Groundbreaking Verdict: Sibanye Stillwater Must Pay for Failed Mine Deal

A judgment by the High Court in London is causing a stir in the mining industry: The South African mining company Sibanye Stillwater has been ordered to compensate the investment firm Appian Capital Advisory for losses. These losses arose after Sibanye prematurely terminated a multi-billion dollar deal to purchase nickel and copper mines in Brazil. However, the exact amount of the compensation is still undecided and is to be determined in a hearing scheduled for November 2025. The case dates back to January 2022, when Sibanye annulled the originally agreed deal to acquire the Santa Rita and Serrote mines, prompting Appian to take legal action. Judge Christopher Butcher ruled that Sibanye was obligated to complete the purchase, as there were no sufficient grounds for contract termination. Appian announced it would seek the full compensation amount, including interest accrued since January 2022.