Looking to buy BHP shares? Here's why the miner could be in for a $2b windfall

Could this be the iron ore giant's next step towards the energy transition?

| More on:
a woman holds a cup to her ear and leans in with a wide mouthed expression on her face as though she is listening to interesting and perhaps surprising information.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • BHP is rumoured to be gearing up to offload two of its Queensland coal mines
  • Reports suggest the Blackwater and Daunia mines – together commanding a $2 billion valuation – are on the chopping block 
  • Meanwhile, shares in BHP takeover target OZ Minerals are frozen pending a "change of control transaction"

Looking to buy BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) shares? You might be interested to learn of rumours regarding a potential $2 billion asset sale. Making the whispers more interesting, other ASX miners could be waiting in the wings to snap up the discarded assets.

Right now, the BHP share price is 0.8% higher at $44.29.

For comparison, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has dropped 0.41% today while the S&P/ASX 200 Materials Index (ASX: XMJ) is up 0.74%.

Let's take a closer look at the $2 billion sale apparently on the table at the iron ore giant.

Own BHP shares? The miner may be considering a $2b sale

Plenty of eyes are likely on BHP shares today amid rumours the company is gearing up to offload two of its coal mines.

The mining goliath is understood to have tapped UBS to sell its Blackwater and Daunia coal mines, The Australian reports.

Both mines are located in Queensland's Bowen Basin and are said to collectively command a $2 billion valuation.

It follows what could ultimately be a US$1.35 billion sale of its 80% interest in BHP Mitsui Coal earlier this year. That business was snapped up by All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) coal producer Stanmore Resources Ltd (ASX: SMR).

The publication claims the potential sale of the two Queensland mines could mark another step in BHP's spin towards the energy transition.

Meanwhile, shares in BHP takeover target OZ Minerals Limited (ASX: OZL) are in a trading halt today pending news of a "change of control transaction" for the copper miner. All eyes will likely be on the ASX 200 miners as the market waits to hear more juicy details in coming days.

The potential sale of the Blackwater and Dauina mines was recently anticipated by Glenmore Asset Management's Robert Gregory. The fundie wrote, via Livewire, earlier this month:

We believe it is likely that BHP will also look to divest its Daunia and Blackwater mines at some stage and [Stanmore Resources] would be a strong candidate for both.

It's also worth noting Stanmore's Poitrel mine is mere kilometres from BHP's Dauina mine.

ASX 200 coal stock Coronado Global Resources Ltd (ASX: CRN) has also been flagged by media as a potential buyer. Its Curragh complex is located nearby the Blackwater mine.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Resources Shares

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Here's a fund manager's bull case for Mineral Resources shares

It’s a rough time for this stock. Let’s dig into whether it’s an opportunity.

Read more »

Australian notes and coins symbolising dividends.
Resources Shares

The BHP dividend doesn't attract me – Here's why

I’m steering clear of BHP as a passive income stock for a few reasons.

Read more »

Miner and company person analysing results of a mining company.
Resources Shares

The Mineral Resources share price just slumped another 7%. Here's why

Investors are bidding down Mineral Resources shares on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

Female miner smiling in front of mining vehicle.
Resources Shares

Guess which ASX lithium share is racing 8% higher on record production

Investors are sending the ASX lithium share racing higher on Wednesday.

Read more »

a sad looking engineer or miner wearing a high visibility jacket and a hard hat stands alone with his head bowed and hand to his forehead as he speaks on a mobile telephone out front of what appears to be an on site work shed.
Resources Shares

Why is the Fortescue share price tanking 7% this week?

There are several factors weighing on the iron ore giant this week.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

Up 7% in a month, are Pilbara Minerals shares in the buy zone?

Lithium continues to be a sore spot for many ASX stocks.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Resources Shares

South32 shares sink amid $33 million copper investment

Copper continues to be in hot demand.

Read more »

two men in hard hats and high visibility jackets look together at a laptop screen that one of the men in holding at a mine site.
Resources Shares

Why are ASX 200 mining stocks diving hard on Monday?

Investors are not impressed by developments in China.

Read more »