SA Minerals Development Bill
Anglo American PLC
25 June 2002
News Release
25 June 2002
South African Minerals Development Bill
There has been considerable public speculation as to the possible impact of the
proposed new Minerals and Petroleum Resources Bill.
Anglo American is examining the Bill tabled in the South African Parliament on
Tuesday, 25 June and evaluating its implications. It is too early to reach
definite conclusions, especially as the regulations accompanying the Bill, and
the proposed Mining Charter have yet to be tabled. Anglo American looks forward
to engaging constructively with Government and other stakeholders on these
issues so that the new legislation can be implemented in a way that is both
conducive to investor confidence and to fulfilling the aims of the Bill, of
which the Company is fully supportive.
In so far as the Platinum sector has distinct features and has been the subject
of particular commentary, Anglo Platinum has this afternoon put out a separate
statement (attached).
ANGLO AMERICAN PLATINUM CORPORATION LIMITED
Registration No 1946/022452/06
JSE Code: AMS
ISIN: ZAE000013181
MEDIA RELEASE
There has been considerable press coverage of the passage of the new Mineral
and Petroleum Resources Development Bill (the Bill) during the recent
parliamentary debates. This coverage has given rise to much speculation as
to what impact the Bill will have on the mining industry generally and in
particular, its implications for the platinum industry and Anglo Platinum.
Anglo Platinum has been consistent in its support for the fundamental,
political, economic and social objectives of the Bill. Two major
multi-billion rand empowerment transactions have already been completed,
with Mvelaphanda Holdings at Northam Platinum (22,5 per cent) and with
African Rainbow Minerals at the new Modikwa (previously Maandagshoek)
project (50 per cent), and two further major Black Economic Empowerment
(BEE) initiatives are currently under negotiation. Most importantly, the
company has committed to Government that it will propose significant
additional BEE transactions and related small and medium enterprise (SME)
initiatives at its new projects as these are developed.
In May of 2000, Anglo Platinum announced that based on its analysis of
market demand, annual production capacity would be expanded from the then
base of 2 million ounces of platinum to 3,5 million ounces by calendar 2006.
Expressed in current money terms, escalated to completion, the capital cost
of this expansion is estimated at over R20 billion. In pursuance of this
programme, the Company has announced that new mines will be developed at
Bafokeng Rasimone, Styldrift, Modikwa, Pandora, Waterval and Twickenham, the
building of a new smelter at Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg) and the
expansion of its base and precious metal refining activities in Rustenburg.
Additional substantial capital projects to maintain baseline production are
planned and will be announced if board approval and the requisite Government
approvals are obtained.
These projects will provide over 13,000 new jobs directly as well as
innumerable opportunities in surrounding communities for procurement and SME
activities.
Pursuant to the R20 billion expansion programme, and in terms of a December
2000 agreement with Government securing the company's mineral resources
within the eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex, and in compliance with
existing legislation, the company made application to the Department of
Mineral and Energy Affairs for mining authorisations covering existing
operations, extensions thereto and in respect of undeveloped areas where the
new mines are to be established.
Regrettably, despite frequent and ongoing efforts to progress these
applications, inordinate delays have been experienced in their processing by
the Department. In the event that the granting of these applications is
delayed beyond the effective date on which the Bill becomes law, the
Company's position regarding these mineral rights, including those to be
developed for the expansion programme, may be adversely prejudiced by the
implementation of certain of the provisions of the Bill. Accordingly, though
the Company continues to engage the Department in an attempt to resolve
these difficulties in a constructive manner, it had no choice but to
institute legal action against the Department of Minerals and Energy to
enforce the timeous processing of its applications.
In this respect, it was reassuring that at a meeting over the past weekend
attended by senior Government Ministers, they confirmed that Government had
no wish to see mining industry projects interrupted or delayed in any way
that could result in the creation of uncertainty for investments in the
mining industry.
Through the previously described transactions, implementation of major
expansions and its social upliftment programmes, Anglo Platinum has
demonstrated its commitment to Government objectives, including the 'use it
or lose it' Mineral Rights policy and is making a substantial contribution
to the development of the country's natural resources and economy for the
benefit of all stakeholders. It fully intends to continue playing this role
and looks forward to working with Government in the development, together
with the rest of the industry, of the Mining Charter and in the
implementation of the new Bill in a way that builds investor confidence and
achieves the Bill's objectives.
For further information, please contact
Mike Mtakati
Tel: +27 11 373 6865
Mob: +27 83 455 7887
Johannesburg
25 June 2002
This information is provided by RNS
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