The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[DewDiligence]

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A Glencore-Xstrata merger would add a catalyst [to mining M&A]. Combined, the company would have a market value of roughly $80 billion. But more important…it would control one-third of the market for thermal coal used to generate electricity and become the world's largest producer of zinc, with 15% of overall production. The new company also would vie with midsize Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. for the title of the world's second-biggest copper producer, behind state-owned Codelco of Chile.

As fears of a global financial and economic meltdown recedes, megamergers among top 10 players—possibly even a renewed effort by BHP to acquire Rio Tinto—are more likely, industry bankers and analysts say [maybe]. The Anglo-Australian miners and Brazil's Vale together control 70% of the world's seaborne iron-ore trade.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203315804577205022676493042.html