China's Jiangxi Copper to Acquire SolGold for $1.2B, Securing Major Ecuador Copper Mine

A $1.2 billion deal just redrew the global map for critical minerals. Chinese state-owned miner Jiangxi Copper announced on Thursday it has secured a deal to acquire all shares of London-listed SolGold. The takeover gives Beijing control over one of the world's most promising undeveloped copper deposits, the Cascabel project in Ecuador.

The Race for 'New Oil'

The centerpiece of the acquisition is the Cascabel project in northern Ecuador, slated to begin production in 2028. Copper is essential for the energy transition, powering everything from electric vehicles and wind turbines to AI data centers. For China, this move is a clear strategic play to secure a stable, long-term supply of the critical metal outside the direct influence of Western nations.

Reshuffling the Global Supply Chain

The deal comes as commodity prices, including copper, have surged on concerns over a weaker dollar and tightening supply. Jiangxi Copper's aggressive move signals more than just corporate expansion; it underscores the intensifying geopolitical competition for resources. This trend could increase price volatility for copper and drive up costs for industries reliant on it, potentially impacting consumer prices for electronics and vehicles.