South32 Ltd (LSE:S32, ASX:S32, OTC:SHTLF, JSE:S32) has entered into a binding agreement to divest its Cerro Matoso nickel operation in Colombia to a subsidiary of CoreX Holding B.V., marking a strategic move to streamline its portfolio and focus on higher-margin businesses.
The deal, which is subject to regulatory approvals and a reorganisation of the entity holding Cerro Matoso, is expected to complete by late 2025.
Transaction details
The divestment follows a strategic review prompted by structural changes in the nickel market, the company said. Upon completion, CoreX will assume both economic and operational control of Cerro Matoso, along with all associated liabilities.
While South32 will receive nominal up-front consideration, the agreement includes performance-linked future payments totalling up to US$100 million. These include:
- Up to US$80 million based on future nickel production and prices; and
- Up to US$20 million, contingent on permitting milestones for the Queresas & Porvenir North project, to be paid in four equal instalments over the next five years.
"The transaction is consistent with our strategy and will further streamline our portfolio toward higher-margin businesses in minerals and metals critical to the world’s energy transition,” said South32 CEO Graham Kerr. He emphasised that the sale would enhance South32's financial flexibility, allowing greater investment in copper and zinc growth projects.
“Cerra Matoso has a long and proud history in Colombia,” Kerr added. “Over the coming months, we will work with the buyer, our workforce, the local communities, government, customers and suppliers to support a successful transition of ownership.”
Implications for South32’s financials
The transaction is expected to result in an impairment charge for South32 of about US$130 million, reflecting the loss of Cerro Matoso as an asset in the 2025 financial year. However, this impairment will be excluded from South32’s underlying earnings, in line with the company’s accounting policies.
Cerro Matoso will be classified as a discontinued operation until the completion of the transaction. Goldman Sachs is South32’s financial advisor on the deal, with Freshfields acting as legal advisor.
CoreX’s growing presence
CoreX, a global industrial conglomerate established in 2024, is focusing its strategy on expanding its nickel production capabilities. The company already operates several nickel mining assets across Europe and Africa and plans to leverage the Cerro Matoso acquisition to bolster its global nickel production profile.
The divestment aligns with South32’s ongoing efforts to refocus its operations and reinforce its commitment to the energy transition. The company’s shares dipped 0.32% following the announcement, trading at $3.11 as of 2:45 pm AEST.