• IRH’s $1.1 Billion Investment Boosts Zambia’s Mopani Copper Mines Abu Dhabi’s International Resources Holdings (IRH) is set to inject a substantial $1.1 billion into Zambia’s Mopani Copper Mines, securing a 51% ownership stake, according to ZCCM Investments Holdings.
• Strategic Partnership: Zambia Chooses IRH as Equity Partner Zambia’s decision to select IRH, a unit of Abu Dhabi’s International Holdings Company (IHC), as Mopani’s strategic equity partner highlights the growing interest in copper assets, following Zambia’s acquisition of Mopani’s assets from Glencore in 2021.
• Financial Breakdown: IRH’s Investment Fuels Mopani’s Growth The $1.1 billion investment by IRH will fuel Mopani’s production expansion, provide working capital, and contribute to settling a portion of the $1.5 billion debt owed to Glencore. The detailed breakdown includes $620 million as new equity capital and a $400 million shareholder loan. An additional $80 million loan is available if needed, showcasing financial flexibility.

The United Arab Emirates’ International Resources Holdings (IRH) is set to inject a substantial investment of $1.1 billion into Zambia’s Mopani Copper Mines, solidifying its position with a 51% ownership stake in the enterprise, according to the state-owned ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH).

This strategic move was disclosed by ZCCM Investments Holdings, the state-owned entity overseeing the transaction.

Zambia’s decision to choose IRH, a unit of Abu Dhabi’s esteemed International Holdings Company (IHC), as the strategic equity partner for Mopani garnered attention from various investors keen on copper assets.

This choice comes after Zambia took control of Mopani’s assets from Glencore in 2021, reaching a settlement of $1.5 billion with the Swiss commodities company in a deal financed through debt.

The $1.1 billion investment by IRH is earmarked to support Mopani’s ambitious production expansion plan, provide essential working capital, and contribute to the repayment of a portion of the $1.5 billion debt owed to the previous owner, Glencore, as outlined in a statement by ZCCM-IH.

ZCCM-IH detailed the breakdown of the investment, specifying that $620 million would be provided as new equity capital, securing a 51% stake in Mopani. Additionally, around $400 million would be extended as a shareholder loan, intended to be part of the consideration for settling the original Glencore transaction debt of $1.5 billion plus interest.

Moreover, ZCCM-IH indicated that an additional $80 million shareholder loan could be advanced if required, underlining the flexibility of the financial arrangements in place. This comprehensive investment strategy underscores IRH’s commitment to bolstering Mopani’s financial health and supporting its strategic initiatives for future growth and development.

As the deal progresses, it reflects not only a substantial financial commitment but also a strategic alignment between the UAE-based IRH and Zambia’s Mopani Copper Mines, potentially shaping the dynamics of the copper mining landscape in the region.

The collaboration aims to bring stability, growth, and operational excellence to Mopani, contributing to the economic advancement of both Abu Dhabi and Zambia.