Anglo's South African businesses are key suppliers of platinum and iron ore, which are also critical to the shift to a low-carbon economy. In other words, BHP is saying it's not you, Anglo Platinum and Kumba, it's the country you operate in, says Nick Hedley.
BHP Group's conditional offer to acquire Anglo American shows just how unenticing South Africa has become to international mining companies.
In a move that's shaken up the global mining industry, BHP recently made a R740 billion bid for the company that Ernest Oppenheimer founded in Johannesburg back in 1917.