Iron ore price rises on firmer steel outlook, but trade tensions cap gains
Lower Chinese steel product inventory driven by robust exports also supported iron ore prices above $100/t.
Pure iron ore player Fortescue Metals Group (ASX:FMG) has decided to diversify its portfolio of operations by expanding into Australia’s oil and gas sectors.
In a statement released yesterday Western Australia’s Oil Basins (ASX:BL) said that Fortescue Metals will obtain an 18% equity stake in the company for AUD$4.2 million, marking the iron ore giant’s first significant foray into the energy sector.
The shares are priced at 3.5 cents each, representing a premium of around 40% to Oil Basin’s recent 7 day volume weighted average price.
The funds will be used by the company to support oil and gas development in Western Australia’s Canning Basin, which has become a recent focus of attention in the industry.
Fortescue Metals has weathered a tough year following steep declines in iron ore prices as a result of dwindling demand from core export market China. The company is especially vulnerable to any adverse price shifts in the key steel making ingredient due to its status a pure iron ore player.
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Ben
OBL not “BL.”