Mining Rights Conversions

Anglo American PLC
29 April 2008


Joint News Release

29 April 2008

        South African Department of Minerals and Energy grants new order 
                mining rights conversions to Anglo American


The South African Department of Minerals and Energy ("DME") and Anglo American
announce that, following their joint announcement made on 20 February 2008,
conversions to new order mining rights in respect of Anglo American's mining
operations in South Africa have now been granted.  This relates to the
conversion of all the mineral rights in Anglo American's South African Coal,
Ferrous Metals, Base Metals and Platinum businesses.  The applications for
conversion of mineral rights associated with Anglo Platinum's 50:50 joint
ventures with Royal Bafokeng Resources and the African Rainbow Minerals
consortium continue and are being processed based on joint submissions and
representations by all stakeholders.


Ms Buyelwa Sonjica, Minister of Minerals and Energy, said: "The granting of
conversions to subsidiaries of South Africa's largest mining company, Anglo
American, is a mark of progress for the country's transformation. It has also
resulted in the creation of two HDSA controlled platinum companies, as well as
HDSA participation in Anglo's coal business. I am happy to be making this
announcement today."


Cynthia Carroll, CEO of Anglo American, said, "I am delighted that we have been
granted new order mining rights across our South African mining operations and I
would like to thank all those, at the Department of Minerals and Energy and
within Anglo American, who worked so hard to complete the necessary
documentation in recent weeks.    This significant achievement provides an ever
stronger platform for our $5 billion of growth projects and 120,000 employees
and contractors in South Africa and for the many black empowered businesses with
which we are partnered.  This is good news for Anglo American and for South
Africa and I look forward to ongoing strong and cooperative relationships with
the South African government and our partners as Anglo American continues to
grow its businesses and contribute to the country's economic prosperity."


For further information, please contact:


South Africa


Pranill Ramchander, Media Relations

Tel: [phone]



United Kingdom


James Wyatt-Tilby, Media Relations

Tel: [phone]



Anna Poulter, Investor Relations

Tel: [phone]



Ralf Rueller, Investor Relations

Tel : [phone]


Department of Minerals and Energy (DME)


Sputnik Ratau

Media Liaison Officer: Ministry

Tel: [phone]

Mob: [phone]




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