Further update on operations

RNS Number : 0354I

Anglo American PLC

03 March 2010

 



News Release

03 March 2010

Anglo American: Further Update on its operations in Chile

Further to our announcement on March 1 2010, Anglo American is now in a position to provide a further update on the situation in Chile. Affected copper mining operations - Los Bronces, El Soldado and Mantoverde - were able to resume full and safe production during Sunday when power was returned to all operations. It is expected that the Chagres smelter will resume full production by Wednesday following the resumption of full power supply. Lost copper production during the stoppage was limited to less than 1,500 tonnes. Minor damage was reported at Anglo American's copper mining operations. 

At Scaw Metals' plant near Concepcion, considerable damage has been caused preventing the resumption of operations until further notice. Power and other infrastructure in the Concepcion area is also affected. Scaw's site near Santiago has been less impacted, while a third site in the north of Chile near Antofagasta is unaffected. Both affected plants will reopen once complete safety, operational inspections and remedial work is concluded. Production will be increased at other Scaw facilities globally accordingly. Scaw's operations are part of Anglo American's Other Mining and Industrial Business Unit.

Anglo American CEO Cynthia Carroll said: "I am pleased to confirm that none of our employees and contractors working at the time of the earthquake was injured.  Anglo American teams on the ground are in contact with local authorities and the central government to express our willingness to support affected communities. We are committed to the reconstruction of areas impacted by this tragedy by ensuring that we can partner with in government in providing relief." 

Anglo American continues to review the situation and will provide updates when necessary

-ends-

For further information:

United Kingdom

Pranill Ramchander, Media Relations
Tel: [phone]

Caroline Metcalfe, Investor Relations
Tel: [phone]

Leisha Wemyss, Investor Relations
Tel : [phone]

South Africa

Anna Poulter, Investor Relations
Tel: [phone]

Chile

Marcelo Esquivel

Tel: [phone]

Notes to Editors:

Anglo American plcis one of the world's largest mining groups. With its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, it is a global leader in platinum group metals and diamonds, with significant interests in copper, iron ore, metallurgical coal, nickel and thermal coal, as well as a divestment portfolio of other mining and industrial businesses. The Group is geographically diverse, with operations in Africa, Europe, South and North America, Australia and Asia.

 

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