Global merger and acquisition activity surged throughout 2025. Australian mining companies now sit at the centre of this massive dealmaking rebound. Recent data from Bain & Company’s Global M&A Report 2026 confirms a renewed appetite for bold transactions. Global deal values jumped 40 per cent year-on-year to reach $US4.9 trillion. Strategic M&A activity rose by 42 per cent during the same period.
Local miners currently hold a prime position to benefit from this international momentum. Analysts expect these companies to pursue transformative deals to reshape their growth trajectories. Large-scale transactions drove the majority of this value increase. Mega deals accounted for more than 73 per cent of the total global growth.
Bain & Company released global M&A report 2026
Mining Sector Hits Highest Transaction Value Since 2012
The mining and metals industry recorded its strongest performance in over a decade. Aggregate global mining M&A value reached $US93.7 billion in 2025. This figure represents the highest annual total for the sector since 2012. Total deal values increased by 27 per cent compared to 2023 results.
Australian operations contributed significantly to these international statistics. The domestic sector completed 21 major resource projects worth $AU11 billion last year. Investors targeted assets with high-quality reserves and established infrastructure. This activity signals a shift toward large-scale strategic consolidation.
Mining sector global transaction value
Gold and Copper Assets Drive Australian Activity
Gold remains a primary target for Australian acquisition strategies. Record prices pushed the precious metal above $US4,200 per ounce in late 2025. Northern Star Resources completed a landmark $6.1 billion acquisition of De Grey Mining. This deal secured the world-class Hemi Project in the Pilbara region.
- Gold transactions comprised over 77 per cent of early 2026 M&A activity.
- Copper remains a top prize for miners seeking energy transition assets.
- Major producers are targeting junior miners with proven high-grade reserves.
- The industry focuses on replenishing declining production profiles through buyouts.
Mid-tier producers also used their high valuations to fund share-based transactions. Ramelius Resources and Gold Fields both pursued significant acquisitions to expand their portfolios. These moves protect companies against supply constraints in the coming decade.
Artificial Intelligence Revolutionises Due Diligence Processes
Technology now plays a fundamental role in modern mining dealmaking. AI adoption among M&A practitioners more than doubled to reach 45 per cent. Mining executives use these tools to evaluate potential acquisitions with higher precision. Software identifies geological upside and forecasts operational efficiencies before a bid begins.
Digital platforms also help companies manage complex post-merger integrations. Better data analytics allow firms to capture synergies faster than in previous cycles. Australian miners are adopting these “repeatable M&A playbooks” to ensure long-term value. Technology reduces the risks associated with large-scale capital deployment.
Artificial Intelligence Revolutionises Due Diligence Processes
Strategic Partnerships Reshape Industry Boundaries
Geopolitics and resource nationalism are driving a new era of collaboration. Many companies now prefer strategic partnerships over traditional full takeovers. These alliances allow firms to share risks and access government-backed funding. Global Head of Mining & Metals at White & Case, Rebecca Campbell, addressed this trend.
“In 2026, strategic partnerships between governments, government agencies and the private sector are likely to be the backbone of growth M&A in the sector.”
Investors are looking for assets eligible for state-backed lending or policy support. This approach provides an implicit guarantee for complex international projects. Australian firms are leading these discussions to secure critical mineral supply chains.
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Future Outlook for 2026 Remains Strong
The momentum from 2025 has continued into the current year. January 2026 alone saw $US7.1 billion in announced M&A activity. Analysts expect high deal values to persist despite stable transaction volumes. Large-cap companies will continue to pursue “big-bet” deals to define the next decade.
| Key M&A Statistic | 2025 Value (USD) | 2026 Projection |
| Global Strategic M&A | $4.9 Trillion | Continued Growth |
| Mining Sector Total | $93.7 Billion | High Value |
| AI Adoption in M&A | 45% | Increased Usage |
| Top Target | Gold/Copper | Strategic Metals |
Australian miners are currently building the “M&A muscle” required for serial acquisitions. They focus on assets that offer a genuine competitive advantage. This disciplined approach avoids the common trap of overpaying at the top of the cycle. The industry is preparing for a decade of intense consolidation and growth.
