Global asset manager BlackRock backs further consolidation among large mining companies, viewing it as essential to attract generalist investors and facilitate complex new supply projects. Speaking at the Australian Financial Review (AFR) conference in Perth, portfolio manager Olivia Markham highlighted the mining industry’s scale challenges compared to sectors like technology. US generalist investors, Markham explained, prefer large, liquid equities. Bigger companies offer better access to capital, typically trade at superior multiples, and possess the teams and expertise for intricate projects. “We’ve had a wave of ... (full story)