New Order Mining Rights

Anglo American PLC
20 February 2008


Joint News Release



20 February 2008


    South African Department of Minerals and Energy confirms award of new 
                 order mining rights to Anglo American


Anglo American and the South African Department of Minerals and Energy ("DME")
have made significant progress over the past few weeks regarding the Group's
performance in meeting the requirements of the Mining Charter and contributing
to Black Economic Empowerment in respect of Anglo American's South African
mining operations.

As a result, the DME and Anglo American announce that they have reached
agreement on all remaining matters regarding mining rights conversions, subject
to completion of the outstanding documentation. This is in respect of new order
mining rights for all of Anglo American's South African mining operations in
platinum, coal, iron ore and base metals. As a result, all conversions will be
granted to Anglo American by 31 March 2008.

Commenting on the developments, Sandile Nogxina, Director-General of the DME,
said: "Anglo American is the largest mining company in South Africa and has been
at the forefront of creating sustainable Black Economic Empowerment over many
years.  I welcome the strong spirit of cooperation between Anglo American and
the DME and look forward to a continued relationship which is both positive and
productive."

Cynthia Carroll, CEO of Anglo American, said, "I am delighted with the progress
that we have made towards our goal of establishing significant and meaningful
Black Economic Empowerment across all our businesses in South Africa and that
agreement has been reached regarding Anglo American's new order mining rights.
This is a landmark achievement for the Group and for the many black empowered
businesses with which we are partnered. It provides our business with greater
certainty in South Africa and enables the Group to continue to make a strong
contribution to South Africa's prosperity and economic growth."


For further information, please contact:


United Kingdom


James Wyatt-Tilby, Media Relations
Tel: [phone]

Anna Poulter, Investor Relations
Tel: [phone]


South Africa


Pranill Ramchander, Media Relations
Tel: [phone]


Notes to Editors:



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 platinum group metals and diamonds, with significant interests in
coal, base and ferrous metals, as well as an industrial minerals business and a
stake in AngloGold Ashanti. The Group is geographically diverse, with operations
in Africa, Europe, South and North America, Australia and Asia.
(www.angloamerican.co.uk)




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