Anpario Regulatory News (ANP)

29 Apr 2008 11:03

Anglo American PLC29 April 2008 Joint News Release 29 April 2008 South African Department of Minerals and Energy grants new order mining rights conversions to Anglo American The South African Department of Minerals and Energy ("DME") and Anglo Americanannounce that, following their joint announcement made on 20 February 2008,conversions to new order mining rights in respect of Anglo American's miningoperations in South Africa have now been granted. This relates to theconversion of all the mineral rights in Anglo American's South African Coal,Ferrous Metals, Base Metals and Platinum businesses. The applications forconversion of mineral rights associated with Anglo Platinum's 50:50 jointventures with Royal Bafokeng Resources and the African Rainbow Mineralsconsortium continue and are being processed based on joint submissions andrepresentations by all stakeholders. Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, Minister of Minerals and Energy, said: "The granting ofconversions to subsidiaries of South Africa's largest mining company, AngloAmerican, is a mark of progress for the country's transformation. It has alsoresulted in the creation of two HDSA controlled platinum companies, as well asHDSA participation in Anglo's coal business. I am happy to be making thisannouncement today." Cynthia Carroll, CEO of Anglo American, said, "I am delighted that we have beengranted new order mining rights across our South African mining operations and Iwould like to thank all those, at the Department of Minerals and Energy andwithin Anglo American, who worked so hard to complete the necessarydocumentation in recent weeks. This significant achievement provides an everstronger platform for our $5 billion of growth projects and 120,000 employeesand contractors in South Africa and for the many black empowered businesses withwhich we are partnered. This is good news for Anglo American and for SouthAfrica and I look forward to ongoing strong and cooperative relationships withthe South African government and our partners as Anglo American continues togrow its businesses and contribute to the country's economic prosperity." For further information, please contact: South Africa Pranill Ramchander, Media Relations Tel: +27 (0)11 638 2592 United Kingdom James Wyatt-Tilby, Media Relations Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 8759 Anna Poulter, Investor Relations Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 2155 Ralf Rueller, Investor Relations Tel : +44 (0)20 7968 8878 Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) Sputnik Ratau Media Liaison Officer: Ministry Tel: +27 (0)12 317 8291 Mob: +27 (0)82 521 9614 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange