Insight
Iron ore corporate activity 2020
*Please note that this report only includes an Excel data file if this is indicated in "What's included" below
Report summary
The number of disclosed deals, both pending and complete, has fallen from 24 to 20, between 2019 and 2020. However, while only six transactions finalised in 2020, compared to 15 last year, there are 14 newly announced deals, compared with nine last year. This reflects a greater level of confidence in the sector, driven by higher iron ore prices and strong margins. With iron ore prices at sky high levels, supply remaining tighter for longer, and China steel demand showing little sign of slowing in the immediate future, we expected the level of corporate activity would have increased more than the numbers are suggesting. This is most likely an indication of a level of caution in the investment community due to COVID-19 which has severely impacted global economies. However, as economic activity rebounds, and with iron ore prices currently above US$150/tonne, 2021 is poised to be a bumper year for iron ore mergers and acquisitions.
Table of contents
- Executive summary
- Transaction spend and regional focus
- Announced and pending transactions
- Conclusion
Tables and charts
This report includes the following images and tables:
-
Number of completed transactions by target regionDisclosed spend by target region (US$ million)Pending transactions
What's included
This report contains:
Other reports you may be interested in
Country Report
Global iron ore supply summary 2026
Iron ore prices average US$102.6/dmt CFR China in 2026 but ease in H2; supply expands 28 Mt, favouring low-cost producers.
$6,750
Asset Report
Wodgina iron ore mine
Wodgina is a small, open-cut iron ore mining operation, located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Reserves were exhausted in 2017.
$2,250
Asset Report
East Hebei region iron ore mines
Located in North China and close to Beijing, East Hebei includes China's main steel hub Tangshan.
$2,250
