Its shares opened weaker on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange before changing direction in a volatile early session.

Anglo's demerger of the Johannesburg-based platinum group metals (PGM) producer, formerly known as Anglo American Platinum, comes as it shifts focus to copper and iron ore.

Chief Executive Officer Craig Miller said Valterra would focus on creating value from its existing portfolio and upholding standards established during its time as part of the Anglo group.

"Part of our DNA is upholding those high standards and exemplifying who we are as a PGM producer," Miller said after the listing.

Valterra Chief Financial Officer Sayurie Naidoo said the company would maintain its capital allocation framework - paying out 40% of headline earnings - but would consider share buybacks if metal prices rise and there is surplus cash.

Valterra will also have a secondary listing of its shares in London on June 2.

London-listed Anglo is exiting the platinum mining business as part of a business revamp roughly a year on from surviving a $49-billion takeover bid by bigger rival BHP Group. Anglo retained a shareholding of about 19% in the SA platinum miner.

It is also selling its coking coal assets in Australia, nickel mines in Brazil and has said it is weighing whether to sell or list its loss-making De Beers diamond unit.

--Reuters--