Power supply statement

Anglo American PLC
29 January 2008



News Release
29 January 2008

                     Anglo American statement regarding power supply
                          to mining operations in South Africa



In light of the current power shortages being experienced in South Africa and
the consequent emergency measures that have been implemented over the last few
days, a number of Anglo American's mining operations have been temporarily
impacted.



In its position as South Africa's largest mining company and both a major
supplier to and customer of Eskom, Anglo American is working with Eskom, the
South African government, the National Union of Mineworkers and the Chamber of
Mines of South Africa to urgently identify and implement solutions for the short
and long term to guarantee the integrity of electricity supply.



Anglo American and the mining industry have already made proposals to reduce
electricity consumption in the short term and it will be of critical importance
for all major industries to act in South Africa's best interests and play their
part in resolving this national emergency.  Anglo American has formed an energy
task team to address the critical issues and meetings with the ministerial
committee charged with resolving the power emergency have taken place.



Following Eskom's notification of restrictions to the electricity supply, Anglo
American can confirm the following in relation to its mining operations:



•         Coal - all mines are now back in operation with full production,
accommodated by power savings at Kleinkopje, where production has been reduced.



•         Kumba Iron Ore - a variety of actions have been taken, including a
decision to stop all electric power-assisted trucking in the short term,
resulting in both of Kumba's mines, Sishen and Thabazimbi, operating with a
relatively small impact on production.



  • Platinum - all process operations remain on standby and no refined metals
    are being produced.  Essential pumping and activities to maintain plant
    availability continue and available power is being used to conduct
    underground mining activities focused on maintaining a safe working
    environment, with support in place to facilitate an efficient return to full
    production.



•         Base Metals - limited production at Namakwa Sands and no production at
Black Mountain operations; the Skorpion zinc operation is running on reduced
power.



The safety of its employees is of paramount importance to Anglo American and
enhanced safety procedures have been put in place.



The power supply disruptions experienced to date have already had an impact on a
number of key metal markets and the mining industry's strategic importance to
South Africa's economic prosperity is well known.



Every effort is being made to return to normal throughout Anglo American's
operations in South Africa.







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)




                      This information is provided by RNS
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