London, Feb 12, 2026, 08:04 GMT — Regular session
- Anglo American shares nudged up early Thursday following a solid gain the day before
- De Beers sale process draws renewed attention following recent remarks at Mining Indaba
- Investors are eyeing the Feb. 20 results for updates on divestments and the company’s outlook
Shares of Anglo American (AAL.L) edged up roughly 1.2% to 3,710 pence during early London trading on Thursday, following a 2.4% jump in the prior session.
The stock’s trajectory is crucial as the miner looks to put a turbulent year for diamonds behind it and push forward with its broader restructuring. While De Beers represents a modest slice of market value, it’s increasingly seen as a swift indicator of how well the company is executing its plans.
Timing plays a crucial role here. A smooth sale would calm concerns about cash flow, politics, and strategic priorities. Dragging it out only traps the narrative in the familiar diamond cycle: soft demand, hesitant buyers, and limited clarity.
On Wednesday, Anglo American surged ahead of the wider FTSE 100 as miners drew strong buying interest across the board.
There’s a new push from Cape Town. Botswana’s state-owned Okavango Diamond Company is shifting more sales into contracts to reduce the volatility of auctions amid a market weighed down by oversupply and weak demand. Acting managing director Lipalese Makepe said the company aims to sell “about 50%” of its Debswana allocation by value through contracts. Meanwhile, Anglo American CEO Duncan Wanblad told Reuters he’s focused on selling De Beers, with a consortium considered the most likely buyer. Reuters
For Anglo investors, the takeaway is clear. Contract sales might help stabilize pricing signals just a bit, yet they also highlight the difficulty of shifting large parcels at good prices in a soft market.
Still, plenty can go sideways. Financing for the buyer group might tighten, governments could clash on policy, and delays in the deal risk shrinking the expected proceeds or pushing tougher decisions elsewhere in the portfolio.
Traders will keep a partial focus on industrial metals as well. Copper and iron ore continue to carry the bulk of the weight for Anglo’s share price daily, with the stock hovering near its recent peaks.
Anglo American’s full-year results drop at 0700 GMT on Feb. 20, setting the stage for the next big move. Investors will zero in on any clear timelines for De Beers, along with clues on capital expenditure and returns.
