Key topics: Anglo Teck to produce 1.2m tonnes of copper annually$2.2bn synergies projected from integration and efficienciesHeadquarters in Vancouver, listings planned in London, Toronto, New YorkSign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.Support South Africa’s bastion of independent journalism, offering balanced insights on investments, business, and the political economy, by joining BizNews Premium. Register here.If you prefer WhatsApp for updates, sign up to the BizNews channel here..Kerry Lanaghan.Anglo American and Teck Resources have unveiled plans for a merger of equals, establishing a new global mining powerhouse headquartered in Vancouver. The combined entity, referred to as Anglo-Teck, is set to become one of the world's foremost producers of critical minerals, with copper as its central focus.The merged company will control annual copper production of about 1.2 million tonnes, representing over 70% of combined output. It will also rank among the largest global producers of iron ore and zinc, while maintaining growth options in fertilisers through the Woodsmith project in the UK. Executives emphasised that copper will dominate future earnings, positioning the new group to benefit from the long-term demand surge driven by global energy transition needs.The merger is expected to deliver significant financial advantages, with $800 million in annual recurring pre-tax synergies identified through procurement, marketing, and overhead reductions. A further $1.4 billion annual EBITDA uplift is projected from integrating operations in Chile, particularly through synergies between Teck’s Quebrada Blanca (QB) and Anglo’s nearby Collahuasi project. The balance sheet will benefit from enhanced diversification and scale, providing greater flexibility to fund shareholder returns and growth.The leadership structure is designed to reflect balance between the two groups. Anglo's Duncan Wanblad will serve as CEO, while Teck will nominate the first chair of the board. Senior management will be based in Vancouver, with supporting offices in London and Johannesburg. Corporate governance will draw equally from both companies' directors.Executives described the move as transformational for Canada, elevating the country’s global role in critical minerals. Anglo reaffirmed its ongoing commitments to South Africa, pledging continued investment in operations and communities. The combined group plans to retain listings in London and Johannesburg, while also seeking listings in Toronto and New York.Regulatory approvals will be required across multiple jurisdictions. In Canada, the deal falls under the Investment Canada Act. Shareholder votes are expected in the coming months, and final approvals are likely to take 12 to 18 months. Support has already been secured from key Teck shareholders, including the Keevil family.While the merger is presented as a true partnership, some investor questions have centred on the zero-premium share structure. Executives countered that the deal’s value lies in future growth and synergies rather than immediate payouts. Anglo shareholders will, however, receive a special dividend funded through balance sheet adjustments, aligning participation across both groups.Challenges remain, particularly around integration risks, regulatory clearances, and managing shareholder expectations. Nonetheless, the merger signals a decisive shift in the global mining landscape, creating the fifth-largest copper producer worldwide and the second-largest publicly traded copper-focused company.With its scale, diversified portfolio, and strategic copper dominance, Anglo-Teck is positioning itself as a critical supplier for the next era of global industrial demand.