Chairman's Statement

Elementis PLC
26 April 2001


                                  ELEMENTIS plc

             CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT AT TODAY'S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At today's Annual General Meeting, Jonathan Fry, Chairman of Elementis plc
will say:

'Sales growth in the first quarter of 2001 increased in sterling terms by 6
per cent year on year, reflecting the stronger US dollar.  Growth in the
first two months was partially offset by slowing demand in the US coatings,
construction and timber treatment markets, particularly in March.  Higher US
energy prices throughout the first quarter significantly impacted performance,
with Elementis Chromium most affected.

'In our 2000 Preliminary Results announcement on 28 February 2001, I
explained that, following a speculative approach last year, Elementis had
embarked on an in-depth marketing exercise to determine whether it could
obtain an offer for the Company which it believes to be in the best interests
of shareholders.

'This process is continuing, but it is not yet possible to say whether it
will result in an offer for Elementis which the Board will feel able to
recommend to shareholders.  Any offer is, however, unlikely to reach the
level of yesterday's closing share price.'


Enquiries


Elementis plc                                 020 7398 1400
Lyndon Cole         Group Chief Executive    
George Fairweather  Group Finance Director   
Anna Passey         Head of Corporate Communications
                    
Brunswick                                     020 7404 5959
Andrew Fenwick      
Rupert Young