Disposal

Anglo American PLC
4 October 2001


News Release
4 October 2001


           ANGLO AMERICAN PLC DISPOSES OF ITS INVESTMENT IN ARACRUZ

Anglo American plc ('AA plc') announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Mondi Brazil, has entered into an agreement to dispose of its 12.3% interest
(28% voting interest) in Aracruz Celulose, the Brazilian eucalyptus pulp
company, to an affiliate of Votorantim Celulose e Papel ('VCP') for a cash
consideration of US$ 370 million.

Andrew Thompson, Chairman of Mondi Brazil, said 'We evaluated the options for
our investment in Aracruz and concluded that it was in the interests of our
shareholders to sell our stake on these terms. We have valued being party to
the development of Aracruz during our time as voting shareholders with board
representation. We have been particularly impressed by the vision and
leadership of Erling Lorentzen as founder and Chairman. We are confident that
VCP will be a supportive new voting shareholder and we wish both them and
Aracruz success in the future.'

Raul Calfat, CEO of VCP, said 'This transaction represents an important step
for VCP in strengthening our position in the global pulp and paper markets.
This also enhances our status as one of the lowest cost producers with
outstanding services to our customers. We are very pleased with this
opportunity which we believe will create substantial value for our
shareholders.'

Total interest excluding treasury stock



Anglo American - London

Investor Relations                          Media Relations

Nick von Schirnding                         Kate Aindow

Tel: [phone]                    Tel: [phone]



Anglo American - Johannesburg

Investor Relations                         Media Relations

Anne Dunn                                  Marion Dixon

Tel: [phone]                       Tel: [phone]



Background notes for editors

Anglo American

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 gold, platinum group metals and diamonds, with significant interests
in coal, base and ferrous metals, industrial minerals and forest products. The
group is geographically diverse, with operations in Africa, Europe, South and
North America and Australia. (www.angloamerican.co.uk)

Votorantim Celulose e Papel

VCP is one of the largest pulp and paper companies in Latin America focusing
on market pulp and printing papers. Listed both in Sao Paulo and on the NYSE,
VCP is currently undertaking an expansion project that will increase its
nominal capacity to 1.330 million tonnes of pulp and 600,000 tonnes of paper.
(www.vcp.com.br)