also made an important break in September, with the JE: VAL share price pushing above the 200 SMA (purple) which was acting as resistance for 2 years. Besides that, the descending trend line is also broken, which confirms the trend reversal from bearish to bullish.
Strengthening the Balance Sheet and Narrowing Focus
The R44.1 billion placement of Anglo’s residual stake in Valterra represented the largest equity capital markets transaction ever on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The sale allows Anglo American to simplify its portfolio and sharpen its focus on key growth areas such as copper, premium iron ore, and crop nutrients. The cash inflow will also reinforce the group’s balance sheet, offering greater flexibility for future investments.
Broader Strategic Overhaul Under Wanblad
Since fending off a takeover bid by Australian mining giant BHP, CEO Duncan Wanblad has accelerated Anglo’s corporate restructuring. The group has already sold its nickel assets, reached an agreement with Peabody Energy to offload its steelmaking coal division for £2.8 billion, and is preparing to divest its storied diamond business, De Beers. Collectively, these moves signal a decisive shift toward higher-growth, future-facing commodities.
Looking Ahead
Valterra Platinum now stands as an independent global mining company, well-positioned to capture growth in the PGM sector. Meanwhile, Anglo American’s repositioning highlights its determination to focus on strategic core assets, betting on long-term demand for copper and iron ore in an increasingly electrified world. This dual transformation underscores how both entities are adapting to new global realities in the resource sector.
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