Anglo American update re. Platinum

RNS Number : 1875N

Anglo American PLC

26 September 2012

 



26 September 2012
Anglo American update re. Anglo American Platinum

Anglo American plc draws attention to an announcement issued by Anglo American Platinum Limited, the text of which is set out below:

Anglo American Platinum to commence disciplinary action if employees do not return to work

Anglo American Platinum Limited ("Anglo American Platinum") is providing an update in respect of its Rustenburg operations following resumption of those operations on Tuesday 18 September 2012.

Anglo American Platinum continues to experience a low turnout rate at its Rustenburg mines which are currently reporting less than 20% attendance. As announced on Wednesday 19 September, the current industrial action is illegal and Anglo American Platinum has given notice to its employees on several occasions that they are required to return to work and that legal avenues would be pursued if they failed to do so. Disciplinary action will be initiated on Thursday 27 September against those employees who persist in unlawful strike action.

Chris Griffith, CEO of Anglo American Platinum, said: "We have repeatedly urged our employees to come back to work and I do so again - I am making a personal appeal for all striking employees to return to work immediately. If our employees do not heed this call, we will simply have no choice but to begin disciplinary action tomorrow against any employees who remain on strike and that action could lead to dismissals. Our Rustenburg mining operations are under considerable economic pressure and their future is already under review."

Anglo American Platinum confirms that the volume of lost platinum production from its Rustenburg mining operations since 12 September 2012 has amounted to approximately 20,000 ounces.

The hearing at the CCMA yesterday did not relate to the current illegal strike. The CCMA hearing related solely to the memorandum submitted in mid-July by approximately 300 employees from Khusuleka Mine. For the avoidance of doubt, all Rustenburg employees who are not reporting to work, including those at Khusuleka, are participating in an illegal strike.

For further information, please contact:

Media		Investors
UK James Wyatt-Tilby Tel: [phone] Emily Blyth Tel:  [phone]		UK Leng Lau Tel: [phone] Caroline Crampton Tel: [phone]
South Africa Tel: [phone]

Notes to editors:

Anglo American is one of the world's largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Anglo American's portfolio of mining businesses spans bulk commodities - iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal; base metals - copper and nickel; and precious metals and minerals - in which it is a global leader in both platinum and diamonds.  Anglo American is committed to the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all its businesses and geographies and to making a sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations. The company's mining operations, extensive pipeline of growth projects and exploration activities span southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.

www.angloamerican.com

 

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