BHP Group Limited (ASX:BHP)'s non-core asset sale process is moving towards the pointy end, with South32 Limited (ASX:S32) emerging as one of the leading contenders for the prized West Musgrave copper-nickel project. The sale process for BHP's nickel portfolio has progressed beyond initial stages, with sources indicating that South32 was very focused on the West Musgrave opportunity. South32, the company that BHP spun out in 2015, is now valued at $19 billion.
DataRoom reported in December that South32 was actively considering an acquisition of West Musgrave, the largest and most valuable asset in BHP's nickel portfolio being sold by Macquarie Capital and UBS. South32's interest is driven primarily by West Musgrave's copper deposits alongside its nickel resources, say sources. However, any buyer will require deep pockets, with the project demanding approximately $1 billion in capital spending and carrying about $300 million in rehabilitation liabilities.
Australian-listed copper miner Sandfire Resources had previously weighed a bid but may have stepped back.
