29th Jan 2008 07:00
Anglo American PLC29 January 2008 News Release29 January 2008 Anglo American statement regarding power supply to mining operations in South Africa In light of the current power shortages being experienced in South Africa andthe consequent emergency measures that have been implemented over the last fewdays, a number of Anglo American's mining operations have been temporarilyimpacted. In its position as South Africa's largest mining company and both a majorsupplier to and customer of Eskom, Anglo American is working with Eskom, theSouth African government, the National Union of Mineworkers and the Chamber ofMines of South Africa to urgently identify and implement solutions for the shortand long term to guarantee the integrity of electricity supply. Anglo American and the mining industry have already made proposals to reduceelectricity consumption in the short term and it will be of critical importancefor all major industries to act in South Africa's best interests and play theirpart in resolving this national emergency. Anglo American has formed an energytask team to address the critical issues and meetings with the ministerialcommittee charged with resolving the power emergency have taken place. Following Eskom's notification of restrictions to the electricity supply, AngloAmerican can confirm the following in relation to its mining operations: • Coal - all mines are now back in operation with full production,accommodated by power savings at Kleinkopje, where production has been reduced. • Kumba Iron Ore - a variety of actions have been taken, including adecision to stop all electric power-assisted trucking in the short term,resulting in both of Kumba's mines, Sishen and Thabazimbi, operating with arelatively small impact on production. • Platinum - all process operations remain on standby and no refined metals are being produced. Essential pumping and activities to maintain plant availability continue and available power is being used to conduct underground mining activities focused on maintaining a safe working environment, with support in place to facilitate an efficient return to full production. • Base Metals - limited production at Namakwa Sands and no production atBlack Mountain operations; the Skorpion zinc operation is running on reducedpower. The safety of its employees is of paramount importance to Anglo American andenhanced safety procedures have been put in place. The power supply disruptions experienced to date have already had an impact on anumber of key metal markets and the mining industry's strategic importance toSouth Africa's economic prosperity is well known. Every effort is being made to return to normal throughout Anglo American'soperations in South Africa. For further information, please contact: United Kingdom James Wyatt-Tilby, Media RelationsTel: +44 (0)20 7968 8759 Anna Poulter, Investor RelationsTel: +44 (0)20 7968 2155 South Africa Pranill Ramchander, Media RelationsTel: +27 (0)11 638 2592 Notes to Editors: Anglo American plc is one of the world's largest mining and natural resourcegroups. With its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, it is a globalleader in platinum group metals and diamonds, with significant interests incoal, base and ferrous metals, as well as an industrial minerals business and astake in AngloGold Ashanti. The Group is geographically diverse, with operationsin Africa, Europe, South and North America, Australia and Asia.(www.angloamerican.co.uk) This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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