Shenhua investment
01 June, 2005
Anglo American plc (Anglo American) has committed to invest US$150 million in the Initial Public Offering of China Shenhua Energy Company Limited (Shenhua) announced earlier today by Shenhua in Hong Kong.
Shenhua's coal operations are principally located in northern Shaanxi/Inner Mongolia, 500 km west of Beijing and comprise four mining groups: Shendong Mines, Wanli Mines, Zhunge'er Mines and Shengli Mines, with 21 operating mines in western and northern China. In 2004, the group accounted for approximately 5.2% of China's total raw coal production.
Tony Redman, Chairman of Anglo Coal, said, “China is an important player in the global coal sector and we have been actively pursuing a strategy of developing a China-based coal business. Anglo Coal is already involved in an exploration programme in the Shaanxi Province. The strategic investment in Shenhua further strengthens Anglo Coal's China strategy. We are pleased to be co-operating with Shenhua – it has long-standing experience in the region and we look forward to a mutually beneficial strategic alliance with the group.“
In 2004, Anglo Coal completed a joint exploration agreement with the Shaanxi Coalfield Geology Bureau to investigate the potential of the Xiwan coal lease. The first phase of a structured exploration programme was completed during the latter part of 2004. Drill hole results confirm that the coal lease has the potential to support a major coal mining operation, but this would take some time to develop.
Tony Redman continued, “the benefit of the investment in Shenhua is that it is the largest coal producer in China and the 5th largest in the world based on its 2004 production. It is also the largest export coal producer in China, exporting 26.6 mtpa in 2004, approximately 37% of China's total thermal coal exports. With a portfolio of high quality coal reserves, Shenhua is well positioned to secure attractive market opportunities in China. Anglo Coal is delighted to be associated with the Shenhua group and its future growth.”
Notes to Editors:
Anglo American plc is one of the world's largest mining and natural resource groups. With its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, it is a global leader in platinum group metals, gold and diamonds, with significant interests in coal, base and ferrous metals, industrial minerals and paper and packaging. The group is geographically diverse, with operations in Africa, Europe, South and North America, Australia and Asia.