Exxaro's new strategy

The coal producer has announced that the group would target acquisitions in bauxite, manganese and copper.

-  David McKay

The last time Exxaro Resources publicised a shift in strategy, it provided so little detail that the market heavily punished the firm’s shares. That was in 2018 when CEO Mxolisi Mgojo articulated plans to move into food and water security – a major shift for one of SA’s largest coal producers.

The company later clarified the strategy would be backed by only modest investments, but Mgojo remembered the criticism he received. He subsequently told finweek that pronouncements on strategy would only be disclosed when fully fleshed out.

That day arrived on 20 September. During a “capital markets” presentation (that the press was unable to attend live), Exxaro CEO-designate Nombasa Tsengwa said the group would target acquisitions in bauxite, manganese and copper, potentially involving “lumpy” (big capital expenditure) investments.

In fact, Exxaro was so pinpoint in its ambition that it earmarked Guinea and South America as potential markets for bauxite investment while manganese assets would be targeted “on our doorstep”.