Things have been very quite since FLSmidth announced on January 15, 2021 that it was in negotiations with thyssenkrupp concerning an acquisition of thyssenkrupp’s mining business. But today a brief update, confirming talks were advancing: “FLSmidth today announces that it remains in negotiations with thyssenkrupp concerning an acquisition of thyssenkrupp’s mining business. Since FLSmidth’s announcement of 15 January 2021 (company announcement no. 1-2021), the parties have progressed the discussions and entered the final stage of negotiations. However the transaction remains at a non-binding stage. Accordingly, there can be no assurances as to whether and when a transaction will transpire.”

As outlined by IM back in January, both companies are major players in bulk handling and continuous mining systems such as in-pit crushing & conveying solutions plus the bulk materials systems used in mineral ports. They are also important suppliers of primary and other crushing solutions, other comminution equipment including HPGRs and grinding mills, and a host of other mineral processing related machinery like screens but also pyroprocessing. Looking at IPCC as an example, thyssenkrupp is currently building an extensive system at the huge Bogatyr Komir mine, the largest coal mine in Kazakhstan, located in the Ekibastuz coal basin.