Anglo American increases social investment commitments to Zinc communities

Anglo American confirms its commitment to continued social development investment in the host communities around its Zinc operations. This follows the announcement of the sale of Anglo American Zinc, which consists of Skorpion Zinc in Namibia, Lisheen mine in Ireland and Black Mountain mine and the Gamsberg project in South Africa.

Anglo American is a leader in corporate social investment in South Africa and invests in development projects around its global operations, as well as in the wider community. As a responsible mining company, Anglo American has committed US$3 million to the Anglo American Namibia Foundation which will continue to invest in sustainability projects in communities around the Skorpion mine and across Namibia. This will build on the substantive investments in education and teacher training already made by the Anglo Skorpion Foundation.

In addition, Anglo American will make a US$2 million grant to fund a series of multi-year education and development projects in the Northern Cape in South Africa, close to the Black Mountain operation and the Gamsberg project. These social development programmes in the Northern Cape will be managed by the Anglo American Chairman’s Fund which supports projects in education, health, HIV / AIDS and social development.

Anglo American believes in responsible stewardship throughout the mining lifecycle. Although the Lisheen mine, in Ireland, is in a different operational phase to Black Mountain and Skorpion, Anglo American has worked closely with the local community and other stakeholders for a number of years to ensure all social investments and closure plans are developed in partnership with all those concerned.

Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said: "Anglo American remains committed to the Zinc businesses’ host communities throughout the transition process and into the future. Anglo American will be working with Vedanta, the future owners of the Zinc business, to build on the relationship we have with our host communities and the work we have done, particularly in the areas of education, health, HIV / AIDS and social development.”

Notes to Editors:

Anglo American plc is one of the world’s largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Its portfolio of mining businesses spans precious metals and minerals – in which it is a global leader in both platinum and diamonds; base metals – copper and nickel; and bulk commodities – iron ore, metallurgical coal and thermal coal. Anglo American is committed to the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all its businesses and geographies and to making a sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations. The company’s mining operations and extensive pipeline of growth projects are located in southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America and Asia.

www.angloamerican.co.uk