Vertical Integration Reshapes Mining M&A

Business attorney Aaron Goldberg was interviewed by the Mining Journal about a new trend in the metals and mining industry in which governments and manufacturers are increasingly driving mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to increase their control over strategic supply chains. Mr. Goldberg explained that companies are pursuing vertical integration by acquiring upstream processing, refining and component production capabilities, while government funding and national security priorities are helping accelerate dealmaking. He also talked about the growing role of venture capital in supporting mineral processing, recycling and advanced extraction technologies.

"We are going to see a wave of vertical consolidation," he said. "We're seeing companies realize they can't afford to own just one link in the supply chain. End users, not just miners, will continue buying their way into supply chains, with government capital helping set the pace. The supply chain itself has become the asset."

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