Africa’s first Black billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s ARM completes $3 million share purchase in Canadian firm

Feyisayo Ajayi -

Key Points:

  • African Rainbow Minerals acquires 15% of Canadian copper explorer Surge Copper, boosting its mining portfolio.
  • The deal strengthens ARM’s presence in the critical copper market, aligning with Motsepe’s diversification plans.
  • Despite its recent earnings dip, ARM’s strong financials and Motsepe’s vision position it for long-term growth.

African Rainbow Minerals (ARM), led by Africa’s first Black billionaire Patrice Motsepe, has completed its acquisition of a 15-percent stake in Surge Copper, a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company, solidifying its foothold in the copper sector and signaling its commitment to diversifying its mining portfolio.

Investment signals ARM’s forward-looking vision in mining ventures

The acquisition marks a significant milestone for ARM, underlining its strategic move into high-growth potential mining ventures. The transaction, contingent on regulatory approvals, has now been finalized, rendering it unconditional as of May 31, 2024.

ARM acquired 41,373,414 common shares at CAD0.095 ($0.073) per share, representing an 18 percent premium to Surge’s 20-day average trading price. This CAD3.93 million ($3.02 million) investment positions ARM as a significant shareholder in Surge.

Copper aligns with diversification strategy

This deal strengthens ARM’s position in the copper market, a vital resource for technology and renewable energy sectors, aligning with the company’s vision for a diversified portfolio under Motsepe’s leadership.

ARM CEO Phillip Tobias emphasized the deal’s strategic importance: “ARM acquired the purchased shares for investment purposes including the right to appoint a member to a technical advisory committee and may from time to time acquire additional Surge shares or other securities of Surge or dispose of some or all of the Surge shares or other securities of Surge that it owns at such time.”

Financial insights

Despite ARM’s recent interim results revealing a 43 percent decline in headline earnings, attributed to a notable decrease in platinum group metals (PGM) commodity prices, the company remains robust. Headline earnings decreased from R5.17 billion ($275.5 million) in the first half of 2023 to R2.96 billion ($157.8 million) in the corresponding period of 2024.

Nevertheless, ARM’s retained earnings experienced a marginal dip from R41.08 billion ($2.19 billion) as of December 31, 2022, to R40.89 billion ($2.17 billion) as of December 31, 2023, while total assets surged from R60.4 billion ($3.22 billion) to R64.4 billion ($3.43 billion) during the same period.

ARM bets on Surge Copper for future

Motsepe, whose net worth stands at $2.8 billion, derived significantly from his stake in ARM, continues to shape Africa’s industrial landscape. Beyond mining, he is strategically diversifying his investments. ARM’s foray into Surge Copper exemplifies his forward-looking approach, positioning the conglomerate for sustained growth amidst dynamic market conditions.