Media

Anglo American and the South African Department of Minerals and Energy (“DME”) have made significant progress over the past few weeks regarding the Group's performance in meeting the requirements of the Mining Charter and contributing to Black Economic Empowerment in respect of Anglo American's South African mining operations.

As a result, the DME and Anglo American announce that they have reached agreement on all remaining matters regarding mining rights conversions, subject to completion of the outstanding documentation. This is in respect of new order mining rights for all of Anglo American's South African mining operations in platinum, coal, iron ore and base metals. As a result, all conversions will be granted to Anglo American by 31 March 2008.

Commenting on the developments, Sandile Nogxina, Director-General of the DME, said: “Anglo American is the largest mining company in South Africa and has been at the forefront of creating sustainable Black Economic Empowerment over many years. I welcome the strong spirit of cooperation between Anglo American and the DME and look forward to a continued relationship which is both positive and productive.”

Cynthia Carroll, CEO of Anglo American, said, “I am delighted with the progress that we have made towards our goal of establishing significant and meaningful Black Economic Empowerment across all our businesses in South Africa and that agreement has been reached regarding Anglo American's new order mining rights. This is a landmark achievement for the Group and for the many black empowered businesses with which we are partnered. It provides our business with greater certainty in South Africa and enables the Group to continue to make a strong contribution to South Africa's prosperity and economic 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 and diamonds, with significant interests in coal, base and ferrous metals, as well as an industrial minerals business and a stake in AngloGold Ashanti. The Group is geographically diverse, with operations in Africa, Europe, South and North America, Australia and Asia. (www.angloamerican.co.uk)