Dawson Project

Anglo American PLC
15 December 2004


News Release


15 December 2004


             ANGLO COAL AND MITSUI EXPAND AUSTRALIAN COAL OPERATION


Anglo American plc ("Anglo American") and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. ("Mitsui") today
announced that Anglo Coal Australia and Mitsui Coal Holdings intend to
recapitalise their existing operations at the Moura open cut coal mine in
Central Queensland, Australia and to establish two additional operations on
adjacent tenures.  The new and expanded operations will be known as the Dawson
Complex.  The Dawson Complex is held through a joint venture, comprising Anglo
Coal Australia (51%) and Mitsui Coal Holdings (49%). Production will increase
from 7.0 Mtpa to 12.7 Mtpa of saleable coal for the export market to meet the
strong global demand for high quality metallurgical and thermal coals.


The existing rail infrastructure and the Gladstone Port facilities, which are
currently being upgraded, will be capable of handling the increased coal
production from the Dawson Complex.  A key requirement of the expansion is
achieving competitive freight and handling rates through the existing port and
rail network and discussions are well advanced.


Capital expenditure is estimated in excess of US$600 million and will include a
new coal preparation plant, additional mining equipment, a coal conveying system
for transporting coal, rail load out facilities and administration buildings.
The additional coal will be made available for the market in 2007.



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]



BACKGROUND NOTE FOR EDITORS



Anglo Coal Australia acquired its interest in May 2002 as part of an alliance
between Anglo Coal and Mitsui to build its export metallurgical and thermal coal
businesses in Queensland.  Anglo Coal is the manager and operator of the
Complex.  Mitsui have a long association with the existing Moura Mine and
represent founding investors in the Queensland Coal Industry.


The original mine commenced operations in 1961 and is one of the oldest coal
mining operations in Central Queensland.


The existing Moura operation currently produces 4.5 Mtpa of high quality
metallurgical and 2.5 Mtpa of thermal coal.


The Dawson Complex will produce 7.1 Mtpa of high quality metallurgical and 5.6
Mtpa of high-energy thermal coal.


The expansion will create three separate mining areas utilising large scale
mining equipment to create a long-life modern mining operation with capacity to
further increase production.  It will deliver infrastructure and operational
synergies and allow for the full development of the adjacent Theodore prospect,
a large surface mineable reserve of high-energy thermal coal.


The Dawson Complex will maintain sales to existing customers while developing
new markets and taking advantage of the increased demand for high quality
metallurgical coal products.




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange