Press Release Archive - 2009

Published annually, the report provides a detailed view of the transformation strategies, management approaches and performance of Anglo American’s various wholly owned and majority-owned business units in key focus areas, including local enterprise development, safety, diversity and HIV/AIDS.  The report also sets out targets for 2009 and beyond and is an indicator of the positive involvement Anglo American has in the many communities in which it operates.

In addition, the report highlights Anglo American as an active corporate citizen, committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations and encouraging its industry peers follow its lead.

Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive of Anglo American said, "This report records Anglo American's many vehicles of positive change in a manner that I believe is factual and contemporary, noting not only our successes but also the issues and challenges that we still need to overcome through innovative thinking and intensified effort. I am extremely proud of our progress and of the dedication and commitment of our people to making a genuine contribution for the benefit of South Africans.”

Highlights on the road towards transformation in 2008 include:

• The granting of new order mining rights to managed operations, representing a key milestone in terms of security of tenure and implementation of the Mining Charter.
• The Group's managed and independently managed South African companies spent R24.6 billion on procurement from companies owned by Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs), compared to R1.1 billion in 1999.
• Anglo Zimele, Anglo American’s enterprise development and empowerment initiative, supported 228 businesses through its three funds, which provided jobs to nearly 10,419 people and collectively turned over R1.3 billion during the year, representing 30% growth from R1 billion in 2007.
• In September 2008, Anglo American and Eskom signed a Memorandum of Understanding, creating a strategic partnership to identify and implement solutions to better the integrity of South Africa's electricity supply.
• For the eighth consecutive year, Anglo American was placed first for the excellence of its corporate social investment grant-making activities out of 65 corporates by development NGOs in an annual national survey conducted by analytical group Trialogue.
• In terms of enhancing diversity, by the end of the year under review, the proportion of HDSAs employed in junior to senior managerial positions in Anglo American rose to 50% from 46% in 2007. At a senior management level, 42.34% of these positions were occupied by HDSAs whilst initiatives to increase the number of women in mining along with their particular needs (physical, health, work culture and workplace environment) are beginning to have the desired effect. By the end of 2008, the number of women in management in Anglo American South Africa rose from 15% to 17%.
• One of the tools Anglo American introduced last year to support a strong safety culture is “Safety in Action,” a company-wide team conversation that focuses on taking personal action for improving safety. In 2008, Anglo American achieved its first fatality-free month across all operations, contributing to a 44% decline in fatalities to 24 from 43 in 2005. Despite these developments, achieving global transformation in the safety arena remains a formidable challenge.
• In 2008, the group facilitated the first Anglo American Tripartite Safety Summit between itself, the Department of Minerals and Energy, the National Union of Mineworkers as well as other industry partners and stakeholders. Anglo American is not prepared to tolerate loss of life or injury in the pursuit of business and will continue to take a proactive stance on safety issues. It is through partnerships and collaborative efforts that the goal of Zero Harm will be achieved.

Pre Rungasamy, Head of Transformation at Anglo American, said, “This report shows that Anglo American has made good progress on the transformation journey. Our people are proving that they are passionate about change and this has translated into action in creating essential partnerships beyond our company, particularly with government and other key stakeholders.  Our plans are in place, deliverables have been identified and already our progress is clear – largely owing to extensive collaboration with key stakeholders, both internally and externally.”

Visit our 2008 Transformation Report website