EU objects to MMG's acquisition of Anglo American's nickel business
2026-09-17 10:17:06 [Print]
European Union antitrust regulators have raised objections to MMG's planned acquisition of Anglo American's Brazilian nickel business, citing concerns that the deal could curb competition and divert supplies away from European customers.
The EU sent the Hong Kong-listed mining company a statement of objections on Wednesday setting out its concerns about the transaction. The European Commission (EC) serves as the EU's competition regulator.
"MMG could divert the target's low-carbon ferronickel supply towards in particular its affiliated stainless steel producers (controlled by SASAC), and away from European producers," the Commission said.
The objection places regulatory scrutiny on MMG's proposed nickel expansion at a time when Europe is seeking to safeguard access to critical raw materials and reduce vulnerabilities in strategic supply chains.
China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) controls China Minmetals Corporation, which in turn controls MMG.
The EC's concern centres on whether that ownership structure could give affiliated Chinese stainless steel producers preferential access to the Brazilian operation's low-carbon ferronickel at the expense of European buyers.
The EU sent the Hong Kong-listed mining company a statement of objections on Wednesday setting out its concerns about the transaction. The European Commission (EC) serves as the EU's competition regulator.
"MMG could divert the target's low-carbon ferronickel supply towards in particular its affiliated stainless steel producers (controlled by SASAC), and away from European producers," the Commission said.
The objection places regulatory scrutiny on MMG's proposed nickel expansion at a time when Europe is seeking to safeguard access to critical raw materials and reduce vulnerabilities in strategic supply chains.
China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) controls China Minmetals Corporation, which in turn controls MMG.
The EC's concern centres on whether that ownership structure could give affiliated Chinese stainless steel producers preferential access to the Brazilian operation's low-carbon ferronickel at the expense of European buyers.
Ferro-nickel 10%min EXW China
Unit:RMB/dmtu
China refined nickel producers' suspension number statistics by province by month
Unit: pcs
