Disposal

Anglo American PLC 4 October 2001 News Release 4 October 2001 ANGLO AMERICAN PLC DISPOSES OF ITS INVESTMENT IN ARACRUZ Anglo American plc ('AA plc') announces that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mondi Brazil, has entered into an agreement to dispose of its 12.3% interest (28% voting interest) in Aracruz Celulose, the Brazilian eucalyptus pulp company, to an affiliate of Votorantim Celulose e Papel ('VCP') for a cash consideration of US$ 370 million. Andrew Thompson, Chairman of Mondi Brazil, said 'We evaluated the options for our investment in Aracruz and concluded that it was in the interests of our shareholders to sell our stake on these terms. We have valued being party to the development of Aracruz during our time as voting shareholders with board representation. We have been particularly impressed by the vision and leadership of Erling Lorentzen as founder and Chairman. We are confident that VCP will be a supportive new voting shareholder and we wish both them and Aracruz success in the future.' Raul Calfat, CEO of VCP, said 'This transaction represents an important step for VCP in strengthening our position in the global pulp and paper markets. This also enhances our status as one of the lowest cost producers with outstanding services to our customers. We are very pleased with this opportunity which we believe will create substantial value for our shareholders.' Total interest excluding treasury stock Anglo American - London Investor Relations Media Relations Nick von Schirnding Kate Aindow Tel: +44 (0)20 7698 8540 Tel: +44 (0)20 7698 8619 Anglo American - Johannesburg Investor Relations Media Relations Anne Dunn Marion Dixon Tel: +27 11 638 4730 Tel: +27 11 638 3001 Background notes for editors Anglo American 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) Votorantim Celulose e Papel VCP is one of the largest pulp and paper companies in Latin America focusing on market pulp and printing papers. Listed both in Sao Paulo and on the NYSE, VCP is currently undertaking an expansion project that will increase its nominal capacity to 1.330 million tonnes of pulp and 600,000 tonnes of paper. (www.vcp.com.br)
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