Acquisition

Anglo American PLC
24 January 2003



News Release


24 January 2003


           Anglo Coal acquires a 70% interest in Girrah coal deposit


Anglo Coal (German Creek) Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anglo American
plc, has agreed to purchase a 70% interest in the Girrah coal deposit in Central
Queensland from Wesfarmers Curragh Pty Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Wesfarmers Limited for a cash consideration of A$57.8 million (approx. US$33
million at current exchange rates).


The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be
finalised in the first quarter of 2003.


The Girrah deposit is located near Anglo Coal Australia's 70% owned and managed
German Creek mine which should allow infrastructure, operational and marketing
synergies to be realised in the development of Girrah, that will be the subject
of exploration and feasibility studies.


For further information:

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]



Notes to Editors:

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)




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