Minas-Rio suspension for pipeline checks

Anglo American plc ("Anglo American") announces the suspension of its Minas-Rio iron ore operation in Brazil, with effect Thursday 29 March, in order to conduct a full inspection of the pipeline that carries iron ore, in slurry form, from the mine to the export terminal.

Minas-Rio took the decision to suspend the operation following a minor leak that was identified in the pipeline at approximately 7pm on 29 March. This leak of non-hazardous iron ore slurry was stopped within eight minutes and caused no disruption to local water supply. It occurred in close proximity to a similar leak on 12 March, near a pumping station. There were no injuries.

Specialised technical equipment will now be used to identify any other areas of potential weakness within the pipeline. Due to the length of the pipeline and the priority of ensuring the protection of the natural environment, the current expectation is that it will take approximately 90 days for the full inspection to be completed during which time operations at Minas-Rio will remain suspended.

Minas-Rio is working closely with its employees and unions and all the relevant authorities in Brazil, both locally and nationally, and Anglo American's Marketing business is engaging with its customers in relation to product delivery schedules.

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Notes to editors:

Anglo American is a global diversified mining business and our products are the essential ingredients in almost every aspect of modern life. Our portfolio of world-class competitive mining operations and undeveloped resources provides the metals and minerals to meet the growing consumer-driven demands of the world's developed and maturing economies. With our people at the heart of our business, we use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine, process, move and market our products to our customers around the world.

As a responsible miner - of diamonds (through De Beers), copper, platinum and other precious metals, iron ore, coal and nickel - we are the custodians of what are precious natural resources. We work together with our key partners and stakeholders to unlock the sustainable value that those resources represent for our shareholders, the communities and countries in which we operate and for society at large. Anglo American is re-imagining mining to improve people's lives.

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