Brazilian media recently reported that a group of politicians from the central government and Bahia state government have proposed that mining company Vale acquire the assets of Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) Kazakhstan. ERG, which won the tender for the Bahia Mineracao (BAMIN) project in the state of Bahia in 2021, has faced serious problems in realising the iron ore project.
The BAMIN project was originally intended to increase iron ore production in Pedra de Ferro mine from 1 million tonnes to more than 20 million tonnes per year. One of the most important steps to achieve this goal was the construction of a 127-kilometre railway line linking the mines to the town of Ilhéus, where a port with a capacity to handle 60 million tonnes of cargo per year is planned. The railway and port were to be completed by early 2027.
However, the project faced significant challenges on the way to realisation. ERG's debt increased and it had to lay off 400 people working on the railway construction. These problems caused concern among politicians who saw Vale as a potential saviour for the project.
Experts say that Vale, which mines large quantities of iron ore in the neighbouring state of Minas Gerais, could integrate BAMIN into its logistics network, thus enhancing the project's export opportunities.
Although Vale has not yet confirmed its interest in acquiring BAMIN, the company has not ruled out the possibility of an acquisition if it fits with its development strategy.
BAMIN's financial difficulties also strengthen the possibility of a sale. In 2023, the company recorded a loss of 30.9 million reais (approx. USD 5 mln) and accumulated debt of 2.5 billion reais (approx. USD 461 mln), the majority of which was loans. These financial indicators point to the need for capital raising and may encourage further speculation on a possible sale of the company's assets.
It is noteworthy that BAMIN has signed an agreement with Anglo American guaranteeing the purchase of its entire 2023 production for 2023 exports.
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