Cautionary Announcement

Anglo American PLC
1 February 2001


News Release
1 February 2001


Anglo American plc wishes to draw shareholders' attention to today's
announcement made by the board of De Beers as follows:

                           'Cautionary announcement


Linked unit holders of De Beers are advised that De Beers has received an
approach from a consortium comprising Central Holdings Limited (the
Oppenheimer family holding company) (45%), Anglo American plc (45%) and
Debswana Diamond Company (Proprietary) Limited (10%), a joint venture between
De Beers and the Government of the Republic of Botswana. Detailed discussions
between De Beers and these parties are taking place which may lead to a
proposal being put to the holders of De Beers linked units. The proposal could
involve an offer for all of De Beers linked units and a distribution of the
Anglo American shares held by De Beers to linked unit holders that may realise
an aggregate value of around US$40 per De Beers linked unit based on the
current price of Anglo American shares.


Accordingly, shareholders are advised to exercise caution when dealing in De
Beers linked units until a further announcement is made.'


Anglo American plc confirms the contents of the above announcement. A further
announcement will be made in due course.