Approval of Expenditure

ANGLO AMERICAN PLC
8 September 1999

Anglo  American  plc  is pleased to announce the approval  of  expenditure  of
US$240  million at its wholly owned zinc/copper operation, Hudson  Bay  Mining
and Smelting Company, in Canada.  The expenditure will include the development
of  the  777  ore  body  and  the expansion and upgrade  of  existing  surface
processing facilities including a new zinc tankhouse.

Current estimates are that this will extend the life of Hudson Bay to 2016 and
it is anticipated that a significant portion of the expenditure will be funded
by Hudson Bay's own cash flow.

Commenting  on the decision, James Campbell, Chairman of Anglo American  plc's
base  metals division, Anglo Base, said: 'This development together  with  the
current  commissioning of the Lisheen zinc operation in Ireland and  the  well
advanced  feasibility  studies  for  the Gamsberg  and  Skorpion  projects  in
southern Africa will ensure that Anglo American will be an important player in
the zinc market in a few years time.'


For further information please contact:

London

Anglo American plc.
Michael Spicer          Nick von Schirnding
[phone] (w)    [phone] (w)
[phone] (m)     [phone] (m)
                        Misha Nagelmackers
                        [phone] (w)

Johannesburg
Anne Dunn               Marion Brower
[phone] (w)     [phone] (w)
[phone] (m)     [phone] (cell)
AA plc website: www.angloamerican.co.uk