The story of mining and of Anglo American, is about people and how we live every day. Mining plays a vital part in the prosperity of the world today and our need for mining products continues to grow. For almost a hundred years, the wide variety of products we mine has improved people's lives. From iron ore and coal to make steel, copper for electronic technology, phosphates for fertilisers, and precious metals for catalytic converters, our minerals and metals help the modern world function. Every day we learn of more uses for metals and minerals in our daily lives.
The planet's population is seven billion and rising fast, with more people living in cities than ever before. Mining isn't simply about the resources we extract from the ground. Mining supports a higher standard of living: it creates employment, electricity and electronics, piped water, buildings, roads, telecommunications, as well as new skills, education and improved healthcare for host communities. In 2013, more than three quarters of what we spent on suppliers, employees, taxes and government royalties, we spent in developing countries.
We will continue to improve how we mine and play a positive role in the changing world by focusing on creating sustainable value that makes a real difference, both during and after the life of each mine. We'll also work hard to protect scarce resources like land and water, and ensure a lasting legacy for the ecosystems and communities around our mines. We will continue to always look for the best ways to deliver the resources the world needs.
Find out more on our lasting legacy, here.