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05.09.2023
Eramet SA Bond Sees Z-Spread Increase Amid Gabon Crisis
Eramet SA Bond Sees Z-Spread Increase Amid Gabon Crisis
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Eramet SA's bond (FR001400HZE3) experiences a significant shift in its Z-spread due to recent events in Gabon, impacting the Paris-based miner's operations.

Eramet SA's FR001400HZE3 has witnessed a notable increase in its Z-spread, skyrocketing by 68 basis points.

The Z-spread for the Eramet bond (FR001400HZE3), with a 7% coupon, due on May 22, 2028, in Euros.

The sudden shift in the bond's Z-spread can be attributed to a tumultuous event that unfolded in Gabon. On August 30th Eramet SA, a Paris-based mining company and the world's largest producer of high-grade manganese ore, found itself in the midst of a crisis. The Gabonese army declared that they had ousted President Ali Bongo, causing a ripple effect on Eramet's operations.

This unforeseen military coup in Gabon forced Eramet to halt all its activities abruptly. A spokesperson for the company reported, "From this morning, all Comilog and Setrag operations have been halted and train transport suspended." Comilog, a manganese mine, and Setrag, a train transport unit, are vital components of Eramet's business operations. This disruption took a toll on Eramet's stock value, causing its shares to plummet by a staggering 18% to $68.

In response to the rapidly evolving situation in Gabon, Eramet swiftly issued a statement stating their intention to restart rail transport activities and resume mining operation. However, passenger train movements remained suspended until further notice. Eramet's commitment to getting back on track highlights the significance of Gabon in the global manganese market. As the world's second-largest supplier of manganese, Gabon plays a pivotal role in meeting the demand for this crucial steelmaking ingredient.

As of December 2022, Eramet's industrial investments in Africa amounted to 263 million euros, constituting 50% of their total investments. Throughout the year 2022, Eramet made substantial contributions to the Gabonese economy, including tax and dividend payments of $144 million, expenditures of $442 million on local purchases, and the direct employment of 8,767 individuals, which accounted for 67% of their total workforce.

Fitch Ratings has revised Eramet S.A.'s (Eramet) Outlook to Negative from Stable and affirmed its Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BB+'.

About Eramet

Eramet SA is involved in the production of mining and metallurgical products, operating through four divisions: Manganese, Nickel, Mineral Sands, and Lithium. The Manganese division focuses on the production, sale, and mining of manganese alloys and chemical derivatives. The Nickel division handles the mining, production, and sales of nickel and its derivatives. The Mineral Sands division produces titaniferous ores, including ilmenite, rutile, leucoxene, and zircon, primarily in Senegal. The Lithium division extracts brine from Salt Lake and processes it into lithium carbonate, essential for the energy storage industry. Founded in 1880, the company is headquartered in Paris, France.

This article does not constitute investment advice or personal recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bondfish does not recommend using the data and information provided as the only basis for making any investment decision. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.