Analysis of Bonds as an Instrument for Financing Mining Investments

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this article is to examine the structure of financing for mining enterprises in the years 2007-2013, with particular emphasis on bonds. The document pays special attention to Polish mining enterprises. The financing structure analysis was based on data collected from financial statements (cash flows) of the largest mining companies in Poland, and their comparison with the results of global mining enterprises pursuant to reports prepared by international advisory firms. The article takes into account capital sources such as: corporate bonds, bank loans and issue of shares. As indicated by the performed analysis, mining enterprises both around the world and in Poland are increasingly eager to take advantage of obtaining business financing from issue of corporate bonds. It should also be recognized that in the analyzed period, both global and Polish mining enterprises deviate from forms of financing such as issue of shares. This may be caused by the fact that the bonds market in Poland is becoming increasingly popular, mainly due to interest rate on bonds being lower in comparison with bank loans. Another reason may be that banks and potential buyers of shares are less eager to finance this type of investment due to a relatively substantial risk acceptable to bondholders.