| Tue 29 Jan 2008, 9:30 | | AGL - Anglo American plc - Press release |
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AGL
ANAAL
AGL - Anglo American plc - Press release
Anglo American plc
Incorporated in the United Kingdom
(Registration number: 3564138)
Short name: Anglo
Share code: AGL
ISIN number: GB00B1XZS820
("Anglo American plc" or "the company")
Press release: Anglo American statement regarding power supply to mining
operations in South Africa
In light of the current power shortages being experienced in South Africa and
the consequent emergency measures that have been implemented over the last few
days, a number of Anglo American`s mining operations have been temporarily
impacted.
In its position as South Africa`s largest mining company and both a major
supplier to and customer of Eskom, Anglo American is working with Eskom, the
South African government, the National Union of Mineworkers and the Chamber of
Mines of South Africa to urgently identify and implement solutions for the short
and long term to guarantee the integrity of electricity supply.
Anglo American and the mining industry have already made proposals to reduce
electricity consumption in the short term and it will be of critical importance
for all major industries to act in South Africa`s best interests and play their
part in resolving this national emergency. Anglo American has formed an energy
task team to address the critical issues and meetings with the ministerial
committee charged with resolving the power emergency have taken place.
Following Eskom`s notification of restrictions to the electricity supply, Anglo
American can confirm the following in relation to its mining operations:
- Coal - all mines are now back in operation with full production,
accommodated by power savings at Kleinkopje, where production has been
reduced.
- Kumba Iron Ore - a variety of actions have been taken, including a decision
to stop all electric power-assisted trucking in the short term, resulting
in both of Kumba`s mines, Sishen and Thabazimbi, operating with a
relatively small impact on production.
- Platinum - all process operations remain on standby and no refined metals
are being produced. Essential pumping and activities to maintain plant
availability continue and available power is being used to conduct
underground mining activities focused on maintaining a safe working
environment, with support in place to facilitate an efficient return to
full production.
- Base Metals - limited production at Namakwa Sands and no production at
Black Mountain operations; the Skorpion zinc operation is running on
reduced power.
The safety of its employees is of paramount importance to Anglo American and
enhanced safety procedures have been put in place.
The power supply disruptions experienced to date have already had an impact on a
number of key metal markets and the mining industry`s strategic importance to
South Africa`s economic prosperity is well known.
Every effort is being made to return to normal throughout Anglo American`s
operations in South Africa.
For further information, please contact:
United Kingdom
James Wyatt-Tilby, Media Relations
Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 8759
Anna Poulter, Investor Relations
Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 2155
South Africa
Pranill Ramchander, Media Relations
Tel: +27 (0)11 638 2592
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)
Sponsor: UBS South Africa
January 29 2008
Date: 29/01/2008 09:30:07 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.
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