Vale Completes Moatize Coal Transaction With Mitsui


Mitsui purchased a significant stake in the Moatize mine, which includes this coal handling and processing facility in Mozambique.
This week, Vale announced it had completed the $770 million equity transaction with Mitsui & Co. Ltd. (Mitsui) associated with the divestment of part of its interest in the Moatize coal mine and in the Nacala Logistics Corridor (NLC). Vale received $733 million and the remaining $37 million will be paid at the conclusion of the project finance transaction of as much as $2.7 billion, which will help fund the project and is still expected to happen in 2017.

The decision to complete the equity transaction prior to the signing of the project financing is a major milestone for the NLC as it demonstrates Vale’s confidence on the progress of the project financing, the company said. If the signing of the project financing is not achieved by the end of December, Mitsui has certain rights to transfer their participation in the Moatize coal mine and the NLC back to Vale.

Mitsui will pay $255 million for a 14% stake in the Moatize mine; $350 million for half of Vale’s 70% share in the Nacala project, which includes railway and port infrastructure; and $165 million in a long-term loan for the NCL. Mitsui could contribute an additional $195 million if certain conditions are met, such as mine performance. Vale will retain an 81% share in the Moatize mine. The company has invested $2.1 billion in the operation, and achieved commercial production in 2016 with the startup of the coal handling and processing plant.

As featured in Womp 2017 Vol 04 - www.womp-int.com