Statement on Zimbabwe

RNS Number : 5005X

Anglo American PLC

25 June 2008

 



News Release

25 June 2008

Anglo American statement on Zimbabwe

The following statement is in response to media reports relating to Anglo American's business activity in Zimbabwe.

Anglo American has been an investor in Zimbabwe for 60 years.  The Unki platinum project in Zimbabwe, which has been in development since 2003, is a long-term investment for a mine which is yet to start production and will not generate revenues for some years.  Anglo American is deeply concerned about the current political situation in Zimbabwe and condemns the violence and human rights abuses that are taking place.   Anglo American is monitoring the situation in Zimbabwe very closely and is reviewing all options surrounding the development of the project.  It has been made clear to Anglo American that if it ceases to develop this project, the Government of Zimbabwe will assume control.

Anglo American has a clear responsibility to protect the wellbeing of its more than 650 employees and contractors, as well as their families and all those who depend indirectly on the activity around the project, all of whose livelihoods would be jeopardised should the company withdraw from Zimbabwe.  The responsible development of the Unki mine will create a long-term viable business which will be important to the economic future of Zimbabwe for years to come.  Anglo American continues to support the communities around the project with a number of important social development activities, including the provision of basic food and supplies, the building of a dam to help support agriculture through the reliable supply of water and the provision of financial and other assistance to the primary and secondary schools and community health facilities.   

Anglo American is in full compliance with all relevant national and international laws relating to its activities in Zimbabwe.

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. Anglo American also holds a 37.2% shareholding in Tongaat-Hulett, a sugar and starch business, which has operations in Zimbabwe employing a total of 16,000 people.  The Group is geographically diverse, with operations in Africa, Europe, South and North America, Australia and Asia. (www.angloamerican.co.uk)

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]

 

END

 

 

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