Jupiter Mines Ltd (ASX: JMS) share price was down a whopping 7% today before recovering. The negative movement came after the company announced it would indefinitely delay its announced demerger.
At the time of writing, the mining companies share price is at 34 cents – down from yesterday's close of 35 cents a share.
This drop is a distinct contrast to the 1.7% rise in the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index.
Image source: Getty Images
How today's news is affecting Jupiter Mines share price?
In an announcement to the ASX Jupiter Mines advised it was delaying the spinoff of proposed company Juno.
Juno, which was to be an iron ore focused company, was overwhelmingly approved by shareholders at its AGM. The proposed company would have taken ownership of Jupiter's Central Yilgarn Iron Projects. Juno was slated to commence trading on 17 March 2021.
Stitching Pensioefonds ABP (ABP), which has a near 15% stake, is the company's second-largest shareholder. The company confirmed they did not want to meet the regulatory requirements of the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). Meeting FIRB requirements is a condition of the Juno initial public offering (IPO) and Jupiter capital reduction.
Jupiter's CEO, Priyank Thapliyal, commented:
The IPO and the potential uplift that would have occurred with the construction of Mount Mason in the near term in this robust iron ore price market was the optimal structure to release substantial value for Jupiter shareholders. Needless to say, this has been usurped for all the shareholders by the decision of one shareholder, ABP.
What are the FIRB requirements?
According to the FIRB, a foreign investor must notify the federal Treasurer and seek approval before acquiring any interest in an Australian mine or mining entity above a certain monetary threshold.
There are fees and waiting periods with the approval process.
Jupiter Mines share price snapshot
Despite today's plunge, Jupiter Mines share price is trending upwards. Only 2 weeks ago the company hit its 52-week high of 38 cents a share. In fact, this time last year, shares in the miner were selling at only 23 cents. At today's price, that's a 39.6% uplift. Yet, the Jupiter Mines share price is lower than its 2018 IPO price of 42 cents a share.
Jupiter Mines has a market capitalisation of $670 million.
