Metals Economics Group’s (MEG) latest edition of its bimonthly Strategic Report includes a detailed review of trends in base metals and gold acquisitions activity between 1999 and 2008, and details of 2008 activity. Analysis shows an overall 25% decrease from 2007 in total acquisition spending for large (more than $25 million) base metals and gold deals. However, in nominal terms, the 2008 total was still the fourth-highest total in the past ten years. Base metals acquisitions spending in 2008 declined by 25% from $43 billion in 2007 to $32 billion, compared with a 39% decrease from 2006 to 2007, according to analysis taken from MEG’s Gold and Base Metals Acquisitions services. Similarly, gold acquisitions decreased by 26% from $12 billion in 2007 to $9 billion, compared with a 49% decrease from 2006 to 2007.

Of the 39 base metals transactions considered in 2008, Russia, with 37% of the total $657.2 billion in in-situ value, was the richest target, with two transactions containing a total of $240 billion in in-situ value acquired. Latin America was second with almost $140 billion of in-situ value in 11 transactions. Of the 37 gold acquisitions, Latin America, with 35% of the $72.15 billion in-situ value total, had nine transactions containing $25.8 billion of ore in the ground.

MEG’s Base Metals and Gold Acquisitions services give clients a competitive edge by reporting and analysing current and historical transactions involving advanced-stage base metals and gold projects, operating mines, and companies.

MEG’s Strategic Report provides informed, insightful analysis for mining industry planners, analysts, executives, and exploration managers. Published since 1982, the Strategic Report draws on MEG’s wealth of knowledge and insight in a bimonthly compilation of timely, informative, and analytical articles on critical supply-side issues facing the global mining industry. In addition to original research, articles are drawn from MEG’s flagship MineSearch database, Corporate Exploration Strategies, Reserves Replacement studies, and Acquisitions and Exploration Activity services.