Glencore Plc is close to agreeing the sale of its 70% stake in Kazzinc Ltd., the Kazakhstan-based zinc and gold producer, to local businessman Shakhmurat Mutalip in a transaction estimated at between $4 billion and $4.5 billion.
People familiar with the negotiations told Bloomberg that Mutalip - who controls construction and infrastructure group Integra Construction KZ - is in advanced discussions with the mining company. The arrangements being discussed may include financing provided by Glencore to facilitate the acquisition.
Those talks are only one element of a wider set of potential transactions that would reshape ownership in Kazakhstan's mining sector. Mutalip is reported to be pursuing two additional deals at the same time.
First, he is in discussions to buy a 40% stake in Eurasian Resources Group from the families of two founding members. In relation to that potential purchase, both Glencore and trading firm Mercuria have been approached about possible funding solutions.
Second, Mutalip has been exploring the purchase of gold producer Altynalmas and has reached out to potential financial backers regarding that transaction.
If all three acquisitions were completed, Mutalip would consolidate control over a significant portion of Kazakhstan's mining industry, bringing together operations that extract a broad spectrum of industrial and precious metals - from aluminum to zinc.
Sources who provided the reporting cautioned that, despite the advanced state of negotiations, there is no certainty any or all of the proposed transactions will be concluded.
Key takeaways
- Glencore is nearing a deal to sell 70% of Kazzinc to Shakhmurat Mutalip for $4.0 billion to $4.5 billion.
- Mutalip is concurrently negotiating purchases that include a 40% stake in Eurasian Resources Group and the acquisition of Altynalmas.
- Potential financiers approached for these deals include Glencore and Mercuria.
Context and potential market scope
While specific operational or financial terms beyond the headline valuations have not been disclosed, the combined transactions would, if completed, materially concentrate ownership of companies that produce a wide array of metals in Kazakhstan. That consolidation could affect markets and stakeholders linked to industrial and precious metals produced in the country.
Caveat
Those close to the talks emphasised that advanced negotiations do not guarantee completion. Each proposed deal remains subject to agreement on final terms and the securing of any required financing.