---
title: "Anglo American explores tech equity deals as copper supply tightens"
publisher: "Stockmark.IT"
author: "Stockmark.IT Website"
published: "2026-10-16T07:28:41+00:00"
modified: "2026-10-16T07:28:41+00:00"
date: 2026-10-16
canonical: "https://stockmark.it/tech-giants-come-knocking-for-a-piece-of-anglo-american-as-copper-scar/"
category: "Investment"
categories: ["Investment", "Technology"]
image: "https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/anglo-american-explores-tech-equity-deals-as-copper-supply.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1"
format: "news"
language: "en-GB"
---

# Anglo American explores tech equity deals as copper supply tightens

**Published:** October 16, 2026
**Author:** Stockmark.IT Website
**Categories:** Investment, Technology
**Featured image:** ![Anglo American explores tech equity deals as copper supply tightens](https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/anglo-american-explores-tech-equity-deals-as-copper-supply.png?fit=1536%2C1024&quality=80&ssl=1)

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Anglo American has engaged in discussions with technology firms regarding potential equity investments, a move designed to secure long-term supplies of metals critical for data centre infrastructure. Chief executive Duncan Wanblad revealed these talks at the Financial Times Metals and Mining Summit in London, noting that while no shares have been exchanged yet, there have been significant expressions of interest from the tech sector. The core of these negotiations centres on whether technology companies prefer to lock in long-term offtake agreements directly or to take an equity position to guarantee a stake in future supply. Wanblad attributed this surge in interest to the ongoing scarcity of copper, stating that many market participants are actively seeking reliable ways to secure their supply chains.

The strategic positioning of Anglo American is underscored by recent market movements in copper prices. Comex copper for December delivery traded near $6.52 a pound on Thursday, marking a third consecutive decline. This drop followed stronger than expected US inflation data, which rekindled speculation about a Federal Reserve rate hike. Despite the recent dip, cash copper on the London Metal Exchange settled at a record $14,822 on Monday, and the most active Comex contract remains within 6% of its September record settlement of $6.89. In the equity markets, Anglo American’s New York-listed shares rose 0.6% to $26.86 in early trade, valuing the company at $58.0 billion. Meanwhile, Teck Resources edged up 0.3% to $64.96, with a market value of $31.9 billion. At these levels, the combined nominal value of Anglo American and Teck would be just under $90 billion, a significant increase from the $53 billion valuation assigned to the merger of equals when it was announced in September last year.

Teck has outperformed Anglo American over the past year, gaining 50% against Anglo’s 36%, with both ranking among the strongest diversified miners of 2026. The proposed combination would place the new entity alongside Glencore and Freeport-McMoRan in terms of scale. However, the merger remains contingent on final clearance from Chinese regulators. Wanblad declined to specify what conditions Beijing might impose, though Reuters reported that China’s State Administration for Market Regulation has requested commitments to a steady flow of copper concentrate to Chinese smelters. This demand reflects China’s status as a refiner of up to 60% of the world’s copper cathode and its current struggle with a severe feedstock shortage. The combined group would control approximately 5% of global copper supply, a figure well below the thresholds that typically trigger competition concerns. Other jurisdictions, including Canada, the EU, the US, Japan, Chile, and South Korea, have already approved the deal, with the parties expecting to close by March 2027.

In parallel, Anglo American faces potential closure of its Brazilian nickel business if the European Union does not approve the planned $500 million sale of those assets to China’s MMG. The European Commission opened an in-depth probe last year, fearing MMG might divert ferronickel away from European stainless steel makers. Although MMG has proposed long-term supply commitments to Europe, Anglo’s Brazil chief operating officer Ruben Fernandes stated that MMG is the only credible buyer identified. He warned that a prohibition would force the company into care and maintenance, effectively leading to closure. These two transactions, the Teck merger and the nickel sale, represent the final components of a broader portfolio simplification strategy that also includes seeking approximately $1 billion for De Beers.

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**Original URL:** https://stockmark.it/tech-giants-come-knocking-for-a-piece-of-anglo-american-as-copper-scar/
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