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Anglo American

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FY2008 Annual Report · Anglo American
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Anglo American plc
20 Carlton House Terrace
London SW1Y 5AN
England

Tel +44 (0)20 7968 8888
Fax +44 (0)20 7968 8500
Registered number 3564138

www.angloamerican.co.uk

A global business  
fit for the future 

Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
Anglo American is committed  
to delivering operational  
excellence in a safe and  
responsible way, adding value  
for shareholders, customers,  
employees and the communities  
in which we operate

Highlights

$10.1 bn

Operating profit (2007: $10.1 bn)

$5.2 bn

Underlying earnings (2007: $5.8 bn)

$4.36

Earnings per share (2007: $4.40)

•  Group operating profit of $10.1 billion, with operating 
profit from core operations up 10% to $9.8 billion

•  Strong performances from Coal and Ferrous Metals 

with increased production of coal and iron ore

•  2009 capital expenditure reduced by more than  

50% to $4.5 billion

•  $2 billion target by 2011 from cost saving and 

efficiency initiatives

Above: Bucket-wheel excavator at Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen open pit in South Africa’s Northern Cape. 
Measuring 11 kilometres by 1.5 kilometres and almost 400 metres deep, this is one of the world’s largest 
open pits, producing around 34 million tonnes of iron ore in 2008

FIND OUT MORE>>
www.angloamerican.co.uk

Underlying earnings per share
US$

Dividends per share
US cents

Cover: Martin van Heerden, mine overseer (left) and 
Jacques Nortier, supervisor at Anglo Coal South Africa’s 
Kriel Colliery, inspect a new type of fan. Much quieter 
than previous models, the new fans are helping to make 
the workplace less stressful and reduce the potential for 
noise induced hearing loss

Excludes discontinued operations

4.40 4.36

3.73

4.18

3.42

2.58

1.87

2.30

1.52

04 05 06 07 08

Interim
Final
Special

86

33

62

75

67

51

28

19

33

38

44

04

05

06

07

0
08

Operating profit includes share of associates’ operating profit (before share of associates’ tax, finance  
charges and minority interest) and is before special items and remeasurements, unless otherwise stated.  
See note 3 to the financial statements for operating profit on a total Group basis. For definition of special  
items and remeasurements see note 7 to the financial statements and see note 35 for information on 
discontinued operations.

Operations considered core to the Group are Base Metals, Platinum, Ferrous Metals’ core businesses  
(Kumba Iron Ore, Scaw Metals, Samancor Manganese and Anglo Ferrous Brazil), Coal and Diamonds.

 Unless otherwise stated tonnes are metric tons, ‘Mt’ denotes million tonnes and ‘kt’ denotes thousand tonnes. 

Unless otherwise stated ‘$’ and ‘dollar’ denote US dollars.

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•  group operating profit of $10.1 billion, with operating 
profit from core operations up 10% to $9.8 billion

•  strong performances from coal and ferrous metals 

with increased production of coal and iron ore

•  2009 capital expenditure reduced by more than  

50% to $4.5 billion

•  $2 billion target by 2011 from cost saving and 

efficiency initiatives

Operating profit includes share of associates’ operating profit (before share of associates’ tax, finance  
charges and minority interest) and is before special items and remeasurements, unless otherwise stated.  
See note 3 to the financial statements for operating profit on a total Group basis. For definition of special  
items and remeasurements see note 7 to the financial statements and see note 35 for information on 
discontinued operations.

Operations considered core to the Group are Base Metals, Platinum, Ferrous Metals’ core businesses  
(Kumba Iron Ore, Scaw Metals, Samancor Manganese and Anglo Ferrous Brazil), Coal and Diamonds. 

Capital expenditure relates to total Group cash expenditure on tangible assets.

 Unless otherwise stated tonnes are metric tons, ‘Mt’ denotes million tonnes and ‘kt’ denotes thousand tonnes. 

Unless otherwise stated ‘$’ and ‘dollar’ denote US dollars.

Capital expenditure
US$ billion

5.1

4.5

4.1

3.7

3.2 3.3

04 05 06 07 08 09*

*Forecast

2008 operating profit 
by business unit US$ million

Platinum
Diamonds
Base Metals

Ferrous Metals
Coal
Industrial Minerals

5
3
9
,
2

5
0
5
,
2

0
4
2
,
2

6
2
2
,
2

8
0
5

8
2
2

About Anglo American
02 Chairman’s statement
04 Chief executive’s statement
08 Introduction to Asset Optimisation

10 operating and financial review
10 Group overview
12 A global business fit for the future
14  Key performance indicators (KPIs)
16 Performance against KPIs
26 Resources
28 Group financial performance
32 Business unit overview
33 Platinum
37 Diamonds
40 Base Metals
45 Ferrous Metals
48 Coal
52 Industrial Minerals
54 Principal risks and uncertainties

58 governance
58 The Board
60 Executive Committee
61 Directors’ report
64 Corporate governance
69 Remuneration report
79  Independent remuneration report review
80  Statement of directors’ responsibilities

81 financial statements
82 Responsibility statements
83 Independent auditors’ report
84 Principal statements
88 Notes to the financial statements

136  ore reserves and mineral  
resources estimates

136  Introduction
138 Platinum
142  Base Metals
149 Ferrous Metals
152 Coal

162 other information
162 Production statistics
168  Exchange rates and commodity prices
169 Key financial data
170 Summary by business segment
171  Reconciliations of reported earnings
172 The business – an overview
174 Shareholder information
175  Other Anglo American publications

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

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02

About Anglo American

Chairman’s statement

2008 marked the end to the sustained upswing in commodity 
prices, with a particularly steep price decline in the second half 
of the year. thus, the nature of the challenge for management 
changed markedly from managing the problems of plenty – 
delivering expansion projects in an overheated market –  
to reducing costs and maximising efficiencies in the existing 
business without compromising the significant long term 
growth options that the group retains 

The Group achieved a strong financial 
performance for the year and management 
moved fast to adapt the business to the new 
circumstances as recession began to take hold. 
Indeed, several initiatives started over the past 
two years, designed to create more rigorous 
management systems and a more aligned 
‘One Anglo’ approach, have positioned the 
Group well for the current environment. Value 
based management, the Asset Optimisation 
programme, the move to a more unified model 
for procurement and the development of a shared 
services approach to a number of support 
functions are expected to deliver significant 
savings and contributions to operating profit. 
In spite of the strong results in 2008, the 
Board has decided to suspend the final dividend 
payment. The reduction of capital expenditure 
in 2009 will nonetheless allow us to complete 
the three major world class, low cost projects 
already well underway in iron ore and base 
metals. These will now start to come on stream 
in 2011 when market conditions should be more 
balanced. The Board believes that suspension 
of the dividend will preserve for shareholders 
these future major growth opportunities. 
Dividends will be resumed as soon as market 
conditions permit.

Against a background of rapid change, 
I should like to thank our employees at every 
level for their hard work and commitment. 
They have delivered an excellent financial 
performance during 2008 and our thanks are 
no less due to them as they continue to deliver 
in the face of the harsh and sudden impacts of 
the economic downturn.

Anglo American has a diversified portfolio 

of low cost, long life assets, with attractive 
growth opportunities and strong technical 
and project delivery skills. The Group has a 
compelling portfolio of projects which provides 
long term value creating opportunities for 
growth once commodity markets recover. 
In the interim, the Group has prudently reduced 
capital spending on expansion projects by 
around a half, predominantly through the 
rephasing of several major projects to better 
align them with the commodity cycle. A further 
key challenge in the short term will be to ensure 
we gain the maximum benefit from reductions 
in many input prices without undue delay, for 
fuel and raw materials, for example.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

The Board is very supportive of the strong 

drive on safety that our chief executive has 
led and of her strong personal commitment. 
Although a great deal still remains to be done, 
the Board has been impressed by the progress 
made during 2008 in enhancing safety 
performance, including a reduction of around 
one-third in fatalities and one-fifth in lost time 
injuries. We expect to see this progress built 
upon in 2009. The issue has been correctly 
elevated to the top of management’s priorities 
and is being tackled in an increasingly holistic 
way, including through improved systems and 
an emphasis on leadership and behaviours. 
We particularly welcome the development of 
a tripartite approach to safety in South Africa 
involving both trade unions and government.

The Group also defined, for the first time, six 
core values – safety, care and respect, integrity, 
accountability, collaboration and innovation. 
Such values forge a closer sense of identification 
with the Group and its objectives amongst 
employees irrespective of the business units 
or geographies they work in. Such identification 
is fundamental to ensuring both that common 
standards are applied consistently and that we 
maximise our intellectual resources through 
effective talent management, collaboration 
and knowledge sharing.

mining and development
Anglo American was in the vanguard of the 
companies that signed the Millennium 
Development Goals ‘Call to Action’ in June 
2008. This recognised both the pre-eminent 
role of governments in defining development 
frameworks and the importance of other actors, 
including business, in maximising our own 
beneficial development impacts. It has long 
been a core objective for Anglo American to 
ensure that we produce sustainable benefits 
for the communities where we work. Indeed, in 
light of the growth of resource nationalism and 
concerns about the potential ‘resource curse’, 
we now need also to be a willing partner, with 
governments and civil society, in addressing 
issues relating to the governance of natural 
resources. Thus we attach importance to our 
involvement in programmes such as the 
Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, 
the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human 
Rights and the Investment Climate Facility for 

Africa. We continue to be committed to 
participation in the work of the UN Global 
Compact and adhere to its ten core principles.

We also improved our engagement with our 
host governments, with the benefits of such an 
approach being evidenced by the achievement 
of our mineral rights conversions in South 
Africa and our Memorandum of Understanding 
with the China Development Bank about the 
potential for us to work together, especially 
in Africa. The management of political risk, 
however, continues to be a significant factor  
for our business in judging whether to enter 
new geographies and in some countries where 
we have existing activities, such as Venezuela 
and Zimbabwe. In the latter case, we were 
erroneously reported in the British media to be 
making a major new investment in Zimbabwe 
when, in fact, we have been building the Unki 
platinum project since 2003. We welcome the 
recent formation of a unity government and 
hope that it may create more favourable 
circumstances for Zimbabwe’s recovery. 

In terms of our socio-economic impacts, 
more than 400 managers within the Group 
have been trained on the implementation of 

03

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particularly during times of low rainfall. It is 
also in evidence at our Los Bronces expansion 
project in Chile where we plan to reduce water 
use by approximately 40% per lb of copper 
produced, and by the Emalahleni water scheme 
in South Africa which is supplying 20% of the 
water needs of the municipality of Witbank 
from treated mine water.

Although we continued to make progress  

on energy efficiency and improving the 
measurement of our energy intensity in 2008, 
our ability to move forward in our management 
of the current and future impacts of climate 
change was influenced by three factors. Firstly, 
much of our energy expertise was absorbed by 
the need to manage energy security concerns, 
especially in South Africa and Chile. Secondly, 
the absence of clarity about the shape of 
international frameworks to combat climate 
change and about the regime for regulating 
carbon capture and storage is a major inhibitor 
of our ability to take a judgement on potential 
long term investments, such as the Monash 
Energy coal-to-liquids project in Australia. 
Thirdly, the unprecedented escalation in project 
costs, coupled with rapidly changing oil prices, 
has made the economics of such projects even 
less predictable, although the costs of certain 
key raw materials for the construction of 
projects can be expected to fall. Coal will 
remain a critical source of energy for many 
years but the rapid development of clean coal 
technologies is vital if this is to occur within an 
environmentally acceptable framework.

corporate governance
During the year, as part of the ongoing 
refreshment of the Board, Sir CK Chow joined 
the Board. We are delighted to have the 
contribution of Sir CK’s experience and insight. 
Bobby Godsell retired from the Board at the 
AGM after nine years of service. We have 
benefited greatly from his input and advice 
over the years and wish him well. 

At the end of 2008, Tony Redman, our 
technical director, retired after 38 years of 
Group service. Although not a director of the 
Company, Tony was a regular attendee at the 
Board and his advice on technical matters which 
are so vital to the success of the Company has 
been invaluable and the Board wishes him well 
for the future.

Sir Mark Moody-Stuart
Chairman

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Expanding enterprise  
development initiative

3,012

number of businesses currently 
supported (2007: 1,312)

13,431

number of jobs sustained  
(2007: 5,850)

Anglo American’s unique Socio-Economic 
Assessment Toolbox (SEAT) process. 
SEAT enhances our ability to interact with 
stakeholders and to develop projects which 
maximise opportunities for local people. 
We have also adopted a new framework 
for improving the social and environmental 
impacts of our suppliers. 

We are pleased with the increasing traction 

of our enterprise development and micro-
finance programmes which, in South Africa  
and Chile, are now generating jobs for more 
than 13,000 people.

Water availability has emerged as a major 
constraint. It is a strategic issue which must  
be addressed through technical innovation, 
improved stewardship, applying a proper value 
to our water usage and dialogue about water 
management with other users. Our commitment 
to innovate is illustrated by the solution that 
we have proposed at our Quellaveco copper 
project in Peru. The project proposes a local 
saline water source which currently flows into 
the headwaters of the river system, thereby 
improving the quality of river water for 
downstream agriculture opportunities, 

 
 
 
04

About Anglo American

Chief executive’s statement

we have taken decisive  
action to position Anglo 
American through the 
downturn and we expect  
to emerge in robust shape, 
ready to capitalise on  
the next phase of  
economic growth

financial performance
2008 was a year that saw the end of a 
lengthy period of highly supportive commodity 
prices as the trajectory of the global economy 
turned sharply downwards during the second 
half. Overall, Anglo American delivered a 
solid performance, with operating profit of 
$10.1 billion and underlying earnings of 
$5.2 billion, with strong performances from 
our coal, iron ore and manganese businesses.

positioning Anglo American 
through the cycle
The breadth and severity of the global economic 
downturn and its impact on growth rates in 
key sectors and economies are difficult to 
overstate. From global automotive production 
to construction activity in emerging markets, 
there was a marked contrast between the first 
and second halves of 2008, when commodity 
prices fell sharply.

As we begin 2009, the economic outlook 
remains weak with limited visibility, and we 
are continuing to experience volatility and 
downward pressure on commodity prices. 
Against this backdrop, we have acted decisively 
to position the Group through the downturn, 
including pulling back planned production 
growth, reducing the size of our workforce 
by 19,000 by the end of 2009 in line with 
our revised production and growth plans and 
further cost cutting throughout the Group. 
These actions are necessary to ensure that 
Anglo American is well positioned through 
the cycle, both operationally and financially, 
to continue to deliver long term value to our 
shareholders.

In December, we announced that capital 
expenditure plans for 2009 would be scaled 
back by more than 50% to $4.5 billion in 
response to the changed economic outlook. 
We will achieve this substantial reduction 
principally by rescheduling capital spend on 
many of the Group’s major development 
projects. The $3.2 billion of capex that we 
will spend on the Group’s projects in 2009 will 
enable their continuing development without 
incurring undue delays or penalties that may 
impact their investment cases. These measures 
balance necessary short term action in the 
context of the long term nature of the mining 
industry. We remain committed to our long term 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Lost time injury frequency 
rate (LTIFR) and fatal injury 
frequency rate (FIFR)* 

LTIFR

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0
00 01 02

03

04

05

06

07 08

FIFR

0.04

0.03

0.02

0.01

0

* See KPI table on page 15 for definitions 
  of LTIFR and FIFR. Excludes Mondi from 
  June 2007 and Highveld from April 2007

strategy and will continue to allocate capital 
towards our existing businesses and the 
advancement of our portfolio of high quality 
development projects. These projects are a key 
driver of future value creation for our 
shareholders, with several projects well timed 
to enter production from 2011 onwards.

The Group’s pipeline of projects is focused 
on the most attractive commodity segments  
of iron ore, metallurgical coal and copper, in 
addition to further expansion options in 
platinum and diamonds. While much reduced 
capital investment is planned for our projects 
during 2009, their realisation will form an 
important part of Anglo American’s strong 
growth in the medium to long term. We are 
retaining a high degree of flexibility of project 
timing in order to enable appropriate reactions 
to changing market conditions, thereby ensuring 
that Anglo American is positioned optimally  
for the next period of upward momentum in 
the cycle.

The three key cost saving and efficiency 
initiatives that we have put in place over the 
past 18 months are well advanced and are 
already beginning to make an important 

05

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recognising that the sale of a business of its 
scale is unlikely in the near term.

In August, following a series of transactions 

in 2007 and 2008, we acquired control of the 
Minas-Rio iron ore project and the Amapá iron 
ore system. The Minas-Rio project has 
considerable expansion potential and is a key 
element in the Group’s long term iron ore 
growth ambitions.

In October, the sale of the Namakwa Sands 
mineral sands business was completed and, in 
November, we sold 26% interests in both the 
Black Mountain zinc, lead and copper operation 
and the Gamsberg zinc project to Exxaro 
Resources for a total consideration of 
approximately $353 million.

After the year end, Anglo American reduced 

its shareholding in AngloGold Ashanti to 
11.8%, realising total proceeds of $434 million.

Early in the year, mining production in 
South Africa was severely disrupted for a 
short time owing to national electricity supply 
problems. While the crisis was averted through 
collaboration and consensus across the mining 
industry, resulting in ongoing reduced power 
usage, we are continuing to play an important 
role, working in partnership with the South 
African government and Eskom to develop and 
implement long term solutions to guarantee 
electricity supply. 

As we strive to deliver superior operating 

performance, we also made several senior 
management changes during 2008, marking 
a significant strengthening of the leadership 
team, involving a combination of internal and 
external appointments. These have included 
new CEOs for Anglo Platinum, Anglo Coal 
and Kumba Iron Ore.

Our executive team has been further 
strengthened through the appointment of 
Russell King as chief strategy officer, with 
Mervyn Walker taking over the human 
resources portfolio and joining the Executive 
Committee (ExCo). We also welcomed Kuseni 
Dlamini back to the Group in his new position 
as head of Anglo American South Africa; he 
is also a member of ExCo.

During the year, John Wallington, who 

had served the Group for 27 years, was 
succeeded as chief executive of Anglo Coal by 
Ian Cockerill, who returned to the Group after 
having been CEO of Gold Fields for six years. 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

contribution to our financial and operating 
performance. Such disciplines are particularly 
valuable during these times. The Asset 
Optimisation programme has been rolled out 
across the Group and is expected to contribute 
a significant uplift to operating profit of some 
$1 billion over the next three years. This is in 
addition to the $1 billion in savings by 2011 
we have announced from our procurement and 
shared services initiatives, which have already 
delivered value of over $200 million in savings 
in 2008.

While the global economy continues to face 

unprecedented challenges and, with severely 
constrained financing markets, it is critical for 
us to safeguard balance sheet flexibility as far 
as possible. Notwithstanding the other measures 
we have taken, the Board has decided to 
suspend dividend payments in order to preserve 
the Group’s strategic growth options. The Board 
will continue to review the Group’s financial 
position and is committed to the resumption 
of dividend payments as soon as market 
conditions allow.

delivering strategic objectives
In pursuit of our ambition of becoming the 
leading global mining company, we have made 
further strategic progress to focus the business 
on its core mining portfolio, by making further 
disposals of non-core assets, securing new 
order mining rights and positioning the Group 
for profitable growth. 

In April, Anglo American was granted its 
new order mining rights conversions by the 
South African Department of Minerals and 
Energy. The conversions relate to the mineral 
rights across our businesses in South Africa. 
This significant achievement provides an ever 
stronger platform for the Group’s long term 
development projects in South Africa, our 
employees and contractors, as well as for 
the many black empowered businesses with 
which we are partnered.

In May, we disposed of the Group’s interest 

in China Shenhua Energy, realising cash 
proceeds of $704 million and, in June, we sold 
Tarmac Iberia to Holcim for a consideration of 
$186 million. The Tarmac group continues to be 
managed to maximise shareholder value while 
options for its sale continue to be explored, 

 
 
06

About Anglo American

Chief executive’s statement continued

The Board wishes John well for the future. 
Neville Nicolau moved from AngloGold Ashanti 
to head up Anglo Platinum in succession to 
Norman Mbazima and Duncan Wanblad, who 
have assumed the respective roles of CEO of 
Scaw Metals and head of copper at Anglo 
Base Metals.

safety
The changes that we made to our safety 
practices in 2007 and a renewed commitment 
to a new level of safety performance delivered 
results, and we are helping to lead the way, 
particularly in South Africa, to achieve a safer, 
more productive mining industry. In April, we 
held the Anglo Tripartite Safety Summit in 
Johannesburg, bringing together government, 
unions and the industry to unlock and leverage 
potential in working together to tackle some 
of the critical issues around mining safety in 
South Africa. 

We have achieved a year on year reduction 

of 17% in the lost time injury frequency rate 
(LTIFR) at our operations, with extended 
periods of incident-free, safe production. 
2008 also saw an improvement in terms of 
a 33% reduction in the number of fatalities 
at our operations. During the year 27 people 
died while on company business, compared 
with 40 fatalities during 2007; this is a 
significant step in the right direction, but we 
still have a long way to go. Of particular note 
is Anglo Platinum’s Union mine in South Africa, 
which has achieved more than 6 million fatality 
free shifts, and the Barro Alto nickel project 
and Anglo Ferrous Brazil which achieved 966 
days and 3.5 million hours respectively without 
a lost time injury. The implementation of our 
global Fatal Risk Standards and the successful 
roll out of the global safety risk management 
programme are helping to ensure a systematic 
approach to managing safety and preventing 
accidents as we continue on our journey 
towards ‘zero harm’.

sustainable development
Energy security and climate change represented 
significant challenges for our business in 2008. 
The economic downturn may reduce short term 
electricity supply pressures, but in a number 
of countries there is a substantial backlog in 
investment in generating assets. In relation to 
climate change, we continued to drive forward 
a wide array of energy efficiency projects, 
invested further in methane generation projects 
in Australia and we supported the launch of the 
Australian government’s Global Carbon Capture 
and Storage Institute.

Water too has emerged as a major factor, 
both in relation to the impact in various regions 
of climate change and to the need to manage it 
in such a way as to meet the needs of a range 

of local users. Water has been an increasing 
area of focus for innovation and is a vital issue 
for the future of our industry.

Delivering a sustainable uplift in the living 
standards of the communities where we work 
remains a core goal for our operations. The 
training of more than 400 managers in the 
Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox (SEAT) 
methodology demonstrates our seriousness. 
We have also developed global partnerships 
with leading NGOs CARE International on 
development issues, and Fauna & Flora 
International on biodiversity, learning a great 
deal from our partners in the process. In South 
Africa, we undertook a review of the social 
performance of our operations in light of the 
increasing expectations of our stakeholders 
that mining should be a catalyst for wider 
development. Although we are industry leaders 
in areas like enterprise development, HIV/AIDS 
and community development, we have 
recognised that we do not always have the 
necessary level of professionalism at site level. 
So, despite the economic climate, in 2009 we 
are investing in a major programme of internal 
capacity building with internationally recognised 
academic partners.

outlook
As a result of the global economic slowdown, 
the second half of 2008 saw markedly lower 
commodity prices, following several years of 
highly supportive prices. Across the industry, 
there has been curtailment of some high cost 
operations in markets where prices and 
demand have declined significantly, for 
example in nickel, platinum, iron ore and coking 
coal. We expect the difficult credit environment 
to continue to impact the funding of many 
potential new mines and expansions, thereby 
further constraining supply when economic 
growth returns.

The world economy faces an unprecedented 

level of uncertainty and the outlook remains 
poor in the near term, with expectations for 
continuing volatility and weakness in 
commodity prices. It is against this backdrop 
that Anglo American has taken a series of 
measures to ensure that the Group’s operating 
and cost profiles are appropriate and that 
its balance sheet and capital structure have 
sufficient flexibility through the current 
downturn. However, over the medium to 
long term, Anglo American believes that the 
fundamentals of its core commodities remain 
attractive, with significant value to be created 
by the Group’s long life, low cost growth 
projects, several of which are timed to enter 
production from 2011. The economic recovery 
of the OECD member countries and the ongoing 
industrialisation of the world’s major developing 
markets are expected to drive long term 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

“  in 2008, we achieved 
a year on year reduction 
of 17% in the lost time 
injury frequency rate at 
our operations. we also 
saw an improvement 
in terms of a 33% 
reduction in the 
number of fatalities 
at our operations.  
this is a significant  
step in the right 
direction, but we still 
have a long way to go”

demand for commodities, stimulated further  
by government spending programmes in many 
major economies, including the US and China.
In summary, Anglo American has a world 
class asset base with long life, low cost mines 
and a strong and geographically diverse project 
pipeline across the most attractive commodity 
segments. We have taken decisive action to 
position Anglo American through the downturn 
and we expect to emerge in robust shape,  
ready to capitalise on the next phase of 
economic growth.

Cynthia Carroll
Chief executive

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employees in Johannesburg,  
south Africa, take part in ‘one’,  
the global safety campaign

Kumba iron ore’s new jig plant at sishen in south Africa’s 
northern cape is ramping up towards its design capacity  
of 13 million tonnes per annum

peruvian president Alan 
garcia and cynthia carroll 
meet in the presidential 
palace, lima in June 2008

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
08

About Anglo American

tyre contracts

strategic partnerships and global 
contracts with suppliers meant 
that spot market purchases were 
largely avoided, resulting in savings 
of $15 million

$15 m 

savings

Pumps

increased fuel pump flow rates  
at Anglo coal Australia’s dawson  
mine are yielding benefits of around  
$4 million per annum. by doubling  
the flow rate, haul truck refuelling  
time has been halved, with a 
consequent reduction in the  
haul truck fleet’s downtime 

$4 m 

savings

Introduction to Asset Optimisation

best
in class

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Following the ‘One Anglo’ approach  

of moving towards a common 
framework of values and 
standards, Anglo American has 
been rolling out a value based 
management (VBM) methodology 
across the Group.

Within the VBM framework,  

Asset Optimisation (AO) is the single  

most important programme in a range of  
value creating initiatives that are under way.  
The AO programme is designed to improve the 
performance of the Company’s existing long  
life asset base through cost and productivity 
improvements in order to unlock maximum 
value from its existing assets. 

09

1. 

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1. employees carrying out a safety check at  
Anglo platinum’s rustenburg mine, south Africa 

2. truck loading in the open pit at base metals’ 
mantos blancos copper mine, chile 

3. inspecting an underground ventilation fan  
at Anglo coal’s Kriel colliery, south Africa 

4. dawson central, gangulu and palm tree  
wutaru cultural heritage monitors carrying  
out artefact surveys prior to exploration drilling  
at dawson, Australia

3.

4. 

in 2008, major progress was 
made in improving the company’s 
cost and productivity performance 
and a substantial cost reduction 
programme, targeting $1 billion  
of cost savings from procurement  
and shared services by 2011, was 
announced. in addition, the Asset 
optimisation programme will add  
a further $1 billion over the next  
three years.

$2 bn 

uplift to operating profit  
from Asset optimisation  
and procurement initiatives

Tyres

in 2008, global tyre contracts were finalised 
with michelin and bridgestone that secure 
pricing and a major part of supply in large 
off-the-road (otr) tyres for the foreseeable 
future. the benefits of building these strategic 
partnerships were clear when there was a 
shortfall in otr tyres in 2008. michelin was able 
to make volumes available to Anglo American, 
easing the pressure on some mines which 
would otherwise have had to buy more 
expensive tyres on the spot market.

in addition, each of the business units and  
mine sites collaborated on tyre allocations 
through 2008. one example was at platinum’s 
mogalakwena mine in south Africa, which 
needed to buy spot market tyres at prices 
higher than the contract price. through a 
cooperative effort across the group, the  
global supply and procurement team  
managed to source tyres for mogalakwena  
from el soldado mine in chile, which needed 
fewer of these tyres than anticipated owing to 
improvements in tyre lifetime. this collaboration 
led to a direct saving of $2 million. 

substantial improvements in tyre life, which 
reduces the need to buy tyres, can be attributed 
to a programme set up by Anglo technical in 
2007. this programme was rolled out globally 
and is undergoing constant improvement. 
increasing tyre lifetime enables the organisation 
to close supply gaps caused by a market 
shortage of large otr tyres, as well as to  
deliver overall savings to the group. 

copper ore ready to be transported out of  
the open pit at los bronces mine in chile, 
where mining takes place at an elevation  
of 3,000-3,500 metres above sea level

Introduction to Asset Optimisation

Group approach to Asset Optimisation (AO) 

A programme to transform Anglo 
American’s supply chain operations globally 
also has been mobilised. The new Supply Chain 
function will consolidate spend to manage it in 
a more strategic, holistic manner and deliver an  
overall spend reduction of 10% and benefits  
of $1 billion by 2011, further details of which 
can be found on pages 16 to 17. In addition, 
three shared service centres, in Asia Pacific, 
Latin America and South Africa, have been 
established to provide common accounting  
and employee services.

The AO programme involves a thorough 
review of all mining activities and includes 
benchmarking the performance of all assets 
and processes, internally and externally. 

The business units have established 

Three elements form the Group’s approach to AO

dedicated teams to coordinate the 
implementation and embed the AO process 
with support from central technical resources. 
Formal benchmarking procedures are being 
developed with a common and searchable  
AO database to maximise best practice 
opportunities.

All business units have now completed the 
initial phase of their AO programme and targets 
have been calculated. The Group target is  
$1 billion over the next three years in addition  
to $1 billion savings from procurement. 

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Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
10

Operating and financial review

Our locations

Group 
overview

Anglo American is a global leader in mining, focused 
on adding value for shareholders, customers, employees 
and the communities in which it operates.

The Group’s unique portfolio of high quality mining assets 
includes precious, base and bulk commodities.

The five core mining businesses are Platinum, Diamonds, 
Base Metals, Iron Ore (Ferrous Metals) and Coal.

The Group is geographically diverse with an operating 
footprint spanning 45 countries.

Precious

Platinum

Anglo Platinum mines, processes and refines 
the entire range of platinum group metals 
(platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, 
iridium and osmium) and is the world’s largest 
primary producer of platinum, accounting for 
around 39% of global newly mined output. 

Anglo Platinum has the largest platinum 
reserves in the world, as well as extensive 
resource capabilities and the ability to grow 
production in line with projected demand for  
the foreseeable future. All of Anglo Platinum’s 
current operations are located in South Africa.

Diamonds

Anglo American’s diamond interests 
are represented by its 45% shareholding 
in De Beers. 

De Beers is the world’s leading diamond 
business. Its expertise extends to all 
aspects of the diamond pipeline, including 
prospecting, mining and recovery and, 
through its distribution arm, The Diamond 
Trading Company, the sorting, valuing and 
sale of rough gem diamonds.

De Beers produces around 40% of the 
world’s rough diamonds by value from its 
mines in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and 
South Africa.

Base

Base Metals

Anglo Base Metals has interests in 13 
operations in six countries, producing copper, 
nickel, zinc, niobium and phosphate fertilisers, 
together with associated by-products, including 
lead, molybdenum and silver.

In Chile, its six copper operations comprise 
the wholly owned Los Bronces, El Soldado, 
Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde mines, the 
Chagres smelter and a 44% interest in the 
Collahuasi mine.

Other South American operations are the 
Loma de Níquel nickel mine in Venezuela, and 
the Codemin nickel and Catalão niobium mines 
in Brazil. Anglo Base Metals also has a controlling 
interest in Copebrás, a leading Brazilian producer 
of phosphate fertilisers and phosphoric acid. 

In southern Africa, the Skorpion mine produces 
zinc and the Black Mountain mine produces zinc 
and associated by-products such as lead. Anglo 
Base Metals’ sole European operation is the 
Lisheen zinc and lead mine in Ireland.

Financial highlights(1)

Financial highlights(1)(2)

Financial highlights(1)

$ million 

Operating profit 

EBITDA 

Net operating assets 

Share of Group  
operating profit 

Share of Group  
net operating assets 

12 months 
31 Dec 2008 

12 months 
31 Dec 2007 

$ million 

12 months 
31 Dec 2008 

12 months 
31 Dec 2007 

$ million 

12 months 
31 Dec 2008 

12 months 
31 Dec 2007 

2,226 

2,732 

9,045 

22% 

27% 

2,697

3,155

9,234

28%

35%

Share of associate’s 
operating profit 

EBITDA 

Group’s aggregate 
investment in De Beers 

Share of Group  
operating profit 

508 

665 

484

587

1,623 

1,802

5% 

5%

Operating profit 

EBITDA 

Net operating assets 

Share of Group  
operating profit 

Share of Group  
net operating assets 

2,505 

2,845 

5,474 

25% 

17% 

4,338

4,683

4,989

45%

19%

(1)  Share of Group operating profit and share of Group net operating assets for both 2008 and 2007 are based on continuing operations and therefore, in 2007, exclude the contribution of Mondi and AngloGold Ashanti.
(2) De Beers is an independently managed associate of the Group.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
Our locations

11

Key

  Corporate and representative offices

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  Platinum
  Diamonds
  Base Metals
  Ferrous Metals
  Coal
  Industrial Minerals

In addition to its operations as one of the major 
diversified mining groups, Anglo American’s 
exploration activities and projects cover many  
parts of the globe. 

Bulk

Ferrous Metals

coal

industrial Minerals

Anglo Ferrous Metals’ primary business 
is iron ore. In South Africa, it holds a 63% 
shareholding in Kumba Iron Ore and in 
Brazil, it holds an effective 99.4% interest 
in the Minas-Rio iron ore project, an effective 
69.2% interest in the Amapá iron ore system 
and a 49% interest in LLX Minas-Rio, the 
owner of the port of Açu. Other interests 
principally comprise Samancor Manganese 
(manganese ore and alloy mining) and 
Scaw Metals (carbon steel products).

Through Kumba Iron Ore, Anglo American is 
the world’s fourth largest iron ore producer 
in the global seaborne iron ore market.

The Group’s coal interests are held through 
its wholly owned Anglo Coal business, one 
of the world’s largest private sector coal 
producers and exporters. 

Anglo Coal currently produces around 100 million 
tonnes of thermal and metallurgical coal from 
four geographic regions: South Africa, Australia, 
South America (Venezuela and Colombia) and 
North America (Canada).

Anglo Coal’s excellent growth prospects in 
thermal and metallurgical coal will ensure the 
Group is firmly placed to help meet increased 
global energy needs and will continue to play  
an important part in Anglo American’s growth.

In 2007, Anglo American announced plans  
to sell Tarmac, the aggregate and building 
products business.

Anglo Industrial Minerals’ sole business is 
Tarmac. Tarmac has a leading position in the 
UK construction materials industry and is well 
positioned in certain key markets in continental 
Europe and the Middle East. The sale process 
has been delayed until current credit market 
conditions improve. However, the Tarmac 
group continues to be managed to maximise 
shareholder value while options for its sale  
are being explored.

Financial highlights(1)

Financial highlights(1)

Financial highlights(1)

$ million 

Operating profit 

EBITDA 

Net operating assets 

Share of Group  
operating profit 

Share of Group  
net operating assets 

12 months 
31 Dec 2008 

12 months 
31 Dec 2007 

$ million 

12 months 
31 Dec 2008 

12 months 
31 Dec 2007 

$ million 

12 months 
31 Dec 2008 

12 months 
31 Dec 2007 

2,935 

3,064 

11,167 

29% 

34% 

1,432

1,561

Operating profit 

EBITDA 

3,987

Net operating assets 

15%

15%

Share of Group  
operating profit 

Share of Group  
net operating assets 

2,240 

2,585 

3,962 

22% 

12% 

614

882

Operating profit 

EBITDA 

228 

487 

474

732

3,984

Net operating assets 

3,335 

4,509

6%

15%

Share of Group  
operating profit 

Share of Group  
net operating assets 

2% 

10% 

5%

17%

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
  
  
  
12

Operating and financial review

A global business fit for the future

anglo american’s strategy is to become the leading  
global mining company. to realise that ambition, the  
Group is striving to become the investment, partner  
and employer of choice

investment of choice
Anglo American seeks to outperform its 
competitors in delivering value to shareholders. 
Everything that the Group hopes to achieve  
for all other stakeholders – particularly host 
governments, communities and employees – 
must be built on a platform of sector leading 
financial performance. 

To achieve this, Anglo American is:

• uplifting the performance of its long life 
asset base through cost and productivity 
improvements;

• integrating a stronger performance culture 
across the organisation and streamlining  
its management model; and

process, there have been significant changes 
to the executive teams, including new chief 
executives for the base metals, coal and 
platinum businesses since April 2007.

Growth
Anglo American’s portfolio is strategically 
positioned for growth in the near, medium 
and long term, through both organic growth 
and targeted acquisitions across a number 
of geographies. The Group’s approved project 
pipeline is of the order of $17 billion. The 
pipeline is focused on the most attractive 
commodity markets, such as copper, iron 
ore and export coal and capitalises on Anglo 
American’s unique position in platinum.

• prioritising capital expenditure towards 

The projects offer scale and are positioned 

those businesses and development projects 
that are expected to perform most strongly 
in the near term.

Uplifting the performance  
of the asset base
In 2007, a major drive was initiated to improve 
cost and productivity performance along with a 
substantial cost reduction programme, targeting 
$1 billion of cost savings from procurement and 
shared services by 2011.

The Asset Optimisation programme 
involves a thorough review of all key mining 
operations and includes benchmarking the 
Group’s assets and processes relative to best 
in class performance along key performance 
drivers. The benefits of this programme will 
have a particular impact on the coal and 
platinum businesses, where some of the 
best value enhancing potential lies.

Integrating a stronger  
performance culture
To meet its strategic goals, the Group’s 
organisational culture is being changed to 
‘One Anglo’. This includes capitalising on the 
Group’s global scale, with increased integration 
in areas such as shared services and supply 
chain management, knowledge sharing 
between sites and across business units and 
adherence to common standards and policies. 
Furthermore, the Group is embedding 

a performance culture throughout the 
organisation, and building a management team 
driven by value maximisation. As part of this 

in the lower half of the industry cost curves. 
The pipeline has the potential to deliver strong 
production growth and market share gains in 
all core market segments. The rapid and steep 
decline in the prices of, and demand for, the 
majority of the commodities produced by the 
Group in the second half of 2008 as a 
consequence of global economic uncertainty 
has presented a significantly changed near 
term outlook for Anglo American. As a result, 
the Company has recently completed a wide 
ranging review of its capital expenditure 
programmes. The review focused particularly 
on prioritising projects that are expected to 
perform most strongly in the near term, with 
little detrimental effect on projects that are 
already at an advanced stage of development.
Planned capital expenditure for 2009 

was reduced by more than 50% to $4.5 billion. 
This substantial reduction will be achieved 
principally by rescheduling capital spend on 
many of the Group’s major development 
projects. The $3.2 billion of capital expenditure 
that will be spent on the Group’s projects in 
2009 will enable their continuing development 
without causing undue delays or penalties that 
may impact their investment case, balancing 
essential short term action in the context of the 
long term nature of the mining industry. These 
projects are a key driver of Anglo American’s 
long term growth and several are well timed  
to enter production from 2011 onwards. 
Stay-in-business capital expenditure for  
2009 was reduced to $1.3 billion, equal  
to 64% of depreciation.

In addition to organic growth plans, the 
Group continues to pursue targeted, value 
enhancing acquisitions. In assessing acquisitive 
growth opportunities, it takes a rigorous and 
value based approach, looking for assets that:

• are in the most attractive market segments;
• have scale, long lives and future  

growth options;

• are cost competitive; and
• offer significant value creation potential.

Partner of choice
Engaging with stakeholders
Anglo American has a long history of 
successful collaboration with its stakeholders, 
including governments, communities, and 
non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 
Only through the fostering of such relationships  
can the Group thrive and be respected in the 
countries and communities where it operates.
Building partnerships with governments  
at all levels is critical to earning and retaining 
the Group’s licence to operate, which is why 
it seeks to engage with host governments to 
understand and complement their objectives.

An example of this approach can be seen in 
the collaborative work with the South African 
government to improve safety performance 
in the mining sector, find solutions to the 
challenges around electricity supply, and to 
improve the teaching of maths and science in 
South African schools, to promote enterprise 
development and to make progress towards 
the country’s transformation goals.

Anglo American seeks to earn the consent 

and support of the communities who live 
around its operations and potential projects. 
Such communities rightly expect to share in 
the benefits of mining. It is the Group’s aim 
to work with them to deliver meaningful and 
long lasting benefits, such as:

• groundbreaking work to fight the HIV/AIDS 

epidemic in southern Africa; 

• offering pre-employment training to local 
people to enable them to acquire the skills 
needed to work at Group operations; 

• working with communities to improve their 
access to health services and education; 
• supporting farmers to help to improve their 

practices and income levels; and 

• promoting sustainable enterprise development 

in South Africa, Chile and Brazil.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

inspecting a load haul truck in the vehicle workshop 
at Kumba iron Ore’s Sishen mine in South africa’s 
northern cape province. an improved maintenance 
planning process is creating additional production 
capacity for the truck fleet

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Anglo American cannot do this alone and it 
welcomes the knowledge, skills and expertise 
to be gained by working in partnership with 
NGOs, and with aid and development 
agencies. To help understand better the 
concerns, priorities and needs of local people 
the Group has also pioneered a unique process 
called the Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox 
(SEAT), which is based on comprehensive 
local stakeholder engagement, assessment 
of the Group’s direct and indirect impacts 
and on seeking ways in which the core 
business can help to support improved local 
development outcomes.

employer of choice
Becoming the employer of choice for Anglo 
American begins with a guarantee to provide 
a safe and supportive working environment 
for everyone who works for the organisation. 
The commitment to zero harm remains the 
primary focus.

The Group offers a range of career paths 

for both technical and professional people. 
With its global footprint and growth aspirations, 
Anglo American can offer both an exciting 
and a fulfilling employment proposition.

Anglo American aims to attract the best 
people in the industry, and to facilitate and 
encourage professional and personal 
development for all Anglo employees.

The Group is focused on developing talent 

and is actively interested in developing a 
diverse workforce where different experiences 
and points of view are supported and valued. 
Notably, women are being encouraged into the 
organisation in greater numbers and the Group 
endeavours to facilitate entry for individuals at all 
levels from graduate to senior management and 
from local recruitment to global appointments.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
14

Operating and financial review

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

anglo american uses KPis to  
help measure its performance. 
the KPis are aligned to the three 
key strategic aims of the Group

Anglo American’s strategy is to become 
the leading global mining company. In 2007, 
Anglo American identified four key areas 
that required focus in order to achieve this: 
integration, performance, growth and 
engagement. During 2008, as understanding 
evolved, three key strategic aims that should 
underpin this ambition were identified:

• investment of choice;
• partner of choice; and 
• employer of choice.

These aims are discussed in ‘A global business 
fit for the future’ on pages 12 and 13 of the 
Operating and financial review (OFR).
In implementing its strategy, Anglo 

American measures performance with reference 
to the KPIs set out in the adjacent table. These 
KPIs are aligned to its key strategic aims and 
are employed across the Group. The KPIs 
encompass both financial and non-financial 
indicators as well as quantitative and 
qualitative measures. While these KPIs are 
helpful in measuring the Group’s performance, 
it is recognised that they are not exhaustive 
and many additional performance measures  
are also used to monitor progress.

A new indicator, enterprise development, has 

been introduced to better reflect the impact of 
the Group’s sustainable development initiatives.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Total shareholder 

return (TSR)

Return on capital 

employed (ROCE)

Year on year cost 

savings ($m)*

Underlying earnings 

per share*

Capital projects 

and investment

TSR is defined as share price growth plus dividends 

reinvested over the performance period. The Group 

uses a performance period of three years and 

calculates TSR annually

Please refer to the Remuneration report on 

pages 69 to 78

Calculated as total operating profit before impairments 

2007: 37.8% (total Group basis) 

for the year divided by the average total capital less 

other investments and adjusted for impairments

2008: 36.8%

Cost savings for the Group relating to operating efficiencies, 

2007: $280 million ($380 million on a total  

procurement and restructuring and synergies

Group basis)

2008: $348 million

Underlying earnings are net profit attributable to 

equity shareholders, adjusted for the effect of special 

items and remeasurements and any related tax and 

minority interests

2007: $4.18 ($4.40 on a total Group basis) 

2008: $4.36

Optimise the pipeline of projects and ensure that new capital 

A summary of the Group’s capital projects 

and investments is on pages 18 to 19

is only committed to projects that deliver the best value to 

the business on a risk adjusted net present value basis

Energy efficiency†

Improvements in energy efficiency are measured  

2007: 196 million‡ (107 million§) GJ total energy used 

from a 2004 baseline

2008: 105 million GJ total energy used 

Target: A 15% improvement in energy 

efficiency by 2014

Total water use†

Water is a critical resource and is managed at catchment 

2007: 251 million‡ (131 million§) m3 

level. Baselines and targets are being revised

2008: 125 million m3 

Target: To be set in 2009

CO2e emission intensity†

Reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions 

per unit of production is measured from a 2004 baseline

2007: 24.4 Mt‡ (19.4 Mt§) CO2e equivalent 

2008: 19.8 mt CO2e equivalent 

Target: A 10% reduction in CO2e emissions 

per unit of production by 2014

Corporate social investment

Social investment as defined by the London Benchmarking 

2007: Spend – $60.5 million, 0.70% of profit  

Group includes donations, gifts in kind and staff time for 

administering community programmes and volunteering  

in company time

before tax

before tax 

2008: Spend – $76.2 million, 1.11% of profit  

Enterprise development

Number of companies supported and number of jobs 

2007: Number of businesses supported 1,312; 

sustained by companies supported by Anglo enterprise 

development initiatives

Strategic aims

Strategic focus

KPI

Description

Results and target (if applicable)

Asset Optimisation  
and financial  
performance

New capital 
investments

Sustainable 
development

investment of choice
Anglo American seeks to outperform 
its competitors in delivering value 
to shareholders. Everything that the 
Group hopes to achieve for all other 
stakeholders – particularly host 
governments, communities and 
employees – must be built on a 
platform of sector leading financial 
performance.

Partner of choice
Anglo American has a history of 
successful collaboration with its 
stakeholders, including governments, 
communities, and non-governmental 
organisations (NGOs). The Company 
understands that it can only thrive 
if it is welcomed and respected 
in the countries and communities 
in which it operates.

employer of choice
For Anglo American, becoming the 
employer of choice begins with 
an aim to provide a safe and 
supportive working environment  
for everyone who works for the 
organisation. The Company’s 
commitment to zero harm remains 
its primary focus. The organisation 
offers a range of career paths for 
both technical and professional people. 
With its global footprint and growth 
aspirations, Anglo American can offer 
both an exciting and a fulfilling 
employment proposition.

*  Excludes discontinued operations unless otherwise stated.
†  Reflects managed operations.
‡  Includes Mondi until 3 July 2007 and Highveld until April 2007.
§  Excludes Mondi and Highveld for all of 2007.

Safety

Work related fatal injuries and 

FIFR is calculated as the number of fatal injuries to 

2007: 40 fatalities, 0.018‡ (0.021§) FIFR  

fatal injury frequency rate (FIFR)

employees or contractors per 200,000 hours worked

Lost time injury frequency 

The number of lost time injuries (LTIs) per 200,000 

rate (LTIFR)

hours worked. An LTI is an occupational injury which 

renders the person unable to perform his/her duties 

for one full shift or more the day after the injury was 

incurred, whether a scheduled work day or not

People

Voluntary labour  

turnover*

Number of permanent employee resignations as  

a percentage of total permanent employees

2007: 4.3% 

2008: 3.9%

number of jobs sustained 5,850

2008: Number of businesses supported 3,012; 

number of jobs sustained 13,431

Target: Number of businesses supported 3,500; 

number of jobs sustained 18,000

2008: 27 fatalities, 0.014 FIFR 

2009 target: zero incidents

2007: 1.15‡ (1.26§)  

2008: 1.04 

2009 target: zero incidents 

The ultimate goal of zero harm remains

Gender diversity*

Percentage of women and female managers employed 

2007: 11% females, 15% female managers 

2008: 12% females, 17% female managers

by the Group

Voluntary counselling 

and testing (VCT) for  

HIV/AIDS

Percentage of employees undertaking voluntary 

annual HIV tests with compulsory counselling support

2007: 71%‡ 

2008: 77% 

2009 target: 100% VCT in high disease burden 

countries (100% is the long term goal)

15

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investment of choice

Anglo American seeks to outperform 

its competitors in delivering value 

to shareholders. Everything that the 

Group hopes to achieve for all other 

stakeholders – particularly host 

governments, communities and 

employees – must be built on a 

platform of sector leading financial 

performance.

Partner of choice

Anglo American has a history of 

successful collaboration with its 

stakeholders, including governments, 

communities, and non-governmental 

organisations (NGOs). The Company 

understands that it can only thrive 

if it is welcomed and respected 

in the countries and communities 

in which it operates.

employer of choice

For Anglo American, becoming the 

employer of choice begins with 

an aim to provide a safe and 

supportive working environment  

for everyone who works for the 

organisation. The Company’s 

commitment to zero harm remains 

its primary focus. The organisation 

offers a range of career paths for 

both technical and professional people. 

With its global footprint and growth 

aspirations, Anglo American can offer 

both an exciting and a fulfilling 

employment proposition.

New capital 

investments

Sustainable 

development

Safety

People

Strategic aims

Strategic focus

KPI

Description

Results and target (if applicable)

Asset Optimisation  

and financial  

performance

Total shareholder 
return (TSR)

Return on capital 
employed (ROCE)

TSR is defined as share price growth plus dividends 
reinvested over the performance period. The Group 
uses a performance period of three years and 
calculates TSR annually

Please refer to the Remuneration report on 
pages 69 to 78

Calculated as total operating profit before impairments 
for the year divided by the average total capital less 
other investments and adjusted for impairments

2007: 37.8% (total Group basis) 
2008: 36.8%

Year on year cost 
savings ($m)*

Cost savings for the Group relating to operating efficiencies, 
procurement and restructuring and synergies

Underlying earnings 
per share*

Capital projects 
and investment

Energy efficiency†

Total water use†

2007: $280 million ($380 million on a total  
Group basis)
2008: $348 million

2007: $4.18 ($4.40 on a total Group basis) 
2008: $4.36

Underlying earnings are net profit attributable to 
equity shareholders, adjusted for the effect of special 
items and remeasurements and any related tax and 
minority interests

Optimise the pipeline of projects and ensure that new capital 
is only committed to projects that deliver the best value to 
the business on a risk adjusted net present value basis

A summary of the Group’s capital projects 
and investments is on pages 18 to 19

Improvements in energy efficiency are measured  
from a 2004 baseline

2007: 196 million‡ (107 million§) GJ total energy used 
2008: 105 million GJ total energy used 
Target: A 15% improvement in energy 
efficiency by 2014

Water is a critical resource and is managed at catchment 
level. Baselines and targets are being revised

2007: 251 million‡ (131 million§) m3 
2008: 125 million m3 
Target: To be set in 2009

CO2e emission intensity†

Reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions 
per unit of production is measured from a 2004 baseline

Corporate social investment

Enterprise development

Social investment as defined by the London Benchmarking 
Group includes donations, gifts in kind and staff time for 
administering community programmes and volunteering  
in company time

Number of companies supported and number of jobs 
sustained by companies supported by Anglo enterprise 
development initiatives

Work related fatal injuries and 
fatal injury frequency rate (FIFR)

FIFR is calculated as the number of fatal injuries to 
employees or contractors per 200,000 hours worked

Lost time injury frequency 
rate (LTIFR)

The number of lost time injuries (LTIs) per 200,000 
hours worked. An LTI is an occupational injury which 
renders the person unable to perform his/her duties 
for one full shift or more the day after the injury was 
incurred, whether a scheduled work day or not

2007: 24.4 Mt‡ (19.4 Mt§) CO2e equivalent 
2008: 19.8 mt CO2e equivalent 
Target: A 10% reduction in CO2e emissions 
per unit of production by 2014

2007: Spend – $60.5 million, 0.70% of profit  
before tax
2008: Spend – $76.2 million, 1.11% of profit  
before tax 

2007: Number of businesses supported 1,312; 
number of jobs sustained 5,850
2008: Number of businesses supported 3,012; 
number of jobs sustained 13,431
Target: Number of businesses supported 3,500; 
number of jobs sustained 18,000

2007: 40 fatalities, 0.018‡ (0.021§) FIFR  
2008: 27 fatalities, 0.014 FIFR 
2009 target: zero incidents

2007: 1.15‡ (1.26§)  
2008: 1.04 
2009 target: zero incidents 
The ultimate goal of zero harm remains

Voluntary labour  
turnover*

Gender diversity*

Voluntary counselling 
and testing (VCT) for  
HIV/AIDS

Number of permanent employee resignations as  
a percentage of total permanent employees

2007: 4.3% 
2008: 3.9%

Percentage of women and female managers employed 
by the Group

2007: 11% females, 15% female managers 
2008: 12% females, 17% female managers

Percentage of employees undertaking voluntary 
annual HIV tests with compulsory counselling support

2007: 71%‡ 
2008: 77% 
2009 target: 100% VCT in high disease burden 
countries (100% is the long term goal)

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
16

Operating and financial review

Performance against KPIs

investment of choice
Financial performance
The Group’s financial performance in the year 
and the KPIs used to measure it are discussed 
on pages 28 to 31.

Successes to date and future targets are 
discussed in the ‘Best in class’ section of 
this report on pages 8 and 9.

There are three elements which form the 

Group’s approach to AO.

Asset Optimisation
Asset Optimisation (AO) is a structured approach 
to optimise business operations by identifying, 
defining, planning and implementing initiatives 
that will unleash significant value improvement 
potential from current assets.

This value improvement could come from, 
for example, increased productivity, enhanced 
efficiency and capital spend optimisation.  
AO considers all aspects of the mining value 
chain from ore resources and reserves to the 
marketplace in pursuit of value adding 
opportunities.

The AO strategy aims to improve the 
value performance of assets and drive Anglo 
American towards best in class by adopting a 
systematic internal and external benchmarking 
approach, enabling an understanding and 
quantification of the ‘value-at-stake gap’ 
between current assets and processes relative 
to best practice.

The AO programme will be supported 
by a fully integrated and auditable project 
management and value tracking system. 

Fabricated 
structural steel

the fabricated structural steel category 
represents approximately 5% of the total 
invested capital of anglo american’s expansion 
projects. recent reductions in raw steel 
commodity prices and indirect fabrication and 
transport costs are being realised for current 
projects where the negotiation of prices has 
led to a reduction of between 15% and 20%. 
aggregating demand across anglo american’s 
businesses and regions has significant 
potential to positively impact the project  
value far beyond the purchase price of 
the fabricated steel.

an additional benefit realised is the application 
of a consistent review of the material standards 
to enable lower cost country sourcing supply. 
low cost country sourcing represents a 
potential purchase saving of up to 35%.

the strategy is to provide selected suppliers 
better assurance of demand to support the 
future security of supply in each key region  
of operation and to drive savings from 
consolidated demand and global competition. 

1. Structured asset optimisation
Structured asset optimisation (SAO) identifies 
the key value levers of the business by 
analysing the whole value chain of a process, 
from ore in the ground to the markets for 
products. Supported by the benchmarking 
process, such levers allow for the assessment 
of the value at stake which can be unlocked 
through deliberate intervention. An integral 
aspect of the SAO programme, aligned with 
the ‘One Anglo’ philosophy, is the development 
of systems and structures which will allow for 
the rapid cross-divisional sharing of identified 
opportunities and best practices.

A number of significant value adding 
opportunities in this top-down process have 
been identified and are at various stages of 
deployment, from project definition to value 
delivery. Across the Group, improvements are 
being made in several areas, notably longwall 
and continuous miner productivity in Coal’s 
operations; mineral recovery projects at the 
Platinum and Base Metal operations; and in 
outbound logistics at Ferrous Metals. 

2. Continuous improvement
Continuous improvement (CI) focuses on the 
generation of value adding ideas from all levels 
within the organisation, as well as finding new 
ways to do things quicker and more efficiently. 
CI applies to everything from processes to 
projects and is typically an enabler for the 
SAO programme.

The Group’s employees have identified 
many CI opportunities. Those already adding 
value to operations are in the fields of conveyor 
availability, fuel management, tyre life and 
reagent addition initiatives in all business units. 
All ideas, big and small, are evaluated for 
their value adding potential, and where 
value exists, are implemented.

3. ‘One Anglo’ Supply Chain 
The ‘One Anglo’ Supply Chain is a procurement 
project which focuses on working more closely 
as a single, integrated ‘One Anglo’ organisation 
and is tasked with managing the organisation’s 
spend in a more coordinated manner.

Work being undertaken under each of the 
AO categories is illustrated below by reference 
to specific projects.

KPis are employed  
across the Group  
to assess how well  
the strategic aims  
are being met

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

17

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‘One Anglo’ Supply Chain: Cost savings 
from the Company’s procurement project
In February 2008, the Group set out a 
programme aimed at transforming Anglo 
American’s Procurement and Supply Chain 
operations globally, with the ambitious, but 
achievable, target to become the industry 
leader and global benchmark for supply chain 
value creation. At the heart of this strategy 
is working more closely together as a single, 
integrated organisation.

The new ‘One Anglo’ Supply Chain function 

will consolidate expenditure to manage it in 
a more strategic, holistic manner in order to 
deliver an overall expenditure reduction of 10% 
and benefits of $1 billion by 2011. A team of 
global, cross-functional specialists were 
mobilised into Strategic Sourcing teams early in 
2008 and are on track to deliver the $1 billion 
in committed value by 2011.

There are three elements to the 

transformation plan within the ‘One Anglo’ 
Supply Chain:

• deliver additional value through more 

effective management of spend;

• develop the processes, governance and a 

performance management framework that 
can be consistently applied across the 
Group; and

• improve internal capability through better 

teamwork as well as individual competencies.

The Strategic Sourcing teams are making good 
progress and have started a series of initiatives 
in 2008 relating to specific categories of spend 
or commodity. Significant benefits have already 
been achieved, with Anglo American’s Supply 
Chain organisations realising over $200 million 
of benefits in 2008.

Under the AO umbrella, value is being 
achieved as the collective skills and strengths 
of the Anglo American Group are brought 
together. The Company’s suppliers also play 
a vital role in this process. Accordingly, teams 
are encouraged to tap into the capabilities of 
the supplier base, recognising expertise and 
collaborating with suppliers to identify value 
and assist with initiative implementation.
Initially the teams focused on nine 

categories including heavy mining equipment, 
tyres, fuels and lubricants, explosives and 
temporary labour. Category strategies have 
been completed and over 90 value initiatives 
identified, of which the top 20 represent 
80% of the expected value. These initiatives 
are both commercial and technical in nature, 
including operational improvements as well as 
contracting benefits that will be realised over 
the short, medium and long term.

A further ten categories are now being 
reviewed for various short to medium term 
opportunities. These include continuous 
mining equipment, draglines, transport and 
logistics and structural steel. Teams are 
progressing well on category analysis and 
shaping value creation strategies.

Supply chain in action

a global strategic plan for the temporary 
labour services category was completed 
in 2008. its first benefit initiatives, regional 
tenders in australia and South africa, were 
recently concluded and will deliver significant 
value across the Group. Suppliers were initially 
selected based on best practice qualitative 
criteria with a focus on their capability to 
improve business processes and maintain 
professional service levels. this approach 
aimed to facilitate sustainable and strategic 
supplier partnering in an effort to improve 

demand forecasting and efficient resourcing 
within the category. Once the desired 
qualitative criteria were satisfied, commercial 
considerations were negotiated. teamwork 
between Hr management at mine sites, 
business unit supply chain and the strategic 
sourcing team was integral in achieving these 
significant benefits. in addition to achieving 
cost savings, on-site employment conditions 
have been standardised and improved, while 
suppliers have potential for increased 
business.

Closer engagement with suppliers will 

continue as a priority through 2009. In 
November 2008, the Group’s first annual 
global conference for its high performing 
supplier partners took place and this will 
become an annual event.

2008 was a strong year in terms of value 
delivery. Results to date have been encouraging 
and further categories are due to be reviewed 
for value delivery potential in the second 
quarter of 2009, covering a further 25% of 
total expenditure.

The implementation of these initiatives 
will address more than 40% of total spend 
and those started during 2008 and through 
2009 are expected to realise value in line 
with the Group’s targets.

Although the present economic environment 

has created challenges for all of the Group’s 
operations, additional sourcing opportunities 
are arising as a result of changing conditions 
and price declines for many commodities. 
Anglo American continues to work with its 
suppliers to ensure that reductions in many 
input costs are quickly reflected in its purchasing 
price structures. Furthermore, global demand 
has reduced for some strategic categories 
such as heavy mining equipment, tyres and 
construction services, alleviating the recent 
security of supply concerns. This provides 
a potential opportunity to enter into longer 
term agreements with key suppliers.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
18

Operating and financial review

Performance against KPIs continued

New capital investments
The Group’s review at the end of 2008 for 
future planned capital expenditure resulted in 
a decision to reduce it for 2009 to $4.5 billion, 
including $1.3 billion stay-in-business capital 
expenditure. These substantial changes to 
planned capital expenditure will be achieved 
principally by rescheduling many of the 
Group’s development projects. The Group’s 
capital expenditure programmes for 2010 
will continue to be monitored against 
prevailing and forecast market conditions.

During 2008, the Group continued with 
the development of several major projects 
in its pipeline of approved projects. The total 
capital cost of these projects, across the 
Group’s Platinum, Diamond, Coal, Base Metals 
and Ferrous Metals businesses, amounts to 
$17 billion on an attributable basis. This was 
an increase of $5 billion relative to 2007. 
The increase was principally due to the approval 
in 2008 of three projects in South Africa, 
the Amandelbult No. 4 Shaft and the Styldrift 
Merensky phase 1 platinum replacement 
projects and the Sishen South iron ore project, 
increases in the forecast expenditure on the 
Los Bronces and Barro Alto projects and the 
consolidation of 100% of capital expenditure 
for phase 1 of the Minas-Rio iron ore project  
in Brazil.

For the longer term, the Group has an array 

of projects under active consideration at the 
pre-feasibility or feasibility stages. This pipeline 
of projects stretches well into the future, 
ensuring the Group maintains a high degree of 
flexibility with regards to its formidable organic 
growth potential.

During 2008, work continued on 

Anglo Platinum’s major capital projects. The 
$692 million Mogalakwena North expansion 
project is expected to reach completion in 
Q2 2010. The $224 million Amandelbult 
East Upper UG2 expansion project is on track 
to raise the mine’s platinum output by 100,000 
ounces a year by 2012. Accessing Merenksy 
Reef, the $316 million Paardekraal 2 Shaft 
replacement project aims to replace 120,000 
ounces of platinum annually by 2015. Smaller 
projects include the Base metals refinery 
expansion project and the Waterval Merensky 
Plant retrofit, both of which remain on time and 
on budget. Anglo Platinum has reduced its total 
capital expenditure for 2009 to $600 million on 
projects, through deferral of expenditure across 
several major projects, including Amandelbult 
No. 4 Shaft, Twickenham, Styldrift and the 
second slag cleaning furnace at Waterval. 
During the year, Base Metals continued 

to develop its pipeline of projects across 
South America, southern Africa and the US. 
The major approved projects in copper and 
nickel provide scope for significant organic 
growth in the future. Completion of the approved 
projects in the Base Metals pipeline also 
improves the business unit’s cost positioning 
across its suite of metals. 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

The decision to reduce capital expenditure 

on Base Metals’ projects to $1.4 billion in 
2009 has affected the commissioning dates 
of the business unit’s two major approved 
projects. Commissioning of the Los Bronces 
copper expansion project in Chile, which aims 
to take production to an average initial level 
exceeding 400,000 tonnes per annum (tpa), 
has been delayed by eight months and first 
copper production is now expected in the fourth 
quarter of 2011. For the Barro Alto nickel project 
in Brazil there is a 12 month commissioning 
delay, with first production expected in the 
first quarter of 2011.

Base Metals has an extensive pipeline of 
projects under consideration or development 
for the longer term. In Chile, the potential 
phased expansion of the Collahuasi copper 
mine continues to be investigated. In Alaska, 
the pre-feasibility study for the Pebble copper 
project, in which the Group has a 50% stake, 
is ongoing. It is anticipated that exploration 
drilling will start at the 300,000 tpa 
Michiquillay copper project in Peru in 2009. 
Kumba Iron Ore continues to ramp-up 
its production at the Sishen Expansion Project 
in South Africa. The project is expected to 
reach full production capacity of 13 million 
tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of iron ore in 2009. 
The Sishen South project, which involves the 
development of an opencast mine 80 kilometres 
south of Sishen mine, was approved in July 
2008. Earthworks have commenced and bulk 
construction is scheduled to begin with the 
establishment of the major civil contracts during 
the first quarter of 2009. The mine is scheduled 
to start production in the first half of 2012, 
ramping up to full capacity of 9 Mtpa in 2013. 
The pace of construction at Minas-Rio is 

driven by the timing of the Environmental 
Licence and other permits and, therefore, 
there is expected to be a 12 to 15 month 
commissioning delay to the first phase of the 
Minas-Rio iron ore project, with first production 
now expected in the second quarter of 2012. 
Planned annual capacity will be 26.5 Mtpa of 
iron ore pellet feed at an anticipated cost of 
$3.6 billion which is currently being updated 
following the announced delay. 

In manganese, the $183 million GEMCO 

expansion project in Australia’s Northern 
Territory is expected to be completed during 
the first half of 2009. The project is on 

target to increase GEMCO’s manganese ore 
production capacity from 3.0 million dry metric 
tonnes per annum (Mdmt pa) to 4.0 Mdmt pa 
by the first half of 2009.

In Coal, the $473 million Zondagsfontein 
project is under construction and includes a 
50:50 joint venture plant with BHP Billiton 
Energy Coal South Africa. The project is on 
track to deliver 6.6 Mtpa of export and domestic 
thermal coal from 2010, with first production 
expected in the second quarter of 2009. The 
Mafube project achieved full production rates 
of 5.4 Mtpa in 2008. Work continues on the 
housing project and the conveyor system and 
completion is expected in early 2009. MacWest 
is also nearly complete, with first production 
achieved in July 2008 and full production of 
2.7 Mtpa expected in March 2009. 

In Australia, the $726 million Lake Lindsay 

coking coal project is progressing well. The 
coal handling and preparation plant has been 
commissioned, having achieved milestones 
on or ahead of plan, while the dragline started 
operations in January 2009. The $839 million 
Dawson expansion project was completed 
in 2008. The Foxleigh mine was acquired in 
February 2008, delivering additional volumes 
and synergies with Anglo American’s adjacent 
operations.

In Canada, Peace River Coal is making 
good progress on a $95 million capitalisation 
programme to acquire and operate its own 
mining equipment fleet. In Colombia, the 
expansion at Cerrejón to 32 Mtpa is complete 
and full production is expected to be achieved 
early in 2009. Feasibility studies are under 
review to expand the operation to around 
40 Mtpa. Total project capital expenditure 
for 2009 for Anglo Coal has been reduced 
to $400 million.

For the first time in its history, De Beers 
opened three new mines in one year. In Canada, 
Victor mine in northern Ontario was completed 
and commissioned eight months ahead of 
schedule, while Snap Lake mine in the Northwest 
Territories commenced commercial production 
in early 2008, with both mines reaching full 
production in the second half of the year. 
De Beers’ Voorspoed mine in South Africa 
was officially opened in November and is 
expected to produce 8.3 million carats at an 
average value of $120 per carat for the next 
12 to 16 years.

Ferrous Metals projects, shown in the table on page 19 on a nominal basis, were expressed in real terms in the 
half year financial report. Had they been expressed in nominal terms the capex forecasts would have been:

Approved

Project

Sishen Expansion
Minas-Rio phase 1
Sishen South

Future unapproved

Project

Sishen Expansion Project 2
Sishen Pellet

At 30 June 2008

Capex (real) $m

Capex (nominal) $m

754
3,456
782

797
3,543
1,017

At 30 June 2008

Capex (real) $m

Capex (nominal) $m

775
338

819
359

19

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Selected major projects

completed in 2008

Sector

Base Metals

Diamonds

Coal

approved

Sector

Platinum(4)

Project

Collahuasi debottlenecking

Victor
Snap Lake
Voorspoed

Dawson

Project

Marikana JV
Mototolo JV
Amandelbult East Upper UG2
Mogalakwena North expansion(5)
Mogalakwena North replacement(5)
Townlands ore replacement
Lebowa Brakfontein Merensky
Base metals refinery expansion
MC plant capacity expansion – phase 1
Mainstream inert grind projects
Slag cleaning furnace 2
Paardekraal
Twickenham
Amandelbult No 4 Shaft project
Styldrift Merensky phase 1

Base Metals

Ferrous Metals

Coal

Barro Alto
Los Bronces expansion

Sishen expansion
Minas-Rio phase 1
Sishen South

Cerrejón
Lake Lindsay
Mafube
MacWest
Zondagsfontein

Future unapproved

Sector

Base Metals

Ferrous Metals

Coal

Project

Collahuasi expansion phase 1 
Goias II
Quellaveco
Jacaré phase 1
Morro Sem Bone
Gamsberg
Michiquillay
Pebble

Sishen Expansion Project phase 1B
Sishen Expansion Project 2
Sishen C Grade
Sishen Pellet
Minas-Rio phase 2

Heidelberg opencast
Elders opencast
Elders underground
Cerrejón P40
New Largo
Heidelberg underground

Country

Chile

Canada
Canada
South Africa

Australia

Country

South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa

Brazil
Chile

South Africa
Brazil
South Africa

Colombia
Australia
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa

Country

Chile
Brazil
Peru
Brazil
Brazil
South Africa
Peru
United States

South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
Brazil

South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
Colombia
South Africa
South Africa

Completion date

Q4 2008

Q3 2008
Q4 2008
Q4 2008

Q4 2008

Capex 
$m(1)

66

834
796
185

839

Production volume(2) 

31 ktpa copper(3)

0.6 million carats pa
1.6 million carats pa
0.7 million carats pa

5.7 Mtpa coking, semi-soft and thermal

First 
production  
date

Full 
production  
date

Capex 
$m(1)

Production volume(2) 

Q1 2006
Q4 2006
Q3 2007
Q4 2007
Q4 2007
Q4 2007
Q2 2008
Q3 2009
Q3 2009
Q4 2009
Q4 2009
Q2 2010
Q4 2011
Q1 2012
Q2 2017

Q1 2011
Q4 2011

Q4 2007
Q2 2012
H1 2012

Q1 2007
Q4 2007
Q4 2007
Q3 2008
Q2 2009

Q1 2009
Q2 2009
Q4 2012
Q2 2010
Q2 2010
Q4 2015
Q1 2011
Q3 2010
Q3 2009
Q3 2010
Q4 2010
Q2 2015
Q4 2016
Q1 2019
Q2 2018

Q3 2012
Q4 2012

Q4 2009
Q3 2013
Q1 2013

Q1 2009
Q1 2009
Q2 2008
Q1 2009
Q4 2010

First 
production  
date

Full 
production  
date

2010
2013
2014
2015
2016
2016
TBD
TBD

2010
2013
2013
2014
TBD

2010
2011
2011
2012
2012
2013

2011
2014
2016
2017
2018
2018
TBD
TBD

2010
2014
2014
2015
TBD

2010
2011
2012
2014
2015
2014

 36
200
224
692
230
139
179
279
80
188
134
316
800
1,602
1,621

145 kozpa refined platinum 
130 kozpa refined platinum
100 kozpa refined platinum
230 kozpa refined platinum
Replace 200 kozpa refined platinum
Replace 70 kozpa refined platinum
Replace 108 kozpa refined platinum
11 ktpa nickel
11 ktpa waterval converter matte
Improve process recoveries
650 tpd increased slag cleaning capacity
Replace 120 kozpa refined platinum
180 kozpa refined platinum
Replace 271 kozpa refined platinum
245 kozpa refined platinum

 1,600-1,800
2,200-2,500

36 ktpa nickel
173 ktpa copper(3) (6)

588
3,627
924

134
726
214
49
473

13.0 Mtpa iron ore
26.5 Mtpa iron ore pellet feed (wet basis) 
9.0 Mtpa iron ore

3.0 Mtpa (2nd stage) thermal
4.0 Mtpa coking and semi-soft 
5.4 Mtpa thermal 
2.7 Mtpa thermal
6.6 Mtpa thermal

Capex
$m

450
1,915
2,500-3,000
2,200
1,670
1,930
TBD
TBD

Production volume(2) 

485 ktpa copper(3) (8)
Fertiliser(7)
225 ktpa copper(3)
40 ktpa nickel
32 ktpa nickel
400 ktpa zinc
300 ktpa copper(3)
350 ktpa copper(3)

60
1,180
TBD
590
TBD

30
475
225
1,065
660
290

0.4 Mtpa iron ore
10.0 Mtpa iron ore 
10.0 Mtpa iron ore
2.0 Mtpa iron ore pellets
26.5 Mtpa pellet feed (wet basis)

0.9 Mtpa thermal
6.4 Mtpa thermal
3.2 Mtpa thermal
8.0 Mtpa thermal
14.7 Mtpa thermal
4.2 Mtpa thermal

The Group has a number of other projects under evaluation, including Der Brochen, Waterval phase 5, Frank ore replacement UG2, Turffontein ore replacement UG2,  
Union deep shaft project, BRPM phase 3 UG2 and MR north shaft, Pandora JV and Ga-Phasha JV in Platinum, Cerrejón P50 in Coal and Gahcho Kué in Diamonds.

(1)  Capital expenditure shown on 100% basis in nominal terms. 

Platinum projects reflect approved capex. 

(2) Represents 100% of average incremental or replacement 
production, at full production, unless otherwise stated.

(3) Pebble will produce molybdenum and gold by-products, Michiquillay 
will produce molybdenum, gold and silver by-products and other 
projects will produced molybdenum and silver by-products.

(4) Anglo Platinum has rescheduled the timing of projects to match 
the 2009 production volume of 2.4 million ounces and project 
expenditure level of $600 million. The impact of this rescheduling 
beyond 2009 is currently under review.

(5) Mogalakwena was formerly known as PPRust.

(6) Production represents average over the first ten years of the project.

(7) Incremental production of 70 ktpa DCP, 88 ktpa low analysis 
fertiliser and 414 ktpa high analysis fertiliser. The project will 
also produce sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid and niobium.

(8) Total production of mine when project has ramped up to full 
production. Further phase expansions have the potential to 
increase production to 1 Mtpa.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
20

Operating and financial review

Performance against KPIs continued

Total energy used*
GJ (million)

Paper and Packaging

Industrial Minerals

Coal
Ferrous Metals

Base Metals

Platinum

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

05

06 07

08

* Results of Paper and Packaging included 
  up to point of demerger in July 2007
  and results of Highveld until April 2007. 
  Excludes independently managed operations

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Partner of choice
Sustainable development
Anglo American formally embarked on a 
sustainable development journey at the 
beginning of this decade, which includes 
a commitment to sustainable development 
in its Good Citizenship: Our Business Principles 
business principles. The Company’s goal is 
to maximise the positive contributions it can 
make, alongside governments and society, to 
build a more sustainable future and to reduce 
the negative impacts of its operations.

Sustainable development principles are 

part of the Company’s key benchmarks. 
They challenge the organisation to:

• be an efficient, ethical and value creating 

business;

• create meaningful employment in safe, 

healthy environments;

• reduce its environmental footprint and 
contribute to biodiversity management;
• innovate and drive technology and process 

improvement; and 

• contribute to building more adaptable and 

sustainable societies.

In 2008, the Group articulated a set of guiding 
values, which were founded on those developed 
within its business units. They are safety, care 
and respect, integrity, accountability, collaboration 
and innovation. 

A number of important Anglo American 

documents, policies and guidelines were 
updated during 2008. These include the Anglo 
Fatal Risk Standards, the Anglo Environmental 
Performance Standards and the Sustainable 
Development and the Supply Chain policy and 
related guidelines. 

Energy
Total energy consumption for the Group (on a 
like for like basis) fell by 2% from 107 million 
GJ in 2007 to 105 million GJ in 2008.

Energy efficiency
The Company has set a target of improving 
energy efficiency by 15% over the ten years 
to 2014 – measured as energy intensity per 
unit of saleable product. In accordance with 
this target, each business unit has set its 
own goals and implemented appropriate 
programmes to reduce energy consumption 
or improve energy efficiency.

Energy management
The Group’s energy managers are constantly 
being challenged by change in virtually all areas 
of the Company’s business. This is illustrated, 
for example, by the energy managers’ need 
to measure efficiency gains, which are being 
masked by changes in mining conditions, 
acquisitions and disposals. In 2008, Group 
wide roll-out began of Project REDUCE, which 
aims to improve and, where possible, automate 
energy data collection.

Energy security
In 2008, critical shortages of energy in a number 
of countries of operation compounded the 
challenges of the Company’s ongoing efficiency 
programme. In some cases, this meant that less 
efficient and more polluting sources of energy 
needed to be found in the interim. Energy 
shortages had a considerable effect in South 
Africa and Chile, where power supply constraints 
were a major inhibitor of the mining industry’s 
ability to expand to meet demand levels. In 
both countries, the Company has engaged 
with power utilities and relevant authorities to 
find solutions, implement efficiency measures, 
and make contingency plans for unplanned 
power outages.

Water
Several Anglo American operations are located 
in some of the most water-stressed regions of 
the world. The efficient use of water is essential 
for these operations, both in terms of their 
dependency on the resource, as well as for 
their social licence to operate. Water quality 
is an important factor for all our operations, 
regardless of scarcity.

During 2008, the Group used 125 million m3 
of water, compared with 131 million m3 in 2007 
(on a like for like basis).

Since the Company’s first ‘WaterWays 
Summit’ in 2007, Anglo American’s business 
units have been working hard to develop water 
strategies and action plans, mapping water 
footprints and measuring water balances 
and flows. The ultimate goal is an effective 
‘One Anglo’ approach to water management.
There has been good progress on these 
three items. Although all business units have 
been measuring their water flows and water 
balances for some time, they have improved 
the integrity of their data.

Using the ‘footprint’ model, business units 
now have a much better understanding of their 
water consumption and have greater confidence 
in their data. Through the coming year, a set 
of water efficiency targets for the Group will 
be developed, based on this information.
Each business unit has articulated its 
own operational strategic approach to water 
management, and has begun to implement 
water action plans in parallel to their strategies.
The first draft of the Group Water Strategy, 

designed to provide broad direction and 
inspiration for operational water plans, was 
presented towards the end of 2008. In addition, 
an environmental steering group developed the 
Environment Way Water Standard, which 
supports the overall water management 
framework and which is due for roll-out in 
early 2009.

A major ambition for 2009 is implementing 

the new Group Water Strategy, as well as the 
water efficiency monitoring and reporting 
model. Along with this, each operation will be 
expected to set a water reduction target, and 
develop a water reduction plan.

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Australian carbon pollution  
reduction scheme 
In 2008, the Australian government progressed 
a number of policies related to climate change – 
the key one being the Carbon Pollution Reduction 
Scheme. As a major energy producer and user, 
Anglo Coal Australia is working to inform policy, 
understand its implications for the business and 
explore GHG mitigation options.

Adaptation
Anglo American has formed a partnership with 
Imperial College in London on a climate change 
impact assessment project, which will enable 
the Company, as a first step, to establish a 
hazard inventory of its current and future 
operations around the world. The Company will 
then be in a position to implement appropriate 
adaptation strategies for high risk operations. 

CO2 equivalent emissions*
Tonnes (million)

Paper and Packaging

Industrial Minerals

Coal
Ferrous Metals

Base Metals

Platinum

36

30

24

18

12

6

0

05 06 07

08

* Results of Paper and Packaging included 
  up to point of demerger in July 2007
  and results of Highveld until April 2007. 
  Excludes independently managed operations

Climate change and greenhouse  
gas emissions
Anglo American recognises that climate 
change is a serious international and community 
concern, as well as a risk to its business, and is 
committed to a 10% reduction in greenhouse 
gas (GHG) emissions per unit of production 
against a 2004 baseline.

One of the Company’s immediate 
responses has been its work on energy 
efficiency and energy management. Other 
commitments include collaboration in research 
and development programmes, incorporating 
climate change considerations into business 
planning and exploring market-based 
emissions-reduction mechanisms.

During 2008, the managed businesses 
emitted 19.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide 
equivalents (CO2e) compared with 19.4 million 
tonnes on a like for like basis in 2007.

Methane
Anglo Coal’s efforts in Australia to generate 
electricity from waste mine methane has 
resulted in the establishment of two power 
stations. The 32 megawatt (MW) German 
Creek power station came on stream in 
early 2007 and a 45 MW power station was 
commissioned at Moranbah North in 2008. 
These power stations will reduce our 
greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 million 
tonnes of CO2e each year.

As part of the Company’s collaboration with 

chemicals company Johnson Matthey (JM) to 
identify potential joint research opportunities in 
low-carbon technologies, and then develop and 
commercialise them, Anglo American signed an 
agreement with JM to develop technology that 
will mitigate the effects of methane from mine 
ventilation air.

Carbon capture and storage
In 2008, the difficult decision was taken to 
place the Australian Monash Energy brown 
coal-to-liquid and carbon capture and storage 
(CCS) project under review owing to unfavourable 
economic conditions and an uncertain regulatory 
environment for carbon sequestration. Anglo 
American was, however, pleased to announce 
its support as a founding member of the Global 
Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, based in 
Australia. The institute aims to accelerate the 
development and deployment of CCS projects.

Alternative energy
Anglo Base Metals has facilitated the 
establishment of a wind farm at its Lisheen 
zinc and lead mine, which will benefit the 
operation, its employees, and the community, 
and will leave a positive legacy after mine 
closure. Other initiatives within Anglo Base 
Metals include energy recovery, wind, solar 
alternatives and co-generation.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
22

Operating and financial review

Performance against KPIs continued

2008 Global social 
investment expenditure
$ (million)

1

2

7

3

6

5

4

1 Health/HIV 4.1
2 Education and youth 10.5
3 Environment 1.6
4 Community development 30.2
5 Arts, culture and heritage 7.2
6 Housing 0.1
7 Other 22.5

2008 Global social investment 
expenditure by region
$ (million)

6

7

1

5

4

3

2

1 South Africa 50.4
2 Rest of Africa 2.4
3 United Kingdom 4.7
4 Rest of Europe 0.5
5 The Americas 17.0
6 Australia/Asia 0.6
7 Other 0.6

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Social and community development
The Company took a number of steps in 2008 
to further its objective of becoming the partner 
of choice for local communities and host 
governments. At the heart of the approach 
is a focus on maximising the beneficial 
development outcomes of the Group’s 
operations at a national and local level. 

Anglo American has continued to expand 

its award winning enterprise development 
programmes. Highlights include the 
establishment of 11 Anglo Zimele small 
business hubs in South African mining 
communities. These offer loans and mentoring 
to local entrepreneurs. They join the existing 
supply chain investment fund and a fund for 
junior mining companies. Together, the Zimele 
funds now encompass 239 businesses which 
are supporting more than 10,400 jobs in South 
Africa. Similar growth was seen in Chile, where 
more than 2,700 entrepreneurs, generating in 
excess of 3,000 jobs, are now being supported 
though the Anglo Emerge programme. 
Anglo American’s unique and highly 

acclaimed Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox 
(SEAT) programme continued to be a major 
focus of efforts to enhance social performance. 
More than 400 managers and people from 
partner organisations have now been trained 
in the implementation of the toolbox and 
assessments commenced at over 20 operations 
in 2008. A particular feature of the training 
has been participation from a wider range 
of professional disciplines. In addition to 
community development and relations staff, 
numerous exploration, project management, 
human resources and procurement staff have 
also participated, as have about 20 NGO 
partners. New tools were also added during 
the year on managing the social issues 
associated with on-site contractor 
workforces and on respectful engagement 
with indigenous people. 

A major milestone was reached in 
South Africa in November with the signing 
of a memorandum of understanding between 
Anglo Platinum and the Department of 
Housing, which will ultimately enable the 
development of approximately 20,000 houses 
for employees. It is hoped that this will play 
a major role in promoting home ownership 
and reducing the proliferation of informal 
settlements, particularly around Rustenburg 
in the North West province. 

In March 2008, the campaigning NGO, 
ActionAid, published a report which included 
allegations arising from a resettlement being 
undertaken by Anglo Platinum at Mogalakwena. 
The most serious allegation was that the mine 
was polluting water supplies to nearby schools. 
Independent scientific analysis has since proven 
that this allegation was unfounded. However, 
in response to the ActionAid allegations, the 
South African Human Rights Commission (HRC) 
launched an investigation. Although the 
commission found that there had been no 

violations of human rights on the part of the 
Company, Anglo Platinum nevertheless used 
the process to re-examine and enhance aspects 
of its policies and practices for community 
engagement. Anglo Platinum is committed 
to applying international best practice in the 
execution of resettlement. 

Corporate social investment
Anglo American and its managed subsidiaries 
and joint ventures contributed $76.2 million 
(1.11% of pre-tax profit) to charitable causes 
and community development initiatives in 2008 
compared with $60.5 million (0.70% of pre-tax 
profit) in 2007. These figures include cash 
donations, gifts in kind and staff time spent 
delivering community benefit programmes. 
In 2008, the geographical distribution of 
social investment was 69% in Africa, 22% in 
the Americas, 1% in Australia and Asia, 7%  
in the UK and Europe and 1% in other countries.

In addition, two independent trusts,  
Optima and Epoch, have been endowed by 
Anglo American to raise standards of maths 
and science teaching in South African schools. 
These contributed an additional $10 million 
in 2008.

The majority of the Company’s social 
investment is undertaken at site level and 
is informed by stakeholder inputs through 
the implementation of the SEAT process.

At a national level, the Anglo American 

Chairman’s Fund, the Group’s main social 
investment vehicle in South Africa, was rated 
for the eighth year in succession as the top 
corporate giver by NGOs and peer group 
companies. In 2008, it supported more than 
250 projects. Among the activities backed 
by the Fund were the Leratong Hospice in the 
communities of Atteridgeville and Saulsville, 
west of Pretoria; the world class work of the 
Aurum Institute for Health to support its  
work on the treatment and prevention of HIV 
and TB infection; and the expansion of the  
African Institute of Mathematical Sciences  
in Cape Town.

The Anglo American Group Foundation, 
based in the UK, has a global remit to support 
innovative projects which support development, 
combat poverty, promote education and health 
provision and environmental objectives. The 
various causes supported by the Foundation 
during 2008 included projects with CARE 
International in Lesotho, Brazil and Zimbabwe; 
Children of the Andes for its work in Colombia; 
Sightsavers International for an eye-care  
clinic in Guinea; Caring for Congolese Children; 
Pro Mujer working with women in Peru on a 
micro-loan programme; and the MicroLoan 
Foundation in Namibia on a micro-enterprise 
programme.

Within the UK, the Foundation continued to 
support the homeless and other disadvantaged 
groups in central London through working with 
the Connection at St Martin’s, Centrepoint, 
Fairbridge, Skillforce and other similar charities. 

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Particular focus has also been placed on 
education in engineering through the Foundation’s 
ongoing work with Engineers Without Borders 
and a newly formed relationship with the Royal 
Academy of Engineering.

micro, small and medium sized enterprises 
(SMEs) supported at any one time by the 
Company’s enterprise development initiatives 
and how many jobs these businesses are 
supporting.

Enterprise development
A cornerstone of Anglo American’s approach 
to delivering sustainable development is to 
build the capacities and life chances of the 
communities where the Company operates. 
Two major elements of this are the 
implementation of the SEAT process, which 
provides operations with a template for regular 
assessment of their positive and negative 
impacts, for improving their understanding of 
local people’s concerns, needs and priorities 
and for developing targeted interventions to 
improve the Group’s development impacts and 
the Company’s enterprise development 
programmes. In 2007, the Company stated that 
it was developing a new KPI to reflect the value 
and impact of sustainable development 
initiatives. As a result, a new indicator has been 
instituted, which describes both the number of 

Enterprise development can involve both 
free-standing businesses and those which are 
successful in securing a place in the Group’s 
supply chain. This has been chosen as a 
proxy for the Company’s overall community 
development work because, in Anglo American’s 
experience, involvement in such businesses 
is an effective means of empowering people 
and building their capacities. Experience 
also suggests that such programmes can be 
particularly successful in addressing gender 
inequality issues.

Anglo American’s long involvement in 

enterprise development in South Africa was set 
on a more formal footing in 1989, with various 
initiatives aimed at widening black participation 
in the economy. This subsequently developed 
into the unit known as Anglo Zimele (meaning 
‘to be independent’ in Xhosa). Zimele’s 
methodology involves a combination of equity 

stakes, loans, opportunities to compete for 
supply chain opportunities and mentoring and 
is highly rated by groups like the World Bank. 
It has three elements: supply-chain related 
businesses; a junior mining fund; and a new 
small business fund (launched at the end 
of 2007, it now has 11 small business hubs 
in South African mining communities). The 
number of jobs supported by Zimele-sponsored 
companies broadly doubled during 2008 to 
more than 10,000.

A micro-enterprise loan and SME 
management capacity building scheme 
launched in Chile in 2007 had, by the end of 
2008, extended support to 2,710 businesses 
employing over 3,000 people. A new small 
business scheme was also launched in Brazil 
around the Barro Alto project in 2008 in 
partnership with CARE. Despite the current 
difficult economic circumstances, it is hoped 
that enterprise development schemes 
supported or implemented by Anglo American 
can be expanded to provide livelihoods to 
more than 18,000 people by the end of 2009.

community 
development

anglo american has been working with 
care international UK since 2003. the scope 
and ambition of the relationship increased in 
December 2007 when cynthia carroll signed  
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 
care UK’s chief executive, Geoffrey Dennis.  
the objective of the MoU is to alleviate poverty 
and to promote improved development 
outcomes. in 2008, a programme of activities 
was launched to work towards these goals. 
this included care participation in anglo 
american social management training sessions 
in Brazil, chile and South africa; study visits to 
see anglo american’s workplace and community 
Hiv/aiDS programmes; investment in enterprise 
development initiatives; and community 
development projects. the MoU has also 
catalysed a number of initiatives in-country, 
notably the development of a broad-based 
community development partnership around 
the Barro alto project in Brazil. the anglo 
american Group Foundation also initiated funding 
for care projects in lesotho, Zimbabwe and 
Brazil, as well as for a team member in care’s 
emergency shelter team.

livelihood projects are one of the areas where 
anglo american and care work together. above, 
women are participating in a ceramics livelihood 
programme in São Paulo, Brazil, a project supported 
by the anglo american Group Foundation

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
24

Operating and financial review

Performance against KPIs continued

Lost time injury frequency 
rate (LTIFR) and fatal injury 
frequency rate (FIFR)* 

LTIFR

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0
00 01 02

03

04

05

06

07 08

FIFR

0.04

0.03

0.02

0.01

0

* See KPI table on page 15 for definitions 
  of LTIFR and FIFR. Excludes Mondi from 
  June 2007 and Highveld from April 2007

Anglo American voluntary
labour turnover
%

4
.
5

0
.
5

9
.
4

3
.
4

9
.
3

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

04 05 06 07 08

Anglo American diversity
% Female

% Females

% Female managers

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

0
.
3
1

5
.
2
1

5
.
3
1

0
.
1
1

2
.
5
1

2
.
4
1

3
.
5
1

6
.
0
1

0
.
7
1

0
.
2
1

04

05

06

07

08

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

employer of choice
Safety
Anglo American’s vision is one of zero harm 
at all its operations. Zero harm means a work 
environment where no one gets hurt and is 
underpinned by the three principles of: 
zero mindset; no repeats; and simple, 
non-negotiable standards. Preventing repeat 
incidents is a particular focus of attention.
The Company’s efforts on safety are 
delivering some improvement, but much 
remains to be done. During 2008, the number 
of people who lost their lives while on the 
Group’s business was 27. This compares with 
40 fatalities the previous year. Though still 
an unacceptable figure, it represents a 33% 
improvement. Twelve fatalities occurred in the 
first half of the year and 15 in the second six 
months; 17 took place underground and 10 on 
the surface; 15 individuals who lost their lives 
were contractors and 12 were employees.
Progress continues to be made in 

redesigning mining processes and technology 
to reduce falls of ground and their potential 
for loss of life. This is reflected in a reduction 
in fall of ground incidents during 2008, which, 
for the first time, were not the most frequent 
type of fatal incident. Vehicle transport was 
responsible for 26% of deaths, followed by 
falls of ground at 22% and moving machinery 
and falling at 15% each. Anglo Coal completed 
a transport review during 2008 to gain a better 
understanding of the nature and circumstances 
of transport incidents. Implementing the 
recommendations of the review has been 
given high priority.

In 2008, the Group’s lost time injuries, 
which are measured according to the industry 
standard of lost time injury frequency rate 
(LTIFR) per 200,000 hours worked, was 1.04. 
This represents a 17% improvement on the 
2007 performance of 1.26.

A ‘One Safe Anglo’ safety strategy 
has been developed, which outlines the 
approach needed to be taken to improve 
safety performance, close performance 
gaps and achieve zero harm. This strategy 
will be implemented through a combination 
of globally developed programmes and 
activities and business unit safety improvement 
plans (SIPs), which set out to address specific 
operational priorities and challenges. Each 
business unit has developed a SIP in response 
to the two internal Anglo American safety 
summits held in 2007. 

At the end of 2007, Anglo American 

launched its Fatal Risk Standards to prevent loss 
of life arising from incidents that, historically, 
have had a high frequency. For 2008, the 
managed operations achieved an average of 
67% implementation of the standards, slightly 
below the target of 70%, while full compliance 
is required by 2010.

More than 1,300 people were trained 

throughout 2008 on a groundbreaking 
programme to establish and embed an 

operational safety risk management process. 
The programme is intended to contribute to 
a critical step-change in the Group’s safety 
performance, and aims for everyone 
working at Anglo American to make the 
right safety decisions.

Education programmes for around 8,000 
supervisors, managers and executives across 
the Group will be delivered from 2008 to 2010 
by a network of university partners around the 
world. Up to 20% of the places on all courses 
will also be opened up to external delegates, 
primarily from unions and regulators.

Trends in safety incident rates are neither 

fully indicative nor predictive of the level of 
safety risk control within the organisation. 
As a result, a series of leading indicators and 
practical measures is being put in place to test 
the integrity of these controls.

People
During the year, the Group’s employees worked 
together more closely in order to realise Anglo 
American’s strategy to become the investment, 
partner and employer of choice. Following the 
launch of the Group strategy and values at a 
global leadership conference in May, there has 
been a vigorous roll-out programme across all 
business units and operations designed to 
embed new ways of thinking and working 
among our 105,000 permanent staff based 
on five continents. 

Anglo American’s people strategies are a 
key pillar in building and maintaining the Group 
as the employer of choice, and in ensuring that 
employees at all levels have the knowledge 
and capability to drive the investment of 
choice and partner of choice strategies.

Talent management
During 2008, the talent audit process 
was embedded further across the Group 
in a standardised way. Executive Committee 
attention to succession planning took place 
alongside regular comprehensive reviews 
of the executive pipeline in order to assess 
succession for top positions as well as any 
potential business risk.

External hiring to strengthen the quality of 
leadership continued throughout the year, with 
20 senior appointments across most businesses 
and functions. Internally, increased objectivity 
was brought to the identification of executive 
pipeline potential through the introduction 
of independent assessment by business 
psychologists. About 70 senior managers were 
assessed throughout 2008, which facilitated a 
sharper focus on individual development planning 
for current and future roles. The results were also 
reviewed at an aggregate level to identify trends, 
strengths and gaps in the overall leadership profile 
and to inform future development strategies. 
A new talent tracking system, ‘AngloTrack’, 
launched at the beginning of 2008, houses 
key data on the Group’s executive and senior 
managers and is designed to support the 

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decision making process regarding appointments 
and succession planning.

A key theme throughout the year was 
to encourage greater cooperation across 
the Group to increase effectiveness in talent 
management and resourcing, particularly in 
the area of cross-fertilisation of talent. Regular 
networking forums with representatives from 
all business units were introduced to share 
issues and best practice and to provide a 
platform for sharing vacancies and transferring 
talent across the organisation. In a similar vein, 
an employee referral system was introduced 
to incentivise staff to introduce talented 
potential employees to the Company. General 
communication on talent management matters 
was also stepped up, with key information 
for employees on the Group’s policies and 
processes brought together electronically in 
a user-friendly portal. In addition, building the 
talent management capabilities of HR people 
is being addressed in a systematic way, with 
specific training provided to 190 first-line 
professionals throughout the organisation 
to help enable effective performance to a 
common Group standard.

Reward, retention and performance
The Group’s reward strategies assisted in 
attracting and retaining talented and skilled 
employees in a labour market that remained 
tight throughout most of the year. Voluntary 
labour turnover fell marginally during the year 
to 3.9%, indicating that reward and longer 
term retention arrangements are being 
successful in retaining employees.

The Company continued to strengthen its 
regional and international compensation and 
benefits standards and capability. Internal and 
external market survey and benchmarking 
activities were conducted on a more rigorous 
scale using a Global Banding Framework to 
more accurately map and compare roles across 
business units, functions and industries. These 
activities not only facilitated cross-business unit 
mobility during 2008 and laid the foundations 
for future career moves in 2009, but have also 
been an important element in demonstrating 
to the Remuneration Committee that the 
Group’s remuneration packages remain 
competitive and appropriate.

Significant progress, too, has been made 

on the design of a common performance 
measurement and management system to 
be rolled out across the Group in 2010. This 
will link business scorecard-based performance 
contracts, robust performance measurement 
and employee development planning and 
review and will be integrated with the Group’s 
remuneration and talent management systems.

The year saw further development and wider 

deployment of the Group’s payroll, benefit and 
employee life cycle information management 
system. This coincided with detailed analysis of 
the various processes involved in the delivery 
of a global shared service and the design of 

standard processes as part of an employee 
services model. Further implementation of 
common technology, processes and shared 
service centres is scheduled for 2009 and 
2010 across three main hubs.

There has also been a focus on the Group’s 

mobility framework, with the appointment 
of, and transition to, one global expatriate 
tax services provider and the development of 
a Group-wide international assignment policy. 
Ongoing work on employee mobility will 
assist the organisation’s ability to attract 
and retain employees.

Transformation
During 2008, the business units increasingly 
worked more closely together to achieve 
common Group standards and goals while 
simultaneously taking major strides towards 
changing the Group’s diversity profile.

In a further change to the composition of 
management ranks within South Africa, there 
was a 3% growth in the representation of 
‘historically disadvantaged South Africans’ 
(HDSAs) at management level; HDSAs now 
comprise 45% of management against a target 
of 40% (2007: 42%). There was also growth 
in the number of women in senior management 
roles, the proportion increasing to 18.3% 
(2007: 17.0%). These trends are expected 
to continue in 2009.

Within the Group as a whole, initiatives 
like ‘Women in Mining‘, designed to boost the 
attraction of females into the industry, have 
started to have an impact. The overall proportion 
of females increased to 12% (2007: 11%), 
while the percentage of female managers rose 
to 17% (2007: 15%).

HIV and AIDS
HIV/AIDS workplace programmes are in place 
at all operations, though the focus of activity 
is in southern Africa. The percentage of 
employees who are tested annually as part of 
the Group’s HIV/AIDS counselling and voluntary 
testing programme continues to grow and by 
year end had reached 77%.

During 2008, the Company extended this 
programme to the dependants of employees. 
Reaching these dependants, however, will be 
a considerable challenge, particularly where 
families live in remote areas, far from Anglo 
American treatment centres.

The programme is now being extended to 

the contractor workforce, with the aim that 
every HIV-positive contractor can access 
care, support, and treatment. During the year, 
an HIV/AIDS policy requirement for suppliers 
was also integrated into the Company’s new 
supply chain code. Anglo American estimates 
HIV prevalence across its southern African 
operations to be 18%, or about 14,500 
employees. Of this total, just over half of 
those in need of care are participating in HIV 
disease management programmes and more 
attention needs to be devoted to enrolling 

HIV-positive employees into care and support 
programmes. This strategy should also help 
reduce the incidence of tuberculosis (TB), the 
most common feature of immune deficiency. 
More than 3000 employees, 21% of 
those who are HIV-positive, are receiving 
anti-retroviral treatment (ART). The Company 
estimates that at least 30%, potentially 1,400 
employees, of those who are HIV-positive and in 
need of treatment, are not yet receiving it.
A continuing concern is the number of 

employees who discontinue ART. The Company 
has a 62% retention rate after 5.5 years, which 
although consistent with other experience in 
sub-Saharan Africa, leaves much room for 
improvement. Most of the losses are in the 
first year of treatment.

Women and girls are both physiologically 

and psychologically far more vulnerable to 
HIV infection than men. Gender equality 
and women’s rights, therefore, have become 
central themes globally in the battle against 
HIV infection and they form an important 
component in the Group’s response. All work 
on socio-economic development around the 
Group’s operations, equality in the workplace, 
social investment, education and skills 
development features special consideration 
of women.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
26

Operating and financial review

Resources

the resources anglo 
american considers critical 
to achieving its strategic 
aims include:
• Knowledge and expertise
•  Proved and probable 

reserves

Full details of the Group’s 
Ore reserves and Mineral 
resources estimates are 
found on pages 136 to 161

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Knowledge and expertise
Technology capability
Anglo American has long been distinguished 
by its strong in-house technology capability. 
The Anglo Technical division (Anglo Technical) 
is the custodian of specialised engineering skills 
employed throughout the Group, while Anglo 
Research identifies emerging technologies and 
develops them to pilot-plant scale and also 
assists in the rapid transfer of technologies 
across the Group. During 2008, a value based 
management exercise was conducted across 
Anglo Technical and Anglo Research to improve 
focus and the degree of prioritisation. The 
technology strategy has accordingly been 
upgraded, with clear technology development 
priorities established in the following areas: 
safety, sustainable development, research and 
development, asset optimisation and nurturing 
of technical talent.

Anglo Technical continues to assist operations 

at Group sites worldwide, particularly in such 
fields as safety improvement, asset optimisation 
and energy efficiency. In addition to bedding 
down energy and emission reduction reporting, 
an IT network has been established to collect 
data on electricity usage from all Group 
operations in South Africa. This will assist in 
establishing baseline parameters for energy 
efficiency improvements to meet Group targets, 
and also in managing the impact of electricity 
rationing schemes that have been proposed for 
introduction during 2009. Technical studies into 
the construction and operation of very large 
electric motors have led to the successful 
commissioning of gearless mill drives at Anglo 
Platinum’s Mogalakwena concentrator in South 
Africa and on the new dragline at Anglo Coal’s 
Lake Lindsay operation in Australia, the first 
application of alternating current (AC) drive 
technology in the Group. Mining automation 
remains a key focus area, offering the potential 
for improved safety and reduced cost, while 
the ongoing development of industrial wireless 
networking offers major new cost effective 
opportunities to extend the capabilities of control 
systems at Group operations. Anglo Technical 
has also formulated a new Group Fatal Risk 
Standard to cover procedures for energy 
isolation before undertaking, inspection, 
maintenance or construction work.

In the exploration field, benchmarking 
exercises in Canada and production surveys in 
South Africa have demonstrated that the Ground 
Electromagnetic, Superconducting Quantum 
Interference Device (EM SQUID) provides Anglo 
American with a technical advantage over 
its competitors. Geophysical tools are also 
increasingly being deployed in risk management, 
with tools such as 3D seismic surveys, downhole 
geophysical logging and borehole radar being 
applied in mine planning and development. 
Predictive hazard mapping and modelling ahead 
of the mining face, using integrated geoscience 
and engineering inputs, is an important area 
of research at Anglo Technical.

At Anglo Research, an innovative process 
has been piloted successfully for the production 
of titanium metal, with further research and 
development now being conducted to optimise 
the technology. The development of an 
innovative production technology to extract 
nickel from laterite ores has progressed to the 
stage where detailed design of an integrated 
pilot plant is almost complete. Research 
initiatives are being conducted to significantly 
improve water and energy efficiency in the 
future through development of new technologies 
in the areas of ore upgrading, comminution and 
dry processing. Concentrator surveys continue 
to be conducted across the Group to improve 
operational and water usage efficiencies. A 
new-generation Scanning Electro Microscope – 
Mineral Liberation Analyser (SEM MLA) is 
currently being commissioned. State of the art 
operating software is being developed to allow 
automated online mineralogy data capture at 
remote operational sites, with high level data 
evaluation being conducted in the Mineralogical 
Research department.

A number of factors, including technical 
advances, constraints on the availability of 
resources such as water and energy, the 
need to reduce our impact on the climate 
and evolving stakeholder expectations, have 
prompted a re-assessment of the way in which 
major projects are designed, assessed and 
implemented. A suite of tools and procedures, 
developed internally and in conjunction with 
international partners, is being rolled out 
across the Group to assist project managers 
in ensuring that due consideration is given to 
all relevant factors over the lifetime of each 
project. Anglo Technical is leading a number 
of capital efficiency initiatives derived from an 
international benchmarking study completed in 
2008. These focus on optimising organisational 
project structures, the development of essential 
project skills and rolling out a Group best practice 
project standard. Governance and assurance 
are also provided through the technical review 
of major projects at various stages of their 
development.

Exploration
Anglo American continued its exploration 
activities in 2008. Exploration is undertaken  
in a range of frontier areas to more mature 
greenfield locations globally as well as in 
brownfield environments in close proximity  
to Anglo’s existing operations. Anglo’s 
exploration geoscientists are also involved  
in the identification and evaluation of  
properties for potential acquisition or  
alliance opportunities.

Anglo teams continued to advance 

exploration on recent discoveries, sole funded 
projects and alliances with other companies. 
Through 2008, excluding De Beers, the Group 
spent $212 million (2007: $157 million) 
on exploration in 21 countries. De Beers spent 
$96 million on exploration (2007: $126 million).

27

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with significant investment in both early and 
advanced stage programmes, concentrated 
primarily on accelerating high interest 
discoveries in Angola, Democratic Republic 
of Congo and Canada. Early-stage exploration 
also continued in India, Namibia, Russia and 
South Africa with the emphasis on desktop 
targeting work and prospecting activities in 
focused ground holdings.

Anglo Base Metals spent $123 million 

during 2008 and continued focused exploration 
around its Chilean copper and Brazilian nickel 
and phosphate mines, in addition to zinc 
exploration adjacent to operations in Namibia, 
South Africa and Ireland. Its project pipeline 
was strengthened by early-stage discoveries 
of nickel-copper in Finland and zinc in Namibia. 
Advanced project work further evaluated the 
West Wall and Michiquillay copper projects in 
Chile and Peru respectively, the Jacaré nickel 
project in Brazil and the Gamsberg East zinc 
project in South Africa. Near-mine exploration 
efforts centred on resource evaluation of 
the San Enrique-Monolito project and other 
near-mine opportunities.

Anglo Platinum spent $36 million on 
an ongoing programme of exploration around 
existing operations in the Bushveld Complex of 
South Africa and the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe. 
International exploration was again focused 
on Canada (though reduced in scale), China, 
Brazil and Russia.

assessing and extending resources for export 
thermal and coking coal, domestic thermal coal 
and coal bed methane (CBM). In South Africa, 
further exploration was undertaken on the 
South Rand and Kriel East projects, and resources 
were successfully converted to reserves at 
Mafube and Zondagsfontein. A CBM gas-yield 
test was also evaluated in the Waterberg 
project area of the country, while exploration 
for CBM was initiated in Botswana following 
the granting of licences there. In Australia, 
exploration targeted the Saddlers Creek, 
Moranbah South and Grosvenor Projects, 
while in Canada the focus remained on the 
Roman Mountain project adjacent to the 
existing Trend Mine.

Anglo Ferrous Metals incurred $18 million 
on exploration for iron ore. In South Africa, this 
comprised both greenfield prospecting in the 
Northern Cape and brownfield activity at Sishen, 
Thabazimbi and Zandrivierspoort. In Brazil, 
activities continued at the Amapá system and 
Minas-Rio project.

Anglo Coal’s exploration expenditure 

During the year, De Beers spent $96 million 

of $35 million was concentrated on evaluating, 

on a focused global exploration programme 

anglo technical

anglo Platinum launched a Borehole radar 
(BHr) programme in 2007. the principal 
objective was to map geological disruptions 
to the PGM-bearing Merensky and UG2 reefs, 
especially so called ‘potholes’, which can 
vary in length from a few metres to hundreds 
of metres. Mining into potholes results 
in wasted development costs, dilution 
of ore and inefficient deployment of people 
and equipment and can also be a safety 
hazard because of unstable ground.

the BHr technique, implemented by anglo 
technical’s Geosciences resource Group, 
uses a special sensing probe, deployed in 
boreholes drilled ahead of mining development 
in order to show any reef disruptions up to 
200 metres in advance of where mining is 
planned to take place. at one shaft, a BHr 
survey was able to identify mineable areas 
in generally poor ground that had not been 
exploited previously owing to the inability 
to predict where potholes would be found. 
Here, a BHr survey costing $150,000 was able 
to add more than $14.2 million in value to the 
mine’s resource base. BHr is also being used 
in pilot holes, adjacent to the sites of proposed 
new shafts, to identify any vertical or 
near-vertical geological features that might 
pose a danger during shaft sinking, such as 
faults and water-filled fissures.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Drillers prepare to acquire borehole radar data at De Beers’ 
Snap lake mine in canada. Borehole radar implementation 
strategies have been developed by anglo technical through 
collaboration between anglo american and De Beers 
geophysicists. where applicable these strategies are now  
being rolled out at various Group mines

 
 
 
28

Operating and financial review

Group financial performance

the 2008 results 
were achieved against  
the background of the 
crisis that enveloped 
the world’s financial 
markets in the second 
half of the year, which 
resulted in a sharp decrease 
in commodity prices

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Financial review of Group results*
Group operating profit was $10,085 million, 
with operating profit from core operations 
of $9,765 million, 10% higher than 2007. 
Operating profit was driven by higher prices 
realised in the year, particularly for coal, 
iron ore, manganese ore and alloy, platinum, 
rhodium and diamonds. Higher sales volumes 
of coal and iron ore also contributed, as did 
the favourable exchange rate of the South 
African rand against the US dollar. Coal and 
Ferrous Metals saw very significant increases 
in operating profit, to record levels, on the 
back of stronger prices, increased volumes 
and operational efficiencies. Operating profit 
from Platinum and Base Metals was lower than 
2007. At Platinum, this was due to a decrease 
in metal sales and higher key input costs, which 
were only partly offset by the higher realised 
platinum and rhodium prices. The Base Metals 
results were impacted by sharply lower base 
metals prices, particularly in the fourth quarter 
as the London Metal Exchange (LME) copper 
price fell to 132 c/lb at the end of December. 
The impact of prices, as well as lower overall 
production and sales volumes and increased 
input costs, resulted in lower operating profit 
from the Base Metals division.

Group underlying earnings were $5,237 million, 

4% lower than the prior year on a continuing 
basis. Underlying earnings from core operations 
were in line with 2007. Underlying earnings 
reflect the operational results discussed above, 
an increase in net finance costs due to higher 
interest as a result of the increased debt levels, 
as well as an increase in the effective tax rate.

on a continuing basis, reflecting the lower 
weighted average number of shares as 
a result of the share buyback programme.
Profit for the year after special items 
and remeasurements decreased by 1% to 
$5,215 million compared with $5,294 million in 
the prior year. The decrease reflects the results 
discussed above and in the business unit 
overviews on pages 32 to 53, in particular a 
reduction in the operational results of non-core 
businesses, as well as a charge of $880 million 
for operating remeasurements including a 
$760 million loss on non-hedge derivatives. 
This is partly offset by an increase in net profit on 
disposals, lower operating special item charges, 
particularly in the Group’s associates, and a net 
tax credit on special items and remeasurements 
compared with a charge in 2007.

The Group’s results are influenced by a 
variety of currencies owing to the geographic 
diversity of the Group. In 2008, there was 
a positive exchange variance in underlying 
earnings of $725 million. Results benefited 
from the weaker South African rand against 
the US dollar with an average exchange rate 
of R8.27 compared with R7.05 in 2007 as well 
as from the slightly weaker Australian dollar and 
Chilean peso, although these were partly offset 
by the overall strengthening of the Brazilian 
real over the year. There was a positive impact 
on underlying earnings from increased prices 
amounting to $1,311 million, reflecting better 
prices for coal, iron ore, manganese ore 
and alloys, platinum, rhodium and a range 
of Tarmac’s products, partly offset by 
significantly lower base metals prices.

Group underlying earnings per share 
were $4.36 compared with $4.18 in 2007 

Operating special items and remeasurements, 

including associates, amounted to a charge of 

Underlying earnings

$ million 

Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders  
of the Company – continuing operations 
Operating special items including associates   
Operating remeasurements including associates 
Net profit on disposals including associates    
Financing remeasurements including associates: 
  Exchange (gain)/loss on De Beers preference shares 
  Unrealised net gains on non-hedge derivatives related to net debt 
Tax remeasurements 
Tax on special items and remeasurements including associates 
Minority interests on special items and remeasurements  
including associates 

Underlying earnings – continuing operations 
Underlying earnings – discontinued operations 

Underlying earnings – total Group 

Underlying earnings per share ($) – continuing operations 
Underlying earnings per share ($) – discontinued operations 

Underlying earnings per share ($) – total Group 

   Year ended 
Year ended 
   31 Dec 2008  31 Dec 2007

5,215 
477 
880 
(1,027) 

5,294
713
(2)
(484)

(28) 3
(8) 
153 –
(264) 

(28)

15

(161) 

(34)

5,237 
– 

5,237 

4.36 
– 

4.36 

5,477
284

5,761

4.18
0.22

4.40

* Throughout the financial review, Group results are presented on a continuing basis unless otherwise stated and therefore exclude the 

results of Mondi and AngloGold Ashanti in 2007.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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$1,357 million. Included in operating special 
items of $477 million was $393 million in 
respect of impairments and restructurings, 
including a $140 million impairment relating 
to Base Metals assets, $91 million impairment 
and restructuring relating to Tarmac assets 
and $79 million relating to the Group’s share 
of the De Beers impairment. Also included 
in special items and remeasurements were 
one-off costs associated with ‘One Anglo’ 
initiatives of $72 million. Operating 
remeasurements of $880 million principally 
related to net losses on non-hedge capital 
expenditure derivatives held by Anglo Ferrous 
Brazil and Los Bronces and an unrealised loss 
on an embedded derivative at Minera Loma 
de Níquel.

Net profit on disposals of $1,027 million 
which, including associates, was $543 million 
higher than 2007, includes the net profit of 
$551 million relating to the sale of the Group’s 
interest in China Shenhua Energy, $142 million 
relating to the disposal of the interest in Minera 
Santa Rosa SCM and $101 million relating to 
the disposal of Northam Platinum Limited.
Financing remeasurements, including 
associates, are made up of an unrealised net 
gain of $8 million on non-hedge derivatives 
and a $28 million foreign exchange gain on 
retranslating De Beers US dollar preference 
shares held by a rand denominated entity.

Tax remeasurements, which amounted to a 

charge of $153 million, and related to foreign 
currency translation of deferred tax balances.

Net finance costs
Net finance costs from continuing operations, 
excluding net remeasurement gain of $51 million 
(2007: $29 million), increased to $452 million 
(2007: $137 million). The increase reflects 
higher interest costs due to the increase in 
debt and higher net foreign exchange losses 
on net debt monetary items, principally at 
Anglo Ferrous Brazil and Base Metals, partly 
offset by higher interest capitalised.

Summary income statement

$ million 

Operating profit before special items and remeasurements –  
continuing operations 
Operating special items 
Operating remeasurements 

Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint ventures 
Net profit on disposals 
Share of net income from associates – continuing operations(1) 

Total profit from operations and associates    
Net finance costs before remeasurements 
Financing remeasurements 

Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 

Profit for the financial year – continuing operations 
Minority interests 

Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders – 
continuing operations 
Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders – 
discontinued operations 

Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders – 
total Group 

Basic earnings per share ($) – continuing operations 
Basic earnings per share ($) – discontinued operations 

Basic earnings per share ($) – total Group 

Group operating profit including associates before special items  
and remeasurements – continuing operations 
Group operating profit including associates before special items  
and remeasurements – discontinued operations 

Group operating profit including associates before special items  
and remeasurements – total Group 

(1) Operating profit from associates before special items and remeasurements – continuing operations 
  Operating special items and remeasurements(2) 
  Net profit on disposals(2) 
  Net finance costs (before remeasurements) 
  Financing remeasurements(2) 

Income tax expense (after special items and remeasurements) 

  Minority interests (after special items and remeasurements) 

  Share of net income from associates – continuing operations 

(2) See note 7 to the Financial statements. 

   Year ended 
Year ended 
   31 Dec 2008  31 Dec 2007

7,981 
(352) 
(779) 5

6,850 
1,009 
1,113 

8,972 
(452) 
51 

8,571 
(2,451) 

6,120 
(905) 

8,518
(251)

8,272
460
197

8,929
(137)
29

8,821
(2,693)

6,128
(834)

5,215 

5,294

– 

2,010

5,215 

7,304

4.34 
– 

4.34 

4.04
1.54

5.58

10,085 

9,590

– 

526

10,085 

10,116

2,104 
(226) 
18 
(147) 
(15) 
(606) 
(15) 

1,113 

1,072
(465)
24
(85)
(4)
(303)
(42)

197

Special items and remeasurements

$ million 

Operating  
special items 
Operating  
remeasurements 

Operating  
special items  
and remeasurements 

  Year ended 31 Dec 2008 

  Year ended 31 Dec 2007

Excluding 
associates 

Associates 

Total 

Excluding 
associates 

Associates 

Total

(352) 

(125) 

(477) 

(251) 

(462) 

(713)

(779) 

(101) 

(880) 

5 

(3) 

2

(1,131) 

(226) 

(1,357) 

(246) 

(465) 

(711)

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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Operating and financial review

Group financial performance continued

Taxation

$ million (unless 
otherwise stated) 

Profit before tax 

Tax 

Profit for the  
financial year 

Effective tax  
rate including  
associates (%) 

  Year ended 31 Dec 2008 

  Year ended 31 Dec 2007

Before special 
items and 
remeasure- 
ments 

Associates’ 
tax and 
minority 
interests 

   Before special 
items and 
remeasure- 
ments 

Including 
associates 

Associates’ 
tax and 
minority 
interests 

Including 
associates

8,832 

(2,545) 

654 

9,486 

9,021 

347 

9,368

(623) 

(3,168) 

(2,676) 

(305) 

(2,981)

6,287 

31 

6,318 

6,345 

42 

6,387

33.4 

31.8

Taxation
IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements 
requires income from associates to be 
presented net of tax on the face of the income 
statement. Associates’ tax is therefore not 
included within the Group’s total tax charge on 
the face of the income statement. Associates’ 
tax before special items and remeasurements 
included within ‘Share of net income from 
associates’ for the year ended 31 December 
2008 was $623 million (2007: $305 million).
The effective rate of tax before special 
items and remeasurements, including share of 
associates’ tax, on a continuing basis was 33.4%. 
This was an increase from the equivalent effective 
rate of 31.8% in the year ended 31 December 
2007. The main reasons for this net increase 
are tax losses not recognised for deferred tax 
purposes and changes in the geographic mix 
of profits around the Group, partially offset by 
changes in statutory tax rates and the impact 
of prior year adjustments. In addition, the 2007 
rate benefited from the availability of enhanced 
tax depreciation on certain assets.

Discontinued operations
On 2 July 2007, the Paper and Packaging 
business, ‘Mondi’, was demerged from the 
Group by way of a dividend in specie paid 
to shareholders. 

On 2 October 2007, the Group sold 

67.1 million shares in AngloGold Ashanti Limited 
which reduced the Group’s shareholding from 
41.6% to 17.3%. The Group’s representation 
on the company’s board was also withdrawn 
at this time. The remaining investment is 
accounted for as a financial asset investment.
Both of these operations are presented 

as discontinued.

Refer to note 35 to the Financial 
statements for financial information 
on discontinued operations.

Balance sheet
Equity attributable to equity shareholders of 
the Company was $20,221 million compared 
with $22,461 million at 31 December 2007. 
This decrease resulted primarily from the 
balance sheet impact of weakening exchange 
rates relative to the US dollar (in particular 
the rand), partly offset by the consolidation 
of the Amapá iron ore system and additional 
effective interest in the Minas-Rio iron ore 
project, the proportionate consolidation of 
the Foxleigh joint venture and the additional 
interest acquired in Anglo Platinum.

The $4 billion share buyback programme 
announced in August 2007 was suspended, 
with around $1.7 billion of shares having 
been repurchased. 

Cash flow
Net cash inflows from operating activities were 
$8,065 million compared with $6,800 million 
in 2007. EBITDA was $11,847 million, an 
increase of 6% from $11,171 million in 2007.
Acquisition expenditure accounted for an 
outflow (net of cash acquired) of $7,907 million 
(including settlement of related derivative 
instruments) compared with $1,934 million 
in 2007. This included $5,282 million in respect 
of the Group’s acquisition of the controlling 
interest and subsequent acquisition of 97% 
of the remaining minorities in Anglo Ferrous 
Brazil SA and $1,113 million in respect of 
the Group’s investment in ordinary shares 
in Anglo Platinum Limited.

Proceeds from disposals totalled 

$1,524 million, including net cash inflows on the 
sale of Namakwa Sands mineral sands operation 
to Exxaro of $311 million, $704 million from 
the sale of the Group’s holding in China Shenhua 
Energy, $155 million from the sale of Tarmac 
Iberia and $205 million on the sale of Northam 
Platinum Limited by Anglo Platinum.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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The Group's forecasts and projections, 
taking account of reasonably possible changes 
in trading performance and the refinancing of 
the facilities above, show that the Group will 
be able to operate within the level of its 
current facilities.

The Group’s approach to liquidity and 
counterparty risk is discussed on page 54.

Weighted average number of shares
The weighted average number of shares 
used to determine earnings per share in 2008 
was 1,202 million compared with 1,309 million 
in 2007. This reduction reflects the effect of 
the share buyback programme and the share 
consolidation following the demerger of the 
Paper and Packaging business in July 2007.

Dividends
The Board has decided to suspend dividend 
payments.

Return on capital employed (ROCE)
ROCE in 2008 was 36.8% compared with 
37.8% (on a total Group basis) in 2007. 
The decrease was mainly due to the 
operating results discussed in this Financial 
review of Group results and in the business 
unit overviews on pages 32 to 53.

(1)   Net debt to total capital is calculated as net debt divided by 
total capital less investments in associates. Total capital is 
net assets excluding net debt.

Analysis of depreciation and 
amortisation by business segment 
(subsidiaries and joint ventures)

$ million 

Platinum 
Base Metals 
Ferrous Metals 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 
Other 

Year ended 

Year ended 
31 Dec 2008  31 Dec 2007

507 
340 
87 
293 
259 
23 

455
344
100
221
258
20

1,509 

1,398

Analysis of capital expenditure on a 
cash flow basis by business segment 
(subsidiaries and joint ventures)

$ million 

Platinum 
Base Metals 
Ferrous Metals 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 
Other 

Purchase of tangible  
assets 

Investment in  
biological assets 

Year ended 

Year ended 
31 Dec 2008  31 Dec 2007

1,563 
1,494 
831 
933 
301 
24 

1,479
610
470
1,052
274
46

5,146 

3,931

1 1

5,147 

3,932

Analysis of dividends

US cents per share 

Interim dividend  
Recommended final  
dividend 

Total dividends 

2008 

44 

– 

44 

2007

38

86

124

Purchases of tangible assets amounted to 
$5,146 million, an increase of $1,215 million. 
Planned increases in capital expenditure 
by Platinum, Base Metals, Ferrous Metals 
and Industrial Minerals were partly offset 
by lower expenditure by Coal.

Net cash received from financing activities 

was $3,542 million compared with net cash 
used in 2007 of $5,661 million. This primarily 
arose from the receipt of $6,616 million of 
additional borrowings (an increase in the year 
of $3,495 million) together with a $5,507 million 
reduction in cash outflow in respect of share 
purchases.

Liquidity and funding
Net debt, excluding hedges but including 
net debt of disposal groups (net cash of 
$8 million), was $11,043 million, an increase 
of $5,804 million from 31 December 2007. 
The increase reflects planned capital 
expenditure on projects in Platinum, Base 
Metals, Ferrous Metals and Industrial Minerals 
and debt taken on to fund the acquisition 
of the controlling interest and subsequent 
acquisition of 97% of the remaining minorities 
in Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA and to increase the 
stake in Anglo Platinum Limited. This was partly 
offset by operating cash inflows and $1.5 billion 
proceeds from disposals.

Net debt at 31 December 2008 comprised 

$13,960 million of debt, partly offset by 
$2,744 million of cash and cash equivalents 
(net of bank overdrafts) and $173 million current 
financial asset investments. Net debt to total 
capital(1) at 31 December 2008 was 37.8%, 
compared with 20.0% at 31 December 2007.
Over the last 12 months, Anglo American 
has issued medium and long term debt in the 
euro and sterling bond markets, in addition to 
arranging new bank financing in both Europe 
and South Africa. 

At 31 December 2008, Anglo American 
had undrawn bank facilities of $6.1 billion, cash 
deposits of $2.7 billion and commercial paper 
maturing throughout 2009 of $1.1 billion. 
Anglo American’s only significant debt 
repayment in the next year is a $3 billion 
revolving bank facility (of which $1.1 billion 
was drawn at 31 December 2008) which 
matures in December 2009. In addition, 
a £300 million (approximately $500 million) 
euro bond matures in December 2010.

With respect to the $3 billion facility, 
the intention is to refinance part or all of the 
facility, subject to requirements, taking into 
consideration proceeds from disposal of assets 
and cash flow from operations, using a variety 
of sources which may include the issue of 
public bonds in the European and US markets 
and new bank facilities.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
32

Operating and financial review

Business unit 
overview

in each business unit overview on the following pages, operating 
profit includes associates’ operating profit and is before special 
items and remeasurements unless otherwise stated 

capital expenditure relates to cash expenditure on tangible  
and biological assets. Share of Group operating profit and share  
of Group net operating assets for both 2008 and 2007 are based  
on continuing operations and, therefore, in 2007, exclude the 
contribution from Mondi and angloGold ashanti

Precious

Platinum

See page 33

Diamonds

See page 37

Base

Base Metals

See page 40

Bulk

Ferrous Metals

See page 45

coal

See page 48

industrial Minerals

See page 52

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

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Platinum

BUSineSS Unit Overview

Operating profit 

2008

$2,226 m

2007: $2,697 m

EBITDA

2008

$2,732 m

2007: $3,155 m

•   World’s leading primary producer of platinum
•  Seven greenfield developments under way

South Africa
anglo Platinum mines in  
the Bushveld complex  
in South africa with five 
mining operations, three 
smelters and two refineries

at the Polokwane smelter, 
wet concentrate made up  
of UG2 and Merensky reef  
is smelted to produce a 
PGM-rich nickel-copper 
furnace matte which is  
then sent to rustenburg’s 
acP converter for refining

Business overview
Anglo Platinum Limited, based in South Africa, 
is the world’s leading primary producer of 
platinum, accounting for around 39% of global 
output. It mines, processes and refines the 
entire range of platinum group metals (PGMs): 
platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, 
iridium and osmium. Although PGMs are the 
primary products of its operations, base metals 
such as nickel, copper and cobalt sulphate are 
important secondary products and are 
significant contributors to earnings.

Anglo Platinum’s operations exploit the 
world’s richest reserve of PGMs, known as the 
Bushveld Complex, which contains PGM-
bearing Merensky, UG2 and Platreef ores. The 
company has access to an excellent portfolio of 
ore reserves to ensure that it is well placed to 
be the world’s leading platinum producer for 
many years to come.

Anglo Platinum currently wholly owns 
five mining operations, a tailings re-treatment 
facility, three smelters, a base metals refinery 
and a precious metals refinery, all in the Limpopo 
and North West provinces of South Africa. 
Each of its mines operates its own concentrator 
facilities, with smelting and refining of the 
output being undertaken at Rustenburg 
Platinum Mines’ metallurgical facilities.

The company’s 100% owned mining 
operations comprise Rustenburg Platinum 
Mines’ Rustenburg, Amandelbult, Mogalakwena 
and Twickenham sections as well as Lebowa 
Platinum Mines, 51% of which is held for sale. 
Rustenburg Platinum Mines’ Union Section is 
85% held, with a black economic empowerment 
(BEE) partner, the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela 
traditional community, holding the remainder.
Anglo Platinum also has a 50:50 joint 
venture with a BEE consortium, led by African 
Rainbow Minerals, over the Modikwa platinum 
mine, a joint venture with Royal Bafokeng 
Resources, a BEE partner, over the combined 
Bafokeng-Rasimone platinum mine and 
Styldrift properties and a joint venture with 
Xstrata over the Mototolo mine. In addition, 
Anglo Platinum has joint ventures with 
Aquarius Platinum covering the shallow 
reserves of the Kroondal and Marikana 
mines and portions of the reserves at 
Anglo Platinum’s Rustenburg Section.

In September 2007, Anglo Platinum agreed, 

in principle, to sell assets for a total upfront 
cash consideration of R7.6 billion (about 
$1.1 billion) to ‘historically disadvantaged 
South African’ (HDSA) companies, Anooraq 
Resources and Mvelaphanda Resources. The 
transactions envisaged the sale of an effective 

51% of the Lebowa platinum mine and a further 
1% of the Ga-Phasha, Boikgantsho and Kwanda 
50:50 JV projects to Anooraq, as well as the 
sale of Anglo Platinum’s 50% interest in the 
Booysendal project and 22.4% shareholding 
in Northam Platinum Limited to Mvelaphanda.
In March and April 2008, the suite of 

definitive legal agreements for the transactions 
was entered into, which remained subject to 
various suspensive conditions. The sale of 
Anglo Platinum’s investment in Northam was 
finalised in December 2008 and the only 
remaining condition for the Booysendal sale 
is consent to transfer control from South 
Africa’s Department of Minerals and Energy, 
which is expected in the first quarter of 2009. 
In respect of the transaction with Anooraq, 
owing to the significant deterioration in global 
market conditions, material decline in PGM 
prices and constrained debt and equity capital 
markets, the Lebowa mine plan and project 
pipeline, including the Middelpunt Hill UG2 
expansion project, are under review. Anglo 
Platinum and Anooraq intend to conclude the 
transaction as soon as is practically possible 
and have thus extended the date for fulfilment 
of the conditions until 30 April 2009.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
34

Operating and financial review

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

Anglo Platinum production* 
Ounces (thousand) 

Palladium, rhodium and gold
Platinum

5,000

4,500

4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

03

04

05

06

07

08

* Excludes share of Northam Platinum Limited. 
  Excludes production of nickel and copper.

industry overview
PGMs have a wide range of industrial and 
high-technology applications. Demand for 
platinum is driven by its use in autocatalysts 
to control emissions from both petrol and diesel 
engine vehicles, and in jewellery. These uses 
are responsible for 67% of net total platinum 
consumption. Platinum, however, also has an 
enormous range of lesser-known applications, 
predominantly in the chemical, electrical, 
medical, glass and petroleum industries.

The platinum jewellery market requires 
constant promotion and development and Anglo 
Platinum is the major supporter of the Platinum 
Guild International, which since its inception in 
1975 has played a key role in encouraging demand 
for platinum and establishing new platinum 
jewellery markets. China has been the leading 
platinum jewellery market since 2000, 
followed by Europe, Japan and North America.

Industrial applications for platinum 
are driven by technology and, especially 
in the case of autocatalysts, by legislation. 
Technological development continues to 
drive industrial demand and ongoing research 
into new applications will create further 
growth in this sector. With the rapid spread 
of exhaust emissions legislation, more than 
94% of new vehicles sold in the world now 
have autocatalysts fitted. The intensifying 
stringency of emissions legislation will drive 
growth in PGM demand for autocatalysts as 
new legislation is applied to trucks and 
offroad vehicles. 

Interest in fuel cell technology has 

accelerated dramatically over the past decade, 
largely on the back of rising concerns about 
environmental degradation and energy costs. 
At present, demand is small, but gradual 

medium to long term growth, first in small 
battery replacement applications and stationary 
fuel cells, and later with the commercialisation 
of fuel cell vehicles, is envisaged.

Palladium’s principal application is in 
autocatalysts (around 50% of net demand). 
Palladium is also used in electronic components, 
in dental alloys and, more recently, as an 
emerging jewellery metal in markets such as 
China. Palladium demand growth is expected to 
slow, while supply is expected to increase from 
South African expansions and recycling from 
spent autocatalysts.

Rhodium is an important metal in 

autocatalytic activity, which accounts for nearly 
80% of net demand. The metal is also used in 
industrial applications such as glass-making for 
flat-panel display units. In the short to medium 
term, the market supply and demand balance 
is expected to remain tight, supported by 
autocatalyst growth and glass demand for 
flat-screen televisions. Thrifting (using less 
metal, typically in thinner coatings, to achieve 
the same catalytic effect) and increased supply 
from UG2 Reef expansions may ease the 
market balance in the longer term.

The other three PGMs produced are 

ruthenium, iridium and osmium. In recent times, 
ruthenium has enjoyed strong uptake on the 
back of heavy demand from the electronics 
sector, where the metal is used to increase 
magnetic data-recording memory in hard disks 
and in plasma display panels of flat-screen 
televisions. Ruthenium, along with iridium, is 
also used in chemical and electronic applications. 
Osmium is employed as a catalyst in the 
pharmaceutical industrial sector and to stain 
specimens for microscopic analysis.

Platinum supply and demand 
Ounces (thousand)

Total platinum supply
Total platinum demand

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Source: Johnson Matthey 

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

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BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

$ million  
(unless otherwise stated) 

Operating profit 
EBITDA 
Net operating assets 
Capital expenditure 
Share of Group 
operating profit 
Share of Group net 
operating assets 

2008 

2007

2,226 
2,732 
9,045 
1,563 

2,697
3,155
9,234
1,479

22% 

28%

27% 

35%

Platinum grain  
formed during  
refining at anglo  
Platinum’s precious  
metals refinery

Strategy and growth
Anglo Platinum’s strategy is to develop the 
market for PGMs, expand production into that 
growth opportunity and conduct its businesses 
safely, cost-effectively and competitively.
Growing demand is stimulated by 
substantial investment in research and 
development into new uses for PGMs; through 
partners and customers, including Johnson 
Matthey (Anglo Platinum has a 17.5% stake 
in Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells), and global 
development campaigns for jewellery through 
the Platinum Guild International.

In the second half of 2008, Anglo Platinum 

reviewed its capital expenditure programme 
in response to the unprecedented rapid decline 
in PGM prices caused in the main by rapidly 
slowing vehicle sales in North America, Europe 
and Japan having a negative effect on the 
outlook for PGMs in autocatalysis. The 
company’s annual planning process included 
the evaluation of a number of initiatives to 
reduce costs and improve operational 
productivity as well as a critical examination 
of short term supply and demand trends. 

Capital expenditure is being curtailed by 

delaying expenditure across several major 
projects, including Amandelbult No.4 Shaft, 
Twickenham, Styldrift, the second slag 
cleaning furnace at Waterval and numerous 
smaller projects.

Anglo Platinum’s announced expansion 

programme and ore replacement projects 
underpin a sustained high level of exploration 
activities. Exploration is mainly directed at 
accumulating geological data in areas where 
PGM ore bodies are known to occur and is thus 
primarily focused on quantifying ore reserves 
and mineral resources in the Bushveld Complex.

Anglo Platinum is involved in developing 
mining activity for PGMs on the Great Dyke 
of Zimbabwe. The Great Dyke is the second 
largest known repository of platinum in 
the world after the Bushveld Complex. 
Development and exploration work is focused 
on new projects in the area, including the Unki 
mine, as well as establishing extensions to the 
resource base for future projects. In addition, 
Anglo Platinum is involved in exploration 
activities in Canada, Russia, Brazil and China.

Financial overview
Anglo Platinum’s operating profit declined 
by 17% to $2,226 million. This was as a 
result of lower metal sales and significant 
increases in key input costs, partly offset 
by a higher price achieved for the basket 
of metals sold and a weaker average rand 
against the dollar.

The average dollar price realised for the 
basket of metals sold equated to $2,764 per 
platinum ounce, a 7% rise over 2007, with 
higher prices achieved for platinum and rhodium 
making the largest contribution to the increase. 
The average realised price for platinum of 
$1,570 per ounce was $268 or 21% above 
the 2007 figure, while the achieved nickel  
price was sharply lower at $9.79 per pound 
(2007: $17.04). Anglo Platinum successfully 
renegotiated the contract sales terms for 
rhodium, resulting in the realised sales price of 
rhodium moving closer to market prices during 
2008. The average price achieved on rhodium 
sales for the year was $5,174 per ounce.

Platinum demand by region 
Ounces (thousand) 

Europe
Japan
North America

China
Rest of the world

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

Anglo Platinum cash operating costs 
– total operations
US$/ounce

$/oz Pt refined
$/oz PGM refined

4
8
3
,
1

3
5
1
,
1

0
3
7

0
0
6

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

0
9
8

9
4
8

4
8
7

6
3
4

1
7
4

9
5
4

6
2
6

9
4
3

3
7
3

3
1
2

99

00

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

Source: Johnson Matthey 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
Outlook
Notwithstanding the current uncertainty in 
the global resources and platinum sectors, 
Anglo Platinum’s long term strategy to 
develop the market for PGMs, expand its 
production into that opportunity and to conduct 
its business cost effectively and competitively 
remains sound.

The long term prosperity of the business 
is considered when taking short term action 
and Anglo Platinum will continue to respond to 
the challenges that face the platinum industry. 
While the planned level of refined platinum 
production of 2.4 million ounces is currently 
expected to be appropriate for 2009, the 
company will take appropriate action should 
economic conditions affecting net platinum 
demand deteriorate further. Production levels 
will be continually monitored against global 
economic developments and revised production 
guidance will be provided when appropriate.
In order to maintain positive operating 
margins at the planned 2009 production level 
of 2.4 million ounces of refined platinum the 
current cost of production will be reduced. This 
will be achieved through active management of 
the supply chain to realise, without delay, the 
benefits of the significant reduction of input 
commodity prices; safely reducing units of 
consumption where possible; managing labour 
more effectively to improve efficiencies through 
re-skilling and redeployment where required; 
avoiding recruitment of non-critical positions; 
and reducing the number of contract employees 
at operations.

Every effort will be made to avoid the 

retrenchment of permanent employees. However, 
should economic conditions deteriorate further, 
this may become unavoidable.

36

Operating and financial review

These reductions were largely offset by 
an increase in purchased ounces from the 
new Eland Platinum mine, which commenced 
delivery to Anglo Platinum in December 2007, 
together with increased output from the new 
Mogalakwena North pit and the Modikwa and 
Kroondal Platinum mines. 

The cash operating cost per equivalent 
refined platinum ounce (in respect of Anglo 
Platinum’s own mines plus its share of joint 
ventures) increased by 36% to R11,093 
per ounce. The increase in unit costs was 
attributable primarily to above inflation 
pressures experienced in key input costs 
including labour, diesel, chemicals, steel 
grinding media, explosives and cement, 
compounded by reduced production from 
Anglo Platinum’s attributable share of 
mining operations.

Anglo Platinum’s focus on safety, based 
on zero harm and a change in safety culture, 
has resulted in an improvement in the safety 
performance across the operations, with the 
lost time injury frequency rate improving by 
14% to 1.74 from 2.03 in 2007. Despite the 
improvement, 17 employees lost their lives at 
Anglo Platinum’s managed operations during 
the year, compared with 25 in 2007. Safety 
continues to be a focus area in the Company’s 
aspiration towards zero harm through the 
elimination of all unsafe incidents and conditions.

Projects
The rapid decrease in revenue in the second 
half of 2008 led to declining margins, increased 
debt levels and confirmation that global economic 
events would negatively influence short term 
demand. In line with the Anglo American 
Group, a review of the company’s capital 
expenditure programme was completed, 
resulting in the reduction of total expected 
capital expenditure for 2009 to $900 million 
through the deferral of expenditure across 
several major and numerous smaller projects.
The criteria used to determine project 

expenditure deferral were to maximise 
short term reductions in expenditure and 
minimise the delay in reaching full production. 
The expected reduction in short term production 
arising from the deferral of capital projects is 
largely expected to match the reduced demand.
The commissioning of the Mogalakwena 
North expansion project concentrator is complete. 
Capital expenditure planned for the accelerated 
removal of overburden at the new North pit 
has been deferred. As a result, less ore will be 
exposed, thereby reducing the level of mining 
output originally planned for 2009.

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

Markets

Average market prices ($/oz) 

2008 

2007

Platinum 

Palladium 

Rhodium 

Source: Johnson Matthey

1,585 

1,304

355 

355

6,564 

6,200

2008 was a year of unprecedented price 
volatility in the platinum market with platinum 
reaching a record of $2,276 per ounce in March 
before falling sharply as economic conditions 
deteriorated. In the second half of the year, 
the global economic downturn reduced credit 
availability for vehicle purchases. Anglo Platinum 
estimates that demand from the autocatalyst 
segment decreased by more than 8% or 
330,000 ounces, owing to the smaller number 
of vehicles produced and a rundown of stock 
levels by major auto companies. Although not 
immune to the global economic downturn, 
industrial demand held up reasonably well in 
2008, with demand increasing in some areas 
such as the chemical sector as investment 
in new capacity reached a peak. High prices 
in the first half of the year discouraged 
consumer purchases of jewellery and increased 
the recycling of old jewellery, thereby reducing 
demand for new metal. In the second half 
of the year, the declining price of platinum 
encouraged purchases of metal by jewellers 
and investors alike. 

The global supply of platinum has decreased 
by 11%, or 740,000 ounces, over the past two 
years and is not expected to increase in the 
current global economic environment. 
Anglo Platinum expects a balanced 
platinum market in 2009. It also anticipates 
that the platinum price, which suffered 
downside overcorrection on negative news 
flow in the second half of 2008, is likely to 
trade above $1,000 per ounce on average 
during 2009.

Operating performance
Refined platinum production for the year of 
2,386,600 ounces was 4% lower than 2007 
but in line with the mid 2008 forecast.

Several factors impacted production at 
operations, including safety related stoppages; 
the suspension of operations to rehabilitate 
shaft steelwork at the Turffontein shaft of 
Rustenburg mine; the disruption of operations 
at the Amandelbult mine as a result of a major 
flood event; electricity supply constraints in 
January and the associated ramp-up period 
when supply resumed; commissioning delays 
at Mogalakwena North concentrator and lower 
throughput at the Mogalakwena South 
concentrator; the overall expected reduction 
in built-up head grade; and furnace run-outs 
at the Polokwane and Waterval smelters.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
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Diamonds

Share of associate’s operating profit 

2008

$508 m

2007: $484 m

EBITDA

2008

$665 m

2007: $587 m

• De Beers is the world leader in diamonds
• Diamond production exceeded  
48 million carats
• Opened three mines in the year (two  
in Canada and one in South Africa)

De Beers ownership structure 

Canada
Snap lake and victor 
mines in canada, both 
opened in 2008

Southern Africa
Main mining, 
beneficiation and 
operational activities 
in Botswana, South 
africa and namibia. 
element Six also 
produces synthetic 
diamonds in South 
africa as well as 
europe and china

Anglo American
Group

Central Holdings
Ltd

Government of
Botswana 

45%

40%

15%

DB Investments (Lux)

100%

De Beers sa (Lux)

50%

50%

60%

74%

100%

100%

Debswana
(Botswana) 

Namdeb
(Namibia) 

Element Six

DTCB

NDTC

De Beers
Consolidated
Mines
(South Africa)

De Beers
(Canada)

The
Diamond
Trading
Company

Business overview
Anglo American’s diamond interests are 
represented by its 45% shareholding in  
De Beers. The other shareholders in De Beers 
are Central Holdings Ltd (an Oppenheimer 
family owned company), which owns 40%,  
and the Government of Botswana with 15%.
De Beers is the world’s leading diamond 
business and with its joint venture partners 
operates in more than 20 countries across five 
continents, employing around 20,000 people. 
De Beers produces around 40% of the world’s 
rough diamonds by value from its mines in 
Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa.

De Beers holds a 50% interest in Debswana 

Diamond Company and in Namdeb Diamond 
Corporation, owned jointly with the 
Government of Botswana and the Government 
of Namibia, respectively, and a 70% 
shareholding in De Beers Marine Namibia.
In addition, De Beers has a 74% 

shareholding in South African based De Beers 
Consolidated Mines Limited, with a broad-based 
black economic empowerment consortium (the 
Ponahalo group) holding the balance.

De Beers owns 100% of The Diamond 
Trading Company (DTC), the sales and rough 
diamonds distribution arm of De Beers. It also 
has a 50% interest with the Government of 
Botswana in Diamond Trading Company 
Botswana (DTCB) and a 50% ownership, along 
with the Government of Namibia’s matching 
shareholding, in Namibia Diamond Trading 
Company (NDTC).

De Beers and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis 

Vuitton have established a high-end retail 
jewellery joint venture, through De Beers 
Diamond Jewellers (DBDJ), with stores in the 
most fashionable areas of some of the world’s 
great cities, including New York, Los Angeles, 
London, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai.

De Beers, through Element Six, is a major 

producer of synthetic industrial diamond 
material; applications include cutting, grinding, 
polishing, wire making and other technical and 
scientific uses. Element Six has a significant 
market share in the oil and gas drilling business 
and has expanded in recent years by building 
a manufacturing facility in China, through 
acquiring a majority stake in a facility in 
Ukraine, and by enhancing its hard-material 
portfolio with the acquisition of Barat Carbide 
in Germany. The Barat acquisition has given 
Element Six materials competence in carbide, 
and marketing channels as well as application 
knowhow in mining, road construction and 
for wear parts. With sales of well above 
$100 million, Barat Carbide is a large addition 
to Element Six, resulting in total annual sales 
of over $500 million for the combined entities.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
38

Operating and financial review

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

De Beers production*
Carats recovered (million)

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

03

04

05

06

07

08

*DBCM, Debswana, Namdeb, Williamson 
and Canada

Sorting rough diamonds at  
the Diamond trading company 
in london. in 2008, the De Beers 
group produced 48.1 million  
carats of diamonds

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

industry overview
Up to two-thirds of the world’s diamonds by 
value originate from southern and central 
Africa, while significant sources have been 
discovered in Russia, Australia and Canada. 
Most diamonds come from the mining of 
kimberlite deposits. Another important source 
of gem diamonds, however, has been 
secondary alluvial deposits formed by the 
weathering of primary kimberlites and the 
subsequent deposition of released diamonds 
in rivers and beach gravels.

Rough or uncut diamonds are broadly 
classified either as gem diamonds or industrial 
quality diamonds, with gem representing by 
far the larger of the two markets by value. 
The primary world market for gem diamonds is 
in retail jewellery where aspects such as size, 
colour, shape and clarity have a large impact 
on valuation. De Beers, through the DTC, and 
its partners in Botswana, South Africa and 
Namibia, supplies its clients – known as 
‘Sightholders’ – with parcels of rough diamonds 
that are specifically aligned to their respective 
cutting and polishing needs.

Strategy and growth
During 2008, De Beers continued to focus both 
investment and divestment activity to position 
the company for future growth. The strategy 
centres on exploration in central and southern 
Africa; driving profitable production growth 
across operations and seeking enhanced levels 
of organisational effectiveness. De Beers has 
been divesting from those mines that, under 
the company’s current cost structures, are 
deemed marginal or loss making. In 2008,  
De Beers completed the sale of the Kimberley 
underground mines and Cullinan Diamond Mine 
to Petra Diamonds Limited and the disposal of 
Williamson Diamond Mine in Tanzania.

During the reporting period, De Beers 
officially opened its first mines in Canada at 
Victor mine in northern Ontario and Snap Lake 
mine in the Northwest Territories. Victor was 
completed and commissioned eight months 
ahead of schedule and Snap Lake commenced 
commercial production in early 2008 with 
both mines reaching full production in the 
second half of the year. In South Africa, the 
long-dormant Voorspoed mine was officially 
re-opened with its first diamonds being 
recovered in June. As a result of the coming 
on stream of these projects during the year, 
De Beers’ capital expenditure has declined 
significantly.

In April, De Beers commissioned a new 
$83 million diamond facility in Gaborone, 
the largest and most sophisticated of its  
kind in the world, which is now home to the  
DTCB. This boost to beneficiation – adding 
downstream value to mining operations – in the 
producer country includes the process of sorting 
and valuing rough diamonds, their subsequent 
cutting and polishing, and the manufacture of 
diamond jewellery. The focus on beneficiation 
extends to Namibia through the NDTC, to 
South Africa through the State Diamond Trader 
and to Canada through local supply agreements 
reached with the governments of Ontario and 
the Northwest Territories respectively. All these 
initiatives seek to create an enabling 
environment through which each country’s 
valuable diamond resources can be further 
transformed into a source of national wealth, 
pride and development.

In May, Judge Chesler entered an order in 

the US Federal District Court in New Jersey 
approving in all respects the Settlement in 
the Diamond Class Actions, which addressed 
De Beers’ outstanding historical civil legal issues 
in the US. Certain appeals have been noted 
against the order, which will be addressed in 
accordance with ordinary legal processes.

The DTC completed its Sightholder selection 

process in 2008, appointing 78 clients for the 
new three-year contract period. Clients will be 
receiving ‘Sights’ through wholly owned and 
joint venture DTC operations around the world, 
with many of the Sightholders receiving Sights 
in several different countries. The selection 
criteria for Sightholders were designed to 
identify those applicants that demonstrated 
excellence in their technical ability, their 
distribution and marketing effectiveness 
and the core strengths of their diamond 
business. Financial transparency and ethical 
accountability were mandatory.

DBDJ continued to expand its global 

network of operations in 2008.

  
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Financial overview
The Group’s share of operating profit from 
De Beers rose by 5% to $508 million.

De Beers’ sales for 2008 at $6,888 million 

(attributable $3,096 million) were marginally 
above the previous year (2007: $6,836 million 
(attributable $3,076 million)), though below 
expectation owing to the impact of the global 
economic downturn. Over the first nine months, 
the DTC, which represented 86% of De Beers’ 
total sales, achieved record sales as buoyant 
demand for diamonds translated into increased 
prices. Fourth quarter sales slowed as a result 
of the downturn and the consequent liquidity 
squeeze in the key global cutting centres. 
Net interest bearing debt fell to $3.55 billion 
(2007: $4.06 billion) as a result of the benefits 
of a stronger dollar, the repayment of debt and 
shareholder support.

In light of the weak outlook for diamond 
sales, the shareholders of De Beers have agreed 
to provide loans to De Beers, proportionate to 
their shareholdings, totalling $500 million in 
2009. Anglo American holds a 45% interest 
in De Beers and will therefore provide a loan 
of up to $225 million. De Beers is an associate 
company of Anglo American and its debt is 
therefore not consolidated on to Anglo American’s 
balance sheet.

Markets
Global retail sales showed steady growth during 
the first half of 2008 driven principally by the 
emerging markets of China, India and the Middle 
East. However, in 2008, the all important holiday 
period took place amidst significant weakness 
in US economic sentiment, with American 
consumers, the world’s major diamond 
purchasers, cutting back sharply on spending. 
The luxury goods sector appears to have been 
particularly impacted, with jewellery retailers 
in the US reporting double digit year on year 
declines over the traditional key buying season 
between Thanksgiving and Christmas. As a 
result, it is estimated that global diamond retail 
sales were down, in the low single digits, for 
the year as a whole.

Operating performance
During the year, De Beers produced 48.1 million 
carats (2007: 51.1 million carats). Production 
from Debswana was 32.3 million carats (2007: 
33.6 million carats), Namdeb yielded 2.1 million 
carats (2007: 2.2 million carats), while the 
output from South African operations fell to 
12.0 million carats (2007: 15.0 million carats). 
The new Canadian operations at Snap Lake and 
Victor produced 1.6 million carats (2007: 
81,000 carats).

Element Six recorded total annual sales of 
almost $500 million for the year and growth 
of 25% as a result of the inclusion of a full 
year’s trading in respect of E6 Hard Materials 
(Barat Carbide), acquired in 2007, as well as 
organic growth.

De Beers is prospecting for 
diamonds close to its Snap lake 
mine, which opened in 2008 in  
the forbidding terrain of canada’s 
northwest territories

De Beers has made an impairment to goodwill 
of $176 million ($79 million attributable) as well 
as having an $82 million charge ($37 million 
attributable) in relation to restructuring and 
retrenchment as a result of current trading 
conditions.

Projects
For the first time in its history, De Beers opened 
three new mines in one year. In Canada, Victor 
mine in northern Ontario was completed and 
commissioned eight months ahead of schedule, 
while Snap Lake mine in the Northwest Territories 
commenced commercial production in early 
2008 with both mines achieving full production 
in the second half of the year. De Beers’ 
Voorspoed mine in South Africa was officially 
opened in November and is expected to 
produce 8.3 million carats at an average value 
of $120 per carat over the next 12 to 16 years.

Outlook
The global economic crisis is having a 
significant impact on sales of retail diamond 
jewellery, liquidity and demand for rough 
diamonds in the cutting centres. This, in turn, 
has resulted in a reduction in sales of rough 
diamonds by the DTC. Trading conditions are 
expected to remain challenging throughout 
2009. De Beers has taken steps to significantly 
reduce production levels, costs and capital 
expenditure across all operations. These actions, 
together with the business restructuring 
initiatives already completed, including the 
disposal of the marginal Cullinan and 
Williamson mines, have positioned De Beers 
to weather this tough economic environment.
Recent market research from the US 
and China confirms that consumers’ desire 
for diamonds remains strong. As economic 
conditions improve, emerging demand, coupled 
with the decline in long term diamond supply, 
is expected to form a positive foundation for 
future increases in diamond prices.

$ million  
(unless otherwise stated) 

Share of associate’s 
operating profit 
EBITDA 
Group’s aggregate 
investment in  
De Beers 
Share of Group 
operating profit 

2008 

2007

508 
665 

484
587

1,623 

1,802

5% 

5%

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
40

Operating and financial review

Base Metals

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

Operating profit 

2008

$2,505 m

2007: $4,338 m

EBITDA

2008

$2,845 m

2007: $4,683 m

• Record copper production at Los Bronces 
and Mantoverde
• Los Bronces expansion and Barro Alto 
projects significantly progressed
• Agreement reached with local community 
at Michiquillay in Peru

$ million  
(unless otherwise stated) 

Operating profit 

Copper 
Nickel, niobium,  
mineral sands and  
phosphates 
Zinc 
Other 

EBITDA 
Net operating assets 
Capital expenditure 
Share of Group  
operating profit 
Share of Group net  
operating assets 

2008 

2007

2,505 

2,017 

4,338

2,983

507 
136 
(155) 

2,845 
5,474 
1,494 

786
654
(85)

4,683
4,989
610

25% 

45%

17% 

19%

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

South America
Six copper operations in 
chile, loma de níquel 
nickel mine in venezuela, 
and nickel, niobium and 
phosphate fertiliser 
operations in Brazil

Europe and southern Africa
Zinc operations in southern africa 
(Black Mountain and Skorpion) 
and ireland (lisheen)

Business overview
Anglo Base Metals has interests in 13 
operations in six countries, producing copper, 
nickel, zinc, niobium and phosphate fertilisers, 
together with associated by-products including 
lead, molybdenum and silver.

In Chile, its six copper operations comprise 

the wholly owned Los Bronces, El Soldado, 
Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde mines, the 
Chagres smelter and a 44% interest in the 
Collahuasi mine. The mines also produce 
associated by-products such as molybdenum 
and silver.

Other South American operations are 
the Loma de Níquel nickel mine in Venezuela, 
as well as Codemin (nickel) and the Catalão 
niobium mine in Brazil. Anglo Base Metals also 
has a controlling interest in Copebrás, a leading 
Brazilian producer of phosphate fertilisers and 
phosphoric acid. Phosphate fertilisers are used 
to supplement natural soil nutrients in order to 
achieve high agricultural yields.

In southern Africa, the Skorpion mine 
produces zinc and the Black Mountain mine 
produces zinc and associated by-products such 
as lead, copper and silver. Anglo Base Metals’ 
sole European operation is the Lisheen zinc and 
lead mine in Ireland.

The transaction whereby black economic 

empowerment company Exxaro Resources 
acquired Anglo Base Metals’ Namakwa Sands 
mineral sands operation in South Africa, 

together with 26% of each of Black Mountain 
and the Gamsberg zinc project, was completed 
in the second half of 2008. Black Mountain 
and Gamsberg will continue to be managed 
and operated by Anglo Base Metals.

industry overview
The majority of copper produced is used by the 
wire and cable markets and takes advantage  
of the metal’s electrical conductivity, corrosion 
resistance and thermal conductivity. Applications 
that make use of copper’s electrical conductivity, 
such as wires (including wiring used in 
buildings), cables and electrical connectors, 
account for around 60% of total demand, while 
about 20% of demand comes principally from 
the construction industry which uses copper  
to produce plumbing pipe and roof sheeting,  
owing to the metal’s corrosion resistance 
qualities. Copper’s thermal conductivity also 
makes it suitable for use in heat transfer 
applications such as air conditioning and 
refrigeration, which make up some 10% of total 
demand. Other applications include structural 
and aesthetic uses.

Around 60% of all refined nickel is used 

in stainless steel. Other uses include high 
corrosion resistant alloys for use in chemical 
plants, superalloys that can withstand extreme 
temperatures and are predominantly used in 
aviation, high technology electronic uses and 
as a substrate for chromium plating.

Zinc is used predominantly in galvanising 
and alloys. Steel coated with zinc (galvanised 
steel) exhibits high levels of corrosion 
resistance. This application is responsible for 
around 50% of total demand. Zinc based alloys 
in die casting, ranging from automotive 
components to toys and models, account for 
around 10-12% of demand, with copper based 
zinc alloys (brass) accounting for 15-17%. Zinc 
semis are used as roofing products and in dry 
cell batteries (8-10%). Chemical and other 
applications make up the remainder of refined 
demand (approximately 13-15%), where zinc  
is used in a diverse range of products and 
applications, including tyres, paints, 
pharmaceuticals and chemical processing.

With the exception of nickel, base metals 

industry ownership is presently relatively 
fragmented. Currently, the approximate global 
market shares of the four largest copper, nickel 
and zinc mine producers are: 35%, 46% and 
25%, respectively. Producers are price-takers 
and there are relatively few opportunities for 
product differentiation.

The industry is capital intensive and is 
likely to become more so as high grade surface 
deposits are exhausted and deeper and/or 
lower grade deposits are developed, requiring 
greater economies of scale in order to be 
commercially viable. Real prices of copper, 
nickel and zinc are cyclical but have tended to 
decline over the long term. The decline in real 
prices reflects the long term trend in cost 
reduction as a result of advances in technology 

41

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and lower input costs. Average margins have, 
therefore, tended to be maintained.

For much of this decade, the ongoing 

industrialisation and urbanisation of China have 
driven demand for a range of commodities. This 
contributed substantially to a base metal price 
up-cycle that was unprecedented both in its 
extent and its longevity, with the country now 
accounting for an estimated 28%, 22% and 
33% of global first-use demand for refined 
copper, nickel and zinc, respectively. The global 
credit crisis and significant slowing of economic 
growth in the second half of the year, however, 
have caused a very sudden and extensive fall 
in base metals demand and prices. This has 
already resulted in mine and smelter closures 
(particularly zinc and nickel) and the delaying of 
new projects and additions to existing capacity.

Strategy and growth
Anglo Base Metals’ strategy is to find or acquire, 
develop and operate long life, low cost mines 
in a socially and environmentally responsible 
manner, with a strong focus on efficient 
resource allocation, continuous improvement 
and capital and operating excellence.

The business is constantly developing and 
evaluating growth options from a combination 
of sources, including greenfield and brownfield 
projects, acquisitions, exploration, technology 
development and asset optimisation programmes.
Significant future growth will come from 
approved expansions at Los Bronces in Chile 
and Barro Alto in Brazil (although the rate of 
development of these projects has been slowed 
in light of prevailing economic conditions), 
and studies are under way into further growth 
potential at Collahuasi in Chile and Quellaveco 
in Peru. In addition, work continues on evaluating 
the potential and development options for 
two major new resources acquired in 2007: 
Michiquillay in Peru and Pebble in Alaska.

Financial overview
Operating profit at Base Metals of $2,505 million 
was some 42% lower than the previous year. 
This followed sharply lower copper, nickel, 
zinc and lead prices, including a significant 
$591 million adverse mark to market and final 
liquidation adjustment due to lower realised 
copper prices on revenue initially recognised 
on provisionally priced sales, as well as lower 
copper prices at the end of 2008. Of the 
negative mark to market and final liquidation 
adjustment, there was a positive impact 
of $265 million in the first half, offset by a 
negative impact of $856 million in the second 
half. Lower overall sales volumes and continued 
rises in input costs also contributed to the 
reduction in operating profit. The sale of 
Namakwa Sands was completed on 1 October 
2008, with that operation therefore 
contributing for only nine months of the year.

Markets

Average market prices (c/lb) 

Copper 

Nickel 

Zinc 

Lead 

2008 

315 

953 

85 

95 

2007

323

1,686

147

118

During the first nine months of 2008, the copper 
market continued to be tight, with prices rising 
to an all time record level of 407 c/lb in July. 
However, concerns about future global economic 
growth in the latter half of the year led to a 
sharp drop in prices, with copper ending the 
year at 132 c/lb. Weakness in the nickel market 
continued into 2008, with rising inventories 
(London Metal Exchange (LME) stocks closing 
the year at a 13-year high) and declining 
economic sentiment, leading to a material drop 
in prices. Zinc prices continued to weaken 
materially for similar reasons.

Operating performance

Copper division 

Operating profit  
($ million) 

Attributable  
production (tonnes) 

2008 

2007

2,017 

2,983

641,300  655,000

Los Bronces, Collahuasi and Mantoverde all 
increased production in 2008, partially offsetting 
lower production at both El Soldado and, less 
so, at Mantos Blancos. Record production was 
achieved at Los Bronces and Mantoverde.
Los Bronces increased output by 2% 

principally due to higher ore grades. The Group’s 
share of Collahuasi’s production was 3% higher 
than for 2007 as a result of significantly 
improved grades, somewhat offset by pipeline 
and pumping constraints, and a SAG mill motor 
stator failure in September. Production at 
El Soldado was 32% lower as a consequence 
of lower ore grades, largely owing to challenging 
rock stability conditions impacting sequencing 
in the underground and open pit mines. 
Output from Mantoverde was 2% higher 
following recoveries from the heap leach 
operations achieving a record level. At Mantos 
Blancos, production fell by 3%; while improved 
throughput and grades lifted concentrate 
production, this was offset by lower cathode 
production resulting from lower volumes of 
ore and enriched solution purchased from 
third parties. Chagres’ output fell by 11%, 
mainly due to the lower average grade of 
concentrate treated.

Leading copper mining countries
by mine production in 2007
Tonnes (thousand)

Leading nickel mining countries
by mine production in 2007
Tonnes (thousand)

Leading zinc mining countries
by mine production in 2007
Tonnes (thousand)

Chile

Peru

US

Australia

China

Indonesia

Russia

Canada

Zambia

1,190

1,190

871

831

789

770

589

550

Poland

452

5,557

Russia

Canada

Indonesia

Australia

294

255

229

185

New Caledonia

125

Philippines

Cuba

China

78

75

70

Colombia

South Africa

49

38

3,013

1,518

1,444

China

Australia

Peru

US

Canada

India

Mexico

Ireland

Kazakhstan

803

623

539

452

401

386

Bolivia

212

2007 world total: 15,520 kt

2007 world total: 1,559 kt

2007 world total: 11,108 kt

Source: World Bureau of Metal Statistics

Source: World Bureau of Metal Statistics

Source: World Bureau of Metal Statistics

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
42

Operating and financial review

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

Nickel, niobium, mineral  
sands and phosphates 

Operating profit  
($ million) 

Attributable nickel  
production (tonnes) 

2008 

2007

507 

786

20,000  25,600

At Codemin, output fell 8% owing to a scheduled 
stoppage to reline one of the furnaces. Sales 
fell 15%, reflecting the lower production and 
also a slowdown in stainless steel producer 
offtake. At Catalão, niobium production reduced 
by 2% as a result of lower recoveries on ore 
from the Boa Vista mine. Performance at 
Copebrás during 2008 can be divided into 
two distinct phases: from January to August, 
demand for all products was extremely strong 
and the company sold its entire production at 
rising prices; from September onwards, sales 
volumes and prices reduced sharply as farmers 
were forced to reduce or even curb fertiliser 
usage completely owing to the reduced 
availability of credit arising from the global 
economic downturn.

Loma de Níquel’s production declined by 
31% following strike action and a consequential 
series of operational difficulties on restarting 
the plant, as well as two nationwide power 
outages. Sales fell 33%, partly reflecting lower 
production, but also because of congestion and 
delays at the port compounded by the bankruptcy 

of the main shipper and a number of cancellations 
from customers towards the year end.

In January 2008, Minera Loma de Níquel 
(MLdN) was notified of the intention of the 
Venezuelan Ministry of Basic Industries and 
Mining (MIBAM) to cancel 13 of its exploration 
and exploitation concessions due to MLdN’s 
alleged failure to fulfil certain conditions of the 
concessions. These concessions do not include 
the concessions where the current mining 
operations and metallurgical facilities are 
located. MLdN believes that it has complied 
with the conditions of these concessions and 
has lodged administrative appeals against the 
notices of termination and is waiting for a 
response from MIBAM. MLdN may in the future 
undertake further appeals, including with 
Venezuela’s Supreme Court, if MIBAM’s ruling 
does not adequately protect its interests.

Anglo American and MLdN continue to strive 

to resolve the matter by way of constructive 
dialogue; however, Anglo American and MLdN 
believe that there is a valid legal basis to 
reverse the notices of termination and will 
pursue all appropriate legal and other remedies 
and actions to protect their respective interests 
both under Venezuelan and international law. 
As such, Anglo American anticipates 
restoration of these 13 concessions and 
renewal of those that expire in 2012. As a 
result, the Group continues to consolidate 

at los Bronces copper mine in chile,  
a load haul truck, laden with ore, prepares 
to take its load out on to the long climb  
out of the open pit 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

MLdN and no impairment has been recorded for 
the year ended 31 December 2008.
In a separate development, the 

environmental permit for slag deposition 
expired on 23 November 2008. Pending 
reissuance of the permit, MLdN implemented a 
short term contingency plan to allow operations 
to continue by storing the slag in various 
locations in the plant area. On 23 December, 
MLdN suspended operations but a satisfactory 
temporary alternative operating and deposition 
approach was developed which enabled 
operations to restart on 28 January 2009.

At 31 December 2008, Anglo American’s 
interest in the book value of MLdN, including 
its mineral rights, was $443 million (as included 
in the Group’s balance sheet). In the 12 months 
to December 2008, MLdN’s production and 
contribution to Group operating profits were 
respectively 10,900 tonnes of nickel in ferronickel 
and $30 million. The average price of nickel in 
2008 was 953 c/lb. As of 19 February 2009, 
the price of nickel was 447 c/lb.

Anglo American is proud of its record in 
Venezuela, where it has invested substantial 
amounts in exploration and subsequently the 
construction of the country’s only primary 
nickel producer. It is a major contributor to and 
employer in the Venezuelan economy as well as 
a significant taxpayer. The operation continues, 
as it has always done, to work constructively 
with all stakeholders, employees, local 
communities and government and to the 
highest sustainable development, social 
and environmental standards.

Zinc division 

Operating profit  
($ million) 

Attributable zinc  
production (tonnes) 

Attributable lead  
production (tonnes) 

2008 

2007

136 

654

340,500  343,100

62,900  62,100

43

Anglo Base Metals operating profit by commodity*
$ (million) 

Copper
Nickel, niobium, mineral sands and phosphates
Zinc

9
1
0
,
3

3
8
9
,
2

2

1
8
3
,
1

6
4
0
,
1

4
2
2

1

9
4
2

2
0
1

6
8
7

4
5
6

6
1
5

6
2
4

7
1
0
,
2

7
0
5

6
3
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2,800

2,400

2,000

1,600

1,200

800

400

0

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

*Excludes operating profit from Hudson Bay and corporate/other costs. Copebrás is included from 2006

2008 LME daily closing copper/nickel/zinc price 
Cents/lb 

Nickel 

2,000

1,750

1,500

1,250

1,000

750

500

250

0

Copper
Zinc

400

300

200

100

0

Jan

Feb Mar Apr May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct Nov

Dec

At Skorpion, production was 3% lower owing 
to electricity supply constraints in southern 
Africa in the first quarter, mechanical failure of 
a cathode crane in the electrowinning cellhouse 
and industrial action. Despite tight cost control, 
mine operating unit costs rose following lower 
production volumes and rising input costs. 
At Lisheen, zinc production increased by 2% 
primarily as a result of higher feed grades and 
improved metallurgical recoveries, but lead 
output was down 21% due to lower grades 
and recoveries. Improvements in stope 
availability and underground infrastructure 
at Black Mountain resulted in a 13% increase 
in tonnage mined, despite a week-long 
unplanned stoppage of the mine and plant 
in January following a power shortage in 
South Africa. Lower zinc grades and recoveries 
resulted in zinc production decreasing by 1% 
to 27,900 tonnes, although lead production 
increased by 12% to 47,000 tonnes. The sale 

of 26% of Black Mountain and Gamsberg to 
Exxaro Resources was completed on 3 November 
2008, following the successful conversion of 
old order to new order mining rights.

Impairments of $78 million and $62 million 

were provided at Lisheen and Black Mountain 
respectively.

Projects
Base Metals has a strong project pipeline which 
provides significant scope for organic growth in 
the medium and long term. Anglo American’s 
review of its capital expenditure programme 
in late 2008 resulted in the decision to slow the 
rate of development of the two major projects 
under construction, Barro Alto and the Los 
Bronces expansion project.

The Barro Alto nickel project in Brazil has 
been delayed by a year and first production is 
now planned for early 2011. Owing to pressure 
on project costs and exchange rate fluctuations, 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
44

Operating and financial review

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

Anglo Base Metals production* 
Tonnes (thousand)

Copper
Zinc
Nickel

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

03

04

05

06

07

08

* Excludes copper and zinc production from
  Hudson Bay

total capital expenditure for the project is 
now estimated at between $1.6 billion and 
$1.8 billion, of which $1.2 billion has been 
spent and committed.

Construction progress on the $2.2 billion 
to $2.5 billion Los Bronces expansion project 
in Chile was in line with plan. Targeted 
commissioning has, however, now been 
pushed out by eight months to late 2011. 
Cost pressures remain and will be managed 
closely under the revised project schedule 
and in the context of the changing global 
economic environment.

At Collahuasi, further progress was made 

on the 140,000 tonne per day concentrator 
throughput debottlenecking project, which 
has now been commissioned.

The revised feasibility study for the 

Quellaveco project in Peru reached an advanced 
stage of completion during the year. Resource 
development, community projects, a technical 
review and project optimisation work are 
continuing. Also in Peru, the Michiquillay project, 
acquired through a privatisation auction in 
2007, received the social licences from both the 
Michiquillay and La Encañada communities, and 
will now proceed into the exploration phase.
Chagres, Mantoverde, Collahuasi and 
Gamsberg all have early-stage studies under 
way, examining options for projects that will 
either increase production and/or extend 
mine lives.

Outlook
In January 2009, Codelco, the Chilean mining 
company, did not exercise its option to purchase 
up to a 49% minority interest in Anglo American 
Sur, the wholly owned Group company that 
owns the Los Bronces and El Soldado copper 
mines and the Chagres smelter. The window 
for exercising the option is limited to once 
every three years in the month of January 
until January 2027. The next such window 
is in January 2012.

Production of nickel, subject to operating 

difficulties in Venezuela, and copper are 
forecast to increase in 2009, with zinc and 
phosphate production remaining at similar 
levels to 2008. Operating margins are expected 
to start to benefit from declining costs of 
certain key inputs, such as fuel, energy, sulphur, 
sulphuric acid, ammonia and explosives.
For all base metals, a period of price 
weakness is anticipated due to the weak 
outlook for global growth. Across the industry, 
persistent supply side constraints in the case 
of copper and, for nickel and zinc, the closure 
of operations or deferral of projects, should 
support a price recovery once signs of a 
sustained improvement in demand start 
to emerge.

copper cathodes in the solvent 
extraction/electrowinning plant 
at Mantos Blancos, chile

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

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Ferrous Metals

Operating profit 

2008

$2,935 m

2007: $1,432 m

EBITDA

2008

$3,064 m

2007: $1,561 m

•  Highest ever iron ore production  
in 2008 of 37.4 Mtpa
•  Anglo Ferrous Brazil and Kumba 
expansions to lift Group iron ore 
production to 150 Mtpa by 2017

North and 
South America
amapá iron ore system and Minas-rio 
iron ore project in Brazil and Scaw 
Metals manufacturing in chile, Peru, 
Mexico and canada

South Africa
Kumba iron Ore mines at 
Sishen and thabazimbi.  
Scaw Metals has various 
manufacturing operations.  
Samancor Manganese has 
ore mines and alloy plants

Australia
Scaw Metals has 
operations in australia 
and Samancor 
Manganese operates  
an ore mine and an  
alloy plant in tasmania

Business overview
Anglo Ferrous Metals’ primary business is 
iron ore. It holds a 63% shareholding in 
Kumba Iron Ore in South Africa, and in Brazil 
an effective 99.4% interest in the Minas-Rio 
iron ore project, a 49% interest in LLX 
Minas-Rio, which owns the port of Açu 
(currently under construction) from which iron 
ore from the Minas-Rio project will be exported, 
and an effective 69.2% interest in the Amapá 
iron ore system. Other interests principally 
comprise Samancor Manganese (manganese 
ore and alloy mining) and Scaw Metals 
(carbon steel iron ore products).

Johannesburg stock exchange (JSE) 
listed Kumba currently operates two mines 
in South Africa – Sishen in the Northern Cape, 
which achieved output in 2008 of 34 million 
tonnes per annum (Mtpa) inclusive of 
4.7 Mtpa from the Sishen jig plant (Sishen 
expansion), and Thabazimbi, in Limpopo, 
which produced 2.7 Mtpa. In 2008, Kumba 
exported more than 75% of its total iron ore 
sales volumes, mostly to customers in Asia 
and Europe.

Planned annual capacity of the Minas-Rio 
iron ore project will be 26.5 Mtpa of iron ore 
pellet feed, with start-up expected in the 
second quarter of 2012 at an anticipated cost 
of $3.6 billion. Amapá, located in Amapá state 
in northern Brazil, produces both pellet feed 
and sinter feed, with an annual capacity of 
6.5 Mtpa. During the year it produced 1.2 Mt 
as it continues to ramp up production to its 
design capacity.

Anglo Ferrous Metals also holds a 40% 
shareholding in Samancor Manganese, the 
world’s largest integrated producer, by sales,  
of manganese ore and alloys. BHP Billiton holds 
60% and has management control. Samancor 
has operations in South Africa and Australia 
and is a vertically integrated manganese ore 
and alloys producer.

Scaw Metals is a global group that 

manufactures a diverse range of steel products. 
With principal operations in southern Africa, 
Chile, Peru, Canada and Mexico, it produces 
rolled steel products, steel and iron castings, 
cast alloy iron, forged steel grinding media 
as well as steel chain, wire rope and strand 

products. Scaw’s products serve the 
construction, railway, power generation, 
mining, cement, marine and offshore oil 
industries worldwide. In June, Scaw Metals 
acquired Ozz Industries (Proprietary) Limited  
in South Africa. The acquisition will expand 
Scaw’s product range and increase 
manufacturing capacity of certain of Scaw’s 
existing product lines.

Anglo Ferrous Metals has a 37.1% 
voting interest in JSE-listed Tongaat-Hulett, 
an agri-processing business which includes 
integrated components of land management, 
agriculture and property development. 
Through its sugar and starch operations in 
southern Africa, Tongaat-Hulett produces a 
range of refined carbohydrate products from 
sugar cane and maize. The company balances 
the operational requirement for cane supplies 
to its sugar operations with the transition to 
property development.

Hulamin, in which Anglo Ferrous Metals 
has a 38.4% voting interest, is Africa’s largest 
producer of aluminium rolled, extruded and 
other semi-fabricated and finished products, 
with its main operations situated in 
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. As an 
independent niche producer of technically 
demanding and higher value products, Hulamin 
supplies customers spread among all the major 
aluminium consuming regions of the world.

industry overview
Steel is the most widely used of all metals. 
In 2008, world crude steel production decreased 
by 1.2% to reach a total of 1.33 billion tonnes. 
Until mid-September, when global economic 
conditions suddenly worsened, steel consumption 
for the year had been set to grow materially. 
However, for the first time since 2001, month 
on month output declined in September and 
carried on declining through the remainder of 
the year and into 2009.

In response to declining demand, major  
steel producers across the industry, led by 
ArcelorMittal, announced and implemented 
deep production cuts (>30% of capacity).  
For the first time in a decade, the decline in 
production has been synchronised across  
the world, including Europe, Japan, North 
America and China.

The seaborne iron ore market, which 
is driven by the global steel industry, grew 
from 454 Mtpa in 2000 to 768 Mtpa by the 
end of 2008. This increase arose mainly from 
Chinese demand growth. In the final quarter 
of the year, however, demand declined by 
13% year on year.

The global market for iron ore has seen 
a change from supply shortage to demand 
destruction in the period of a few months. This 
is expected to result in softer contract iron ore 
prices in 2009. In the medium term, however, 
supply shortages could return, as juniors are 
currently finding it hard to raise finance for 
new capacity and majors scale back capital 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
46

Operating and financial review

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

World crude steel production 
Tonnes (million)

5
4
3
,
1

0
3
3
,
1

1
5
2
,
1

7
4
1
,
1

9
6
0
,
0 1
7
9

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

03 04 05 06 07 08

Source: World Steel Association

Operating profit 
$ (million)

5
3
9
,
2

6
5
4
,
1

2
3
4
,
1

0
6
3
,
1

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

05 06 07 08

Anglo Ferrous Metals 
iron ore production* 
Tonnes (million)

Thabazimbi
Sishen

36

30

24

18

12

6

0

03

04

05

06

07

08

* Excludes production from the Amapá iron
  ore system which was acquired in 2008

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

expenditure on long dated expansion projects. 
Logistical constraints associated with rail and 
port capacity and shortages in dry bulk vessel 
capacity at times, could compound the impact on 
the supply side of the seaborne iron ore market.
In the longer term, Anglo American expects 

that steel demand will revert back to trend 
growth rates of around 4% globally; requiring 
seaborne iron ore supply to grow by 5-6%.
As 96% of manganese ore is smelted 
to produce manganese ferro-alloys (such as 
ferromanganese and silicomanganese), the 
performance of the manganese alloy industry is 
the key determinant of ore demand. Manganese 
alloy is used in steel alloying applications. As 
with iron ore, 2008 was a mixed year, with 
strong growth in the months up to August 
and rapid demand decline for the remainder 
of the year. Samancor’s response was to 
curtail production in line with market demand.
Should steel production decline further 
in 2009, manganese ore and alloy prices are 
likely to remain under pressure. Lending support 
to prices is the expectation of reducing exports 
from China, as the government there continues 
its efforts to curtail alloy production through 
such measures as increased export tariffs.

Strategy and growth
The core strategy of the business is to grow 
Anglo American’s position in iron ore and make 
it the cornerstone of the Anglo Ferrous Metals 
portfolio.

During the year, Anglo American increased 
its effective interest in the Minas-Rio iron ore 
project from 49% to 99.4% and also acquired 
an effective interest of 69.2% in the Amapá 
iron ore system. These additional shareholdings 
were achieved through the acquisition of a 
98.9% shareholding in Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA, 
a company which holds a 51% interest in the 
Minas-Rio iron ore project and a 70% in the 
Amapá iron ore system. Anglo American also 
owns a 49% interest in LLX Minas-Rio, the 
owner of the port of Açu, which it acquired 
during 2007.

Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA, in which Anglo 
American acquired a 98.9% shareholding in 
2008, holds a 51% interest in the Minas-Rio 
iron ore project and a 70% in the Amapá iron 
ore system.

Sishen’s jig plant made a 4.7 Mt contribution 

to production during the period, having been 
commissioned at the end of 2007. Ramp up 
continues and full design capacity of 13 Mtpa 
is expected to be achieved in the fourth quarter 
of 2009.

The Sishen South project, which involves the 
development of an opencast mine 80 kilometres 
south of Sishen mine, was approved in July and 
is expected to produce 9 Mtpa of iron ore. First 
production is forecast for 2012.

Financial overview
Operating profit at Anglo Ferrous Metals 
reached a record $2,935 million, with operating 
profit from its core businesses increasing by 
135% to $2,843 million, mainly due to higher 
iron ore sales volumes and higher iron ore, 
manganese ore and alloy prices.

Markets
World crude steel production decreased by  
1.2% in 2008 to 1.33 billion tonnes. China’s 
steel production grew by 2.6%, with its share 
of global production rising to 37.8%. However, 
as a result of the decline in steel demand in the 
final quarter of 2008, demand for iron ore has 
decreased significantly, resulting in reduced 
production and delays to project capital spend 
from major iron ore producers.

Similarly, the manganese ore and alloy 

market was characterised by increasing 
stocks and falling prices towards the end of 
the year, as steel mills delayed or cancelled 
their purchases. As a result, major suppliers 
announced plans to reduce production in 
the fourth quarter of 2008. A return to 
production at full capacity will depend 
on improved global economic conditions.

Operating performance
Kumba Iron Ore achieved a strong financial 
and operational performance for the year, 
with operating profit increasing by 94% to 
$1,618 million, principally as a result of higher 
export prices, higher export sales volumes and 
increased revenue from shipping operations. 
These improvements were offset marginally  
by a 20% increase in net operating expenses, 
mainly due to the shipping operations, rising 
costs of fuels and lubricants and broad 
inflationary pressures. Production increased 
by 13% to 36.7 Mt, principally as a result of 
the Sishen jig plant (Sishen expansion), which 
achieved production of 4.7 Mt for the year.

Scaw Metals delivered a record operating 
profit of $274 million, with strong demand for 
most of its products. Margins remained under 
pressure owing to significant price increases 
in key raw materials and import competition 
but were able to successfully pass this on to 
its customers.

Anglo Ferrous Brazil comprises the Group’s 
effective 99.4% interest in the Minas-Rio iron 
ore project, effective 69.2% interest in the 
Amapá iron ore system and the 49% interest 
in LLX Minas-Rio.

The Amapá system in Brazil is at a 
pre-operational phase while ramping up to 
design capacity of 6.5 Mtpa. In 2008, the 
ramp-up of operations was significantly 
slower than previously envisaged, with annual 
production totalling 1.2 Mt. Anglo American, 
together with its partner at Amapá, Cliffs 
Natural Resources Inc., is studying all aspects 
of the mine and taking proactive steps to 
ensure that production is ramped up to 
design capacity.

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Samancor Manganese delivered record results 
with operating profit of $980 million, more than 
four times its $225 million contribution in 2007, 
following a sharp increase in manganese ore 
and alloy prices for most of 2008.

The Tongaat-Hulett and Hulamin contribution 
to operating profit declined by 19% to $92 million. 
Following the unbundling of Hulamin from 
Tongaat-Hulett and related empowerment 
transactions in June 2007, these businesses, 
which were consolidated for the first six months 
of 2007, were equity accounted in the second 
half of 2007 and for the full 12 months of 2008.

Projects
Minas-Rio’s capital expenditure programme 
fell behind schedule during 2008, mainly due 
to the delay in obtaining several environmental 
licences and permits that prevented the 
initiation of works, particularly at the mine 
and beneficiation plant. The project also 
experienced delays in negotiations with groups 
of landowners, thereby slowing the progress 
on the pipeline, transmission line and the 
access roads to the port. However, a number 
of other key environmental licences were 
granted during the year, including the 
Installation Licences for the port and pipeline 
and the Preliminary Licences for the 
beneficiation plant and the mine.

The pace of construction at Minas-Rio is 
driven by the timing of the Environmental Licence 
and other permits, and therefore, there is 
expected to be a 12 to 15 month commissioning 
delay to the first phase of the Minas-Rio iron 
ore project, with first production now expected 
in the second quarter of 2012. Planned annual 
capacity will be 26.5 Mtpa of iron ore pellet feed 
at an anticipated cost of $3.6 billion, which is 
currently being updated following the 
announced delay.

Anglo American will continue to develop 
the Minas-Rio iron ore project during 2009, 
with planned capital expenditure for the 
year focusing on the port and pipeline units. 
The timing of the capital expenditure will 
be further adjusted in accordance with the 
granting of the Environmental Licence and 
other permits. The pre-feasibility study for 
the second phase of the Minas-Rio iron ore 
project was initiated during 2008, a phase 
which will further increase Anglo American’s 
long term iron ore production capacity.

Sishen’s jig plant commenced commercial 

production during the year, having been 
commissioned at the end of 2007. Ramp-up 
continues and full design capacity of 13 Mtpa 
is expected to be achieved in the fourth quarter 
of 2009.

The Sishen South project, which involves 
the development of an opencast mine some 
80 kilometres south of Sishen mine, was 
approved in July 2008. Earthworks have 
commenced and bulk construction is scheduled 
to begin with the establishment of the major 
civil contracts during the first quarter of 2009. 

the new jig plant at Kumba iron Ore’s Sishen 
mine in South africa’s northern cape. the 
plant attained output of 4.7 million tonnes  
of iron ore in 2008

The mine is scheduled to start production in the 
first half of 2012, ramping up to full capacity 
of 9 Mtpa in 2013.

The $183 million GEMCO expansion project 

in Australia’s Northern Territory is expected 
to be completed in the first half of 2009. 
The project is on target to increase GEMCO’s 
manganese ore production capacity from 
3.0 million dry metric tonnes per annum 
(mdmt pa) to 4.0 mdmt pa.

Outlook
The first half of 2009 is expected to be a 
challenging period for sales volumes of iron 
ore and manganese ore and alloys.

Kumba Iron Ore plans to increase iron 
ore production by approximately 10% during 
2009 as the ramp-up of the jig plant continues. 
Kumba will continue to target customers in 
China in order to redirect any lower contract 
sales volumes in Europe or Japan. In the short 
term, minor production cutbacks may be 
appropriate to produce a higher quality product. 
More substantial production cutbacks are 
dependent on the scale of demand reductions 
from Europe and Japan and the extent to which 
these can be offset by demand from China.

Iron ore price negotiations are a key area of 
uncertainty in the volatile economic conditions, 
though Kumba’s high quality product range 
and the strength of its longstanding customer 
relationships are expected to enable the company 
to continue its successful performance. Iron ore 
market fundamentals remain robust in the 
medium to long term.

The market for manganese ore and alloys 

is dependent on the carbon steel industry 
and is, therefore, directly impacted by the 
current weak steel markets. Should global 
steel production decline further during 2009, 
manganese ore and alloy prices are expected 
to remain under pressure.

Demand for Scaw Metals’ products is 
expected to remain strong, driven by demand 
from the mining and infrastructure sectors. 
However, profitability is likely to remain under 
pressure from increasing input costs.

$ million  
(unless otherwise stated) 

Operating profit 

Kumba Iron Ore 
Scaw Metals 
Samancor Manganese 
Anglo Ferrous Brazil 
Other 

2008 

2007

2,935 

1,432

1,618 
274 
980 
(8) 
(21) 

834
172
225
(9)
(12)

Core businesses 

2,843 

1,210

Tongaat-Hulett/Hulamin 
Highveld Steel 

Other businesses 

EBITDA 
Net operating assets 
Capital expenditure  
(including biological assets) 
Share of Group  
operating profit 
Share of Group  
net operating assets 

92 
– 

92 

114
108

222

3,064 
11,167 

1,561
3,987

832 

471

29% 

15%

34% 

15%

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
48

Operating and financial review

Coal

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

Operating profit 

2008

$2,240 m

2007: $614 m

EBITDA

2008

$2,585 m

2007: $882 m

•  Anglo Coal is one of the world’s  
largest private sector coal producers  
and exporters
•  Anglo Coal is focused on expanding  
from its existing strong position
•  Coal is likely to remain an essential  
part of the energy mix well into  
the future

North and South America
South american presence through 33% 
holding in cerrejón coal in colombia and 
a 25% interest in carbones del Guasare 
in venezuela. Peace river coal in canada

South Africa
Four mines in the 
witbank coalfield 
supply thermal  
coal to export and  
local markets. Five 
additional mines 
supply domestic  
coal, of which four 
supply eskom and 
one supplies Sasol

Australia
Six mines, five supplying 
export metallurgical  
and thermal markets,  
one supplying a local  
power provider

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Business overview
Anglo Coal is the world’s sixth largest private 
sector coal producer and exporter, with 
operations in South Africa, Australia, South 
America and Canada.

In South Africa, Anglo Coal owns and 
operates eight operations and has a 50% 
interest in the Mafube colliery. Four operations  
are in the Witbank coalfield and supply some  
22 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of  
thermal coals to the export and local markets. 
In addition the New Vaal, New Denmark and 
Kriel mines are dedicated to supplying some  
35 Mtpa of thermal coal to Eskom. Anglo Coal’s 
Isibonelo operation produces some 5 Mtpa  
for Sasol Synthetic Fuels under a 20 year 
supply contract.

The bulk of exports consist of thermal coal, 
though a small volume of metallurgical coal is 
also exported. Anglo Coal routes nearly all of 
its export coal through the Richards Bay Coal 
Terminal, in which it holds a 27% interest.

Anglo Coal is the fourth largest producer of 
coal in Australia, with one wholly owned mine 
and a controlling interest in another five, as 
well as significant undeveloped coal reserves. 
Its mines are located in Queensland and New 
South Wales and produce some 28 Mtpa 
attributable of metallurgical (13 Mtpa) and 
thermal (15 Mtpa) coal, largely for the export 
market. It also owns an effective 23% interest 
in the Jellinbah mine in Queensland which 
produces 1 Mtpa of metallurgical coal.

In South America, the company has a 
33% shareholding in Cerrejón Coal, a 32 Mtpa 
(10.4 Mtpa attributable) opencast operation in 
Colombia which serves the export thermal coal 
market, as well as a 25% interest in Carbones 
del Guasare (CdG), which owns and operates 
the Paso Diablo mine in northern Venezuela, 
which produced about 5 Mtpa of thermal and 
metallurgical (PCI) coal for the year.

Anglo Coal has a 74% interest in Peace 
River Coal in Canada, which produced 0.8 Mtpa 
of primarily metallurgical coal in 2008 from the 
Trend Mine in British Columbia. New metallurgical 
coal development projects are currently under 
investigation at the adjacent Roman and Horizon 
properties and further resource evaluation is 
under way at several other properties held by 
Peace River Coal.

Anglo Coal also has a 60% interest in the 

Xiwan coal mine lease area in China, where 
the feasibility of developing the mine is under 
evaluation in conjunction with Anglo Coal’s 
joint venture partner, the Shaanxi Coal 
Geological Bureau.

In February 2007, Anglo Coal announced 

the creation of Anglo Inyosi Coal, a newly 
formed broad-based economic empowerment 
(BEE) company valued at approximately 
$1 billion. Anglo American own 73% of Anglo 
Inyosi Coal, with the remaining 27% held by 
Inyosi. The new company incorporates several 
key Anglo Coal assets, namely the existing 
Kriel colliery and the greenfield projects of 

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World coal consumption* 
Tonnes oil equivalent (million)

N America
S/C America
Europe/Eurasia
Middle East

Africa
China
Asia Pacific 
(excl. China)

6
7
1
,
3

0
9
0
,
3

7
5
9
,
2

5
0
8
,
2

3
3
6
,
2

6
8
2
,
2

7
7
2
,
2

4
6
3
,
2

5
8
3
,
2

7
3
4
,
2

98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07

*Commercial solid fuels only  
Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2007

conveyor belt at 
Dawson mine in 
Queensland, australia. 
the Dawson expansion 
project, which was 
completed in 2008, 
was one of the largest 
coal mining ventures 
ever undertaken in 
australia, with the 
Dawson complex having 
an annual capacity of 
12.7 Mt of export coal

Elders, Zondagsfontein, New Largo and 
Heidelberg. The transaction represents a major 
milestone in meeting the BEE objectives set out 
in South African legislation. The outstanding 
conditions precedent to the transaction are 
expected to be fulfilled in the first half of 2009, 
following which the transaction will complete.

industry overview
Coal is the most abundant source of fossil fuel 
energy in the world, considerably exceeding 
known reserves of oil and gas. The bulk of coal 
produced worldwide is thermal coal used for 
power generation. Thermal coal is also supplied 
as a fuel to other industries such as the cement 
sector. Metallurgical coal is a key raw material 
for 70% of the world’s steel industry.

Approximately 5.3 billion tonnes of hard 
coal is produced globally each year, with the 
majority used in the country of production. 
A small volume is traded across land borders 
such as those between the US and Canada or 
between the former Soviet Union countries. 
The international seaborne coal market 
comprises some 0.7 billion tonnes, of which 
some 0.5 billion tonnes are thermal coal and 
0.2 billion tonnes are metallurgical coal.

Produced in a relatively limited number 
of countries, metallurgical coal is primarily 
used in the steelmaking industry and 
includes hard coking coal, semi-soft coking 
coal and pulverised coal injection (PCI) coal. 
The chemical composition of the coal is 
fundamental to the steel producers’ raw 
material mix and product quality. The market 
for this coal has a larger proportion of longer 
term, annually priced contracts, though 
increasingly, some steel companies are using 
short term contracts to meet the balance of 
their requirements. Demand in this sector is 
fundamentally driven by economic, industrial 

and steel demand growth. Price negotiations 
between Australian suppliers and Japanese 
steel producers generally, but not always, set 
the trend that influences settlements throughout 
the market. Anglo Coal is a significant supplier 
to virtually all the major steel producing groups 
in the world.

The thermal coal market is supplied by 
a larger number of countries and producers 
than the metallurgical coal market. Thermal 
coal producers vary greatly in size and operate 
in a highly competitive market.

Demand for thermal coal is driven by 
demand for electricity and is also affected by 
the availability and price of competing fuels 
such as oil and gas, as well as nuclear power. 
Driven by varying degrees of deregulation in 
electricity markets, customers focus increasingly 
on securing the lowest cost fuel supply at a 
particular date. This has resulted in a move 
away from longer term contracts towards a 
mix of short term contracts, spot pricing, the 
development of various price indices, hedging 
and derivative instruments. The extent to 
which the full range of pricing instruments is 
used, however, varies from region to region.

Anglo Coal exports thermal coal from South 

Africa, Australia, Canada and South America 
to customers throughout the Med-Atlantic 
and Indo-Pacific. The balance of Anglo Coal’s 
production is sold domestically in Australia 
and South Africa. In South Africa, a large 
portion of domestic sales is made to the state-
owned power utility, Eskom, on long term (i.e. 
life of mine) cost-plus contracts. Sales also take 
place to domestic industrial sector consumers. 
In Australia, domestic sales are predominantly 
to power utilities under long and shorter term 
contractual arrangements.

Anglo Coal production 
Tonnes (million)

Thermal
Coking

100

80

60

40

20

0

03

04

05

06

07

08

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
50

Operating and financial review

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

$ million  
(unless otherwise stated) 

Operating profit 

South Africa 
Australia 
South America 
Canada 8
Projects and corporate 

EBITDA 
Net operating assets 
Capital expenditure 
Share of Group  
operating profit 
Share of Group  
net operating assets 

2008 

2,240 

736 
1,144 9
396 
 –
(44) 

2,585 
3,962 
933 

2007

614

414

227

(36)

882
3,984
1,052

22% 

6%

12% 

15%

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Strategy and growth
Anglo Coal’s strategy is focused on serving 
the power generation and steel making sectors 
from large, low cost, and predominantly export 
oriented coal basins. Anglo Coal delivers this 
strategy through its diverse, high quality asset 
portfolio in South Africa, Australia and the 
Americas, and also aims to be a long term, 
reliable supplier to its customers. It also aims 
to be a leader in the industry in the pursuit of 
cleaner coal solutions to the world’s energy 
needs. Anglo Coal’s strategy is based on the 
three pillars of operational excellence, growth 
and securing the future.

Anglo Coal is focused on expanding 

from its existing strong position in the export 
metallurgical and export thermal coal markets, 
while maintaining its leading position in the 
South African domestic thermal market (where 
it is a key supplier to Eskom). This strategy will 
be delivered through its extensive portfolio of 
greenfield and brownfield expansion projects, 
supported by targeted acquisitions.

An example of this strategy in action 
was the acquisition in December 2007 of 
70% of the Foxleigh coal mine joint venture 
in Queensland, Australia. This adds to Anglo 
Coal’s existing coal mining operations in the 
Bowen Basin, one of the world’s premier coking 
coal supply regions. Foxleigh currently produces 
in total 2.5 Mtpa of PCI coal for the steelmaking 
industry (with production capacity for 3.3 Mtpa), 
and adjoins Anglo Coal’s Capcoal (German Creek) 
operations and the associated Lake Lindsay 
mine development. The mine and surrounding 
tenements will be the subject of ongoing 
exploration and feasibility studies. In addition, 
Anglo Coal has substantially completed a major 
programme of investment which includes 
the expansions at Cerrejón, Lake Lindsay 
and Dawson and ongoing projects at Mafube 
and Zondagsfontein.

Anglo Coal continues to pursue business 
development opportunities in several major coal 
producing regions. This includes interests in a 
range of projects that offer potential exposure 
to the broader energy markets, while building 
on the business’ core capability in coal, namely 
coal bed methane (CBM) exploration in South 
Africa and Botswana, stranded coal reserves 
at the Monash project in Australia, the Xiwan 
coal-to-chemicals project in China, and the 
FutureGen Industrial Alliance in the US. While 
these projects remain at an early stage with 
demanding economics, they do ensure that 
Anglo Coal is equipped with a diverse resource 
base to meet changing market demands over 
the long term.

The impact of climate change is an area of 
focus for the sector and Anglo Coal’s strategy 
is to participate to help address the issue as 
demand for energy continues to grow. Anglo 
Coal is a leading member of numerous industry 
bodies, such as the World Coal Institute (WCI) 
and the Coal Industry Advisory Board (CIAB), 
and is a founding member of the Global Carbon 

Capture and Storage Institute (GCCSI), launched 
in November 2008. Anglo Coal continues to 
take steps at its own operations to reduce its 
carbon footprint, including the capture of 
methane from underground mining operations 
that is converted into electricity at on-site or 
neighbouring power stations.

While Anglo Coal continues to grow and 
expand its operations in its existing geographies, 
it is also continually evaluating potential 
opportunities in new regions. In 2008, the 
company spent $35 million on exploration 
and new business development activities, 
investigating thermal and coking coal and 
CBM reserves and resources, mainly in southern 
Africa, China, Australia and Canada. It has 
conducted an advanced resource evaluation 
of the Xiwan project in China and is examining 
additional projects in South Africa, Canada 
and Australia. Anglo Coal commenced 
a CBM exploration programme in Botswana 
in late 2008.

Financial overview
Anglo Coal delivered a record operating profit 
of $2,240 million, a 265% increase over 2007, 
with coal production totalling 99.5 Mt. This 
resulted from higher metallurgical and thermal 
coal prices, combined with increased coal 
production for the year, weaker exchange rates 
and the early benefits of tighter operational 
discipline across the businesses, partially offset 
by further rises in the cost of royalties, fuel, 
rail, labour and most key consumables.

Markets
2008 began with a very tight international 
metallurgical coal market, with supply falling 
into deficit as a result of bad weather in 
Queensland which had the effect of reducing 
coal production and shipping volumes during 
the first quarter. These events resulted in 2008 
coal prices being settled at historically high 
levels. By the end of the year, however, market 
conditions had deteriorated significantly, with a 
collapse in global steel production leaving the 
metallurgical coal market oversupplied.

Demand for thermal coal remained strong in 
2008, with increased consumption, particularly 
in the north Asia region. Prices continued to 
increase during the first half of the year, reaching 
a peak in early July, driven by the cold winter in 
China, together with numerous coal production 
and logistics difficulties, including electricity 
shortages in South Africa. The increase in crude 
oil and natural gas prices during the same period 
allowed thermal coal to maintain its price 
competitiveness against these fuels despite 
the significant coal price increases. In the last 
quarter of the year, the global economic 
downturn caused a sharp drop in oil prices 
and thermal coal prices declined in line.

51

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BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

Operating performance
South Africa
Operating profit from South African sourced 
coal was 78% higher at $736 million, mainly 
due to the increase in export thermal prices and 
a weaker exchange rate. During January 2008, 
South African operations were affected by 
Eskom load shedding, which evolved into a 
national electricity crisis. Despite this, annual 
production remained constant at 59.4 Mt, 
driven mainly by operational efficiency and 
equipment improvements, higher output 
at Kleinkopje, where additional coal for Eskom 
was produced in order to alleviate the power 
crisis, as well as at Mafube, which ramped 
up production.

Australia
Operating profit from Australia was a record 
$1,144 million, largely resulting from the 
significant increase in metallurgical coal prices 
and production, partly offset by cost and royalty 
increases. Production reached record levels of 
27.8 Mt despite the delays caused by abnormal 
levels of rainfall in the first quarter. Such 
production was achieved through implementing 
higher cost volume initiatives to take advantage 
of market conditions and the successful 
negotiation of alternative port and rail corridors 
in order to alleviate expansion constraints.

South America
Operating profit from South America was 
74% higher than 2007 at $396 million, driven 
primarily by 33.3% held Cerrejón in Colombia. 
Cerrejón’s significantly increased operating 
profit was offset by higher fuel prices, the 
appreciation of the Colombian peso and an 
increase in royalties arising from higher realised 
sales prices. The mine’s total sales were 6% 
higher at 31.5 Mt as growth continued as planned 
towards the 32 Mtpa profile. In Venezuela, total 
sales at Carbones del Guasare were sharply 
lower at 4.6 Mt following a lack of availability 
of equipment, spares and ongoing political, 
logistical and labour disruptions.

Canada
Peace River Coal commenced commercial 
production of high quality coking coal in 
January 2008 at its Trend mine in British 
Columbia, delivering $8 million of operating 
profit in 2008. Total coal production for the 
year was 0.8 Mt.

Projects
In South Africa, the $473 million Zondagsfontein 
project is under construction and includes a 
50:50 joint venture plant with BHP Billiton 
Energy Coal South Africa. The project is on 
track to deliver 6.6 Mtpa of export and Eskom 
coal from 2010, with first production expected 
in the second quarter of 2009. The Mafube 
project achieved the production rate of 5.4 Mtpa 
in 2008. Work continues on the housing project 
and the conveyor system with completion 

coal stockpile at 
Mafube colliery, which 
anglo coal South africa 
holds 50:50 with a black 
economic empowerment 
consortium. During 
2008, Mafube produced 
5.4 million tonnes of 
coal for the domestic and 
export market

expected in early 2009. MacWest is nearly 
complete, with first production achieved in July 
2008 and full production of 2.7 Mtpa expected 
in March 2009.

In Australia, the $726 million Lake Lindsay 

coking coal project is progressing well; the 
coal handling and preparation plant has been 
commissioned, having achieved milestones 
on or ahead of plan, while the dragline started 
operations in January 2009. The $839 million 
Dawson expansion project was completed 
in 2008. The Foxleigh mine was acquired in 
February 2008, delivering additional volumes 
and synergies with Anglo American’s 
adjacent operations.

In Canada, Peace River Coal is making 
good progress on a $95 million capitalisation 
programme to acquire and operate its own 
mining equipment fleet.

In Colombia, the $42 million (attributable) 
expansion at Cerrejón to 32 Mtpa is complete and 
full production is expected to be achieved early 
in 2009. Feasibility studies are under review to 
expand the operation to around 40 Mtpa.

Outlook
Global economic weakness has led to a rapid 
decline in global steel production following 
falling demand from the construction and 
automotive sectors in particular. This continues 
to have a significant impact on the metallurgical 
coal market. In the thermal coal market, 
underlying demand remains relatively strong, 
although the decline in the oil price is having 
a significant impact.

The outlook for 2009 for both metallurgical 
and thermal coal remains uncertain in a testing 
macro-economic environment where global 
energy prices are expected to be highly volatile.

In response to weakening markets, 

Anglo Coal’s plans to grow metallurgical coal 
production by 10% during 2009 were curtailed 
and output is expected to be marginally below 
2008 levels. Should conditions change 
materially, Anglo Coal will respond with further 
adjustments to its metallurgical coal production.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
Tarmac’s ready-mixed concrete is 
manufactured at production units located  
close to its market and is composed of sand, 
gravel, crushed rock, water, cement, cement 
replacements and other components dependent 
upon the performance required from the 
resultant mix. Ready-mixed concrete is 
transported to site in specialist truck mixers 
designed to mix the material during transit.

Mortar and screeds consist of sand, cement 

and various admixtures dependent on their 
application and performance requirements. 
Mortar is predominantly used for masonry 
applications such as bricklaying and will often 
contain lime to improve working properties.

Asphalt, which is manufactured by coating 
graded, crushed rock with bitumen, is the main 
product used for surfacing roads. Applied hot  
or cold to road foundations, asphalt is either 
supplied to site or collected by contractors  
from strategically located plants.

Tarmac’s concrete products sector provides 

the construction industry with a variety of 
pre-fabricated products, including blocks for 
walling, pre-stressed structural flooring and 
engineered pre-cast elements.

Tarmac’s lime and cement, which employ 
similar production processes, are added value 
materials used widely within construction.  
Lime is also an important product in the 
environmental and industrial sectors.

The aggregates, asphalt, cement and 

ready-mix markets in which Tarmac participate 
are consolidated in the UK, with a small number 
of large companies accounting for a large 
percentage of the market. The main aggregates 
players also compete in the more fragmented 
concrete products market.

As a result of the rapid decline in credit 
market liquidity, the industry faces a challenging 
and uncertain environment as demand thins 
against the backdrop of global slowdown.

Europe and the Middle East
aggregate and building products 
businesses in the UK. international 
business in ten countries across 
europe and the Middle east

industry overview
Tarmac’s sand and gravel products are used 
mostly in the production of ready-mixed 
concrete, but are also used for fills and 
drainage. Extracted from pits and dredged 
from coastal waters, materials are washed 
and graded prior to use.

Crushed rock is predominantly used for  
road construction (where it is used both as  
a foundation and, when heated and mixed  
with bitumen, as a surfacing material), other 
foundations, drainage, railway ballast and 
concrete products. Crushed rock may also  
be used in ready-mixed concrete.

vegetation thrives on formerly mined land at tarmac’s tunstead quarry in Derbyshire, england. 
the quarry, which has an output of 5.5 Mt of limestone annually, is the largest producer of 
high-purity industrial limestone in europe and the UK’s biggest producer of lime

52

Operating and financial review

Industrial Minerals

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

Operating profit 

2008

$228 m

2007: $474 m

EBITDA

2008

$487 m

2007: $732 m

•  Successful divestment of Tarmac Iberia
•  Strong delivery on cost saving initiatives
•  Cash generative despite challenging market

Business overview
Anglo Industrial Minerals’ sole business 
is Tarmac, an international heavy building 
materials producer. In the UK, it is a market 
leader in aggregates, asphalt, mortar and 
ready-mixed concrete and it has significant 
operations in concrete products, lime and 
cement. It has operations in continental Europe 
and the Middle East, where it is principally 
involved in the production of crushed rock, 
sand and gravel, asphalt, ready-mixed  
concrete and concrete products.

Tarmac’s UK organisation consists of 
two business units, Aggregate Products and 
Building Products, which are supported by a 
shared-service centre based in central England. 
Aggregate Products comprises aggregates, 
asphalt, contracting, recycling and ready-mixed 
concrete and has a widespread geographic 
presence, enabling strong local customer 
focus. Building Products is made up of those 
businesses that have essentially national 
markets, including cement, lime, mortar 
and concrete products.

Tarmac’s international businesses operate 
in ten countries in continental Europe and the 
Middle East. It is a leading producer of hard rock, 
sand and gravel and concrete products in its 
Central European countries of operation. In 
2008, the company sold its Spanish operations.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

BUSineSS Unit Overview cOntinUeD

Strategy
Tarmac’s strategy is to maximise shareholder 
value by exploiting its core competitive 
reserves, while maintaining its strong market 
positions in established territories. In January 
2008, Tarmac increased to 100% its ownership 
of United Marine Aggregates (UMA), a 
significant UK marine-dredged aggregates 
business. In August 2008, Tarmac disposed 
of its 100% ownership of Tarmac Iberia.
Tarmac continues to focus on its core 

business activities, pursue further cost 
reductions in light of the weak market in the 
short term and reduce capital expenditure 
without harming its strong leadership position.
Within Tarmac as a whole, there remains 
significant upside potential from operational 
and commercial business improvements and 
focused growth, with initiatives planned to 
deliver that upside by 2010. Tarmac aims  
to be the supplier of choice across its full  
product range.

Financial overview
Tarmac’s operating profit fell by 52% to 
$228 million compared with 2007, mainly 
due to the impact of significant cost increases 
as well as a decline in UK volumes of around 
20% in the second half of the year. Tarmac 
accelerated cost reductions and generated 
operating savings of $101 million, while 
maintaining its market share. As a result, 
Tarmac continued to make a positive cash 
flow contribution with net cash inflow from 
operating activities of $398 million.

In the UK, operating profits fell by 65% 
on a like for like basis, with sales falling in line 
with the overall market. At Tarmac International, 
operating profits (excluding the positive impact 
of exchange rates and on a like for like basis) 
were broadly in line with 2007, benefiting from 
previous expansionary investment and relative 
resilience in certain markets such as Poland.

Markets
The construction industry in the UK experienced 
challenging market conditions during 2008, 
particularly in the second half of the year with 
the rapid deterioration in UK house-building 
activity. The volatility of energy prices and the 
impact on cement and distribution costs also 
continued to affect the industry. Overall in 
continental Europe, the decline in construction 
activity has been less severe to date than in  
the UK.

Operating performance
Volumes in the UK aggregates and concrete 
products were 15-20% lower than the prior 
year, with significantly reduced demand from 
the housing and commercial sectors, while 
asphalt volumes showed more resilience, 
with similar volumes to 2007. Tarmac showed 
declines in line with the market as it maintained 
its leadership positions in key areas.

The significant decline in volumes from 
UK Aggregate Products in the second half 
prompted a portfolio right-sizing exercise. 
45 operating sites have been mothballed 
and further cost savings of $63 million 
were achieved through an increased focus 
on capacity and cost reduction. Underlying 
operating profit for this business fell by 42% 
compared with 2007 (after adjusting for the 
UMA acquisition and the impact of exchange 
rates). During 2008, the remaining 50% of 
the UMA business was acquired from Hanson. 
Within Tarmac, the UK Building Products 
business was affected by the economic downturn 
to the greatest extent and saw underlying 
operating profits fall by 69% (before the impact 
of exchange rates). Mothballing six operating 
sites and further cost savings of $21 million 
reduced the effect of weakening demand on 
the business’s operating profit.

Tarmac International’s underlying operating 
profit (on a like for like basis) was in line with 
2007, with favourable market conditions in 
Poland and cost savings of $17 million offsetting 
emerging weakness in France. Tarmac Iberia 
was sold in August 2008 to Holcim for 
$186 million.

Following a structural review of the 

Industrial Minerals business by management, as 
a result of trading conditions in the construction 
sector, restructuring and impairment charges 
totalling $91 million have been recorded.

Outlook
The outlook in the short to medium term 
is for continued demand weakness in UK and 
international markets. Tarmac will continue to 
take steps to adapt to market changes through 
capacity reductions. Additional cost saving and 
a continued focus on cash generation, while 
maintaining existing market leadership, will 
ensure that the business remains both resilient 
and well positioned for the future.

53

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rubber chips from tyres that 
cannot be retreaded or reused 
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carbon neutral fuel for the 
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$ million  
(unless otherwise stated) 

Operating profit 
EBITDA 
Net operating assets 
Capital expenditure 
Share of Group  
operating profit 
Share of Group  
net operating assets 

2008 

2007

228 
487 
3,335 
301 

474
732
4,509
274

2% 

5%

10% 

17%

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
54

Operating and financial review

Principal risks and uncertainties

Liquidity and counterparty risk
The Group is exposed to liquidity risk arising 
from the need to finance its ongoing operations 
and growth. If the Group is unable to obtain 
sufficient credit due to banking and capital 
market conditions, the Group may not be able 
to raise sufficient funds to develop new 
projects, fund acquisitions or meet the Group’s 
ongoing financing needs and as a result 
operating results, revenues, cash flows 
or financial condition may be adversely 
affected.

The Group is also exposed to counterparty 

risk from customers or holders of cash that 
could result in financial losses should those 
counterparties become unable to meet their 
obligations to the Group. Cash deposits and 
other financial instruments, including trade 
receivables due from third parties, give rise 
to counterparty credit risk.

The Group has an experienced Treasury 

operations team who are responsible for 
managing the funding requirements of the 
Group and managing liquidity risk. The Treasury 
department also has a role to play in managing 
counterparty risk, particularly with banks 
where Anglo American places cash deposits. 
The Treasury operations of our joint ventures and 
associates, including De Beers, are independently 
managed and may expose the Group to liquidity 
and other financial risks.

Currency risk
Because of the global nature of its business, 
the Group is exposed to currency risk where 
transactions are not conducted in US dollars 
or where assets and liabilities are not US dollar 
denominated. Fluctuations in the exchange rates 
of the most important currencies influencing 
operating costs and asset valuations (the 
South African rand, Chilean peso, Brazilian real, 
Australian dollar, euro and pound sterling) may 
adversely affect financial results to a material 
extent. The Group’s foreign exchange hedging 
is limited to debt instruments and capital 
expenditure on major projects.

Inflation
As the Group is unable to control the market 
price at which the commodities it produces are 
sold (except for any forward sales or derivative 
contracts), it is possible that significantly higher 
future inflation in the countries in which Anglo 
American operates may result in an increase 
in future operational costs without a concurrent 
depreciation of the local currency against the 
dollar or an increase in the dollar price of the 
applicable commodities. Cost inflation in the 
mining sector is more apparent during periods 
of high commodity prices as demand can exceed 
supply. In addition, any lag in the reduction of 
input costs against falls in commodity prices 
will have a negative impact on profit margins 
and financial results.

Sensitivity analysis in respect of currency and commodity prices
Set out below is the impact on underlying earnings of a 10% fluctuation  
in some of the Group’s commodity prices and exchange rates:

Commodity currency 

Average price/rate(1) 

10% sensitivity US$ million(2)

Platinum 
Palladium 
Coal 
Copper 
Nickel 
Zinc 
Iron ore 
ZAR/USD 
AUD/USD 
CLP/USD 
GBP/USD 

$1,585/oz(3) 
$355/oz(3) 
$120/t(4) 
315 c/lb(5)(6) 
953 c/lb(5) 
85 c/lb(5) 
$88/t(7) 
8.27 
1.17 
524 
0.54 

144
22
349
275
50
45
88
279
110
45
14

(1)  ‘oz’ denotes ounces, ‘t’ denotes tonnes, ‘c’ denotes US cents, ‘lb’ denotes pounds.

(2)   Excludes the effect of any hedging activities. Stated after tax at marginal rate. Sensitivities are the average of the positive and negative 
and reflect the impact of a 10% change in the average prices received and exchange rates during 2008. Increases in commodity prices 
increase underlying earnings and vice versa. A strengthening of the rand, pound sterling, Australian dollar and Chilean peso relative to 
the US dollar reduces underlying earnings and vice versa.

(3) Source: Johnson Matthey.

(4) Average price represents RSA-API 4 index. Sensitivity reflects the impact of a 10% change in the average price across the entire 

Anglo Coal product portfolio.

(5) Being the average LME price. Sensitivity reflects the impact of a 10% change in the average price received.

(6) Copper sensitivity excludes the impact of provisionally priced copper from 2007. At 31 December 2008 there were 145,066 tonnes 

of provisionally priced copper sales, marked at 139 c/lb (2007: 140,137 tonnes, marked at 302 c/lb).

(7) Average price represents average iron ore export price achieved. Sensitivity reflects the impact of a 10% change in the average price 

across lump and fine.

Understanding our key risks 
and developing appropriate 
responses to those risks is 
crucial to anglo american’s 
success

The Group is exposed to a variety of risks 
and uncertainties which can have a financial 
or reputational impact on the Group and which 
may also impact the achievement of social, 
economic and environmental objectives. These 
risks include strategic, commercial, operational, 
compliance and financial risks. The principal 
risks and uncertainties facing the Group have 
been categorised into headline risk areas. 
The Group’s approach to risk management 
is set out in the corporate governance section 
on pages 64 to 68.

The key headline risks identified for 
2009, potential impacts on the Group and the 
mitigation strategies are summarised below:

Key headline risks
Commodity prices
Commodity prices are determined primarily 
by international markets and global supply and 
demand. Fluctuations in commodity prices give 
rise to commodity price risk across the Group. 
Historically, such prices have been subject to 
substantial variation and in 2008 there was a 
very significant reduction in commodity prices, 
particularly during the second half of the year. 
The impact of such volatility can result in 
material and adverse movement in the Group’s 
operating results, asset values, revenues and 
cash flows. If the global economic environment 
remains weak for the medium to long term, the 
ability of the Group to deliver growth in future 
years may be adversely affected.

Other potential consequences of a 
sustained reduction in commodity prices 
include the inability to complete black 
economic empowerment (BEE) transactions 
in South Africa as BEE partners may not be 
able to finance their investments or require 
a restructuring of their investments.

Due to the diversified nature of the Group, 
the general policy is not to engage in commodity 
price hedging. The Group manages this risk 
through constant monitoring of the markets in 
which it operates and continuous review of 
capital expenditure programmes to ensure they 
reflect market conditions. A continuous focus 
on operating expenditure is also an important 
method of mitigating this risk.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
55

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The Group monitors costs very closely 
and the introduction of initiatives such as 
Asset Optimisation and ‘One Anglo’ Supply 
Chain are designed to minimise costs.

Safety, health and the environment
Mining is a hazardous industry and is highly 
regulated by safety, health and environmental 
laws. Failure to provide a safe working 
environment may result in government authorities 
forcing closure of mines on a temporary or 
permanent basis or refusing mining right 
applications. The failure to achieve the required 
high levels of safety management can result 
in harm to the Group’s employees and the 
communities near the mines, harm to the 
environment, fines and penalties, liability 
to employees and third parties for injury, 
impairment of the Group’s reputation, industrial 
action or inability to recruit and retain skilled 
employees. Changes in laws, regulations or 
community expectations can result in increased 
compliance and remediation costs.

The Group recognises that the HIV/AIDs 
epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa is a significant 
threat to economic growth and development in 
that region. There is a risk that the recruitment 
and retention of skilled people is not possible 
as planned to meet growth aspirations. Anglo 
American provides anti-retroviral therapy to 
employees with HIV/AIDS and also undertakes 
education and awareness programmes to help 
prevent employees and their families becoming 
infected or spreading infection.

Other health risks to employees include 
noise induced hearing loss, occupational lung 
diseases and tuberculosis. The Group provides 
occupational health services to employees and 
continues to implement measures to limit the 
incidence and severity of such diseases.

Anglo American is a large user of energy 
and one of the key commodities it produces 
is coal. Various regulatory measures aimed 
at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and 
improving energy efficiency may affect  
Anglo American’s operations and customer 
demand for products over time. Assessments 
of the potential future impact of climate  
change regulation are uncertain, particularly  
if inconsistent regulations are adopted in the 
various geographies in which Anglo American 
operates. 

Anglo American sets a very high priority 

on safety, health and the environment and 
invests considerable resources in seeking 
to improve the safety performance of the 
Group’s operations, as well as in research 
and development to minimise impact on the 
environment and improve energy efficiency. 
The Group is constantly reviewing practices 
to improve safety performance and works 
closely with unions and governments, 
striving to produce a safer mining industry.

Political, legal and regulatory
The Group’s businesses may be affected by 
political or regulatory developments in any 
of the countries and jurisdictions in which 
the Group operates, including changes to 
fiscal regimes or other regulatory regimes 
which may result in restrictions on the export 
of currency, expropriation of assets, imposition 
of royalties and requirements for local 
ownership or beneficiation. Political instability 
can also result in civil unrest, nullification of 
existing agreements or mining leases and 
permits. Any of these threats may adversely 
affect the Group’s operations or the results 
of those operations. The Group has no control 
over changes in local market interest rates 
or political acts which may deprive the Group 
of the economic benefits of ownership of 
its assets.

In January 2008, Minera Loma de Níquel 
(MLdN) was notified of the intention of the 
Venezuelan Ministry of Basic Industries and 
Mining (MIBAM) to cancel 13 of its exploration 
and exploitation concessions due to MLdN’s 
alleged failure to fulfil certain conditions of 
the concessions. Further details are provided 
in the Base Metals overview section.

The Group actively monitors regulatory and 

political developments on a continuous basis.

Supplier risk
The inability to obtain, in a timely manner, 
strategic consumables, raw materials, mining 
and processing equipment could have an 
adverse impact on results of operations and 
the Group’s financial condition. The strong 
commodity cycle witnessed in recent years 
increased demand for such supplies, resulting 
in periods when supplies were not always 
available to meet demand when required 
or cost increases above normal inflation rates 
materialised. Any interruption to the Group’s 
supplies or increase in costs adversely affects 
the Group’s financial position and future 
performance. Anglo American has limited 
influence over manufacturers and suppliers 
but takes a proactive approach to developing 
relationships with critical suppliers and 
improving the effectiveness of the Group’s 
purchasing leverage through the ‘One Anglo’ 
Supply Chain initiative.

Contractors
Mining contractors are used at a number of the 
Group’s operations to mine and deliver ore to 
processing plants, for example. In periods of 
high commodity prices, demand for contractors 
may exceed supply resulting in increased costs 
or lack of availability of key contractors. 
Disruption of operations or increased costs 
can occur should there be disputes with 
contractors or unavailability of certain skills.

Reserves and resources 
The Group’s mineral resources and ore 
reserves are subject to a number of assumptions, 
including the price of commodities, production 
costs and recovery rates. Fluctuations in these 
variables may have an impact on the long term 
financial condition and prospects of the Group.
The Group’s policy on reporting of ore 
reserves and mineral resources is expanded 
on pages 136 to 161.

Exploration
Exploration and development are speculative 
activities with no guarantee of success, but 
they are necessary for future growth. Failure to 
discover new reserves of sufficient magnitude 
could adversely affect future results and the 
Group’s financial condition.

Anglo American invests considerable sums 

each year through its Exploration division in 
resource discovery and development to reserves.

Event risk
Damage to or breakdown of a physical asset, 
including risk of fire, explosion or natural 
catastrophe, can result in a loss of assets 
and subsequent financial losses. The Group’s 
operations are exposed to natural risks such 
as earthquake, extreme weather conditions, 
failure of mining pit slopes and tailing dam 
walls, fires and explosion.

Specialist consultants are engaged to 
analyse such event risks on a rotational basis 
and provide recommendations for management 
action to prevent or limit the effects of such a 
loss. In addition, the Group seeks to purchase 
insurance to protect against the financial 
consequences of catastrophic event, subject 
to the availability and cost of such insurance.

Employees
The ability to recruit, develop and retain 
appropriate skills for the Group is made 
difficult by global competition for skilled labour 
particularly in periods of high commodity prices. 
The failure to retain skilled employees or to 
recruit new staff may lead to increased costs, 
interruptions to existing operations and delay 
in new projects.

A number of strategies are implemented 
to mitigate this risk including attention to an 
appropriate suite of reward and benefit structures 
and ongoing refinement of Anglo American 
as an attractive employee proposition.

Employees in the key countries where 
Anglo American operates are unionised and 
the risk of strike or other industrial relations 
disputes may have an adverse affect on the 
results of operations. Anglo American mitigates 
this risk through a process of constructive 
dialogue with trade unions and the maintenance 
of effective working relationships.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
56

Operating and financial review

Principal risks and uncertainties continued

Operational performance and project 
delivery
Failure to meet production targets can result 
in increased unit costs, which are pronounced 
at operations with higher levels of fixed costs. 
Unit costs may exceed forecasts, adversely 
affecting performance and the results of 
operations.

Failure to meet project delivery times 
and costs could have a negative effect on 
operational performance and lead to increased 
costs or reductions in revenue and profitability.
Increasing regulatory, environmental and 
social approvals can result in significant increases 
in construction costs and/or significant delays 
in construction. These increases could materially 
and adversely affect the economics of a project, 
the Group’s asset values, costs, revenues, 
earnings and cash flows.

A number of strategies have been 

implemented to mitigate these risks including 
management oversight of operating performance 
and project delivery through regular executive 
management briefings, increased effectiveness 
of procurement activities and business 
improvement initiatives to reduce unit costs 
and improve delivery of capital projects.

Acquisitions 
The Group has undertaken a number of 
acquisitions in the recent past, including the 
Minas-Rio project in Brazil. With any such 
transaction there is the risk that any benefits 
or synergies identified at the time of acquisition 
may not be achieved as a result of changing 
or incorrect assumptions or materially different 
market conditions, resulting in adverse affects 
on financial performance, production volumes 
or product quality. Furthermore, the Group 
could find itself liable for past acts or omissions 
of the acquired business without any adequate 
right of redress.

Rigorous guidelines are applied to the 
evaluation and execution of all acquisitions 
that require the approval of the Investment 
Committee and, subject to size, the Board.

Infrastructure
Inadequate supporting facilities, services and 
installations (water, power, transportation, 
etc.) may affect the sustainability and growth 
of the business, leading to a loss of 
competitiveness, market share and reputation 
of the Group. The ongoing power generation 
situation in South Africa, which escalated during 
the early part of 2008, is a good example of 
this risk but this is not the only country where 
reliable supply of power is a key issue. Anglo 
American’s approach to addressing this risk is to 
work jointly on developing sustainable solutions 
to these problems with suppliers of 
infrastructure services and facilities.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Community relations
The Group operates in several countries 
where ownership of rights in respect of land 
and resources is uncertain and where disputes 
in relation to ownership or other community 
matters may arise. These disputes are not 
always predictable and may cause disruption 
to projects or operations. The Group’s 
operations can have an impact on local 
communities, including the need, from time to 
time, to relocate communities or infrastructure 
networks such as railways and utility services. 
Failure to manage relationships with local 
communities, government and non-government 
organisations may adversely affect the Group’s 
reputation as well as its ability to bring projects 
into production.

The Group has developed a process to 
enable its business units to effectively manage 
relationships with communities and actively 
seeks engagement with all affected communities 
impacted by the Group’s operations.

Joint venture relationships
Some of the Group’s operations are controlled 
and managed by joint venture partners, 
associates or by other companies. Management 
of non-controlled assets may not comply with 
the Group’s standards, for example, on safety, 
health and environment. This may lead to higher 
costs, lower production and have a negative 
bearing on operational results, asset values 
or the Group’s reputation.

Anglo American seeks to mitigate this 
risk by way of a thorough evaluation process 
before committing to any joint venture and 
implementation of ongoing governance 
processes in existing joint ventures.

Critical accounting judgements and key 
sources of estimation and uncertainty
In the course of preparing financial statements, 
management necessarily makes judgements 
and estimates that can have a significant 
impact on the financial statements. The most 
critical of these relate to estimation of the 
useful economic life of assets and ore reserves, 
impairment of assets, restoration, rehabilitation 
and environmental costs and retirement 
benefits. These are detailed below. The use of 
inaccurate assumptions in calculations for any 
of these estimates could result in a significant 
impact on financial results.

Useful economic lives of assets and ore 
reserves estimates
The Group’s mining properties, classified 
within tangible assets, are depreciated over 
the respective life of the mine using the unit 
of production (UOP) method based on proven 
and probable reserves. When determining ore 
reserves, assumptions that were valid at the 
time of estimation may change when new 
information becomes available. Any changes 
could affect prospective depreciation rates 
and asset carrying values.

The calculation of the UOP rate of 

amortisation could be impacted to the extent 
that actual production in the future is different 
from current forecast production based on 
proven and probable mineral reserves.

Factors which could impact useful economic 

lives of assets and ore reserve estimates 
include:

• changes to proven and probable mineral 

reserves; 

• the grade of mineral reserves varying 

significantly from time to time; 

• differences between actual commodity 

prices and commodity price assumptions 
used in the estimation of mineral reserves; 

• renewal of mining licences; 
• unforeseen operational issues at mine 

sites; and 

• adverse changes in capital, operating, 

mining, processing and reclamation costs, 
discount rates and foreign exchange rates 
used to determine mineral reserves.

The majority of other tangible assets are 
depreciated on a straight line basis over their 
useful economic lives. Management reviews 
the appropriateness of assets’ useful economic 
lives at least annually and any changes could 
affect prospective depreciation rates and asset 
carrying values.

Impairment of assets
The Group reviews the carrying amounts of 
its tangible and intangible assets to determine 
whether there is any indication that those 
assets are impaired. In making the assessment 
for impairment, assets that do not generate 
independent cash flows are allocated to an 
appropriate cash generating unit (CGU). 
The recoverable amount of an asset, or 
CGU, is measured as the higher of fair 
value less costs to sell and value in use.
Management necessarily applies its 
judgement in allocating assets that do not 
generate independent cash flows to appropriate 
CGUs, and also in estimating the timing and 
value of underlying cash flows within the 
value in use calculation. Subsequent changes 
to the CGU allocation or to the timing of or 
assumptions used to determine cash flows 
could impact the carrying value of the 
respective assets.

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Restoration, rehabilitation 
and environmental costs
Provision is made, based on net present 
values, for restoration, rehabilitation and 
environmental costs as soon as the obligation 
arises. Costs incurred at the start of each 
project are capitalised and charged to the 
income statement over the life of the project 
through depreciation of the asset and the 
unwinding of the discount on the provision. 
Costs for restoration of subsequent site 
damage are provided at net present value 
and charged against profits as extraction 
progresses. Environmental costs are estimated 
using either the work of external consultants 
or internal experts. Management uses its 
judgement and experience to provide for and 
amortise these estimated costs over the life 
of the mine.

Retirement benefits
The expected costs of providing pensions and 
post retirement benefits under defined benefit 
arrangements relating to employee service 
during the period are charged to the income 
statement. Any actuarial gains and losses, 
which can arise from differences between 
expected and actual outcomes or changes 
in actuarial assumptions, are recognised 
immediately in the Consolidated Statement 
of Recognised Income and Expense.

Assumptions in respect of the expected 
costs are set after consultation with qualified 
actuaries. While management believes the 
assumptions used are appropriate, a change 
in the assumptions used would impact the 
earnings of the Group going forward.

Special items
Operating special items are those that 
management considers, by virtue of their 
size or incidence, should be disclosed 
separately to ensure that the financial 
information also allows an understanding of 
the underlying performance of the business. 
The determination as to which items should 
be disclosed separately requires a degree 
of judgement.

Basis of disclosure
This operating and financial review (OFR)  
describes the main trends and factors underlying 
the development, performance and position of 
Anglo American plc (the Group) during the year 
ended 31 December 2008, as well as those likely 
to affect the future development, performance 
and position. It has been prepared in line with the 
guidance provided in the reporting statement on 
the operating and financial review issued by the 
UK Accounting Standards Board in January 2006.

Forward looking statements
This OFR contains certain forward looking 
statements with respect to the financial condition, 
results, operations and businesses of the Group. 
These statements and forecasts involve risk and 
uncertainty because they relate to events and 
depend on circumstances that occur in the future. 
There are a number of factors that could cause 
actual results or developments to differ materially 
from those expressed or implied by these forward 
looking statements.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
58

Governance

The Board

Left to right:
Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Cynthia Carroll, René Médori,
Sir C K Chow, David Challen, Sir Rob Margetts

1. Sir Mark Moody-Stuart KCMG N 
PhD, MA, FGS
68, was appointed a non-executive director  
on 16 July 2002 and non-executive chairman 
on 1 December 2002. He also sits on the 
Remuneration, Safety and Sustainable 
Development (S&SD) and Nomination 
Committees. Sir Mark is a director of HSBC 
Holdings plc, Accenture Ltd and Saudi Aramco. 
Sir Mark was chairman of The Shell Transport 
and Trading Company plc from 1997 to 2001 
and chairman of the Committee of Managing 
Directors of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group from 
1998-2001. He is a member of the board of the 
UN Global Compact and chairman of the Global 
Compact Foundation. Sir Mark is being proposed 
for re-election at the AGM on 15 April 2009.

2. Cynthia Carroll E
MSc, MBA
52, was appointed chief executive on 1 March 
2007, having joined the Board on 15 January 
2007. Cynthia Carroll chairs the Executive 
Committee (ExCo) and sits on the S&SD 
Committee. She is the former president and 
chief executive officer of Alcan’s Primary 
Metals Group and a former director of 
AngloGold Ashanti Limited and the Sara Lee 
Corporation. She is a non-executive director  
of BP plc, Anglo Platinum Limited and De Beers.

E – Executive director
N – Non-executive director

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

3. René Médori E
Doctorate in Economics
51, was appointed to the Board on 1 June 2005, 
becoming finance director on 1 September 2005. 
René Médori is a member of ExCo and chairman 
of the Investment Committee. He is a former 
finance director of The BOC Group plc and is a 
non-executive director of Scottish and Southern 
Energy plc, De Beers, DB Investments and 
Anglo Platinum Limited.

4. Sir C K Chow N
DEng (Hon), CEng, FREng, HonFHKIE, 
FIChemE 
58, was appointed to the Board on 15 April 
2008. He is currently chief executive officer  
of the MTR Corporation, a position he has held 
since December 2003. He was formerly chief 
executive of Brambles Industries and GKN.  
Prior to joining GKN he worked for the BOC 
Group for 20 years, becoming chief executive 
of its Gases Division and joining its board in 
1993. He is the non-executive chairman of 
Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited.

5. David Challen CBE N
MA, MBA
65, joined the Board on 9 September 2002  
and was appointed as the senior independent 
non-executive director in April 2008. He is 
chairman of the Audit Committee and a 
member of the Remuneration Committee. David 
Challen is currently vice chairman of Citigroup 
European Investment Bank and a non-executive 
director of Smiths Group plc and the Classical 
Opera Company. Previously he was chairman  
of J. Henry Schroder & Co. Limited, where he 
spent most of his professional career. He is 
currently deputy chairman of the UK’s Takeover 
Panel. Mr Challen is being proposed for 
re-election at the AGM on 15 April 2009.

6. Sir Rob Margetts CBE N
BA, FREng
62, joined the Board on 18 March 1999.  
He is chairman of the Remuneration Committee 
and a member of the Nomination Committee. 
He is chairman of Legal & General Group Plc, 
Ensus Limited, Ordnance Survey and the Energy 
Technologies Institute. He is also a director of 
Falck Renewables and Neochimiki SA. He was 
formerly chairman of The BOC Group plc and 
vice chairman of ICI PLC. Sir Rob was also 
chairman of the UK Natural Environment 
Research Council and a member of the UK 
Council for Science and Technology. In 
accordance with the provisions of the Combined 
Code, directors who have served longer than 
nine years are subject to annual re-election 
and, accordingly, Sir Rob is being proposed for 
re-election at the AGM on 15 April 2009.

59

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Left to right:
Professor Karel Van Miert, Nicky Oppenheimer, Fred Phaswana,
Dr Chris Fay, Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Peter Woicke

7. Professor Karel Van Miert N
Graduate in Diplomatic Sciences
67, joined the Board on 19 March 2002.  
He is a member of the Audit and Nomination 
Committees. He is currently a member of the 
supervisory boards of German utility RWE, 
Philips NV, Munich Re and Vivendi Universal. 
He is also a member of the advisory boards of 
Goldman Sachs and Eli Lilly and a member of 
the boards of Solvay s.a. and Agfa-Gevaert. 
He was previously President of Nyenrode 
University, Netherlands Business School, 
a member of the European Parliament from 
1979 to 1985 and a member of the European 
Commission from 1989 to 1999.

8. Nicky Oppenheimer N
MA
63, joined the Board on 18 March 1999.  
He is a member of the Nomination Committee. 
Nicky Oppenheimer joined the Group in 1968 
and subsequently became an executive director 
and a deputy chairman of Anglo American 
South Africa Limited. He became deputy 
chairman of De Beers Consolidated in 1985  
and has been chairman of De Beers since 1998.

9. Fred Phaswana N
MA, BCom
64, joined the Board on 12 June 2002. He is 
chairman of the Nomination Committee and 
a member of the Audit Committee. Fred 
Phaswana is currently chairman of Anglo 
Platinum and Transnet Limited and a director  
of Naspers and was previously BP regional 
president: Africa, a director of BP Oil (Benelux), 
an associate president of BP Netherlands and 
chairman and chief executive of BP Southern 
Africa. He is also a member of the South 
African Institute of International Affairs. 
Mr Phaswana is being proposed for re-election 
at the AGM on 15 April 2009.

10. Dr Chris Fay CBE N
BSc, PhD, FREng, FRSE, FICE, FEI
63, joined the Board on 19 April 1999.  
He is chairman of the S&SD Committee and 
a member of the Remuneration and Audit 
Committees. He is a non-executive chairman 
of Brightside Group plc, Iofina plc and Stena 
International S.àr.l. He is a former non-
executive director of BAA plc and a former 
chairman of Shell UK and of the British 
government’s Advisory Committee on Business 
and the Environment. In accordance with the 
provisions of the Combined Code, directors who 
have served longer than nine years are subject 
to annual re-election and, accordingly, Dr Fay 
is being proposed for re-election at the AGM 
on 15 April 2009.

11. Dr Mamphela Ramphele N
PhD, BComm
61, joined the Board on 25 April 2006.  
She is a member of the Nomination and S&SD 
Committees. Dr Ramphele is the chair of Circle 
Capital Ventures, a black empowerment 
company, a non-executive director of the 
Mediclinic and Business Partners S.A. and a 
trustee of the Nelson Mandela and Rockefeller 
Foundations, and an adviser to the Veolia 
Institute. She was formerly co-chair of the 
Global Commission on International Migration, 
a World Bank managing director and vice-
chancellor at the University of Cape Town.  
Dr Ramphele is being proposed for re-election 
at the AGM on 15 April 2009.

12. Peter Woicke N
MBA
66, joined the Board on 1 January 2006  
and is a member of the Audit, Nomination  
and S&SD Committees. From 1999 to January 
2005 he was chief executive officer of the 
International Finance Corporation. He was also 
a managing director of the World Bank. Prior to 
joining the International Finance Corporation, 
Peter Woicke held numerous positions over 
nearly 30 years with J.P. Morgan. He is 
currently chairman of the International Save 
the Children Alliance, a member of the Saudi 
Aramco board and was previously a member 
of the Plugpower Inc, Raiffeisen International 
Holding and MTN Group boards. Mr Woicke is 
being proposed for re-election at the AGM on 
15 April 2009.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

60

Governance

Executive Committee

The executive committee is responsible for implementing 
the strategies and policies determined by the Board, 
managing the business and affairs of the company, 
prioritising the allocation of capital and reviewing 
operational and safety procedures throughout the Group. 

1

8

2

4

9

3

5

10

6

7

1. cynthia carroll
See page 58 for biographical 
details.

2. rené Médori
See page 58 for biographical 
details.

3. Russell King
BA Hons
51, has held a variety of business 
and functional responsibilities in 
the UK and Australia with ICI PLC. 
From 1997 to 2000 he was 
managing director of Orica 
Consumer Products. He joined 
Anglo American in July 2001 as 
executive vice president, Group 
human resources and business 
development, and became chief 
strategy officer in April 2008. He 
is also a non-executive director of 
Aggreko plc.

4. Philip Baum
BCom, LLB, Higher Dip Tax Law
54, is chief executive of Anglo 
Ferrous Metals. He joined the 
Group in 1979 and has held a 
variety of positions including CEO 
Anglo American Zimbabwe from 
1996 to 2001, acting CEO of 

Anglo American South Africa from 
2006 to 2008 and first head of 
what is now Anglo Zimele. He is 
a director of Kumba Iron Ore, 
Anglo Ferrous Brazil, Samancor 
Manganese, Exxaro,  
Tongaat-Hulett and Hulamin.

5. Ian Cockerill
BSc (Geology) MSc (Mining)
54, is chief executive of Anglo 
Coal. From 1996 to 1999 Ian  
was executive officer, business 
development for AngloGold. In 
1999, he was appointed managing 
director of Gold Fields Limited and 
in 2002, CEO of that company, 
until April 2008 when he joined 
Anglo Coal as chief executive.

6. Kuseni D Dlamini
Bachelor of Social Science 
(Honours), MPhil
41, is head of Anglo American 
South Africa. From December 
2005 to June 2008 he was 
executive chairman of Richards 
Bay Coal Terminal Company 
Limited. Kuseni previously held 
a number of senior management 
positions at the operations in 
South Africa and the London 

offices of De Beers Consolidated 
Mines Limited, and at AngloGold 
Ashanti’s corporate office in 
Johannesburg.

7. Brian Beamish
BSc (Mechanical Engineering)
52, is chief executive of  
Anglo Base Metals. From 1995 to 
1999 he was executive director, 
operations at Anglo Platinum. He 
transferred to Anglo Base Metals 
in January 2000 and was chief 
operating officer from April 2005 
until April 2007 when he became 
chief executive. 

8. Mervyn Walker 
MA 
49, is Group head of human 
resources. A solicitor by 
profession, he joined Anglo 
American in September 2008 
from the Mondi Group, where  
he was Group human resources 
and legal director. He had 
previously spent 19 years with 
British Airways, holding a variety 
of senior positions, including 
director for people. He is 
non-executive chairman of  
AMEC plc’s pension schemes.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

9. David Weston
MBA, BSc (Eng)
50, is chief executive of Anglo 
Industrial Minerals. He spent  
25 years with Shell and was  
president, Shell Canada Products, 
before joining the Anglo American 
Group in 2006.

10. Neville Nicolau
BTech (Mining Engineering), MBA
49, appointed chief executive of 
Anglo Platinum in June 2008. He 
joined the Group in January 1979, 
working in the Gold and Uranium 
Division at different managerial 
levels in all the major operating 
areas in South Africa. In 2000  
and 2001 he was the technical 
director of AngloGold’s South 
American operations, based in 
Brazil. He became chief operating 
officer (Africa) of AngloGold 
Ashanti in May 2004. 

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Directors’ report

The directors have pleasure in submitting the 
statutory financial statements of the Group for 
the year ended 31 December 2008. 

Principal activities  
and business review 
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. 

More detailed information about the Group’s 
businesses, activities and financial performance 
is incorporated into this report by reference and 
can be found in the Chairman’s and Chief 
executive’s statements on pages 2 to 6 and the 
Operating and financial review on pages 10 
to 57. 

Going concern 
The financial position of the Group, its 
cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing 
facilities are set out in the Group financial 
performance review of Group results on pages 
28 to 31. In addition, detail is given on the 
Group’s policy on managing credit and liquidity 
risk in the Principal risks and uncertainties 
section on pages 54 to 57, with details of our 
policy on capital risk management being set  
out in note 24 to the financial statements.  
The Group’s gross debt at the 2008 year end 
was $14.0 billion. The gearing level was 
37.8%. Details of borrowings and facilities  
are set out in notes 23 and 24 and net debt  
is set out in note 30.

 Over the last 12 months, Anglo American 
has issued medium and long term debt in the 
euro and sterling bond markets, in addition to 
arranging new bank financing in both Europe 
and South Africa. At 31 December 2008, 
Anglo American had undrawn bank facilities of 
$6.1 billion, cash deposits of $2.7 billion and 
commercial paper maturing throughout 2009 
of $1.1 billion. Anglo American’s only significant 
debt facility maturing in the next year is a 
$3 billion revolving bank facility (of which 
$1.1 billion was drawn at 31 December 2008) 
which matures in December 2009. In addition, 
a £300 million (approximately $500 million) 
euro bond matures in December 2010. With 
respect to the $3 billion facility, the intention  
is to refinance part or all of the facility, subject 
to requirements, taking into consideration 
proceeds from disposal of assets and cash flow 
from operations, using a variety of sources 
which may include the issue of public bonds  
in the European and US markets and new  
bank facilities.

 The directors have considered the Group’s 

cash flow forecasts for the period to the end 
of March 2010. The Board is satisfied that 
the Group’s forecasts and projections, taking 

account of reasonably possible changes 
in trading performance and the intended 
refinancing of the facility above, show that the 
Group will be able to operate within the level of 
its current facilities for the foreseeable future. 
For this reason the Group continues to adopt 
the going concern basis (as interpreted by the 
Guidance on Going Concern and Financial 
Reporting for directors of listed companies 
registered in the UK, published in November 
1994) in preparing its financial statements.

Dividends 
An interim dividend of 44 US cents per 
ordinary share was paid on 18 September 
2008. With no final dividend for the year,  
the total dividend for the year will therefore  
be 44 US cents per ordinary share. 

Two shareholders have waived their rights 

to receive dividends. In both cases, these 
shareholders act as trustees/nominees 
holding shares for use solely in relation to 
the Group’s employee share plans. These 
shareholders and the value of dividends waived 
during the year were:  
Greenwood Nominees Limited: $9,443,818.26  
Security Nominees Limited: $35,357.26

Share capital 
The Company’s authorised and issued share 
capital as at 31 December 2008, together with 
details of share allotments and purchases of 
own shares during the year, is set out in 
note 28 on pages 115 to 121. 

The Company was authorised by 

shareholders at the AGM held on 15 April 2008 
to purchase its own shares in the market up 
to a maximum of 14.99% of the issued share 
capital. This authority will expire at the 2009 
AGM and in accordance with usual practice 
a resolution to renew it for another year will 
be proposed.

Material shareholdings 
Details of interests of 3% or more in the 
ordinary share capital of the Company are 
shown within the Shareholder information 
section of the Notice of Meeting booklet. 

Directors 
Biographical details of the directors currently 
serving on the Board are given on pages 58 and 
59. Details of directors’ interests in shares and 
share options of the Company can be found 
in the Remuneration report on pages 69 to 78. 
Sir CK Chow was appointed to the Board 
at the AGM on 15 April 2008. Bobby Godsell 
retired from the Board at the conclusion of the 
AGM on 15 April 2008. 

Sustainable development 
The Report to Society 2008 will be available 
from the Company in April. This report focuses 
on the safety, sustainable development, health 
and environmental performance of the Group’s 
managed operations, their performance with 
regard to the Company’s Good Citizenship:  

Our Business Principles, and the operational 
dimensions of their social programmes. 

Payment of suppliers 
Anglo American plc is a holding company and, 
as such, has no material trade creditors. 

Businesses across the Group are responsible 
for agreeing the terms under which transactions 
with their suppliers are conducted, reflecting 
local and industry norms and group purchasing 
arrangements which may have been made with 
a supplier. The Group values its suppliers and 
recognises the benefits to be derived from 
maintaining good relationships with them. 
Anglo American acknowledges the importance 
of paying invoices, especially those of small 
businesses, promptly. 

value of land 
Land is mainly carried in the financial 
statements at cost. It is not practicable to 
estimate the market value of land and mineral 
rights, since these depend on product prices 
over the next 20 years or more, which will vary 
with market conditions. 

Post-balance sheet events 
Post-balance sheet events are set out in note 
41 to the financial statements on page 132. 

audit information 
The directors confirm that, so far as they are 
aware, there is no relevant audit information 
of which the auditors are unaware and that all 
directors have taken all reasonable steps to 
make themselves aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the auditors 
are aware of that information.

employment and other policies 
The Group’s key operating businesses are 
empowered to manage, within the context of 
their own industry and the different legislative 
and social demands of the diverse countries in 
which those businesses operate, subject to the 
standards embodied in Anglo American’s Good 
Citizenship: Our Business Principles. 

Within all the Group’s businesses, the safe 

and effective performance of employees and 
the maintenance of positive employee relations 
are of fundamental importance. Managers are 
charged with ensuring that the following key 
principles are upheld: 

• adherence to national legal standards 
on employment and workplace rights 
at all times; 

• adoption of fair labour practices; 
• prohibition of child labour; 
• prohibition of inhumane treatment of 

employees and any form of forced labour, 
physical punishment or other abuse; 
• continual promotion of safe and healthy 

working practices; 

• promotion of workplace equality and 

elimination of all forms of unfair 
discrimination;

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

62

Governance

Directors’ report continued

• provision of opportunities for employees 

to enhance their work-related skills 
and capabilities; 

• recognition of the right of our employees 

to freedom of association; and 
• adoption of fair and appropriate 

procedures for determining terms and 
conditions of employment. 

Further, the Group is committed to treating 
employees at all levels with respect and 
consideration, to investing in their 
development and to ensuring that their 
careers are not constrained by discrimination 
or arbitrary barriers. 

Copies of the Good Citizenship: Our Business 
Principles booklet are available from the Company 
and may be accessed on the Company’s 
website www.angloamerican.co.uk

As in previous years, numerous employee 
communication presentations and workshops 
took place at Group level, including a series 
of 70 workshops worldwide to embed the 
Group’s six core values, the training of more 
than 400 managers on the implementation of 
the Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox and 
three management development programmes. 
The Group has a well-used enterprise 
information portal, theSource, which seeks to 
ensure that employees are regularly updated on 
developments within the Group, and feedback  
is encouraged. 

In addition, the Company regularly publishes 

Optima (available on the Company’s website) 
and AngloWorld, which contain items of news, 
current affairs and information relevant to 
Group employees.

charitable donations
During the year, Anglo American and its 
subsidiaries made donations for charitable 
purposes or wider social investments 
amounting to $76.2 million (1.11% of pre-tax 
profit of subsidiaries and joint ventures). 
Charitable donations of $4.7 million were made 
in the UK, consisting of payments in respect 
of education, sport and youth $0.9 million 
(19.1%); community development $1.9 million 
(40.4%); health and HIV/AIDS $0.4 million 
(8.5%); environment $0.1 million (2.1%); arts, 
culture and heritage $0.3 million (6.4%), and 
other charitable causes $1.1 million (23.5%). 
These figures were compiled with reference  
to the London Benchmarking Group model for 
defining and measuring social investment 
spending. A fuller analysis of the Group’s social 
investment activities can be found in the  
Report to Society 2008.

Political donations 
No political donations were made during 2008. 
Anglo American has an established policy of 
not making donations to, or incurring expenses 
for the benefit of, any political party in any part 
of the world, including any political party or 
political organisation as defined in the Political 
Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held on 15 April 2009. 
A separate booklet enclosed with this report 
contains the notice convening the meeting 
together with a description of the business to 
be conducted. 

additional information  
for shareholders 
Set out below is a summary of certain 
provisions of the Company’s current Articles 
of Association (the Articles) and applicable 
English law concerning companies (the 
Companies Act 1985 and the Companies Act 
2006, together the Companies Acts) required 
as a result of the implementation of the 
Takeovers Directive in English law. This is a 
summary only and the relevant provisions of 
the Articles or the Companies Acts should be 
consulted if further information is required. 

Dividends and distributions 
Subject to the provisions of the Companies 
Acts, the Company may by ordinary resolution 
from time to time declare dividends not 
exceeding the amount recommended by the 
Board. The Board may pay interim dividends 
whenever the financial position of the 
Company, in the opinion of the Board, justifies 
such payment. 

The Board may withhold payment of all 
or any part of any dividends or other monies 
payable in respect of the Company’s shares 
from a person with a 0.25% interest or more 
(as defined in the Articles) if such a person 
has been served with a notice after failing 
to provide the Company with information 
concerning interests in those shares required 
to be provided under the Companies Acts. 

Rights and obligations attaching  
to shares 
The rights and obligations attaching to the 
ordinary and preference shares are set out in 
the Articles. The Articles may only be changed 
by the shareholders by special resolution.

Voting 
Subject to the Articles generally and to any 
special rights or restrictions as to voting 
attached by or in accordance with the Articles 
to any class of shares, on a show of hands 
every member who is present in person at a 
general meeting shall have one vote and, on a 
poll, every member who is present in person or 
by proxy shall have one vote for every share of 
which he/she is the holder. It is, and has been 
for some years, the Company’s practice to hold 
a poll on every resolution at Annual and 
Extraordinary shareholder meetings. 

Where shares are held by trustees/ 

nominees in respect of the Group’s employee 
share plans and the voting rights attached to 
such shares are not directly exercisable by the 
employees, it is the Company’s practice that 
such rights are not exercised by the relevant 
trustee/nominee. 

Under the Companies Acts, members are 
entitled to appoint a proxy, who need not be a 
member of the Company, to exercise all or any 
of their rights to attend and to speak and vote 
on their behalf at a general meeting or class 
meeting. A member may appoint more than 
one proxy in relation to a general meeting or 
class meeting provided that each proxy is 
appointed to exercise the rights attached to a 
different share or shares held by that member. 
A member that is a corporation may appoint 
one or more individuals to act on its behalf 
at a general meeting or class meetings as 
a corporate representative. 

The Company is aware of the debate 
concerning section 323 of the Companies Act 
2006, related to the voting rights of corporate 
representatives. Anglo American is committed 
to ensuring all investors have the opportunity 
to exercise their voting rights and, to this end, 
has adopted the guidance issued by the 
Institute of Chartered Secretaries and 
Administrators (available at www.icsa.org.uk).

Restrictions on voting 
No member shall, unless the directors 
otherwise determine, be entitled in respect 
of any share held by him/her to vote either 
personally or by proxy at a shareholders’ 
meeting or to exercise any other right conferred 
by membership in relation to shareholders’ 
meetings if any call or other sum presently 
payable by him/her to the Company in respect 
of that share remains unpaid. In addition, 
no member shall be entitled to vote if he/she 
has been served with a notice after failing 
to provide the Company with information 
concerning interests in those shares required 
to be provided under the Companies Acts. 

Issue of shares 
Subject to the provisions of the Companies 
Acts relating to authority and pre-emption 
rights and of any resolution of the Company 
in a general meeting, all unissued shares of 
the Company shall be at the disposal of the 
directors and they may allot (with or without 
conferring a right of renunciation), grant 
options over or otherwise dispose of them 
to such persons, at such times and on such 
terms as they think proper. 

Shares in uncertificated form 
Directors may determine that any class of 
shares may be held in uncertificated form and 
title to such shares may be transferred by means 
of a relevant system or that shares of any class 
should cease to be held and transferred. Subject 
to the provisions of the Companies Acts, the 
CREST Regulations and every other statute, 
statutory instrument, regulation or order for the 
time being in force concerning companies and 
affecting the Company (together, the Statutes), 
the directors may determine that any class of 
shares held on the branch register of members 
of the Company resident in South Africa or any 
other overseas branch register of the members 

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of the Company may be held in uncertificated 
form in accordance with any system outside 
the UK which enables title to such shares to be 
evidenced and transferred without a written 
instrument and which is a relevant system.  
The provisions of the Articles shall not apply to 
shares of any class which are in uncertificated 
form to the extent that the Articles are 
inconsistent with the holding of shares of that 
class in uncertificated form, the transfer of title 
to shares of that class by means of a relevant 
system or any provision of the CREST 
Regulations. 

Deadlines for exercising voting rights 
Votes are exercisable at a General Meeting of 
the Company in respect of which the business 
being voted upon is being heard. Votes may be 
exercised in person, by proxy, or in relation to 
corporate members, by corporate representative. 
The Articles provide a deadline for submission 
of proxy forms of not than less than 48 hours 
before the time appointed for the holding of the 
meeting or adjourned meeting. 

Variation of rights 
Subject to statute, the Articles specify that 
rights attached to any class of shares may be 
varied with the written consent of the holders  
of not less than three-quarters in nominal value 
of the issued shares of that class, or with the 
sanction of an extraordinary resolution passed 
at a separate General Meeting of the holders of 
those shares. At every such separate General 
Meeting the quorum shall be two persons 
holding or representing by proxy at least 
one-third in nominal value of the issued shares 
of the class (calculated excluding any shares 
held as treasury shares). The rights conferred 
upon the holders of any shares shall not, unless 
otherwise expressly provided in the rights 
attaching to those shares, be deemed to be 
varied by the creation or issue of further shares 
ranking pari passu with them. 

Transfer of shares 
All transfers of shares which are in certificated 
form may be effected by transfer in writing in 
any usual or common form or in any other form 
acceptable to the directors and may be under 
hand only. The instrument of transfer shall be 
signed by or on behalf of the transferor and 
(except in the case of fully-paid shares) by or 
on behalf of the transferee. The transferor shall 
remain the holder of the shares concerned until 
the name of the transferee is entered in the 
register. All transfers of shares which are in 
uncertificated form may be effected by means 
of the CREST system. 

The directors may decline to recognise any 

instrument of transfer relating to shares in 
certificated form unless it: 

 (a) is in respect of only one class of share; 
and 
 (b) is lodged at the transfer office (duly 
stamped if required) accompanied by the 
relevant share certificate(s) and such other 

evidence as the directors may reasonably 
require to show the right of the transferor to 
make the transfer (and, if the instrument of 
transfer is executed by some other person 
on his/her behalf, the authority of that 
person so to do). 

The directors may, in the case of shares in 
certificated form, in their absolute discretion and 
without assigning any reason therefor, refuse 
to register any transfer of shares (not being 
fully-paid shares) provided that, where any such 
shares are admitted to the Official List of the 
London Stock Exchange, such discretion may 
not be exercised in such a way as to prevent 
dealings in the shares of that class from taking 
place on an open and proper basis. The 
directors may also refuse to register an 
allotment or transfer of shares (whether fully 
paid or not) in favour of more than four 
persons jointly. 

If the directors refuse to register an 
allotment or transfer, they shall send within 
two months after the date on which the letter 
of allotment or transfer was lodged with the 
Company, to the allottee or transferee, notice 
of the refusal. 

A shareholder does not need to obtain  

the approval of the Company, or of other 
shareholders of shares in the Company, for 
a transfer of shares to take place. 

Directors 
Directors shall not be less than ten nor more 
than 18 in number. A director is not required 
to hold any shares of the Company by way of 
qualification. The Company may by ordinary 
resolution increase or reduce the maximum 
or minimum number of directors. 

Powers of directors 
Subject to the Articles, the Companies Acts and 
any directions given by special resolution, the 
business of the Company will be managed by 
the Board who may exercise all the powers of 
the Company. 

The Board may exercise all the powers of 
the Company to borrow money and to mortgage 
or charge any of its undertaking, property and 
uncalled capital and to issue debentures and 
other securities, whether outright or as 
collateral security for any debt, liability or 
obligation of the Company or of any third party. 
The Company may by ordinary resolution 

declare dividends but no dividend shall be 
payable in excess of the amount recommended 
by the directors. Subject to the provisions of 
the Articles and to the rights attaching to any 
shares, any dividends or other monies payable 
on or in respect of a share may be paid in such 
currency as the directors may determine. The 
directors may deduct from any dividend payable 
to any member all sums of money (if any) 
presently payable by him/her to the Company 
on account of calls or otherwise in relation to 
shares of the Company. The directors may 
retain any dividends payable on shares on 

which the Company has a lien, and may apply 
the same in or towards satisfaction of the 
debts, liabilities or engagements in respect of 
which the lien exists.

Appointment of directors
The directors may from time to time appoint 
one or more directors.

The Board may appoint any person to be a 
director (so long as the total number of directors 
does not exceed the limit prescribed in the 
Articles). Any such director shall hold office only 
until the next AGM and shall then be eligible for 
election.

Retirement of directors 
At each AGM all those directors who have  
been in office for three years or more since  
their election or last re-election shall retire  
from office. In addition, a director may at  
any AGM retire from office and stand for  
re-election. In accordance with the Combined 
Code, any director who has served more  
than three three-year terms is subject to  
annual re-election.

Significant agreements: Change of 
control
At 31 December 2008, Anglo American had 
committed bilateral and syndicated borrowing 
facilities totalling $15.7 billion with a number of 
relationship banks and a rand 20 billion South 
African Medium Term Note Programme which 
contain change of control clauses. In aggregate, 
these facilities are considered significant to the 
Group and in the event of a takeover (change of 
control) of the Company, these contracts may 
be cancelled, become immediately payable or 
be subject to acceleration.

In the event of a change of control, 
employee share plans would be affected.

No other agreements that take effect, alter 

or terminate on a change of control of the 
Company are considered significant in terms of 
the potential impact on the Group as a whole.

Purchases of own shares
At the AGM held on 15 April 2008, authority 
was given for the Company to purchase, in the 
market, up to 198 million Ordinary Shares of 
5486/91 US cents each. Details of purchases 
made during the year are set out in note 28 on 
pages 115 to 121.

Indemnities
To the extent permitted by law and the Articles 
the Company has made qualifying third party 
indemnity provisions for the benefit of its 
directors during the year and which remain in 
force at the date of this report.

By order of the Board 

Nicholas Jordan 
Company Secretary 
19 February 2009

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

64

Governance

Corporate governance

combined code compliance
Anglo American is committed to the highest 
standards of corporate governance – the way in 
which the Company is directed and controlled – 
and complied fully with the Combined Code on 
Corporate Governance June 2006 (the Code) 
throughout the year under review. 

role of the Board 
The Board of directors is responsible to 
shareholders for the performance of the 
Company. Its role includes the establishment, 
review and monitoring of strategic objectives, 
approval of major acquisitions, disposals and 
capital expenditure and overseeing the Group’s 
systems of internal control, governance and risk 
management. A schedule of matters reserved 
for the Board’s decision details key aspects 
of the Company’s affairs that the Board does 
not delegate (including, among other things, 
approval of business plans and budgets, 
material expenditure and alterations to 
share capital). 

Board composition and  
directors’ independence 
The Board is chaired by Sir Mark Moody-Stuart. 
The chairman is responsible for leading the 
Board and for its effectiveness. Cynthia Carroll 
is the chief executive and is responsible for 
the execution of strategy and the day-to-day 
management of the Group, supported by the 
Executive Committee (ExCo), which she chairs. 
The Company has adopted the Statement of 
Division of Responsibilities between the 
Chairman and the Chief Executive promulgated 
by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and 
Administrators. On 1 September 2008, the 
Chief Executive’s Committee and ExCo were 
merged. The functions and membership of ExCo 
are set out on page 67. David Challen succeeded 
Sir Rob Margetts as the senior independent 
non-executive director on 15 April 2008.
The Board has a strong independent 
element and currently comprises, in addition 
to the chairman, two executive and nine 
non-executive directors, eight of whom are 
independent according to the definition 
contained in the Code. The independent 
directors are indicated within the table 
opposite, and full biographical details for each 
director are given on pages 58 and 59. The 
letters of appointment of the non-executive 
directors are available for inspection at the 
registered office of the Company.

The Company is conscious of the need  
to maintain an appropriate mix of skills and 
experience on the Board, and to progressively 
refresh its composition over time, and, in this 
connection, Sir CK Chow was appointed and 
Bobby Godsell retired from the Board at the 
conclusion of the 2008 AGM.

David Challen, Chris Fay, Sir Rob Margetts,  

Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Fred Phaswana, 
Mamphela Ramphele and Peter Woicke will  

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

be proposed for re-election at the AGM. 
Sir Mark is the chairman of Anglo American plc, 
and serves as a member of the Nomination, 
Remuneration and Safety and Sustainable 
Development (S&SD) Committees.  
David Challen is the senior independent 
non-executive director and is chairman of the 
Audit Committee and a member of the 
Remuneration Committee. Fred Phaswana is 
chairman of the Nomination Committee and a 
member of the Audit Committee. Peter Woicke 
is a member of the Audit, S&SD and 
Nomination Committees and Mamphela 
Ramphele is a member of the S&SD and 
Nomination Committees. Chris Fay and  
Sir Rob Margetts will again be proposed for 
re-election at the AGM. Each has served three 
three-year terms as an independent non-
executive director, having been first appointed 
during 1999, and hence their nomination for 
re-election has been subject to particularly 
rigorous review. Chris Fay chairs the S&SD 
Committee and serves as a member of the 
Audit and Remuneration Committees.  
Sir Rob Margetts chairs the Remuneration 
Committee and is a member of the Nomination 
Committee. The Board values their wide 
experience and contributions to its proceedings, 
and is satisfied that they both remain robustly 
independent. The re-election of Sir Rob Margetts 
and Chris Fay is in accordance with provision 
A.7.2 of the Code. None of the non-executive 
directors has served concurrently with an 
executive director for more than four years.
Since January 2008, one independent 
non-executive director has been appointed and 
one non-independent non-executive director 
has retired. The Company considers that its 
programme of progressively refreshing the 
composition of the Board remains effective.

conflicts of interest
During the year a full survey of the Board 
members’ interests and appointments was 
carried out, the Board was fully briefed on the 
Companies Act 2006 provisions in relation to 
conflicts of interest which came in to effect 
on 1 October 2008 and conflict management 
procedures were agreed. Anglo American policy 
dictates that if a director becomes aware that 
he/she has a direct or indirect interest in an 
existing or proposed transaction with Anglo 
American, he/she should notify the board 
at the next board meeting or by a written 
declaration. Interests in proposed transactions 
should be notified before the transaction is 
entered into and directors have a continuing 
duty to update any changes in these interests. 
There were no such notifications of interests  
in proposed transactions during the year. In 
accordance with the Company’s Articles and 
relevant legislation, an unconflicted quorum of 
the board can authorise potential conflicts and 
such authorisations can be limited in scope and 
are reviewed on an annual basis.

Directors’ training 
Anglo American’s directors have a wide range 
of expertise as well as significant experience 
in strategic, financial, commercial and mining 
activities. Training and briefings are also 
available to all directors on appointment and 
subsequently, as necessary, taking into account 
existing qualifications and experience. Directors 
also have access to management, and to the 
advice of the company secretary. Furthermore, 
all directors are entitled to seek independent 
professional advice concerning the affairs 
of Anglo American at its expense, although 
no such advice was sought during 2008. 

Board and Committee meetings – frequency and attendance

Independent 

Board 
(nine 
meetings) 

Audit 
(three 
meetings) 

S&SD  Remuneration  Nomination 
(three 
(six 
(four 
meetings)
meetings) 
meetings) 

Sir Mark Moody-Stuart 
Cynthia Carroll 
René Médori 
Sir C K Chow(1) 
David Challen 
Chris Fay 
Bobby Godsell(1) 
Sir Rob Margetts 
Karel Van Miert 
Nicky Oppenheimer 
Fred Phaswana 
Mamphela Ramphele 
Peter Woicke 

n/a 
No 
No 
Yes 
Yes 
Yes 
No 
Yes 
Yes 
No 
Yes 
Yes 
Yes 

All 
All 
All 
All 
All 
All 
All 
8 
All 
7 
8 
8 
All 

n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
All 
All 
n/a 
n/a 
All 
n/a 
All 
n/a 
2 

All 
All 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
All 
All 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
3 
All 

All 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
All 
All 
n/a 
All 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 
n/a 

All
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
All
2
2
All
2
All

(1) Meetings attended prior to retirement or since appointment.

  
  
  
  
  
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Presentations are made to the Board by 
business management on the activities of 
operations. Directors undertake regular visits 
to operations and projects and, in 2008, 
operations in Australia, Botswana, Brazil, 
Chile, China, Germany, Peru, Philippines, 
South Africa, Venezuela and the US were 
visited. In addition, during the year, directors 
attended courses/seminars on corporate 
governance, the credit crunch/recession, 
remuneration, and pensions management.

Board effectiveness 
A formal evaluation of the performance of the 
Board, its committees and individual directors 
is carried out annually by means of detailed 
questionnaires and/or interviews. The most 
recent evaluation was carried out by Dr Long of 
Boardroom Review and presented to the Board. 
For the first time the scope of the evaluation 
was widened to include the views of senior 
executives below board level and the Deloitte 
partner responsible for the audit. The aim is to 
ensure continuous improvement in the 
functioning of the Board. Arising from the 
review carried out in 2008, the Board has 
agreed to certain changes and ongoing 
development in the following areas:

• Strategy planning
• Communications with major shareholders
• Talent management and succession planning
• Committee composition
• Submission of information to the Board and 

scheduling of meetings

As in past years, the evaluation process also 
included a review, chaired by the senior 
independent non-executive director (without 
the chairman present), of the performance of 
the chairman. It is the Board’s current intention 
to continue to engage an external reviewer for 
the Board effectiveness evaluation process 
from time to time.

committees of the Board 
Subject to those matters reserved for its 
decision, the Board delegates certain 
responsibilities to a number of standing 
committees – the Audit, Remuneration, 
Nomination and S&SD Committees. The terms 
of reference for each of these committees  
and a schedule of matters reserved for  
the Board’s decision are published on the 
Company’s website. 

Remuneration Committee 
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for 
establishing and developing the Group’s general 
policy on executive and senior management 
remuneration and determining specific 
remuneration packages for executive directors.
The directors’ Remuneration report, setting 

out Anglo American’s policy on executive 
remuneration, is set out on pages 69 to 78 of 
this Annual Report. A resolution to approve the 
Remuneration report will be proposed at the 

forthcoming AGM. The Committee met six 
times during 2008.

The Remuneration Committee presently 

comprises: Sir Rob Margetts (chairman),  
David Challen and Chris Fay, all of whom are 
independent non-executive directors, and  
Sir Mark Moody-Stuart. Sir CK Chow and Peter 
Woicke will join the Committee with effect from 
the conclusion of the AGM.

Safety and Sustainable Development 
(S&SD) Committee
The S&SD Committee is responsible for 
developing framework policies and guidelines 
for the management of sustainable development 
issues, including safety, health and environment 
matters, and ensuring their progressive 
implementation throughout the Group. 

The S&SD Committee normally meets three 

or four times each year, including a visit to an 
operation, and business unit heads are invited 
to attend committee meetings. Each business 
unit head makes a safety and sustainable 
development presentation to the Committee.  
The Report to Society 2008, to be published 
in April, will focus on the safety, sustainable 
development, health and environmental 
performance of the Group’s managed 
operations, their performance with regard to 
the Company’s Good Citizenship principles 
and the operational dimensions of their social 
programmes. The Committee met four times 
during 2008.

The S&SD Committee presently comprises: 

Chris Fay (chairman), Cynthia Carroll,  
Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Mamphela Ramphele 
and Peter Woicke.

Nomination Committee 
The Nomination Committee makes 
recommendations to the Board on the 
appointment of new executive and non-
executive directors, including making 
recommendations as to the composition of 
the Board and its committees and the balance 
between executive and non-executive 
directors. The Nomination Committee meets 
as and when required and engages external 
consultants to identify appropriate candidates. 
During 2008, the services of Spencer Stuart 
were used by the Committee. 

The Board, via the Nomination Committee, 

has taken steps to ensure that the Human 
Resources function of the Group regularly 
reviews and updates the succession plans 
of directors and senior managers. The 
Committee met three times during 2008.
The Nomination Committee presently 

comprises: Fred Phaswana (chairman),  
Sir Rob Margetts, Sir Mark Moody-Stuart,  
Nicky Oppenheimer, Mamphela Ramphele, 
Karel Van Miert and Peter Woicke. In 
accordance with the provisions of the  
Code, the majority of members and the 
chairman of the Committee are independent 
non-executive directors.

With effect from the conclusion of the 
AGM, the Committee will consist of Sir Mark  
Moody-Stuart (chairman), Fred Phaswana, 
Mamphela Ramphele, Karel Van Miert,  
Peter Woicke and Sir CK Chow.

Audit Committee 
The primary role of the Audit Committee is 
to ensure the integrity of financial reporting 
and the audit process, and that a sound risk 
management and internal control system is 
maintained. In pursuing these objectives, 
the Audit Committee oversees relations 
with the external auditors and reviews the 
effectiveness of the internal audit function. 
The Committee also monitors developments 
in corporate governance to ensure the 
Group continues to apply high and 
appropriate standards. 

In fulfilling its responsibility of monitoring 

the integrity of financial reports to 
shareholders, the Audit Committee has 
reviewed accounting principles, policies and 
practices adopted in the preparation of public 
financial information and has examined 
documentation relating to the Annual Report, 
Interim Report, preliminary announcements and 
related public reports. The clarity of disclosures 
included in the financial statements was 
reviewed by the Audit Committee, as was the 
basis for significant estimates and judgements. 
In assessing the accounting treatment of major 
transactions open to different approaches, 
the Committee considered written reports by 
management and the external auditors. The 
Committee’s recommendations are submitted 
to the Board for approval. 

The chief financial officers of all operations 
have provided confirmation, on a six-monthly 
basis, that financial and accounting control 
frameworks operate satisfactorily. The 
Committee considered summaries of the 
significant risk and control issues arising from 
these reports. The Committee also received 
regular internal and external audit reports on 
the results of audits at various operations. 
Further information on risk management 
processes is provided in the internal control 
disclosure statement on page 66. 

External audit 
Anglo American’s policy on auditors’ 
independence, which came into effect on  
1 January 2003, is consistent with the ethical 
standards published by the Auditing Practices 
Board in December 2004. 

A key factor that may impair auditors’ 

independence is a lack of control over non-audit 
services provided by the external auditors. In 
essence, the external auditors’ independence 
is deemed to be impaired if the auditors provide 
a service which: 

• results in auditing of own work by the 

auditors;

• results in the auditors acting as a manager 

or employee of the Group; 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

66

Governance

Corporate governance continued

• puts the auditors in the role of advocate for 

the Group; or 

• creates a mutuality of interest between the 

auditors and the Group. 

Anglo American addresses this issue through 
three primary measures, namely: 

• disclosure of the extent and nature of 

non-audit services; 

• the prohibition of selected services; and 
• prior approval by the Audit Committee 

chairman of non-audit services where the 
cost of the proposed assignment is likely 
to exceed $50,000.

Disclosure entails reporting non-audit services 
to the Group’s audit committees and inclusion 
of prescribed detail, i.e. the breakdown of 
fees paid to external auditors for audit and 
non-audit work in the Annual Reports of listed 
entities. The policy’s definition of prohibited 
non-audit services corresponds with the 
European Commission’s recommendations 
on auditors’ independence.

Other safeguards encapsulated in the  

policy include: 

• the external auditors are required to adhere 
to a rotation policy based on best practice 
and professional standards in the United 
Kingdom. The standard period for rotation 
of the audit engagement partner is five 
years and, for any key audit principal, 
seven years.

• any partner designated as a key audit 

principal of Anglo American shall not be 
employed by Anglo American in a key 
management position unless a period of 
at least two years has elapsed since the 
conclusion of the last relevant audit. 
• the external auditors are required to 

periodically assess, in their professional 
judgement, whether they are independent 
of the Group. 

• the Audit Committee ensures that the scope 
of the auditors’ work is sufficient and that 
the auditors are fairly remunerated. 

• the Audit Committee has primary 

responsibility for making recommendations 
to the Board on the appointment,  
re-appointment and removal of the 
external auditors. 

• the Audit Committee has the authority 
to engage independent counsel and 
other advisers as they determine 
necessary in order to resolve issues 
on auditor independence. 

The Audit Committee has satisfied itself that 
the United Kingdom professional and regulatory 
requirements for audit partner rotation and 
employment of former employees of the 
external auditors have been complied with. 

The Audit Committee considered 

extent of non-audit fees do not present a threat 
to the external auditors’ independence. 

Furthermore, after reviewing a report from 
the external auditors on all their relationships 
with Anglo American that might reasonably 
have a bearing on the external auditors’ 
independence and the audit engagement 
partner and staff’s objectivity, and the related 
safeguards and procedures, the Committee 
has concluded that the external auditors’ 
independence was not impaired. 

The Audit Committee approved the external 
auditors’ terms of engagement, scope of work, 
the process for the 2008 interim review, the 
annual audit and the applicable levels of 
materiality. Based on written reports submitted, 
the Committee reviewed, with the external 
auditors, the findings of their work and 
confirmed that all significant matters had been 
satisfactorily resolved. 

The Committee’s assessment of the 

external auditors’ performance and 
independence underpins its recommendation  
to the Board to propose to shareholders the 
re-appointment of Deloitte as auditors until the 
conclusion of the AGM in 2010. Resolutions to 
authorise the Board to re-appoint and determine 
their remuneration will be proposed at the AGM 
on 15 April 2009. 

Internal audit
The Group has an internal audit department 
that reports centrally with responsibility for 
reviewing and providing assurance on the 
adequacy of the internal control environment 
across all of Anglo American’s operations.  
The head of internal audit is responsible for 
reporting the findings of this internal audit work 
to the Audit Committee on a regular basis. 
Internal audit teams operated in all of the 
Group’s principal divisions in the period under 
review, reporting findings to local senior 
management. Internal audit function’s 
mandates and annual audit coverage plans 
were approved by the Audit Committee. 

The internal audit activities are performed 

either by teams of appropriate, qualified and 
experienced employees, or through the 
engagement of external practitioners upon 
specified and agreed terms. A summary of audit 
results and risk-management information was 
presented to the Committee and Group senior 
management at regular intervals throughout 
the year. The Group’s head of internal audit 
reports to the Audit Committee on the internal 
audit function’s performance against the agreed 
internal audit plan. 

Assurance regarding the accuracy and 

reliability of mineral resources and ore reserves 
disclosures is provided through a combination 
of internal technically proficient staff and 
independent third parties.

information pertaining to the balance between 
fees for audit and non-audit work for the Group 
in 2008 and concluded that the nature and 

Composition 
The Audit Committee presently comprises: 
David Challen (chairman), Chris Fay,  

Fred Phaswana, Karel Van Miert and Peter 
Woicke, all of whom are independent non-
executive directors. In view of his appointment 
to other committees, Peter Woicke will step 
down as a member at the conclusion of the 
AGM. The Board, in consultation with the Audit 
Committee chairman, makes appointments to 
the Committee. The Board has determined that 
the Committee members have the skills and 
experience necessary to contribute meaningfully 
to the Committee’s deliberations. In addition, 
the chairman has requisite experience 
in accounting and financial management.

The Committee met three times during 
2008, and on one of those occasions the 
members held discussions with the external 
audit partners and the head of internal audit 
in the absence of management.

effectiveness of internal control 
and risk management 
The Executive Committee, (ExCo) (previously 
known as the Chief Executive’s Committee until 
1 September 2008) as mandated by the Board, 
has established a Group-wide system of 
internal control to manage significant Group 
risks. This system, which has been operating 
throughout the year and to the date of this 
report, supports the Board in discharging its 
responsibility for ensuring that the wide range 
of risks associated with the Group’s diverse 
international operations is effectively managed 
in support of the creation and preservation 
of shareholder wealth. Where appropriate, 
necessary action has been or is being taken to 
remedy any failings or weaknesses identified 
from review of the effectiveness of the internal 
control system. 

Internal control 
The system of internal control, which is 
embedded in all key operations, provides 
reasonable rather than absolute assurance 
that the Group’s business objectives will be 
achieved within the risk tolerance levels defined 
by the Board. Regular management reporting, 
which provides a balanced assessment of key 
risks and controls, is an important component 
of Board assurance. In addition, certain Board 
committees focus on specific risks such as 
safety and capital investment and provide 
assurance to the Board on those matters. The 
chief financial officers provide confirmation, 
on a six-monthly basis, that financial and 
accounting control frameworks have operated 
satisfactorily. The Board also receives 
assurance from the Audit Committee, which 
derives its information, in part, from regular 
internal and external audit reports on risk and 
internal control throughout the Group. The 
Group’s internal audit function has a formal 
collaboration process in place with the external 
auditors to ensure efficient coverage of internal 
controls. The Anglo American internal audit 
function is responsible for providing 
independent assurance to ExCo and the Board 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

on the effectiveness of the risk management 
process throughout the Group. 

supports the Board in achieving its risk 
management objectives. 

Anglo American seeks to have a sound 

During the course of the year the Board 

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facilities are operated by independent service 
providers who remove all indications from 
information received as to the identity of the 
callers before submission to designated persons 
in the Group

During 2008, 208 reports were received via 

the global ‘Speakup’ facility, covering a broad 
spectrum of concerns, including ethical, 
criminal, supplier relationships, health and 
safety, and human resource-type issues. 
Reports received were kept strictly confidential 
and were referred to appropriate line managers 
within the Group for resolution. Where 
appropriate, action was taken to address the 
issues raised.

executive management 
Executive Committee (ExCo)
Until 1 September 2008 the Chief Executive’s 
Committee (CeCom) was responsible for 
implementing the strategies and policies 
determined by the Board, managing the 
business and affairs of the Company, 
prioritising the allocation of capital, technical 
and human resources and establishing best 
management practices. CeCom was also (until 
1 September 2008) responsible for senior 
management appointments and monitoring 
their performance and acted as the risk 
committee for the purpose of reviewing and 
monitoring Anglo American’s systems of 
internal control. 

CeCom comprised: Cynthia Carroll (chair), 
René Médori, Russell King and Tony Redman. 

With effect from 1 September 2008, ExCo 

assumed all the responsibilities of CeCom in 
addition to its own responsibilities of 
developing corporate and business unit 
strategy, monitoring strategic process in terms 
of key milestones and reviewing operational 
and safety procedures of the Group’s business 
units. ExCo meets at least every two months 
on a formal basis for a two day session and 
when required in the intervening periods.

considered the Group’s responsiveness to 
changes within its business environment. 
The Board is satisfied that there is an ongoing 
process, which has been operational during 
the year, and up to the date of approval of the 
Annual Report, for identifying, evaluating and 
managing the significant risks faced by the 
Group. This includes social, environmental and 
ethical risks as highlighted in the Disclosure 
Guidelines on Socially Responsible Investment 
issued by the Association of British Insurers. 
A detailed report on social, environmental and 
ethical issues is included in the Company’s 
Report to Society 2008. 

Accountability and audit 
The Board is required to present a balanced  
and understandable assessment of Anglo 
American’s financial position and prospects. 
Such assessment is provided in the Chairman’s 
and Chief executive’s statements and the 
Operating and financial review of this Annual 
Report. The respective responsibilities of the 
directors and external auditors are set out on 
pages 80 and 83. As referred to in the 
Directors’ report, the directors have expressed 
their view that Anglo American’s business is 
a going concern.

Whistleblowing programme 
Following adoption in December 2003 of a 
whistleblowing policy that is aligned with the 
Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, the Group 
implemented a whistleblowing programme in all 
of the managed operations. The programme, 
which is monitored by the Audit Committee, 
is aimed at enabling employees, customers, 
suppliers, managers or other stakeholders, on 
a confidential basis, to raise concerns in cases 
where conduct is deemed to be contrary to our 
values. It may include:

• actions that may result in danger to the 

The current members of ExCo are; Cynthia 

health and / or safety of people or damage 
to the environment; 

• unethical practice in accounting, internal 

accounting controls, financial reporting and 
auditing matters; 

• criminal offences, including money 

laundering, fraud, bribery and corruption; 
• failure to comply with any legal obligation; 
• miscarriage of justice;
• any conduct contrary to the ethical 

principles embraced in our Good Citizenship: 
Our Business Principles or any similar policy; 

• any other legal or ethical concern; and 
• concealment of any of the above. 

The programme makes available a selection of 
telephonic, e-mail, web-based and surface mail 
communication channels to any person in the 
world who has information about unethical 
practice in Anglo American and its managed 
operations. The multilingual communication 

Carroll (chair), René Médori, Russell King,  
Philip Baum, Brian Beamish, Ian Cockerill, 
Kuseni Dlamini, Neville Nicolau, David Weston 
and Mervyn Walker.

Investment Committee 
The role of the Investment Committee, which 
is a sub-committee of ExCo, is to manage 
the process of capital allocation by ensuring 
that investments and divestments increase 
shareholder value and meet Anglo American’s 
financial criteria. The Committee makes 
recommendations to ExCo and/or the Board 
on these matters. The Committee meets 
as required. 

The Investment Committee presently 
comprises: René Médori (chairman), Dorian 
Emmett and Gareth Mostyn. 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

system of internal control, based on the 
Group’s policies and guidelines, in all 
material associates and joint ventures. In 
those companies that are independently 
managed, as well as joint ventures, the 
directors who are represented on these 
organisations’ boards seek assurance that 
significant risks are being managed. 

Risk management 
The Board’s policy on risk management 
encompasses all significant business risks to 
the Group, including, financial, operational and 
compliance risk, which could undermine the 
achievement of business objectives. This 
system of risk management is designed so 
that the different businesses are able to tailor 
and adapt their risk management processes to 
suit their specific circumstances. This flexible 
approach has the commitment of the 
Group’s senior management. There is clear 
accountability for risk management, which 
is a key performance area of line managers 
throughout the Group. The requisite risk and 
control capability is assured through Board 
challenge and appropriate management 
selection and skills development. Managers 
are supported in giving effect to their risk 
responsibilities through policies and guidelines 
on risk and control management. Continuous 
monitoring of risk and control processes, across 
headline risk areas and other business-specific 
risk areas, provides the basis for regular and 
exception reporting to business management 
and boards, ExCo, the Audit Committee and 
the Board. 

Some of the headline risk areas, which have 

been elaborated upon in the financial review, 
set out on pages 54 to 56 are: 

• commodity price risk; 
• political risk; 
• legal and regulatory risk; 
• counterparty risk; and 
• infrastructure and operational 

performance risks.

The risk assessment and reporting criteria 
are designed to provide the Board with a 
consistent, Group-wide perspective of the key 
risks. The reports to the Board, which are 
submitted at least every six months, include 
an assessment of the likelihood and impact of 
risks materialising, as well as risk mitigation 
initiatives and their effectiveness. 

In conducting its annual review of the 
effectiveness of risk management, the Board 
considers the key findings from the ongoing 
monitoring and reporting processes, 
management assertions and independent 
assurance reports. The Board also takes 
account of material changes and trends in the 
risk profile and considers whether the control 
system, including reporting, adequately 

68

Governance

Corporate governance continued

Shareholders will have the opportunity 
at the forthcoming AGM, notice of which is 
contained in the booklet enclosed herewith, 
to put questions to the Board, including the 
chairmen of the various committees. Facilities 
have been put in place to enable shareholders 
on the UK register to receive Company 
communications electronically rather than 
by mail and, for those unable to attend the 
meeting, to cast their votes by electronic 
means, including those shareholders whose 
shares are held in the CREST system.

As a result of the implementation in 2008 

of the electronic communications provisions 
in the Companies Act 2006, the Company 
reduced the cost of the annual report 
production and distribution. Shareholders 
may elect to receive notification by email of 
the availability of the annual report on the 
Company’s website instead of receiving paper 
copies. The Company is working towards 
implementing this approach to incorporate 
South African investors holding shares in 
dematerialised form.

Voting on each resolution to be proposed 
at the AGM will be conducted on a poll rather 
than by a show of hands. The results of the 
poll will be announced to the press and on the 
Company’s website.

relations with shareholders 
The Company maintains an active dialogue  
with its key financial audiences, including 
institutional shareholders, sell-side analysts 
and potential shareholders. The Investor and 
Corporate Affairs Department manages the 
ongoing dialogue with these audiences and 
regular presentations take place at the time of 
interim and final results as well as during the 
rest of the year. An active programme with 
potential shareholders is also maintained.

Any concerns raised by a shareholder in 
relation to the Company and its affairs are 
communicated to the Board as a whole. The 
Board is briefed on a regular basis by the 
Investor and Corporate Affairs Department 
and analysts’ reports are circulated to the 
directors. Feedback from meetings held 
between executive management, or the 
Investor and Corporate Affairs Department, 
and institutional shareholders is also 
communicated to the Board. 

During the year there were regular 

presentations and meetings with institutional 
investors in the UK, South Africa, continental 
Europe and the US to communicate the strategy 
and performance of Anglo American. Executive 
directors as well as key corporate officers 
including business unit heads, host such 
presentations including seminars for investors 
and analysts, and ‘one-on-one’ meetings. 
Executive management also presents at 
industry conferences on a regular basis 
throughout the year, which are mainly 
organised by investment banks for their 
institutional investor base. The chairman, 
senior independent non-executive director and 
other non-executive directors are also available 
to shareholders to discuss any matter they  
wish to raise. The Company’s website  
www.angloamerican.co.uk provides the 
latest news and historical financial information, 
details about forthcoming events for 
shareholders and analysts, and other 
information on Anglo American. 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Remuneration report

1. remuneration committee
This report sets out the Company’s 
remuneration policy and practice for executive 
and non-executive directors and provides details 
of their remuneration and share interests for 
the year ended 31 December 2008.

1.1  Role of the Remuneration Committee 

and Terms of Reference

The Remuneration Committee (the Committee) 
is responsible for considering and making 
recommendations to the Board on: 

• the Company’s general policy on executive 

and senior management remuneration;
• the specific remuneration packages for 
executive directors of the Company, 
including basic salary, performance-based 
short-term and long-term incentives, 
pensions and other benefits; and

• the design and operation of the Company’s 

share incentive schemes.

The full Terms of Reference of the Committee 
can be found on the Anglo American website 
(www.angloamerican.co.uk) and copies are 
available on request. 

The Committee met six times during 2008.

1.2 Membership of the Committee 
The Committee comprised the following 
non-executive directors during the year ended 
31 December 2008: 

• Sir Rob Margetts (chairman);
• David Challen;
• Chris Fay; and
• Sir Mark Moody-Stuart.

The Company’s chief executive attends the 
Committee meetings by invitation and assists 
the Committee in its considerations, except 
when issues relating to her own compensation 
are discussed. No directors are involved in 
deciding their own remuneration. In 2008, the 
Committee was advised by the Company’s 
Human Resources and Finance functions and, 
specifically, Russell King, Mervyn Walker and 
Chris Corrin. It also took external advice as 
shown in Figure 1.

Certain overseas operations within the 

Group are also provided with audit and 
non-audit related services from PwC’s, Mercer’s 
and Deloitte’s worldwide member firms.
A summary of the letter from Mercer 
containing the conclusions of their review 
of the Committee’s executive remuneration 
processes for 2008 can be found on page 79, 
while the full letter can be found on the 
Company’s website.

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2.  remuneration policy on 

executive director remuneration
The Company’s remuneration policy is formulated 
to attract and retain high-calibre executives and 
to motivate them to develop and implement the 
Company’s business strategy in order to optimise 
long-term shareholder value creation. It is the 
intention that this policy will continue to apply for 
2009 and subsequent years, subject to ongoing 
review as appropriate. The policy is framed 
around the following key principles:

• total rewards will be set at levels that are 

sufficiently competitive to enable the 
recruitment and retention of high-calibre 
executives;

• total incentive-based rewards will be earned 

through the achievement of demanding 
performance conditions consistent with 
shareholder interests;

• incentive plans, performance measures and 
targets will be structured to operate soundly 
throughout the business cycle;

• the design of long-term incentives will be 
prudent and will not expose shareholders  
to unreasonable financial risk;

• in considering the market positioning of 

reward elements, account will be taken of 
the performance of the Company and of the 
individual executive director; and

• reward practice will conform to best practice 
standards as far as reasonably practicable. 

Representatives of the Company’s principal 
investors are consulted on changes to 
remuneration policy.

Figure 1: External advice provided to the Remuneration Committee

Advisers 

  Services provided to the Committee 

   Other services provided to the Company

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
(PwC) 

  Appointed by the Company, with the agreement of the 
  Committee, to provide specialist valuation services   

Monks Partnership 
(a subsidiary of PwC) 

  Appointed by the Company, with the agreement of the 
  Committee, to provide market remuneration data

Linklaters LLP 
(Linklaters) 

Mercer Limited (Mercer) 

Deloitte LLP 
(Deloitte) 

  Appointed by the Company, with the agreement of the 
  Committee, to provide legal advice on long-term 
  incentives and directors’ service contracts

  Engaged by the Committee to review the Committee’s 
  processes on an annual basis, in order to provide 
  shareholders with assurance that the remuneration  
  processes the Committee has followed are in line with  
  stated policy and that the Committee has operated  
  within its Terms of Reference

  Investment advisers, actuaries and auditors for 
   various pension schemes; advisers on internal audit   
  projects and the adoption of International Financial 
  Reporting Standards; taxation, payroll and 
  executive compensation advice

  Legal advice on certain corporate matters 

  Investment advisers and actuaries for various 
  pension schemes 

   In their capacity as Group auditors, Deloitte  
  undertakes an audit of sections 10 and 11 of the  
   remuneration report annually. However, they  
  provide no advice to the Committee

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
70

Governance

Remuneration report continued

CEO – Expected values

3

1

2

1 Fixed 29%
2 Performance-related annual bonus 35%
3 Performance-related long-term incentives 36%

FD – Expected values

3

1

2

1 Fixed 29%
2 Performance-related annual bonus 35%
3 Performance-related long-term incentives 36%

Vesting of Enhancement Shares

3

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75%

1

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2

0%

RPI
+0%

RPI
+3%

RPI
+6%

RPI
+9%

RPI
+12%

RPI
+15%

RPI
+18%

Real EPS growth over three years

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

3.   elements of executive director 

remuneration
3.1  Remuneration mix
Each executive director’s total remuneration 
consists of salary, annual bonus, long-term 
incentives and benefits. An appropriate balance 
is maintained between fixed and performance-
related remuneration and between elements 
linked to short-term financial performance 
and those linked to longer-term shareholder 
value creation.

Assuming on-target performance, the 
Committee’s policy is that at least 50%  
(60% for Cynthia Carroll) of each executive 
director’s remuneration is performance-related. 
In 2008, 71% of both the chief executive’s  
and the finance director’s remuneration on an 
expected-value basis was performance-related 
(see illustrative charts).

The Bonus Share Plan (BSP) and the Long 
Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) are designed to align 
the longer-term interests of shareholders and 
executives and to underpin the Company’s 
performance culture. The Committee monitors 
the relevance and appropriateness of the 
performance measures and targets applicable 
to both plans. Further details of the BSP and the 
LTIP are set out below and on pages 71 and 72.

3.2 Basic salary
The basic salary of the executive directors is 
reviewed annually and is targeted at the market 
median of companies of comparable size, market 
sector, business complexity and international 
scope. This is adjusted either way based on 
experience and other relevant factors. The 
market for executives of main-board calibre,  
in large international resource companies 
in particular, has in recent years been very 
competitive and it is therefore deemed sensible 
to position basic salary for executive directors 
at no lower than the median point. Company 
performance, individual performance and 
changes in responsibilities are also taken into 
consideration in setting salary levels each year.

3.3 Bonus Share Plan (BSP)
The BSP was first operated in 2004 and all 
executive directors are normally eligible to 
participate in it.

The BSP requires executive directors to 

invest a significant proportion of their 
remuneration in shares, thereby more closely 
aligning their interests with those of shareholders, 
and encourages management at all levels to 
build up a meaningful personal stake in the 
Company. Awards under the BSP are not 
pensionable, are made annually and consist 
of three elements:

• a performance-related cash element;
• Bonus Shares as a conditional award, 
normally to a value equal to the cash 
element; and

• an additional performance-related element 

in the form of Enhancement Shares.

The BSP operates as follows:

• the value of the bonus is calculated by 

reference to achievement against annual 
performance targets which include 
measures of corporate (and, where 
applicable, business unit) performance 
as well as the achievement of specific 
individual objectives. For executive 
directors, the corporate element is based on 
stretching earnings per share (EPS) targets 
which are calculated using underlying 
earnings (reconciled in note 12 of the 
financial statements). The key individual 
objectives are designed to support the 
Company’s strategic priorities and in 2008 
included value-enhancing cost savings, 
strategic initiatives, safety improvements, 
productivity growth, talent management 
and operational efficiencies;

• the Committee reviews these measures 

annually to ensure they remain appropriate 
and sufficiently stretching in the context 
of the economic and performance 
expectations for the Company and its 
operating businesses;

• in 2008, 50% of each annual bonus was 
based on the corporate financial measure 
and the remaining 50% on key personal 
performance measures. This split was 
decided upon to reflect the importance of 
the ongoing strategic repositioning of the 
Group and because of the volatile nature  
of commodity prices in recent years, with 
the implications of this on setting earnings 
targets. The level of bonus payable is 
reduced if certain overall safety 
improvement targets are not met. Bonus 
parameters are set on an individual basis;
• in the case of the directors and executive 
committee, half the bonus has in previous 
years been paid in cash, and the maximum 
cash element has been 75% of basic salary 
in the case of both Cynthia Carroll and René 
Médori. The maximum bonus is payable only 
for meeting targets which, in the opinion of 
the Committee, represent an exceptional 
performance for the Group. The other part 
of the bonus has been in the form of a 
conditional award of Bonus Shares hitherto 
equal in value to the cash element. Despite 
another strong financial performance in 
2008, conditions in the mining industry over 
the past six months have deteriorated 
rapidly and, in order to further strengthen 
the longer-term alignment with shareholders, 
the Committee has determined that, for the 
2008 performance year, the portion of the 
bonus payable in cash should be reduced 
from 50% to 25%, with the balance being 
awarded in the form of Bonus Shares. These 
Bonus Shares vest only if the participant 
remains in employment with the Group until 
the end of a three-year holding period (or is 
regarded by the Committee as a ‘good 
leaver’); and

 
 
 
 
 
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• executive directors also receive a 

Figure 2: LTIP – Sector Index

conditional award of Enhancement Shares  
at the same time as the award of Bonus 
Shares. The maximum potential, at face 
value, of the Enhancement Shares is 75% 
of the face value of the Bonus Shares 
(i.e. for the award made in 2008 a 
maximum of 56% of basic salary). Awards 
of Enhancement Shares made in 2008 will 
vest after three years only to the extent 
that a challenging performance condition 
(based on earnings per share growth against 
growth in the UK Retail Price Index (RPI) – 
Real EPS growth) is met (see illustrative 
chart opposite). There is no retesting of this 
performance condition.

Real EPS growth is viewed as the most 
appropriate performance measure for 
this element of the BSP because it is a 
fundamental financial performance indicator, 
both internally and externally, and links directly 
to the Company’s long-term objective of 
improving earnings. The targets have been 
approved by the Committee after reviewing 
performance over a number of years and have 
been set at a level which provides stretching 
performance levels for management. At the 
end of each performance period, the level of 
performance achieved and the proportion 
of awards vesting will be published in the 
subsequent remuneration report.

3.4  Share options and all-employee  

share schemes

No share options were granted in 2008 to 
executive directors under the Company’s 
Executive Share Option Scheme (ESOS) and 
there is no intention to make future grants 
under the ESOS to executive directors. 
However, the ESOS is retained for use 
in special circumstances relating to the 
recruitment or retention of key executives. 
Accordingly, as the current ESOS will expire  
in early 2009, the ESOS will be replaced in 
2009 by the Anglo American Discretionary 
Option Plan which was approved by 
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting 
(AGM) in April 2008.

Executive directors are eligible to participate 

in the Company’s Save As You Earn scheme 
(SAYE) and Share Incentive Plan (SIP). 
Performance conditions do not apply to these 
schemes because they are offered to all 
UK-based employees. As the current SAYE 
scheme will expire in early 2009, it will be 
replaced in 2009 by the new SAYE scheme 
which was approved by shareholders at the 
AGM in April 2008. 

3.5 Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 
Grant levels
Conditional LTIP awards are made annually to 
executive directors. The maximum grant level 
under the LTIP is currently 200% of basic salary 
and it is anticipated that, in 2009, conditional 

Category weighting 

Comparator companies 

Mining 

94% 

BHP Billiton plc 
Rio Tinto plc 
Teck Cominco 
Vale 
   Vedanta Resources plc 
Xstrata plc 

Industrial Minerals

6%

CRH plc 
Holcim Limited 
Lafarge 

Figure 3: LTIP – Sector Index comparison

The Company’s relative TSR compared with the Sector Index 

% proportion of total TSR element vesting

Below Target 

Target (matching the weighted median of the Sector Index) 

Target plus 5% per annum 

Target plus 7.5% per annum (or above) 

0

20

50

75

grants under the LTIP will be made at 200% of 
basic salary for executive directors, including 
the chief executive. The Committee is content 
that the performance conditions that need to 
be satisfied for these awards to vest in full are 
sufficiently stretching in the context of the 
award levels. In determining annual award 
levels, the Committee also gives consideration 
to market competitiveness and has set the 
levels taking account of median expected 
value of long-term incentives relative to other 
companies of a similar size. These awards 
are discretionary and are considered on a 
case-by-case basis.

Performance measures
As in previous years, vesting of the LTIP 
awards made during 2008 is subject to the 
achievement, over a fixed three-year period, 
of stretching Group performance targets.

Half of each award is subject to a Group 
Total Shareholder Return (TSR) measure, while 
the other half is subject to a Group operating 
measure, currently return on capital employed 
(ROCE). These performance measures were 
selected on the basis that they foster the 
creation of shareholder value and their 
appropriateness is kept under review by 
the Committee. Taken as a whole, vesting 
depends on meeting a very challenging set 
of performance hurdles.

At the end of each performance period, the 
levels of TSR and ROCE performance achieved 
and the level of award earned is published in 
the subsequent remuneration report. There is 
no retesting of performance. 

Total shareholder return (TSR)
The Committee considers comparative TSR to be 
a suitable long-term performance measure for 
the Company’s LTIP awards. Executives would 
benefit under this measure only if shareholders 
have enjoyed returns on their investment which 
are superior to those that could have been 
obtained in other comparable companies.

The portion of each award that is based on 
TSR is measured 50% against the Sector Index 
and 50% against the constituents of the FTSE 
100. Maximum vesting of the TSR element 
of an award will be possible only if Anglo 
American outperforms by a substantial margin 
both the sector benchmark (as described below) 
and the largest UK companies across all sectors.

Sector Index comparison
One half of the TSR element of an LTIP award 
vests according to the Company’s TSR over the 
performance period, relative to a weighted 
basket of international natural resource 
companies (the Sector Index). The Committee 
may amend the list of comparator companies 
in the Sector Index, and relative weightings, if 
circumstances make this necessary (for example, 
as a result of takeovers or mergers of comparator 
companies or significant changes in the 
composition of the Group). In calculating TSR 
it is assumed that all dividends are reinvested.
For awards made in 2008, the companies 
constituting the Sector Index were as shown 
in Figure 2. Should the Tarmac group be sold or 
demerged during the performance period relating 
to this award, the percentage attributable to 
Industrial Minerals will fall to zero.

The LTIP closely aligns the interests of 

Target performance for the Sector Index 

shareholders and executive directors by 
rewarding superior shareholder returns and 
financial performance and by encouraging 
executives to build up a shareholding in 
the Company.

is assessed by calculating the median TSR 
performance within each sub-sector category, 
and then weighting these medians by the 
category weightings shown above. That part 
of any award that is contingent upon the Sector 
Index element of the TSR performance will vest 
as shown in Figure 3. Shares will vest on a 
straight-line basis for performance between 
the levels shown in Figure 3.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
    
  
  
  
   
72

Governance

Remuneration report continued

Figure 4: LTIP – FTSE 100 comparison

The Company’s relative TSR compared with the FTSE 100 

% proportion of total TSR element vesting

Below the median TSR of the FTSE 100 

Equal to the median TSR of the FTSE 100 

Equal to the 90th percentile TSR of the FTSE 100 

Above the 90th percentile TSR of the FTSE 100 

0

20

50

75

Figure 5: LTIP – ROCE targets

Minimum ROCE Target 

Maximum ROCE Target 

Existing capital employed 
   45.54% 
47.54% 

Incremental capital employed
10%
10%

Figure 6: LTIP – ROCE vesting

Below or equal to the Minimum ROCE Target 

Equal to or greater than the Maximum ROCE Target 

% proportion of ROCE element vesting

0

100

FTSE 100 comparison
The vesting of the other half of the TSR element 
of an LTIP award will depend on the Company’s 
TSR performance over the performance period 
compared with the constituents of the FTSE 
100 Index, as outlined in Figure 4. Shares will 
vest on a straight-line basis for performance 
between the levels shown in Figure 4.

These targets were calibrated such that for  
the TSR element of the award there is 
approximately a 10% chance of achieving 
full vesting and a 25% chance of two-thirds 
vesting. These probabilities were assessed by 
PwC using the same Monte Carlo model used 
for calculating fair values of the LTIP under 
IFRS 2 (Share-based Payments). The estimated 
average fair value of an award under the 
TSR element is 50% of the value of 
shares awarded.

Graphs showing the Company’s TSR 
performance against the weighted average  
of the Sector Index and against the FTSE 100 
for the five years from 1 January 2004 to 
31 December 2008 can be found in Figure 9  
on page 74.

Return on capital employed
Group ROCE is the second performance measure 
for LTIP awards. The Committee considers this 
to be among the most important factors which 
drive sustainable improvements in shareholder 
value in a natural resource business, as well 
as one of the most important measures of 
differentiation in performance in this sector.

The proportion of shares vesting based on 
Group ROCE will vary according to the degree 
of improvement in the Group’s average 
annualised ROCE over the performance period. 
Unless certain minimum targets for improvement 
in returns (on both capital employed for the 

financial year preceding the start of the 
performance period (existing capital employed) 
and on the additional capital employed during 
the performance period (incremental capital 
employed)) are met, no shares will vest under 
this performance measure. The maximum ROCE 
targets are based on stretching levels of return 
on the existing capital employed.

The targets for the ROCE element of the 
2008 conditional award are shown in Figure 5. 
To ensure that the targets do act as an effective 
incentive, they are adjusted for factors outside 
management’s control, such as movements in 
commodity prices, certain foreign exchange  
rate effects and capital in progress, as well as 
for relevant changes in the composition of  
the Group.

The ROCE element of the award vests as 

shown in Figure 6.

Shares will vest on a straight-line basis for 

performance between the Minimum ROCE 
Target and the Maximum ROCE Target.

3.6  Vesting of share incentives in the 
event of change of control or 
termination of employment
In the event of a change of control of the 
Company, the following provisions apply under 
the Company’s incentive plans:

• share options granted under the former 
ESOS may be exercised irrespective of 
whether the applicable performance 
conditions have been met; 

• the number of shares that vest under the 
LTIP will be calculated by reference to the 
extent to which the applicable performance 
conditions have been met at the time of the 
change of control;

• the Bonus Shares awarded under the BSP 
will be released, and, to the extent that 
the performance condition has been met 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

at the time of the change of control, 
Enhancement Shares awarded under the 
BSP will vest;

• SAYE options may be exercised (to the 

extent of savings at the date of exercise); 
and

• participants may direct the SIP trustee as to 
how to deal with their SIP shares (although 
Matching Shares may be forfeited in some 
circumstances).

In the event that a director’s employment is 
terminated, vesting of any outstanding share 
options under the former ESOS is dependent 
upon the reasons the contract is terminated. 
Performance conditions fall away in the event 
of redundancy. However, if the director resigns 
voluntarily, then all such options lapse unless 
the Committee determines otherwise. 

In the case of LTIP interests, if a director 
resigns voluntarily, then his/her interests lapse. 
If he/she retires with the consent of the 
Committee, is made redundant or is considered 
by the Committee to be a ‘good leaver’, vesting 
at the end of the performance period  
is based on the normal performance criteria  
and then pro rated for the proportion of the 
performance period for which the director served. 
In the case of the BSP, if a director ceases 

to be employed before the end of the year in 
respect of which the annual performance 
targets apply, then no award will be made unless 
the Committee determines otherwise (taking 
into account the proportion of the year for 
which the director was an employee of the 
Group and of performance to date against the 
annual performance targets at the date of 
cessation). If a director resigns voluntarily 
before the end of the three-year vesting 
period, the Bonus Share awards lapse and 
awards of Enhancement Shares are forgone. 
If a director retires with the consent of the 
Committee, is made redundant or is considered 
by the Committee to be a ‘good leaver’, Bonus 
Shares already awarded will be transferred as 
soon as practicable after the date of leaving 
and Enhancement Shares will vest at the end 
of the performance period (to the extent that 
the performance condition has been met). 

3.7  Employee Share Ownership Trust  

and policy on provision of shares for 
incentive schemes

The Group uses an Employee Share Ownership 
Trust (the Trust) to acquire and hold shares to 
facilitate the operation of its share schemes.  
As at 31 December 2008, the Trust held 
4,445,244 ordinary shares in the Company, 
registered in the name of Greenwood Nominees 
Limited. Shares held by the Trust are not voted 
at the Company’s general meetings. The Board 
also has the necessary authorities to utilise 
newly issued or Treasury Shares in connection 
with the operation of its share schemes.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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3.8 Pensions
Details of individual pension arrangements are 
set out on page 76. Since the inception of the 
new UK pensions regime applicable from 6 April 
2006, the Committee has been prepared to 
consider requests from executive directors that 
their contracts be altered for future service, so 
that future pension benefits are reduced or 
cease to accrue and that a pension allowance 
be paid having the same cost to the employer 
as the defined contribution benefits forgone.
Similarly, the Committee is prepared to 
consider requests from executive directors (as 
is the case for employees more generally) that 
their contracts be altered for future service, so 
that supplementary pension contributions are 
made into their defined contribution pension 
arrangements, in return for equivalent-cost 
reductions in their future basic salaries and/or 
in the cash element of any future BSP awards.

3.9 Other benefits
Executive directors are entitled to the provision 
of a car allowance, medical insurance, death 
and disability insurance, social club membership 
and limited personal taxation/financial advice, 
in addition to reimbursement of reasonable 
business expenses. The provision of these 
benefits is considered to be market-competitive.

4. executive shareholding targets
Within five years of their appointment, 
executive directors are expected to acquire and 
maintain a holding of shares with a value of 
two times basic salary in the case of the chief 
executive and one times basic salary in the 
case of any other executive director.

The Committee takes into consideration 

achievement against these targets when 
making grants under the Company’s various 
long-term incentive plans.

5. external appointments
Executive directors are not permitted to hold 
external directorships or offices without the 
prior approval of the Board; if approved, they 
may each retain the fees payable from one  
such appointment. During the year ended 
31 December 2008, Cynthia Carroll and 
René Médori each retained fees amounting  
to £93,000 and £61,000 respectively. 

6.  Policy on non-executive director 

remuneration

Non-executive director remuneration is 
approved by the Board as a whole on the 
recommendation of the chairman and executive 
directors.

The Company’s policy on non-executive 
director remuneration is based on the following 
key principles:

• Remuneration should be: 
  –  sufficient to attract and retain world-class 

non-executive talent; 

Figure 7: Executive directors(1)

Cynthia Carroll (chief executive) 

René Médori (finance director) 

Date of 
appointment 

15 January 2007 

01 June 2005 

Next AGM re-election  
or election

April 2010

April 2011

(1)  At each AGM all those directors who have been in office for three years or more since their election or last re-election shall retire from 

office. Details of those retiring by rotation this year are contained in the Notice of AGM.

All non-executive directors have letters  

of appointment with the Company for an  
initial period of three years from their date  
of appointment, subject to reappointment  
at the AGM (Figure 8).

9.  Historical comparative TSr 

performance graphs

The graphs shown in Figure 9 represent the 
comparative TSR performance of the Company 
from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008. In 
drawing up these graphs it has been assumed 
that all dividends paid have been reinvested.
The first graph shows the Company’s 
performance against the performance of the 
FTSE 100 Index, chosen as being a broad equity 
market index comprising companies of a 
comparable size and complexity to Anglo 
American. This graph has been produced in 
accordance with the requirements of Schedule 
7A to the Companies Act 1985.

The second graph shows the Company’s 
performance against the weighted Sector Index 
comparator group used to measure company 
performance for the purposes of the vesting of 
LTIP interests conditionally awarded in 2006. 
This graph gives an indication of how the 
Company is performing against the targets  
in place for LTIP interests already granted, 
although the specifics of the comparator 
companies for each year’s interests may 
vary to reflect changes such as mergers and 
acquisitions among the Company’s competitors 
or changes to the Company’s business mix. TSR 
is calculated in US dollars, and the TSR level 
shown as at 31 December each year is the 
average of the closing daily TSR levels for the 
five-day period up to and including that date.

  –  consistent with recognised best practice 
standards for non-executive director 
remuneration;

  –  in the form of cash fees, but with the 

flexibility to forgo all or part of such fees 
(after deduction of applicable income tax 
and social security contributions) to 
acquire shares in the Company should the 
non-executive director so wish; and 
  –  set by reference to the responsibilities 

taken on by the non-executives in chairing 
the Board and its committees. 

• Non-executive directors may not participate 
in the Company’s share incentive schemes 
or pension arrangements.

It is the intention that this policy will continue 
to apply for 2009 and subsequent years, 
subject to ongoing review as appropriate.

The Board reviews non-executive directors’  
fees periodically to ensure that they remain 
market-competitive. The most recent review, 
in February 2009, concluded that no change 
should be made to these fees for 2009. 
Additional fees are paid to the chairmen of 
Board committees and to the senior 
independent director (SID). Should non-
executive directors acquire executive board roles 
within subsidiaries of the Company, then they 
might also receive additional remuneration 
from the relevant subsidiaries on account of 
these increased responsibilities. 

7. chairman’s fees
The chairman’s fees are reviewed 
periodically (on a different cycle from the 
review of non-executive directors’ fees). 
A recommendation is then made to the Board 
(in the absence of the chairman) by the 
Committee and chief executive, who take 
external advice on market comparators.

8. Directors’ service contracts
Cynthia Carroll and René Médori are employed 
by Anglo American Services (UK) Ltd (AAS).
It is the Company’s policy that the period  
of notice for executive directors will not exceed 
12 months and accordingly the employment 
contracts of the executive directors are 
terminable at 12 months’ notice by either party. 
The contracts of executive directors do not 

provide for any enhanced payments in the 
event of a change of control of the Company, 
nor for liquidated damages.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
74

Governance

Remuneration report continued

Figure 8: Non-executive directors(1)(2)

Sir Mark Moody-Stuart (chairman) 

Date of 
appointment 

16 July 2002 

 Next AGM re-election  
or election

April 2009

David Challen (SID and chairman, Audit Committee)  09 September 2002 

April 2009

Sir CK Chow 
Chris Fay (chairman, S&SD Committee)(3) 

Bobby Godsell (retired 15 April 2008) 

Sir Rob Margetts 
(chairman, Remuneration Committee)(3)

Nicky Oppenheimer 

15 April 2008 

19 April 1999 

18 March 1999 

18 March 1999 

18 March 1999 

Fred Phaswana (chairman, Nomination Committee)  12 June 2002 

Mamphela Ramphele 

Karel Van Miert 

Peter Woicke 

25 April 2006 

19 March 2002 

01 January 2006 

April 2011
April 2009
n/a

April 2009 

April 2010

April 2009

April 2009

April 2011

April 2009

(1)   At each AGM all those directors who have been in office for three years or more since their election or last re-election shall retire from 

office. Details of those retiring by rotation this year are contained in the Notice of AGM.

(2)  There is no fixed notice period; however, the Company may in accordance with, and subject to, the provisions of the Companies Act 
2006, by Ordinary Resolution of which special notice has been given, remove any director from office. The Company’s Articles of 
Association also permit the directors, under certain circumstances, to remove a director from office.

Figure 9:
Historical comparative 
TSR performance graphs

Anglo American
FTSE 100 Index

400

300

200

100

0

04

05

06

07

08

Anglo American
Sector Index

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

04

05

06

07

08

(3)  In accordance with the provisions of the Combined Code, independent non-executive directors who have served longer than nine years are 
subject to annual re-election and, accordingly, Chris Fay and Sir Rob Margetts are being proposed for re-election at the AGM in April 2009.

Source: Thomson Datastream

Figure 10: Executive directors’ emoluments(1)

Basic salary 
as paid 
2007 
£000 

2008 
£000 

1,050 

660 

900 

565 

Cynthia Carroll(5) 

René Médori 

Plus: Basic  
salary sacrificed 
into pension 

scheme(2) 
2007 
£000 

Total 
basic salary 
2007 
£000 

2008 
£000 

– 

45 

1,050 

660 

900 

610 

2008 
£000 

– 

– 

Annual 
performance 
bonus 

– cash element(2) (3) 

2008 
£000 

319 

208 

2007 
£000 

641 

407 

Benefits 

in kind(4) 
2007 
£000 

2008 
£000 

2008 
£000 

198 

1,126 

1,567 

55 

28 

923 

Total
2007 
£000

2,667

1,045

(1)   Subsequent to his retirement from the Board in 2004, Bill Nairn provided consultancy services to Anglo American, receiving £3,000 (2007: £38,000) for the provision of these services during the year. 

He resigned his non-executive directorships with listed subsidiaries of the Group in September 2007 and therefore received £nil fees (2007: £15,000) during 2008.

(2)   In 2008, René Médori contractually agreed with his employing company that supplementary pension contributions be made into his pension arrangements in return for an equivalent-cost reduction in the cash 

element of his BSP award for the 2007 performance period.

(3)   The split between the cash and share elements of the Bonus Share Plan is set out on page 70. 
(4)   Each executive director receives a car allowance and a limited amount of personal taxation/financial advice; they also receive death and disability benefits and medical insurance. 
(5)  Cynthia Carroll was, in accordance with the terms of her appointment, entitled to be compensated for the tax due on her relocation expenses; this compensation is included in Benefits in kind above.

10.  remuneration outcomes  

Figure 11: Non-executive directors’ emoluments(1)(2)

during 2008

The information set out in this section and 
section 11 has been subject to audit.

10.1 Directors’ emoluments 
Executive directors
Figure 10 sets out an analysis of the pre-tax 
remuneration during the years ended 
31 December 2008 and 2007, including 
bonuses but excluding pensions, for individual 
directors who held office in the Company 
during the year ended 31 December 2008.

Non-executive directors
Figure 11 sets out the fees and other 
emoluments paid to non-executive directors 
during the year ended 31 December 2008 which 
amounted to £1,177,000 (2007: £1,237,000).

10.2 Bonus Share Plan
Details of shares awarded under the BSP to 
executive directors during 2008 and their 
current holdings are shown in Figure 12.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Sir Mark Moody-Stuart 
David Challen 
Sir CK Chow (appointed 15 April 2008) 
Chris Fay 
Bobby Godsell (retired 15 April 2008)(3) 
Sir Rob Margetts 
Nicky Oppenheimer(3) 
Fred Phaswana(3) 
Mamphela Ramphele 
Karel Van Miert 
Peter Woicke 

2008 
£000 
450 
89 
46 
80 
20 
84 
71 
142 
65 
65 
65 

Total fees
2007 
£000
450
80
–
80
71
93
71
143
65
65

65

(1)   Each non-executive director, with the exception of Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, was paid a fee of £65,000 (2007: £65,000) per annum,  

and those non-executive directors who act as chairmen of the Audit Committee, Safety and Sustainable Development Committee and 
Remuneration Committee were paid an additional sum of £15,000 (2007: £15,000) per annum. The chairman of the Nomination 
Committee was paid an additional sum of £7,500 (2007: £7,500) per annum. The senior independent director (SID) received fees of 
£13,000 per annum. David Challen replaced Sir Rob Margetts as SID on 15 April 2008 and their additional fees in 2008 for this role 
were £9,000 (2007: £nil) and £4,000 (2007: £13,000) respectively. 

(2)   In addition to the fees reported above for 2007, Ralph Alexander, who resigned on 26 October 2007, received fees of £54,000.
(3) Bobby Godsell and Nicky Oppenheimer received fees for their services as non-executive directors of Anglo American South Africa 
Limited amounting to £1,000 (2007: £6,000) and £6,000 (2007: £6,000) respectively, which are included in the above table.  
Fred Phaswana is the non-executive chairman of Anglo American South Africa Limited and of Anglo Platinum and received fees for 
these services amounting to £69,000 (2007: £71,000), which are included in the above table.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
75

Figure 12: Bonus Share Plan

Number 
of Bonus 
Shares 
conditionally 
awarded 
during 
2008(2) 

22,731 
14,434 

Number of 
Enhancement 
Shares 
conditionally 
awarded 
during 
2008 
17,048 
10,826 

   Number of 
Enhance- 
ment 
 Shares 
vested 
during 
2008 
–  
–  

Number of 
Bonus 
Shares 
vested 
during 2008 
–  
–  

Number of 
Enhance- 
ment 
Shares 
lapsed 
during 
2008 
–  
–  

Total 
interest at 
1 January 
2008 
–  
43,009 

BSP interests(1) 

Cynthia Carroll(3)   

René Médori 

   Market 
price at 
date of 
2008 
award 
£ 

End date of 
performance 
period for 
Enhancement 
Shares 
awarded 
during 2008
28.21  01/ 01/2011  31/12/2010
28.21  01/ 01/2011  31/12/2010

Date of 
vesting of 
Bonus Shares 
awarded 
during 2008 

Total 
interest at 
31 
December 
2008 
39,779 
68,269 

(1)  The performance period applicable to each award is three years. Neither Cynthia Carroll nor René Médori received BSP awards in 2005 (in respect of the 2004 financial year) and consequently no shares vested 

in 2008.

(2)  Where permitted by finance legislation, awards of Bonus Shares under the BSP are granted as forfeitable shares, which would be forfeited in the event that an executive director leaves service, other than as 

a ‘good leaver’, before the shares are released. 

(3)  In accordance with her terms upon joining, Cynthia Carroll was granted 132,718 forfeitable shares, in compensation for long-term incentives forgone at her previous employer. The market price of the shares 
at the date of this award was £24.91. These shares are forfeitable in the event that she leaves service before they are released to her. As a result of the share consolidation following the demerger of Mondi, 
11,945 shares lapsed and the resultant forfeitable award was 120,773 forfeitable shares, of which 72,464 were released to her in February 2008, 24,155 will be released to her in February 2009 and 24,154 
will be released to her in February 2010, subject to her continued employment. These awards are as follows:

Interests 
Cynthia Carroll 

Shares vested 

Cynthia Carroll 

Beneficial interest in 
forfeitable shares at 
31 December 2007 
120,773 

Number of forfeitable shares  Number of forfeitable shares 
lapsed during the year 
– 

vested during the year 
72,464 

Beneficial interest in 
forfeitable shares at 
31 December 2008 
48,309 

Latest 
performance 
period end date
–

Number of 
shares 
vested 

Date of 
conditional 
award 

Market 
price at 
date of  Market price at 
date of vesting 
award 
£ 
£ 

Market value at 
date of vesting 
£

72,464 

21/02/2007 

24.91 

33.29 

2,412,327

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Figure 13: Long Term Incentive Plan

LTIP interests(1)(2) 

Cynthia Carroll 

René Médori 

Total beneficial 
interest in LTIP at 
1 January 2008 
73,538 
165,256 

   Number of shares  
conditionally 
awarded during  
2008 
66,985 
45,980 

Number 
of shares 
vested 
during 2008 
– 
(65,868) 

Number 
of shares lapsed  

Total beneficial  
interest in LTIP at  
during 2008  31 December 2008 
140,523 
145,368 

– 
– 

Latest  
performance 
period end date
31/12/2010
31/12/2010

(1)   The LTIP awards made in 2008 are conditional on two performance conditions as outlined on pages 71 and 72: the first is based on the Company’s TSR relative to a weighted group of international natural 
resource companies and to the constituents of the FTSE 100; the second is based on an underlying operating measure which focuses on raising the Company’s ROCE in the medium term. Further details on 
the structure of the LTIP, the required level of performance for the 2008 award and how performance against targets is measured can be found on pages 71 and 72. The market price of the shares at the date 
of award was £31.35.

(2)   The performance period applicable to each award is three years. The performance period relating to the LTIP awards in 2005 (which were granted on 5 April) ended on 31 December 2007. Vesting was subject 

to two performance conditions: the first based on the Company’s TSR relative to a weighted group of international natural resource companies and the FTSE 100; with the second based on an underlying 
operating measure which focused on improvements in the Company’s ROCE in the medium term. Part of each award was based on the TSR measure and part on the operating measure. These awards are as  
follows:

Shares vested 

René Médori 

Number of 
shares vested 

Dates of 
conditional award 

Market price at 
date of award £ 

Market price at 
date of vesting £ 

Money value 
at date of vesting £

65,868 

05/04/2005 

12.54 

34.39 

2,265,201

 In the case of the LTIP awards granted in 2005, the determinants for vesting were 50% on relative TSR and 50% on meeting specified Group ROCE targets. The ROCE targets are a function of targeted 
improvement in returns on existing capital employed at the start of the performance period and targeted returns in excess of the cost of capital on new capital investment over that period. The entry-level target 
for any LTIP has been the actual return achieved on the capital employed, excluding capital work in progress, in the year immediately preceding the commencement of the performance period. In order to 
maintain the effectiveness of the plan in driving long-term performance, the actual returns in the final performance year are adjusted for movements in commodity prices, certain foreign exchange rate effects 
(e.g. translation windfalls), capital in progress (to reflect the fact that mines under construction absorb large amounts of capital before producing a return), for relevant changes in the composition of the Group 
(e.g. significant acquisitions and disposals) and other one-off factors which would otherwise result in a misleading outcome.

 The threshold blended target (i.e. the target on existing and new capital) for the performance period for the 2005 LTIP was 17.80% and the upper blended target 19.80%. The ROCE achieved was 21.71% and 
the outcome on this element of the LTIP was thus 100%. On the TSR measure, Anglo American achieved a TSR over the three-year performance period of 178 % which generated a 75% vesting in terms of the 
2005 Sector Index Comparator Group and a 150% vesting against the FTSE 100 (being above the 90th percentile). The overall vesting level for the director with a 50% Group ROCE, 25% Sectoral TSR and 
25% FTSE 100 TSR split was therefore 106.25 %.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
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Governance

Remuneration report continued

Figure 14: Directors’ share options

Beneficial 
holding at 
1 January 

2008(1) 
951 

Granted 
– 

Exercised 
– 

Lapsed 
– 

Beneficial 
holding at 
31 December 
2008 
951 

Weighted 
average option 

Earliest date from 
price £  which exercisable 
1/9/2013 
17.97 

Latest expiry date
28/2/2014

René Médori 

(1)   Beneficial holdings comprise SAYE options held in respect of shares by René Médori of 951 options with an option price of £17.97. The market price of the Company’s shares at the end of the year and the 

highest and lowest mid-market prices during the period are disclosed in Section 10.4. There are no performance conditions attached to these options. 

10.3 Long Term Incentive Plan 
Conditional awards of shares were made in 
2008 to executive directors under the LTIP as 
shown in Figure 13. 

10.4 Directors’ share options
No executive share options have been granted 
to any director since 2003 (Figure 14).

The highest and lowest mid-market prices  

of the Company’s shares during the period 
1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008 were 
£36.80 and £10.54 respectively. The 
mid-market price of the Company’s shares 
at 31 December 2008 was £15.46.

10.5 Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
During the year, Cynthia Carroll and René 
Médori both purchased 65 shares under the  
SIP, in addition to the shares held by them  
at 1 January 2008. If these shares are held  
for three years, they will be matched by the 
Company on a one-for-one basis, conditional 
upon the director’s continued employment. In 
addition, Cynthia Carroll and René Médori were 
each awarded 90 free shares under the SIP in 
March 2008. Participants in the SIP are entitled 
to receive dividends on their shares. 

The information provided in sections 10.2  
to 10.5 is a summary. However, full details  
of directors’ shareholdings and options are 
contained in the Register of Directors’ Interests 
of the Company, which are open to inspection.

10.6 Pensions
10.6.1 Directors’ pension arrangements
Cynthia Carroll and René Médori participated in 
defined contribution pension arrangements in 
terms of their contracts with AAS. In 2008, 
normal contributions were payable on their 
behalf at the rate of 30% of their basic salaries 
payable under these contracts.

Figure 15: Defined contribution pension schemes

Directors 
Cynthia Carroll(1) 

René Médori(2) 

Normal contributions
2007 
2008 
£000
£000 
270
315 

198 

183

(1)  The contributions payable into pension arrangements for Cynthia Carroll amounted in 2008 to £225,000 (2007: £203,000), the 

balance being payable in the form of a cash allowance to an equivalent-cost to the employer. This allowance is included in the pension 
figure above. It does not form part of basic salary disclosed in the directors’ emoluments table on page 74 nor is it included in 
determining awards under the BSP.

(2)  René Médori contractually agreed with his employer that supplementary pension contributions should be made into his defined 

contribution pension arrangements in return for a reduction in the cash element awarded under the BSP for performance in 2007. 
These supplementary contributions of £15,000 (2007: £68,000) are included in his ‘2007 Annual performance bonus – cash element’ 
amount of £407,000 disclosed in the directors’ emoluments table on page 74. 

10.6.2  Defined contribution pension 

schemes 

The amounts payable into defined contribution 
pension schemes by the Group in respect of the 
individual directors were as shown in Figure 15.

12. Directors’ share interests 
The interests of directors who held office during 
the period 1 January 2008 to 31 December 
2008 in Ordinary Shares (Shares) of the 
Company and its subsidiaries were as shown 
in Figures 16 and 17.

10.6.3 Defined benefit pension schemes 
No director was eligible in 2008 for membership 
of any defined benefit pension scheme.

Figures 18 and 19 outline the changes in  
the above interests which occurred between  
1 January 2009 and the date of this report. 

approval
This directors’ remuneration report has been 
approved by the Board of directors of Anglo 
American plc.

Signed on behalf of the Board of directors

Sir Rob Margetts
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
19 February 2009

10.6.4 Excess retirement benefits
No person who served as a director of the 
Company during or before 2008 has been paid 
or received retirement benefits in excess of  
the retirement benefits to which he/she was 
entitled on the date on which benefits first 
became payable (or 31 March 1997,  
whichever is later).

11.  Sums paid to third parties in 

respect of a director’s services

No consideration was paid to or became 
receivable by third parties for making available 
the services of any person as a director of the 
Company, or while a director of the Company, 
as a director of any of the Company’s 
subsidiary undertakings, or as a director of any 
other undertaking of which he/she was (while  
a director of the Company) a director by virtue 
of the Company’s nomination, or otherwise 
in connection with the management of the 
Company or any undertaking during the year  
to 31 December 2008.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
77

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Figure 16: Shares in Anglo American plc
As at 31 December 2008 (or, if earlier, date of resignation)

Directors 

Cynthia Carroll (1) 

René Médori(2) 

Sir Mark Moody-Stuart(3) 

David Challen 

Sir CK Chow(4) 

Chris Fay 

Bobby Godsell(5) 

Sir Rob Margetts(6) 

Nicky Oppenheimer(7) 

Fred Phaswana 

Mamphela Ramphele 

Karel Van Miert 

Peter Woicke 

Figure 17: Shares in Anglo American plc
As at 1 January 2008 (or, if later, date of appointment)

Directors 

Cynthia Carroll (1) 

René Médori(2) 

Sir Mark Moody-Stuart(3) 

David Challen 

Sir CK Chow(4) 

Chris Fay 

Bobby Godsell(5) 

Sir Rob Margetts(6) 

Nicky Oppenheimer(7) 

Fred Phaswana 

Mamphela Ramphele 

Karel Van Miert 

Peter Woicke 

See following page for footnotes.

Beneficial 

92 

44,819 

25,651 

1,820 

5,500 

6,827 

83 

13,343 

33,557,017 

12,739 

1,487 

455 

4,440 

Beneficial 

27 

10,952 

23,727* 

1,820 

1,500 

6,827 

83 

12,334* 

33,557,016 

14,435* 

771* 

455 

2,853* 

LTIP 

140,523 

145,368 

BSP 
Bonus Shares 

BSP Enhancement 
Shares 

22,731 

38,012 

17,048 

30,257 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Conditional

Other

48,309

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

LTIP   

 BSP 
Bonus Shares 

BSP Enhancement 
Shares   

Conditional

Other

73,538   

165,256   

– 

23,578 

–   

120,773

19,431  

–   

–   

–   

  – 

  – 

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–   

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

SIP 

182 

239 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

SIP 

27 

84 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
78

Governance

Remuneration report continued

Figure 18: Shares in Anglo American plc
As at 1 January 2009 (or, if later, date of appointment)

Directors 

Cynthia Carroll (1) 

René Médori(2) 

Sir Mark Moody-Stuart(3) 

David Challen 

Sir CK Chow(4) 

Chris Fay 

Sir Rob Margetts(6) 

Nicky Oppenheimer(7) 

Fred Phaswana 

Mamphela Ramphele 

Karel Van Miert 

Peter Woicke 

Beneficial 

92 

44,819 

25,651 

1,820 

5,500 

6,827 

13,343 

33,557,017 

12,739 

1,487 

455 

4,440 

Figure 19: Shares in Anglo American plc
As at 19 February 2009 (or, if earlier, date of resignation)

Directors 

Cynthia Carroll (1) 

René Médori(2) 

Sir Mark Moody-Stuart(3) 

David Challen 

Sir CK Chow(4) 

Chris Fay 

Sir Rob Margetts(6) 

Nicky Oppenheimer(7) 

Fred Phaswana 

Mamphela Ramphele 

Karel Van Miert 

Peter Woicke 

Beneficial 

109 

44,836 

26,535 

1,820 

5,500 

6,827 

13,777 

33,557,017 

13,610 

1,816 

455 

5,177 

LTIP 

140,523 

145,368 

BSP 
Bonus Shares 

BSP Enhancement 
Shares 

22,731 

38,012 

17,048 

30,257 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

LTIP 

140,523 

145,368 

BSP 
Bonus Shares 

BSP Enhancement 
Shares 

22,731 

38,012 

17,048 

30,257 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Conditional

Other

48,309

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Conditional

Other

48,309

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

SIP 

182 

239 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

SIP 

199 

256 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

*    Shareholdings restated to correct a clerical error in the Annual Report 2007.

(1)  Following her appointment as an executive director on 15 January 2007, Cynthia Carroll was granted 132,718 forfeitable shares conditional on her continued employment with the Group and in partial 

compensation for long-term incentives forgone at her previous employer. As a result of the share consolidation following the demerger of Mondi, 11,945 shares lapsed and the resultant forfeitable award 
was 120,773 forfeitable shares, of which 72,464 were released to her in February 2008, 24,155 will be released to her in February 2009 and 24,154 will be released to her in February 2010, subject to her 
continued employment.

(2) René Médori’s beneficial interest arises as a result of his wife’s interest in these Shares.

(3) Sir Mark Moody-Stuart’s beneficial interest includes 11,375 Shares arising as a result of his interest in a family trust.

(4) Sir CK Chow was appointed to the Board at the AGM on 15 April 2008. 

(5) Bobby Godsell resigned from the Board at the conclusion of the AGM on 15 April 2008.

(6)  Sir Rob Margetts’ beneficial interest arises as a result of his wife’s interest in these Shares.

(7)  Nicky Oppenheimer’s beneficial interest in 33,556,927 of these Shares arises as a result of his interest in a discretionary trust which is treated as interested in 27,300,000 Shares in which E Oppenheimer & 

Son Holdings Limited is treated as interested and 6,252,377 Shares in which Central Holdings Limited is treated as interested. The 6,252,377 Shares referred to above are Shares held by Debswana 
Diamond Company (Pty) Limited, in which Nicky Oppenheimer and Central Holdings Limited have no economic interest. His interest in 4,550 of these Shares arises as a result of his wife’s interest in a trust 
which has an indirect economic interest in those Shares.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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Independent remuneration report review

This letter contains the findings and conclusions 
from our review of the processes followed by 
the Anglo American Remuneration Committee 
(the Committee) during 2008. The review was 
undertaken at your request as Chairman of the 
Committee in order to provide shareholders 
with assurance that the processes followed by 
the Committee supported the policy stated in 
Anglo American’s Remuneration Report.

It is our view that the processes followed  
by the Committee during 2008 fully supported 
the Company’s remuneration policy. Please  
find below a description of the process that  
we followed in coming to our conclusion,  
along with our detailed observations and 
recommendations.

review process
In order to reach our view we undertook  
the following:

• A review of the Committee’s terms of 

reference;

conclusions
On the basis of the document review referred 
to above and the interviews with the Chairman 
and Secretary of the Committee, we are 
comfortable that the Committee has discharged 
its duties in line with the Policy on Executive 
Director Remuneration stated in the Anglo 
American Annual Report.

As noted in previous years we consider that 
the members of the Committee continue to be 
an effective and cohesive team and that the 
Committee is an exemplar of best practice. 
We understand that consideration has  
been given to refreshing the membership of  
the Committee in line with the requirements of 
the Combined Code and that the composition  
of the Committee will continue to be  
reviewed periodically.

Further detail regarding the Mercer Review is 
included in a letter of this date addressed to the 
Committee Chairman which we understand will 
be made available on the Company’s website.

• A review of the minutes of the Committee 

Yours sincerely,

covering the period from January to 
December 2008;

• A review of any briefing materials prepared 

for the Committee during the year;
• An interview with Chris Corrin in his 

capacity as Secretary to the Committee; and 

• An interview with the Chairman of  

the Committee.

Mark Hoble
Principal
Mercer Limited
Tower Place
London EC3R 5BU
30 January 2009

Findings
The Committee consists entirely of independent 
non-executive directors. It met formally on six 
occasions in 2008.

We reviewed the minutes of each meeting 

along with any supporting papers or 
documentation that was tabled. We found that 
the decisions taken by the Committee were in 
line with Anglo American’s stated remuneration 
policy, namely that levels of reward, whilst 
competitive, require demanding performance 
conditions to be met which are consistent with 
shareholder interests. We are satisfied that the 
Committee closely adheres to the stated policy 
of setting base pay levels at the median of 
comparable companies, that at least 50% of 
remuneration for the executive directors is 
performance-related and that variable pay is 
consistent with business performance, market 
conditions and retention of talent.

We are satisfied that the Committee 
challenges the proposals put forward by 
executive management and adopts a rigorous 
and robust approach to decision-making. 

We are also satisfied that the Committee 
seeks the advice of external consultants on 
technical issues where appropriate and gives 
careful consideration to the information and 
recommendations that it receives, before 
reaching an informed decision. 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

80

Governance

Statement of directors’ responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the 
Annual Report and the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulations. 
Company law requires the directors to prepare 
financial statements for each financial year. 
The directors are required by the IAS Regulation 
to prepare the Group financial statements under 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. The 
Group financial statements are also required by 
law to be properly prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Act 1985 and Article 4 of the 
IAS Regulation. 

The directors have elected to prepare the parent 
company financial statements in accordance 
with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards and applicable law). 
The parent company financial statements are 
required by law to give a true and fair view 
of the state of affairs of the Company. In 
preparing these financial statements, the 
directors are required to: 
•  select suitable accounting policies and then 

apply them consistently; 

•  make judgements and estimates that are 

International Accounting Standard 1 requires 

reasonable and prudent; and 

that IFRS financial statements present fairly 
for each financial year the Company’s financial 
position, financial performance and cash flows. 
This requires the faithful representation of the 
effects of transactions, other events and 
conditions in accordance with the definitions and 
recognition criteria for assets, liabilities, income 
and expenses set out in the International 
Accounting Standards Board’s ‘Framework for 
the preparation and presentation of financial 
statements’. In virtually all circumstances, a fair 
presentation will be achieved by compliance 
with all applicable IFRS. However, directors are 
also required to: 
•  properly select and apply accounting policies; 
•  present information, including accounting 

policies, in a manner that provides relevant, 
reliable, comparable and understandable 
information; and 

•  provide additional disclosures when 

compliance with the specific requirements  
in IFRS are insufficient to enable users to 
understand the impact of particular 
transactions, other events and conditions  
on the entity’s financial position and 
financial performance. 

•  state whether applicable UK Accounting 
Standards have been followed, subject 
to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements. 

The directors are responsible for keeping proper 
accounting records that disclose with reasonable 
accuracy at any time the financial position of the 
Company and enable them to ensure that the 
parent company financial statements comply 
with the Companies Act 1985. They are also 
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 
Company and hence for taking reasonable steps 
for the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities.

The directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the corporate  
and financial information included on the 
Company’s website. Legislation in the United 
Kingdom governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Financial statements 

contents

Responsibility statements 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Anglo American plc 

Principal statements
Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated balance sheet 
Consolidated cash flow statement 
Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense 
Reconciliation from EBITDA to cash inflows from continuing operations 

Notes to the financial statements
  1  Accounting policies 
  2  Segmental information 
  3  Profit for the financial year 
  4  Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint ventures 
  5  Exploration expenditure 
  6  Employee numbers and costs 
  7  Special items and remeasurements 
  8  Net finance costs 
  9  Financial instrument gains and losses 
 10  Tax on profit on ordinary activities 
 11  Dividends 
 12  Earnings per share 
 13  Intangible assets 
 14  Tangible assets 
 15  Environmental rehabilitation trusts 
 16  Investments in associates 
 17  Joint ventures 
 18  Financial asset investments 
 19  Inventories 
 20  Trade and other receivables 
 21  Trade and other payables 
 22  Financial assets 
 23  Financial liabilities 
 24   Financial risk management and derivative financial assets/liabilities 
 25  Provisions for liabilities and charges 
 26  Deferred tax 
 27  Retirement benefits 
 28  Called-up share capital and share-based payments 
 29  Reconciliation of changes in equity 
 30  Consolidated cash flow analysis 
 31  EBITDA by business segment  
3 2  Acquisitions 
 33  Disposals and demerger of subsidiaries and businesses 
 34  Disposal groups and non-current assets held for sale 
 35  Discontinued operations 
36  Capital commitments 
 37  Contingent liabilities and contingent assets 
 38  Operating leases 
 39  Related party transactions 
 40  Group companies 
41  Events occurring after end of year 
 42  Financial statements of the parent company 

82
83

84
85
86
87
87

88
92
96
97
98
98
98
100
100
101
101
101
102
103
104
104
105
105
105
106
106
106
106
107
111
111
112
115
122
123 
124
125
126
127
128
129
129
130
130
131
132
133

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Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
82

Financial statements

Responsibility statements
for the year ended 31 December 2008

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

(a)   the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 

financial position and profit of Anglo American plc and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole; and

(b)   the Operating and financial review includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of Anglo American 
plc and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that 
they face.

By order of the Board

Cynthia Carroll 
Chief executive 

René Médori
Finance director

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
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Independent auditors’ report to the members of Anglo American plc

We have audited the Group and Company financial statements (the 
‘Financial statements’) of Anglo American plc for the year ended 
31 December 2008 which comprise the Consolidated income statement, 
the Consolidated balance sheet, the Consolidated cash flow statement, 
the Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense, the 
Reconciliation from EBITDA to cash inflows from continuing operations, 
the Accounting policies, the related notes 2 to 41 and the Company 
balance sheet and related notes. These Financial statements have been 
prepared under the accounting policies set out therein. We have also 
audited the information in the Remuneration report that is described as 
having been audited.

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with section 235 of the Companies Act 1985. Our audit work 
has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members 
those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and 
for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not 
accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and 
the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report,  
or for the opinions we have formed.

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
The directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report and the 
Group financial statements in accordance with applicable law and 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union, and for preparing the Company financial statements  
and the Remuneration report in accordance with applicable law and 
United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice) are set out in the Statement of  
directors’ responsibilities.

Our responsibility is to audit the Financial statements and the part of the 
Remuneration report to be audited in accordance with relevant legal and 
regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK 
and Ireland).

We report to you our opinion as to whether the Financial statements  
give a true and fair view and whether the Financial statements and  
the part of the Remuneration report to be audited have been properly 
prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985 and whether, 
in addition, the Group financial statements have been properly prepared 
in accordance with Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. We also report to  
you whether, in our opinion, the information given in the directors’  
report is consistent with the Financial statements. The information given 
in the directors’ report includes that specific information presented in the 
operating and financial review that is cross referred from the business 
review section of the directors’ report.

• 

• 

• 

• 

We read the other information contained in the Annual Report as 
described in the contents section and consider whether it is consistent 
with the audited Financial statements. We consider the implications for 
our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material 
inconsistencies with the Financial statements. Our responsibilities do not 
extend to any further information outside of the Annual Report.

Basis of audit opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards 
on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board.  
An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to 
the amounts and disclosures in the Financial statements and the part  
of the Remuneration report to be audited. It also includes an assessment 
of the significant estimates and judgments made by the directors in the 
preparation of the Financial statements, and of whether the accounting 
policies are appropriate to the Group’s and Company’s circumstances, 
consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information 
and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us 
with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the Financial 
statements and the part of the Remuneration report to be audited are 
free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other 
irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall 
adequacy of the presentation of information in the Financial statements 
and the part of the Remuneration report to be audited.

Opinion
In our opinion:
• 

 the Group financial statements give a true and fair view,  
in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union,  
of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 December 2008  
and of its profit for the year then ended;
 the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with the Companies Act 1985 and Article 4 of the  
IAS Regulation;
 the Company financial statements give a true and fair view, 
in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Practice, of the state of the parent Company’s affairs as at 
31 December 2008;
 the Company financial statements and the part of the Remuneration 
report to be audited have been properly prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Act 1985; and
 the information given in the directors’ report is consistent with  
the Financial statements.

In addition we report to you if, in our opinion, the Company has not kept 
proper accounting records, if we have not received all the information and 
explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified by law 
regarding directors’ remuneration and other transactions is not disclosed.

Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors  
London 

19 February 2009

We review whether the corporate governance statement reflects the 
Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of the 2006 Combined 
Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules of the Financial Services 
Authority, and we report if it does not. We are not required to consider 
whether the board’s statements on internal control cover all risks and 
controls, or form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s corporate 
governance procedures or its risk and control procedures.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
84

Financial statements

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2008

Before 
special items 
and 
   remeasurements 
2008 

   Note 

Special 
items and 
remeasurements 
(note 7) 
2008 

Before 
special items 
and 
remeasurements 
2007 

Special 
items and 
 remeasurements 
(note 7) 
2007 

25,470 
(16,952) 

8,518 
– 
640 

9,158 
616 
(797) 
44 
(137) 

9,021 
(2,676) 

6,345 

318 

6,663 

868 
5,477 

34 
284 

902 
5,761 

– 
(246) 

(246) 
460 
(443) 

(229) 
– 
– 
29 
29 

(200) 
(17) 

(217) 

1,726 

1,509 

2007

25,470
(17,198)

8,272
460
197

8,929
616
(797)
73
(108)

8,821
(2,693)

6,128

2,044

8,172

(34) 
(183) 

834
5,294

– 
1,726 

34
2,010

(34) 
1,543 

868
7,304

4.04
1.54

5.58
3.99
1.51

5.50

86
1,031

113
1,527
3,718

US$ million 

Group revenue 
Total operating costs 

2 

26,311 
(18,330) 

Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint ventures 
Net profit on disposals 
Share of net income from associates 

2,4 
7 
   2,16 

Total profit from operations and associates 

2 

Investment income 
Interest expense 

  Other financing (losses)/gains 
Net finance costs 

Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 

8 

10 

Profit for the financial year – continuing operations    

Profit for the financial year – discontinued operations 

35 –

7,981 
– 
1,303 

9,284 
589 –
(850) 
(191) 
(452) 

8,832 
(2,545) 

6,287 

 –

– 
(1,131) 

(1,131) 
1,009 
(190) 

(312) 

– 
51 
51 

(261) 
94 

(167) 

2008 

26,311 
(19,461) 

6,850 
1,009 
1,113 

8,972 
589 
(850) 
(140) 
(401) 

8,571 
(2,451) 

6,120 

– 

6,287 

(167) 

6,120 

1,050 
5,237 

– 
– 

1,050 
5,237 

(145) 
(22) 

905 
5,215 

– 
– 

– 
– 

(145) 
(22) 

905 
5,215 

4.34 
– 

4.34 
4.29 
– 

4.29 

– 
– 

130 
1,538 
– 

Profit for the financial year – total Group 

Attributable to (continuing operations):
Minority interests 
Equity shareholders of the Company 

Attributable to (discontinued operations):
Minority interests 
Equity shareholders of the Company 

Attributable to (total Group):
Minority interests 
Equity shareholders of the Company 

Earnings per share (US$)
Basic – continuing operations 
Basic – discontinued operations 

Basic – total Group 
Diluted – continuing operations  
Diluted – discontinued operations 

Diluted – total Group 

3 

3 

3 

12 
12 

12 
12 
12 

12 

Dividends
Proposed ordinary dividend per share (US cents) 
Proposed ordinary dividend (US$ million) 

Ordinary dividends paid during the year per share  
(US cents) 
Ordinary dividends paid during the year (US$ million)   
Dividend in specie (US$ million) 

11 
11 
11 

Underlying earnings and underlying earnings per share are set out in note 12.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Consolidated balance sheet
as at 31 December 2008

US$ million 

Intangible assets 
Tangible assets 
Environmental rehabilitation trusts 
Investments in associates 
Financial asset investments 
Trade and other receivables 
Deferred tax assets 
Other financial assets (derivatives) 
Other non-current assets 

Total non-current assets 

Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Current tax assets 
Other current financial assets (derivatives) 
Current financial asset investments 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 
Assets classified as held for sale 

Total assets 

Trade and other payables 
Short term borrowings 
Short term provisions 
Current tax liabilities 
Other current financial liabilities (derivatives) 

Total current liabilities 

Medium and long term borrowings 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Other financial liabilities (derivatives) 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Provisions for liabilities and charges 
Other non-current liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 
Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity
Called-up share capital 
Share premium account 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 

Equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company   
Minority interests 

Total equity 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of directors on 19 February 2009.

Cynthia Carroll 
Chief executive 

René Médori
Finance director

85

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a
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n
t
s

2008 

2007

3,006 
29,545 
244 
3,612 
3,115 
94 
258 
4 –
167 

1,556
23,534
252
3,341
4,780
159
474

105

40,045 

34,201

2,702 
2,929 
471 
372 
173 –
2,771 

9,418 
275 

2,344
3,572
223
535

3,129

9,803
758

49,738 

44,762

(4,770) 
(6,784) 
(168) 
(804) 
(1,436) 

(3,950)
(5,895)
(142)
(992)
(501)

(13,962) 

(11,480)

(7,211) 
(401) 
(61) 
(4,555) 
(1,317) 
(395) –

(2,404)
(444)
(85)
(4,650)
(1,082)

(13,940) 
(80) 

(8,665)
(287)

(27,982) 

(20,432)

21,756 

24,330

738 
2,713 
(2,057) 
18,827 

20,221 
1,535 

21,756 

738
2,713
3,155
15,855

22,461
1,869

24,330

Note 

13 
14 
15 
16 
18 
20 
26 
24 

19 
20 

24 
18 
30b 

34 

21 
23 
25 

24 

23 
27 
24 
26 
25 

34 

28,29 
29 
29 
29 

29 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
86

Financial statements

Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December 2008

US$ million 

Cash inflows from continuing operations 
Dividends from associates 
Dividends from financial asset investments 
Income tax paid 

Net cash inflows from operating activities – continuing operations 

Net cash inflows from operating activities – discontinued operations 

Net cash inflows from operating activities – total Group 

Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired(1) 
Investment in joint ventures 
Investment in associates 
Cash flows from derivatives related to acquisitions 
Purchase of tangible assets 
Purchase of financial asset investments 
Investment of advance received in anticipation of disposal(2)   
Loans granted 
Interest received and other investment income 
Disposal and demerger of subsidiaries, net of cash and cash equivalents disposed 
Sale of interests in associates 
Repayment of loans and capital by associates 
Proceeds from disposal of tangible assets 
Proceeds from sale of financial asset investments 
Other cash flows from derivatives not related to net debt 
Other investing activities 

Net cash used in investing activities – continuing operations 

Net cash inflows from investing activities – discontinued operations 

Net cash used in investing activities – total Group 

Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of shares by subsidiaries to minority interests 
Sale of treasury shares to employees 
Purchase of treasury shares 
Interest paid 
Dividends paid to minority interests 
Dividends paid to Company shareholders 
Receipt of short term borrowings 
Receipt of medium and long term borrowings 
Cash flows from derivatives related to net debt 
Advance received in anticipation of disposal(2) 
Other financing activities 

Net cash inflows from/(used in) financing activities – continuing operations 

Net cash inflows from financing activities – discontinued operations 

Net cash inflows from/(used in) financing activities – total Group 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at start of year 
Cash movements in the year 
Effects of changes in foreign exchange rates 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

(1)  Includes amounts paid to acquire minority interests in subsidiaries.

Note 

30a 

32 
32 

33 

30c 

30c 

2008 

2007

9,579 
609 
50 
(2,173) 

8,065 

– 

8,065 

(5,887) 
(609) 
(9) 
(661) –
(5,146) 
(741) 
(281) –
(108) 
291 
468 
205 –
42 
30 
851 
(166) 
(29) 

9,375
275
36
(2,886)

6,800

464

7,264

(772)
(1,114)
(1)

(3,931)
(47)

(108)
228
110

119
111
601
(2)
(30)

(11,750) 

(4,836)

– 

2,575

(11,750) 

(2,261)

62 
40 
(710) 
(741) 
(796) 
(1,550) 
1,432 
5,184 
380 –
307 –
(66) 

29
134
(6,217)
(483)
(728)
(1,538)
2,780
341

21

3,542 

(5,661)

– 

692

3,542 

(4,969)

(143) 

34

3,074 
(143) 
(187) 

2,744 

2,980
34
60

3,074

(2)  Advance received in respect of anticipated disposal of the Group’s 50% interest in the Booysendal joint venture, invested in unlisted preference shares (guaranteed by Nedbank Limited and Nedbank Group Limited) 

and an escrow account, pending completion of the transaction. Refer to note 21 for further details.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
87

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Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense
for the year ended 31 December 2008

US$ million 

Net (loss)/gain on revaluation of available for sale investments 
Net gain on revaluation of available for sale investments – associates 
Net loss on cash flow hedges 
Net gain/(loss) on cash flow hedges – associates 
Net exchange loss on translation of foreign operations 
Actuarial net loss on post retirement benefit schemes 
Actuarial net loss on post retirement benefit schemes – associates 
Deferred tax 

Net (expense)/income recognised directly in equity 

Transferred to income statement: sale of available for sale investments    
Transferred to income statement: cash flow hedges 
Transferred to initial carrying amount of hedged items: cash flow hedges   
Transferred to income statement: exchange differences on disposal of foreign operations 
Tax on items transferred from equity 

Total transferred from equity 

Profit for the financial year 
Total recognised income and expense for the financial year(1) 

Attributable to:
Minority interests 
Equity shareholders of the Company 

(1)   Total recognised income and expense for the financial year of nil (2007: $2,026 million) relates to discontinued operations.

2008 

(888) 
– 
(874) 
4 
(4,514) 
(129) 
(7) 
167 

(6,241) 

(476) 
380 
637 –
2 
(94) 3

449 

6,120 

2007

2,326
10
(286)
(41)
(303)
(37)
(6)
(123)

1,540

(298)
315

337

357

8,172

328 

10,069

487 
(159) 

844
9,225

Reconciliation from EBITDA(1) to cash inflows from continuing operations
for the year ended 31 December 2008

US$ million 

2008 

2007

EBITDA – continuing operations 
Share of operating profit of associates before special items and remeasurements 
Depreciation and amortisation in associates 
Share-based payment charges 
Operating fair value gains before special items and remeasurements 
Provisions 
Increase in inventories 
Decrease/(increase) in operating receivables 
Increase in operating payables 
Other adjustments 

Cash inflows from continuing operations 

(1)    EBITDA is operating profit before special items, remeasurements, depreciation and amortisation in subsidiaries and joint ventures and share of EBITDA of associates.

  US$ million 
  Operating profit, including associates, before special items and remeasurements – continuing operations(2) 
  Depreciation and amortisation

   Subsidiaries and joint ventures 
   Associates 

  EBITDA – continuing operations 

11,847 
(2,104) 
(253) 
155 
(1) 
46 
(999) 
80 
896 
(88) 

9,579 

2008 
10,085 

1,509 
253 
11,847 

11,171
(1,072)
(183)
138
(12)
77
(352)
(389)
53
(56)

9,375

2007
9,590

1,398
183
11,171

(2)  ‘Operating profit, including associates, before special items and remeasurements – continuing operations’ is reconciled to ‘Profit for the financial year – continuing operations’ in note 2.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
88

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

1.  Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Financial Reporting 
Interpretation Committee (IFRIC) interpretations adopted for use by the European 
Union, with those parts of the Companies Act 1985 applicable to companies 
reporting under IFRS and with the requirements of the UK Disclosure and 
Transparency rules of the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom as 
applicable to periodic financial reporting. The financial statements have been 
prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the recording of 
pension assets and liabilities and certain financial instruments. A summary of the 
principal Group accounting policies is set out below with an explanation of changes 
to previous policies following adoption of new accounting standards and 
interpretations in the year.

The details of the elections made on conversion to IFRS were set out in the 
31 December 2005 Annual Report.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted 
accounting principles, requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect 
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial 
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the 
reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management’s best 
knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results ultimately may differ 
from those estimates.

Details of the Group’s significant accounting policies and critical accounting 
estimates are set out in the ‘Operating and financial review’ and form part of these 
financial statements; these are set out on pages 56 and 57.

Significant areas of estimation uncertainty include:

• 
• 
• 
• 

useful economic lives of assets and ore reserves estimates;
impairment of assets;
restoration, rehabilitation and environmental costs; and
retirement benefits.

Adoption of standards and changes in accounting policies
The Group has adopted with effect from 1 January 2008, IFRIC 14 IAS 19 –  
The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their 
Interaction and IFRIC 11 IFRS 2 – Group and Treasury Share Transactions.

The Group has also adopted with effect from 1 July 2008, Reclassification of 
Financial Assets (Amendments to IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and 
Measurement and IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures).

The adoption of these statements has not had a material impact from a Group 
perspective.

Discontinued operations
On 2 July 2007 the Paper and Packaging business, Mondi, was demerged from the 
Group by way of a dividend in specie paid to shareholders. 

On 2 October 2007 the Group sold 67.1 million shares in AngloGold Ashanti 
Limited which reduced the Group’s shareholding from 41.6% to 17.3%. The 
Group’s representation on the company’s board was also withdrawn at this time. 
The remaining investment is accounted for as a financial asset investment. 

Both of these operations are presented as discontinued.

Basis of consolidation
The financial statements incorporate a consolidation of the financial statements of 
the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 
31 December each year. Control is achieved where the Company has the power to 
govern the financial and operating policies of an investee entity so as to obtain 
benefits from its activities.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in 
the Consolidated income statement from the effective date of acquisition or up to 
the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the results of subsidiaries, joint 
ventures and associates to bring their accounting policies into line with those used 
by the Group. Intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are 
eliminated on consolidation, where appropriate.

For non-wholly owned subsidiaries, a share of the profit for the financial year and 
net assets is attributed to the minority interests as shown in the Consolidated 
income statement and Consolidated balance sheet. Any losses applicable to the 
minority interests in excess of the total recognised minority interests are allocated 
against the interests of the parent until such time as future profits have exceeded 
the losses previously absorbed.

Associates
Associates are investments over which the Group is in a position to exercise 
significant influence, but not control or joint control, through participation in the 
financial and operating policy decisions of the investee. Typically the Group owns 
between 20% and 50% of the voting equity of its associates. Investments in 
associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting except when 
classified as held for sale.

The Group’s share of associates’ net income is based on their most recent audited 
financial statements or unaudited interim statements drawn up to the Group’s 
balance sheet date.

The total carrying values of investments in associates represent the cost of each 
investment including the carrying value of goodwill, the share of post acquisition 
retained earnings, any other movements in reserves and any long term debt interests 
which in substance form part of the Group’s net investment. The carrying values  
of associates are reviewed on a regular basis and if an impairment in value has 
occurred, it is written off in the period in which those circumstances are identified. 
The Group’s share of an associate’s losses in excess of its interest in that associate 
is not recognised unless the Group has an obligation to fund such losses.

Joint venture entities
A joint venture entity is an entity in which the Group holds a long term interest and 
shares joint control over the strategic, financial and operating decisions with one or 
more other venturers under a contractual arrangement.

The Group’s share of the assets, liabilities, income, expenditure and cash flows of 
such jointly controlled entities are accounted for using proportionate consolidation. 
Proportionate consolidation combines the Group’s share of the results of the joint 
venture entity on a line by line basis with similar items in the Group’s financial 
statements.

Joint venture operations
The Group has contractual arrangements with other participants to engage in joint 
activities other than through a separate entity. The Group includes its assets, 
liabilities, expenditure and its share of revenue in such joint venture operations 
with similar items in the Group’s financial statements. 

Revenue recognition
Revenue is derived principally from the sale of goods and is measured at the fair 
value of consideration received or receivable, after deducting discounts, volume 
rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. Sales of concentrate are stated  
at their invoiced amount which is net of treatment and refining charges. A sale 
is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have passed. 
This is usually when title and insurance risk have passed to the customer and the 
goods have been delivered to a contractually agreed location.

Revenue from metal mining activities is based on the payable metal sold. 

Sales of certain commodities are ‘provisionally priced’ such that the price is not 
settled until a predetermined future date based on the market price at that time. 
Revenue on these sales is initially recognised (when the above criteria are met) 
at the current market price. ‘Provisionally priced’ sales are marked to market at 
each reporting date using the forward price for the period equivalent to that 
outlined in the contract. This mark to market adjustment is recorded in revenue.

Revenues from the sale of material by-products are included within revenue. 
Where a by-product is not regarded as significant, revenue may be credited against 
the cost of sales. 

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1.  Accounting policies continued
Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal 
outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable.

Dividend income from investments is recognised when the shareholders’ rights 
to receive payment have been established.

Business combinations and goodwill arising thereon
The identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of a subsidiary, joint 
venture entity or an associate, which can be measured reliably are recorded at their 
provisional fair values at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the cost of acquisition 
over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is attributed to goodwill. 
Provisional fair values are finalised within 12 months of the acquisition date.

Goodwill in respect of subsidiaries and joint ventures is included within intangible 
assets. Goodwill relating to associates is included within the carrying value of 
the associate.

Where the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the cost of the 
acquisition, the surplus, which represents the discount on the acquisition, is 
credited to the income statement in the period of acquisition.

For non-wholly owned subsidiaries, minority interests are initially recorded at the 
minorities’ proportion of the fair values of the assets and liabilities recognised 
at acquisition.

Tangible assets
Mining properties and leases include the cost of acquiring and developing mining 
properties and mineral rights.

Mining properties are depreciated down to their residual values using the unit of 
production method based on proven and probable reserves. Depreciation is 
charged on new mining ventures from the date that the mining property is capable 
of commercial production. When there is little likelihood of a mineral right being 
exploited, or the value of the exploitable mineral right has diminished below cost, 
a write down to the recoverable amount is charged to the income statement.

For open pit operations the removal of overburden or waste ore is required to 
obtain access to the orebody. To the extent that the actual waste material removed 
per tonne of ore mined (known as the stripping ratio) is higher than the average 
stripping ratio in the early years of a mine’s production phase, the costs associated 
with this process are deferred and charged to operating costs using the expected 
average stripping ratio over the average life of the area being mined. This reflects 
the fact that waste removal is necessary to gain access to the orebody and 
therefore realise future economic benefit. The average stripping ratio is calculated 
as the number of tonnes of waste material expected to be removed during the life 
of mine, per tonne of ore mined. The average life of mine cost per tonne is 
calculated as the total expected costs to be incurred to mine the orebody divided 
by the number of tonnes expected to be mined. The cost of stripping in any period 
will therefore be reflective of the average stripping rates for the orebody as a 
whole. However, where the pit profile is such that the actual stripping ratio is 
below the average in the early years no deferral takes place as this would result  
in recognition of a liability for which there is no obligation. Instead this position  
is monitored and when the cumulative calculation reflects a debit balance deferral 
commences. The average life of mine stripping ratio and the average life of mine 
cost per tonne are recalculated annually in light of additional knowledge and 
changes in estimates. Changes in the life of mine stripping ratio are accounted  
for prospectively as a change in estimate.

Land and properties in the course of construction are carried at cost, less any 
recognised impairment. Depreciation commences when the assets are ready for 
their intended use. Buildings and plant and equipment are depreciated down to 
their residual values at varying rates, on a straight line basis over their estimated 
useful lives or the life of mine, whichever is shorter. Estimated useful lives 
normally vary from up to 20 years for items of plant and equipment to a maximum 
of 50 years for buildings. 

Residual values and estimated useful lives are reviewed at least annually.

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term 
and the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Non-mining licences and other intangibles
Non-mining licences and other intangibles are measured initially at purchase cost 
and are amortised on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives. 
Estimated useful lives vary between three and five years.

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets excluding goodwill
At each balance sheet date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible 
and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those 
assets are impaired. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the 
asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment, if any. 
Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other 
assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit 
(CGU) to which the asset belongs. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life 
is tested for impairment annually and whenever there is an indication that the 
asset may be impaired. 

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use.  
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their 
present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for 
which estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

If the recoverable amount of an asset or CGU is estimated to be less than its 
carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is reduced to its 
recoverable amount. An impairment is recognised as an expense in the income 
statement.

Where an impairment subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or 
CGU is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the 
increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have 
been determined had no impairment been recognised for the asset or CGU in prior 
years. A reversal of an impairment is recognised as a gain in the income statement.

Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill arising on business combinations is allocated to the group of CGUs that 
is expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination and represents the 
lowest level at which goodwill is monitored by the Group’s board of directors  
for internal management purposes. Details of the CGUs to which goodwill is 
allocated are provided in note 13. The recoverable amount of the CGU or group  
of CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated is tested for impairment annually  
on a consistent date during each financial year, or when events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that it may be impaired.

Any impairment is recognised immediately in the income statement. Impairments 
of goodwill are not subsequently reversed.

Research and exploration expenditure
Research and exploration expenditure is written off in the year in which it is 
incurred. When a decision is taken that a mining property is economically feasible 
and should be developed for commercial production, all further directly 
attributable, pre-production expenditure is capitalised within tangible assets. 
Capitalisation of pre-production expenditure ceases when the mining property is 
capable of commercial production.

Capitalised pre-production expenditure prior to commercial production is assessed 
for impairment in accordance with the Group accounting policy stated above.

Inventory
Inventory and work in progress are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable 
value. The production cost of inventory includes an appropriate proportion of 
depreciation and production overheads. Cost is determined on the following bases:

• 

• 

• 

Raw materials and consumables are valued at cost on a first in, first out 
(FIFO) basis.
Finished products are valued at raw material cost, labour cost and a proportion 
of manufacturing overhead expenses.
Metal and coal stocks are included within finished products and are valued at 
average cost.

At precious metals operations that produce ‘joint products’, cost is allocated 
between products according to the ratio of contribution of these metals to gross 
sales revenues.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
90

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

1.  Accounting policies continued
Retirement benefits
The Group operates both defined benefit and defined contribution schemes for its 
employees as well as post retirement medical plans. For defined contribution 
schemes the amount charged to the income statement is the contributions paid 
or payable during the year. 

For defined benefit pension and post retirement medical plans, full actuarial 
valuations are carried out every three years using the projected unit credit 
method and updates are performed for each financial year end. The average 
discount rate for the plans’ liabilities is based on AA rated corporate bonds of a 
suitable duration and currency or, where there is no ‘deep market’ for such bonds, 
based on government bonds. Pension plan assets are measured using year end 
market values. 

Actuarial gains and losses, which can arise from differences between expected and 
actual outcomes or changes in actuarial assumptions, are recognised immediately 
in the Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense. Any increase in 
the present value of plan liabilities expected to arise from employee service during 
the year is charged to operating profit. The expected return on plan assets and the 
expected increase during the year in the present value of plan liabilities are 
included in investment income and interest expense.

Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that the benefits are 
already vested and otherwise is amortised on a straight line basis over the average 
period until the benefits become vested. 

The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the 
present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognised past 
service costs and as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset 
resulting from this calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the present value 
of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the plan. 

Tax
The tax expense represents the sum of the current tax charge and the movement 
in deferred tax.

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit 
differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes 
items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it 
further excludes items that are not taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for 
current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences 
between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements 
and the corresponding tax basis used in the computation of taxable profit and is 
accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are 
generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets 
are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available 
against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and 
liabilities are not recognised if the temporary differences arise from the initial 
recognition of goodwill or an asset or liability in a transaction (other than in a 
business combination) that affects neither the tax profit nor accounting profit. 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on 
investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures, and associates, except where the 
Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable 
that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date 
and is adjusted to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable 
profit will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period 
when the liability is settled or the asset is realised. Deferred tax is charged or 
credited in the income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited 
directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also taken directly to equity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when they relate to income taxes 
levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current 
tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Leases 
In addition to lease contracts, other significant contracts are assessed to determine 
whether, in substance, they are or contain a lease. This includes assessment of 
whether the arrangement is dependent on use of a specific asset and right to use 
that asset is conveyed through the contract.

Rental costs under operating leases are charged to the income statement in equal 
annual amounts over the lease term.

Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets of the Group on 
inception of the lease at the lower of fair value or the present value of the 
minimum lease payments derived by discounting at the interest rate implicit in the 
lease. The interest element of the rental is charged against profit so as to produce 
a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability, unless 
it is directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case it is capitalised in 
accordance with the Group’s general policy on borrowing costs set out on page 91.

Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations 
Non-current assets (and disposal groups) are classified as held for sale if their 
carrying amount will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than through 
continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when it is highly probable 
and the asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present 
condition. Management must be committed to the sale which should be expected 
to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the date of 
classification.

Non-current assets (and disposal groups) are classified as held for sale from the 
date these conditions are met and are measured at the lower of carrying amount 
and fair value less costs to sell. Any resulting impairment is reported through the 
income statement as a special item. On classification as held for sale the assets 
are no longer depreciated. Comparative amounts are not adjusted. 

Where an asset or business has been sold or is classified as held for sale and is 
either a, or part of a, single co-ordinated plan to dispose of either a separate major 
line of business or geographical area of operation, or is a subsidiary acquired 
exclusively with a view to sale, it is considered to be a ‘discontinued operation’. 
Once an operation has been identified as discontinued, its net profit and cash flows 
are separately presented from continuing operations. Comparative information is 
reclassified so that net profit and cash flows of prior periods are also separately 
presented.

Restoration, rehabilitation and environmental costs
An obligation to incur restoration, rehabilitation and environmental costs arises 
when environmental disturbance is caused by the development or ongoing 
production of a mining property. Such costs arising from the decommissioning of 
plant and other site preparation work, discounted to their net present value, are 
provided for and capitalised at the start of each project, as soon as the obligation 
to incur such costs arises. These costs are charged against profits over the life of 
the operation, through the depreciation of the asset and the unwinding of the 
discount on the provision. Costs for restoration of subsequent site damage which 
is created on an ongoing basis during production are provided for at their net 
present values and charged against profits as extraction progresses.

Changes in the measurement of a liability relating to the decommissioning of plant 
or other site preparation work that result from changes in the estimated timing or 
amount of the cash flow, or a change in the discount rate, are added to, or 
deducted from, the cost of the related asset in the current period. If a decrease in 
the liability exceeds the carrying amount of the asset, the excess is recognised 
immediately in the income statement. If the asset value is increased and there is 
an indication that the revised carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment test 
is performed in accordance with the accounting policy set out on page 89.

For some South African operations annual contributions are made to dedicated 
environmental rehabilitation trusts to fund the estimated cost of rehabilitation 
during and at the end of the life of the relevant mine. The Group exercises full 
control of these trusts and therefore the trusts are consolidated. The trusts’ assets 
are recognised separately on the balance sheet as non-current assets at fair value. 
Interest earned on funds invested in the environmental rehabilitation trusts is 
accrued on a time proportion basis and recognised as interest income.

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1.  Accounting policies continued
Foreign currency transactions and translation
Foreign currency transactions by Group companies are booked in the functional 
currencies of the companies at the exchange rate ruling on the date of transaction. 
At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated 
in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the balance sheet 
date. Gains and losses arising on retranslation are included in profit or loss for the 
period and are classified as either operating or financing depending on the nature 
of the monetary item giving rise to them.

On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s overseas operations are 
translated into the presentation currency of the Group at exchange rates prevailing 
on the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average 
exchange rates for the period where these approximate the rates at the dates of 
transactions. Exchange differences arising, if any, are classified within equity and 
transferred to the Group’s cumulative translation adjustment reserve. Exchange 
differences on foreign currency balances with foreign operations for which 
settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur and therefore form part of the 
Group’s net investment in these foreign operations are offset in the cumulative 
translation adjustment reserve. 

Cumulative translation differences are recognised as income or expense in the 
period in which the operation they relate to is disposed of.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign entity 
are treated as assets of the foreign entity and translated at the closing rate. 

Presentation currency
As permitted by UK company law, the Group results are presented in US dollars, 
the currency in which most of its business is conducted.

Borrowing costs
Interest on borrowings directly relating to the financing of qualifying capital 
projects under construction is added to the capitalised cost of those projects during 
the construction phase, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for 
their intended use or sale which, in the case of mining properties, is when they are 
capable of commercial production. Where funds have been borrowed specifically to 
finance a project, the amount capitalised represents the actual borrowing costs 
incurred. Where the funds used to finance a project form part of general 
borrowings, the amount capitalised is calculated using a weighted average of rates 
applicable to relevant general borrowings of the Group during the period.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in the income statement in the period in 
which they are incurred.

Share-based payments
The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment.  
In accordance with the transitional provisions, IFRS 2 has been applied to all  
grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that had not vested as  
at 1 January 2005.

The Group makes equity settled share-based payments to certain employees, 
which are measured at fair value at the date of grant and expensed on a straight 
line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group’s estimate of shares 
that will eventually vest. For those share schemes with market related vesting 
conditions, the fair value is determined using the Monte Carlo method at the grant 
date. The fair value of share options issued with non-market vesting conditions 
has been calculated using the Black Scholes model. For all other share awards, the 
fair value is determined by reference to the market value of the share at the date 
of grant. For all share schemes with non-market related vesting conditions, the 
likelihood of vesting has been taken into account when determining the relevant 
charge. Vesting assumptions are reviewed during each reporting period to ensure 
they reflect current expectations.

Black economic empowerment (BEE) transactions
Where the Group disposes of a portion of a South African based subsidiary or 
operation to a BEE company at a discount to fair value, the transaction is 
considered to be a share-based payment (in line with the principle contained in 
South Africa interpretation AC 503 Accounting for Black Economic Empowerment 
(BEE) Transactions). The discount provided or value given is calculated in 
accordance with IFRS 2 and included in the determination of the profit or loss  
on disposal.

Employee benefit trust
The carrying value of shares held by the employee benefit trust are recorded 
as treasury shares, shown as a reduction in retained earnings within 
shareholders’ equity.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash in hand and on demand deposits, 
together with short term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to 
a known amount of cash and that are subject to an insignificant risk of changes  
in value. Bank overdrafts are, however, shown within short term borrowings in 
current liabilities on the balance sheet. Cash and cash equivalents in the 
Consolidated cash flow statement are shown net of overdrafts.

Trade receivables
Trade receivables do not carry any interest and are stated at their nominal value 
(with the exception of receivables relating to provisionally priced sales – as set 
out in the revenue recognition accounting policy) net of appropriate allowance  
for estimated irrecoverable amounts. Such allowances are raised based on an 
assessment of debtor ageing, past experience or known customer circumstances.

Trade payables
Trade payables are not interest bearing and are stated at their nominal value with 
the exception of amounts relating to purchases of provisionally priced concentrate 
which are marked to market (using the appropriate forward price) until settled.

Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, 
net of direct issue costs.

Investments 
Investments, other than investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, 
are financial asset investments and are initially recorded at fair value. At subsequent 
reporting dates, financial assets that the Group has the expressed intention and 
ability to hold to maturity (‘held to maturity’) as well as loans and receivables are 
measured at amortised cost, less any impairment. The amortisation of any discount 
or premium on the acquisition of a held to maturity investment is recognised in the 
income statement in each period using the effective interest method.

Investments other than those classified as held to maturity or loans and 
receivables are classified as either at fair value through profit or loss (which 
includes investments held for trading) or available for sale investments. Both 
sub-categories are measured at each reporting date at fair value. Where 
investments are held for trading purposes, unrealised gains and losses for the 
period are included in the income statement within other gains and losses. For 
available for sale investments, unrealised gains and losses are recognised in equity 
until the investment is disposed or impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or 
loss previously recognised in equity is included in the income statement. 

Current financial asset investments consist mainly of bank term deposits and fixed 
and floating rate debt securities. Debt securities that are intended to be held to 
maturity are recorded on the amortised cost basis. Debt securities that are not 
intended to be held to maturity are recorded at the lower of cost and market value.

Provision is raised against these assets when there is doubt over the future 
realisation of value as a result of a known event or circumstance.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified and accounted for as debt 
or equity according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. 
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets 
of the Group after deducting all of its liabilities. 

Bank borrowings
Interest bearing bank loans and overdrafts are recorded at the proceeds received, 
net of direct transaction costs. Finance charges, including premiums payable on 
settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are accounted for on an accruals 
basis and charged to the income statement using the effective interest method. 
They are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they 
are not settled in the period in which they arise.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
92

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

1.  Accounting policies continued
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
In order to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity 
price risk, the Group enters into forward, option and swap contracts. The Group 
does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Commodity 
based (normal purchase or normal sale) contracts that meet the scope exemption 
in IAS 39 are recognised in earnings when they are settled by physical delivery.

All derivatives are held at fair value in the balance sheet within other financial 
assets (derivatives) or other financial liabilities (derivatives) and, when designated 
as hedges, are classified as current or non-current depending on the maturity of 
the derivative. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges are classified as 
current, in accordance with IAS 1, even when their actual maturity is expected to 
be greater than one year.

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated 
and effective as hedges of future cash flows are recognised directly in equity.  
The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in  
the income statement. If the cash flow hedge of a firm commitment or forecast 
transaction results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or a liability, then,  
at the time the asset or liability is recognised, the associated gains or losses on  
the derivative that had previously been recognised in equity are included in the 
initial measurement of the asset or liability. For hedges that do not result in the 
recognition of a non-financial asset or a liability, amounts deferred in equity are 
recognised in the income statement in the same period in which the hedged item 
affects profit or loss. 

For an effective hedge of an exposure to changes in fair value, the hedged item  
is adjusted for changes in fair value attributable to the risk being hedged with  
the corresponding entry in profit or loss. Gains or losses from remeasuring the 
associated derivative are recognised in profit or loss.

The gain or loss on hedging instruments relating to the effective portion of a net 
investment hedge is recognised in equity. The ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in the income statement. Gains or losses accumulated in equity are 
included in the income statement when the foreign operations are disposed of.

Changes in the fair value of any derivative instruments that are not hedge 
accounted are recognised immediately in the income statement and are classified 
within other gains and losses or net finance costs depending on the type of risk  
the derivative relates to.

New IFRS accounting standards and interpretations not yet adopted
IFRS 8 Operating Segments replaces the segmental reporting requirements of  
IAS 14 Segment Reporting. The key change is to align the determination of 
segments in the financial statements with that used by management in their 
resource allocation decisions. The Group is currently evaluating the impact that 
IFRS 8 will have on disclosure.

The amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements released in 
September 2007 redefines the primary statements and expands on certain primary 
statement disclosures. Once adopted the Group’s primary statements will be 
amended to reflect the presentation required.

IFRS 3 Business Combinations revised makes a number of changes to the accounting 
for and disclosure of business combinations. Once adopted the Group will account 
for subsequent business combinations in accordance with this standard.

IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements revised requires the effects 
of all transactions with non-controlling interests to be recorded in equity if there is 
no change in control. Once adopted any transaction within this scope will be 
accounted for in accordance with the revised standard.

The following new IFRS accounting standards and interpretations not yet adopted 
are not expected to have a significant impact on the Group:

Amendments to IFRS 2 Share-based Payment clarifies the definition of vesting 
conditions and the accounting treatment of cancellations. Vesting conditions are 
defined as either service or performance conditions. Cancellations by employees 
are accounted for in the same way as cancellations by the Group. 

Amendment to IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement 
prohibits designating inflation as a hedgeable component of a fixed rate debt  
and inclusion of time value in the one-sided hedged risk when designating options 
as hedges. 

Amendments to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS 1 Presentation 
of Financial Statements – Puttable Financial Instruments and Obligations Arising on 
Liquidation addresses the liability versus equity classification of certain puttable 
financial instruments and instruments, or components thereof, which impose upon 
an entity an obligation to deliver a pro rata share of net assets on liquidation. 

Annual improvements to IFRSs amends a number of standards including changes in 
presentation, recognition and measurement plus terminology and editorial changes. 

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, 
terminated, exercised, revoked, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that 
time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is 
retained in equity until the forecast transaction occurs. If a hedge transaction is no 
longer expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in 
equity is included in the income statement for the period.

IFRIC 16 Hedges of a Net Investment in a Foreign Operation clarifies that net 
investment hedging applies to differences in functional currency not presentation 
currency, the hedging instrument can be held by any entity in a group and how an 
entity should determine the amounts to be reclassified from equity to the income 
statement for both the hedging instrument and the hedged item. 

Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or non-financial host 
contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and characteristics 
are not closely related to those of their host contracts and the host contracts 
themselves are not carried at fair value with unrealised gains or losses reported  
in the income statement.

Derecognition of financial assets and liabilities
Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from  
the asset have expired, the right to receive cash flows has been retained but an 
obligation to on-pay them in full without material delay has been assumed or  
the right to receive cash flows has been transferred together with substantially  
all the risks and rewards of ownership.

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the associated obligation has been 
discharged, cancelled or has expired.

2.  Segmental information
Based on risks and returns the directors consider the primary reporting format is by 
business segment and the secondary reporting format is by geographical segment.

The analysis of associates’ revenue by business segment is provided here for 
completeness and consistency. The segmental analysis of associates’ net income 
is shown below and the Group’s aggregate investment in those associates required 
by IAS 14 Segment Reporting, is set out in note 16.

The Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs segment includes insurance costs.

Discontinued operations comprise the Paper and Packaging and Gold segments. 
The results for discontinued operations are disclosed in note 35.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

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2.  Segmental information continued
Primary reporting format – by business segment 

For information, a segmental analysis of associates’ operating profit is set out below 
to show operating profit for the Group’s continuing operations including associates.

Segment result after 
special items and 
remeasurements(1)
2008 

2007

US$ million 

   Operating profit before  Operating profit after 
special items and 
remeasurements(1)
2008 

special items and 
remeasurements(1) 
2008 

2007 

2007

2,187 
2,153 

2,635
4,338

1,242 
1,723 
137 
(162) 

1,158
224
407
(157)

Total subsidiaries and joint ventures – 
continuing operations 
Associates
Platinum 
Diamonds 
Ferrous Metals and Industries 
Coal 
Total associates – continuing operations 
Operating profit including associates –  
continuing operations 

   7,981 

8,518 

6,850 

8,272

20 
508 
   1,078 
498 
   2,104 

62 
484 
277 
249 
1,072 

20 
282 
1,078 
498 
1,878 

62
19
277
249
607

   10,085 

9,590 

8,728 

8,879

2,635 
4,338 

1,155 
365 
474 
(157) 

US$ million 

Segment revenue 
2007 
2008 

   Segment result before 
special items and 
remeasurements(1) 
2008 

2007 

– 

– 

(345) 

6,288 
5,878 

26,311(2) 25,470(2)  7,981 

1,857 
1,742 
228 
(212) 

6,673  2,206 
2,505 
7,129 

4,455 
4,207 
5,319  2,880 
4,581 
4,371 
– 
– 

Subsidiaries and joint  
ventures
Platinum 
Base Metals  
Ferrous Metals and  
Industries 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 
Exploration 
Corporate Activities  
and Unallocated Costs 
Total subsidiaries and  
joint ventures –  
continuing operations 
Revenue and net income  
from associates
Platinum 
Diamonds 
Ferrous Metals and  
Industries 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 
Total associates –  
continuing operations 
Total operations 
including net income  
from associates –  
continuing operations 
Net profit on disposals – continuing operations 
Total profit from operations and associates – continuing  
operations 

2,394 
1,117 
7 

1,193 
694 
10 

724 
329 
– 

32,964  30,559 

39 
3,096 

116 
3,076 

13 
237 

9,284 

5,089 

1,303 

6,653 

(292) 

(430) 

(333)

8,518 

6,850 

8,272

38 
223 

189 
190 
– 

13 
47 

38
(229)

724 
329 
– 

198
190
–

640 

1,113 

197

9,158 

7,963 
   1,009 

8,469
460

   8,972 

8,929

(1)   Segment result is defined as being segment revenue less segment expense; that is operating  

profit. In addition ‘Share of net income from associates’ is shown by segment. There are no material 
inter-segment transfers or transactions that would affect the segment result. Special items and 
remeasurements are set out in note 7. 

(2)  This represents segment revenue; the Group’s share of associates’ revenue is provided for additional 

information. 

The table above represents continuing operations only, as disclosed in the income 
statement. Total Group revenue including share of revenue from associates and 
revenue from discontinued operations is $32,964 million (2007: $35,674 million) 
being $32,964 million (2007: $30,559 million) from continuing operations and nil 
(2007: $5,115 million) from discontinued operations. See note 35 for summarised 
segmental disclosures relating to discontinued operations.

(1)  Associates’ operating profit is reconciled to ‘Share of net income from associates’ as follows:

  US$ million 
  Operating profit from associates before special items  and remeasurements –  
  continuing operations 
  Operating special items and remeasurements 
  Operating profit from associates after special items  and remeasurements –  
  continuing operations 
  Net profit on disposals  
  Net finance costs (before remeasurements) 
  Financing remeasurements 

Income tax expense (after special items and remeasurements) 

  Minority interests (after special items and remeasurements) 
  Share of net income from associates – continuing operations 

2008 

2007

2,104 
(226) 

1,072
(465)

1,878 
18 
(147) 
(15) 
(606) 
(15) 
1,113 

607
24
(85)
(4)
(303)
(42)
197

‘Operating profit, including associates, before special items and remeasurements –  
continuing operations’ is reconciled to ‘Profit for the financial year – continuing 
operations’ as follows:

US$ million 

2008 

2007

9,590

   10,085 

(246)
–
–
3
(141)
(67)
–
(41)
(465)
(465)

(1,131) 
(19) 
(352) 
(615) 
(19) 
(91) 
50 
(85) 
(226) 
(226) 

Operating profit, including associates, before special items  
and remeasurements – continuing operations 
Operating special items and remeasurements
Subsidiaries and joint ventures 
  Platinum 
  Base Metals 
  Ferrous Metals and Industries 
  Coal 
  Industrial Minerals 
  Exploration 
  Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs 
Associates 
  Diamonds 
Operating profit, including associates, after special items and  
remeasurements – continuing operations    
Net profit on disposals 
  Subsidiaries and joint ventures    
  Associates 
Associates’ net finance costs (before remeasurements) 
Associates’ financing remeasurements 
Associates’ income tax expense (before special items and  
remeasurements) 
Associates’ tax on special items and remeasurements   
Associates’ minority interests (before special items and  
remeasurements) 
Associates’ minority interests on special items and  
remeasurements 
Total profit from operations and associates – continuing  
8,929
operations 
(137)
Net finance costs (before remeasurements)   
29
Financing remeasurements 
Profit before tax – continuing operations 
8,821
Income tax expense (after special items and remeasurements)     (2,451)  (2,693)
6,128
Profit for the financial year – continuing operations    

   8,972 
(452) 
51 
   8,571 

   1,009 
18 
(147) 
(15) 

460
24
(85)
(4)

(623) 
17 

(305)
2

   6,120 

   8,728 

8,879

(31) 

(42)

16 

–

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

2.  Segmental information continued
Primary segment disclosures for segment assets, liabilities and capital expenditure are as follows:

   Segment assets(1) 

   Segment liabilities(2) 

US$ million 

Platinum 
Base Metals 
Ferrous Metals and Industries 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 
Exploration 
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs    
Continuing operations 
Paper and Packaging 
Discontinued operations 
Total Group 
Unallocated assets and liabilities
Investments in associates 
Financial asset investments 
Deferred tax assets/(liabilities) 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Other financial assets/(liabilities) – derivatives 
Other non-operating assets/(liabilities) 
Other provisions 
Borrowings 
Net assets 

2008 

9,713 
6,783 
11,823 
5,300 
3,935 
3 
225 
37,782 
– 
– 
37,782 

3,612 
3,288 
258 
2,771 
376 
1,651 
– –
– –

2007 

2008 

2007 

   Net segment assets 
2007 
2008 

9,926 
5,897 
4,517 
4,987 
5,370 
1 
225 
30,923 
– 
– 
30,923 

3,341 –
4,780 –
474 
3,129 –
535 
1,580 

(668) 
(1,309) 
(656) 
(1,338) 
(600) 
(7) 
(298) 
(4,876) 
– 
– 
(4,876) 

 –
 –
(4,555) 
 –
(1,497) 
(2,515) 
(544) 
(13,995) 
(27,982) 

(692) 
(908) 
(530) 
(1,003) 
(861) 
– 
(346) 
(4,340) 
– 
– 
(4,340) 

(4,650) 

(586) 
(2,264) 
(293) 
(8,299) 
(20,432) 

9,045 
5,474 
11,167 
3,962 
3,335 
(4) 
(73) 
32,906 
– 
– 
32,906 

3,612 
3,288 
(4,297) 
2,771 
(1,121) 
(864) 
(544) 
(13,995) 
21,756 

9,234 
4,989 
3,987 
3,984 
4,509 
1 
(121) 
26,583 
– 
– 
26,583 

3,341
4,780
(4,176)
3,129
(51)
(684)
(293)
(8,299)
24,330

49,738 

44,762 

Capital expenditure(3)

2008 

3,026 
1,874 
7,688 
1,705 
479 
1 –
42 
14,815 
– 
– 
14,815 

2007

2,512
582
2,412
1,052
352

44
6,954 
198
198
7,152

(1)   Segment assets at 31 December 2008 are operating assets and consist of intangible assets of $3,006 million (2007: $1,556 million), tangible assets of $29,545 million (2007: $23,534 million), biological assets 
of $3 million (2007: $3 million), environmental rehabilitation trusts of $244 million (2007: $252 million), inventories of $2,702 million (2007: $2,344 million), retirement benefit assets of $32 million (2007: 
$52 million) and operating receivables of $2,250 million (2007: $3,182 million).

(2)  Segment liabilities at 31 December 2008 are operating liabilities and consist of non-interest bearing current liabilities of $3,534 million (2007: $2,965 million), restoration and decommissioning provisions of 

$941 million (2007: $931 million) and retirement benefit obligations of $401 million (2007: $444 million).

(3)  Capital expenditure reflects cash payments and accruals in respect of additions to intangible assets of $24 million (2007: $9 million), tangible assets of $5,726 million (2007: $4,129 million) and additions 

resulting from acquisitions of interests in subsidiaries and joint ventures of $9,065 million (2007: $3,014 million).

Other primary segment items included in the income statement are as follows:

US$ million 

Platinum 
Base Metals 
Ferrous Metals 
and Industries 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 
Exploration 
Corporate Activities  
and Unallocated Costs 
Continuing operations 
Paper and Packaging 
Discontinued operations 
Total Group 

Depreciation and  
amortisation 
2007 

2008 

(Impairments)/ 
reversals(1) 
2007 

2008 

Other non-
cash expenses(2)

2008 

2007

507 
340 

87 
293 
259 
– 

455 
344 

100 
221 
258 
– 

23 
1,509 
– 
– 
1,509 

20 
1,398 
234 
234 
1,632 

– 
(140) 

(6) 
(40) 
(71) 
45 

(2) 
(214) 
– 
– 
(214) 

– 
– 

– 
(153) 
(43) 
– 

– 
(196) 
(5) 
(5) 
(201) 

7 
113 

63 
110 
44 
– 

54 
391 
– 
– 
391 

8
94

48
42
55
–

45
292
12
12
304

(1)  See operating special items in note 7.

(2)  Other non-cash expenses include share-based payment charges, fair value movements relating to 

cash settled share-based payment provisions and charges in respect of environmental rehabilitation 
provisions and other provisions.

Secondary reporting format – by geographical segment
The Group’s geographical analysis of revenue, allocated based on the country 
in which the customer is located, is as follows. The geographical analysis of 
the Group’s attributable revenue from associates is provided for completeness 
and consistency.

US$ million 

   Revenue
2007

2008 

Subsidiaries and joint ventures
   3,009 
4,014
South Africa 
178
97 
Rest of Africa 
   9,966  10,718
Europe 
1,686
   1,476 
North America 
2,545
   2,923 
South America 
Australia and Asia 
6,329
   8,840 
Total subsidiaries and joint  ventures – continuing operations     26,311  25,470
Associates
796
South Africa 
82
Rest of Africa 
1,498
Europe 
520
North America 
52
South America 
2,141
Australia and Asia 
Total associates – continuing operations 
5,089
Total operations including associates – continuing operations    32,964  30,559

942 
225 
   1,985 
896 
84 
   2,521 
   6,653 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
2.  Segmental information continued
The Group’s geographical analysis of segment assets, liabilities and capital expenditure, allocated based on where assets and liabilities are located, is as follows:

US$ million 

South Africa 
Rest of Africa    
Europe 
North America   
South America 
Australia and Asia 

2008 

13,540 
364 
4,045 
629 
15,688 
3,516 
37,782 

Segment assets 
2007 

Segment liabilities 
2007 

2008 

Net segment assets 
2007 

2008 

Capital expenditure
2007

2008 

13,879 
526 
5,658 
465 
7,212 
3,183 
30,923 

(1,633) 
(30) 
(910) 
(119) 
(1,431) 
(753) 
(4,876) 

(1,661) 
(32) 
(1,057) 
(106) 
(935) 
(549) 
(4,340) 

11,907 
334 
3,135 
510 
14,257 
2,763 
32,906 

12,218 
494 
4,601 
359 
6,277 
2,634 
26,583 

3,841 
16 
474 
195 
9,035 
1,254 
14,815 

3,303
64
526
151
2,436
672
7,152

Additional disclosure of secondary segmental information by origin (including attributable revenue and operating profit from associates) is as follows:

US$ million 

Subsidiaries and joint ventures
South Africa 
Rest of Africa    
Europe 
North America   
South America 
Australia and Asia 
Total subsidiaries and joint ventures – continuing operations 
Associates
South Africa 
Rest of Africa    
Europe 
North America   
South America 
Australia and Asia 
Total associates – continuing operations 
Total operations including associates – continuing operations 

(1)  Special items and remeasurements are set out in note 7.

Revenue 
2007 

12,003 
540 
4,995 
230 
6,234 
1,468 
25,470 

1,374 
2,160 
872 

63 4
96 
524 
5,089 
30,559 

Operating profit/(loss) 
before special items 
and remeasurements(1) 

Operating profit/(loss)  

after special items
and remeasurements(1)

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007

4,468 
78 
(226) 
(33) 
2,612 
1,082 
7,981 

639 
389 
43 

373 
656 
2,104 
10,085 

4,043 
351 
425 
30 
3,697 
(28) 
8,518 

248 
342 
88 
17 4

198 
179 
1,072 
9,590 

4,363 
78 
(460) 
(25) 
1,787 
1,107 
6,850 

417 
385 
43 

373 
656 
1,878 
8,728 

4,044
351
320
31
3,697
(171)
8,272

222
342
88
(422)
198
179
607
8,879

2008 

11,708 
280 
4,545 
451 
5,825 
3,502 
26,311 

2,078 
2,250 
260 
254 
918 
893 
6,653 
32,964 

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96

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

3.  Profit for the financial year
The table below analyses the contribution of each business segment to the Group’s operating profit including operating profit from associates for the financial year and  
its underlying earnings, which the directors consider to be a useful additional measure of the Group’s performance. A reconciliation from ‘Profit for the financial year 
attributable to equity shareholders of the Company’ to ‘Underlying earnings for the financial year’ is given in note 12. 

Operating profit including operating profit from associates is reconciled to ‘Underlying earnings’ and ‘Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders of the 
Company’ in the table below:

Net  
interest, 
tax and 
minority
interests 

(913) 
(252) 
(1,136) 
(1,539) 
(659) 
(55) 
12 
(306) 
(4,848) 
272 

Net  
interest, 
tax and 
minority
interests 

(1,398) 
(245) 
(1,238) 
(827) 
(124) 
(90) 
12 
(203) 
(4,113) 
19 

(242) 
(138) 

(4,355) 
(119) 

2008

Total

1,313
256
1,369
1,396
1,581
173
(200)
(651)
5,237
(22)
5,215

2007

Total

1,299
239
3,100
605
490
384
(145)
(495)
5,477
(183)
5,294

284
1,726
2,010

5,761
1,543
7,304

US$ million 

Operating 
profit/(loss)  
before special  
items and  

Operating  
profit/(loss)  
after special  
items and 

Operating 
special 
items and 

   remeasurements(1) remeasurements  remeasurements(2) 

Net 
profit on 
disposals(2)  remeasurements(2) 

Financing 
special  
items and 

By business segment
Platinum 
Diamonds 
Base Metals 
Ferrous Metals and Industries 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 
Exploration 
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs    
Total/Underlying earnings – continuing operations and total Group 
Underlying earnings adjustments – continuing operations and total Group 
Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company – continuing operations and total Group 

   2,226 
508 
   2,505 
   2,935 
   2,240 
228 
(212) 
(345) 
   10,085 

19 
226 
352 
615 
19 
91 
(50) 
85 
1,357 
(1,357) 

2,207 
282 
2,153 
2,320 
2,221 
137 
(162) 
(430) 
8,728 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1,027 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
36 

(1)  Operating profit includes associates’ operating profit which is reconciled to ‘Share of net income from associates’ in note 2.

(2) Special items and remeasurements are set out in note 7.

US$ million 

Operating 
profit/(loss)  
before special  
items and  

Operating  
profit/(loss)  
after special  
items and 

Operating 
special 
items and 

   remeasurements(1) remeasurements  remeasurements(2) 

Net 
profit on 
disposals(2)  remeasurements(2) 

Financing 
special  
items and 

By business segment
Platinum 
Diamonds 
Base Metals 
Ferrous Metals and Industries 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 
Exploration 
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs    
Total/Underlying earnings – continuing operations 
Underlying earnings adjustments – continuing operations 
Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company – continuing operations 

   2,697 
484 
   4,338 
   1,432 
614 
474 
(157) 
(292) 
   9,590 

2,697 
19 
4,338 
1,435 
473 
407 
(157) 
(333) 
8,879 

Total/Underlying earnings – discontinued operations    
Underlying earnings adjustments – discontinued operations 
Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company – discontinued operations 

291 

526 

Total/Underlying earnings – total Group 
Underlying earnings adjustments – total Group  
Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company – total Group 

   10,116 

9,170 

– 
465 
– 
(3) 
141 
67 
– 
41 
711 
(711) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
484 

235 
(235) 

– 
2,086 

946 
(946) 

– 
2,570 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
25 

– 
13 

– 
38 

(1)  Operating profit includes associates’ operating profit which is reconciled to ‘Share of net income from associates’ in note 2.

(2) Special items and remeasurements for continuing operations are set out in note 7. Special items and remeasurements for discontinued operations are set out in note 35.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
97

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4.  Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint ventures

US$ million 

Group revenue 
Cost of sales(1) 
Gross profit – continuing operations 
Selling and distribution costs 
Administrative expenses 
Other gains and losses (see below) 
Exploration expenditure (see note 5) 
Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint ventures –  
continuing operations  

2008 

2007

   26,311  25,470
   (15,551) (14,095)
   10,760  11,375
   (1,631)  (1,453)
   (1,643)  (1,510)
17
(157)

(424) 
(212) 

   6,850 

8,272

(1)  Includes special items of $352 million (2007: $251 million), see note 7.

US$ million 

Operating profit is stated after charging:
Depreciation of tangible assets (see note 14) 
Amortisation of intangible assets (see note 13) 
Rentals under operating leases 
Research and development expenditure 
Operating special items(1) 
Employee costs (see note 6) 
Adjustment due to provisional pricing(2) 

2008 

2007

   1,505 
4 
210 
36 
352 
   3,281 
764 

1,396
2
183
41
251
3,691
4

Other gains and losses comprise:
Fair value (losses)/gains on derivatives – unrealised    
Fair value losses on derivatives relating to capital expenditure –  
realised 
Other fair value losses on derivatives – realised 
Foreign currency gains/(losses) on other monetary items 
Gains on valuation of biological assets 
  On initial recognition 
  Change in fair value less estimated point of sale costs 

Total other gains and losses 

(698) 

5

(120) 
(108) 
501 
1 
– 
1 

(424) 

–
–
(4)
16
–
16

17

(1)  For further information on special items and remeasurements see note 7.

(2)   Provisionally priced contracts resulted in a total (realised and unrealised) loss in revenue of 
$865 million (2007: $38 million gain) and gain in operating costs of $101 million (2007: 
$34 million loss). 

US$ million 

2008 

2007

Auditors’ remuneration – continuing operations
Audit
  United Kingdom 
  Overseas 
Other services provided by Deloitte(1) 
  United Kingdom 
  Overseas 

3 
7 

2 
2 

3
7

2
2

(1)    ‘Other services provided by Deloitte’ includes charges incurred in respect of the interim review. 

A more detailed analysis of auditors’ remuneration for the total Group is provided 
below:

2008
Paid/ 
payable  
to auditor 
(if not  

Paid/ 
payable 

  to Deloitte  Deloitte)

US$ million 

   Kingdom  Overseas 

Total  Overseas

United 

Statutory audit services(1)
Anglo American plc Annual Report paid to the  
Company’s auditor 

2.2 

– 

2.2 

–

Subsidiary entities – for purposes of Anglo  
American plc Annual Report 
Subsidiary entities – additional local  
statutory requirements 
Subsidiary entities – total 
Total 
Other services(1)
Other services pursuant to legislation 
Tax services 
Internal audit services 
Corporate finance 
Other 
Total 

– 

3.6 

3.6 

0.1

0.6 
0.6 
2.8 

0.6 
0.2 
– 
0.1 
0.5 
1.4 

3.8 
7.4 
7.4 

0.5 
0.6 
– 
– 
1.2 
2.3 

4.4 
8.0 
10.2 

1.1 
0.8 
– 
0.1 
1.7 
3.7 

0.5
0.6
0.6

–
–
0.4
–
0.2
0.6

(1)   $0.1 million was paid/payable in respect of the audit of Group pension schemes. Other services to 

these schemes amounted to nil.

2007
Paid/ 
payable  
to auditor 
(if not  

Paid/ 
payable 

   to Deloitte  Deloitte)

US$ million 

   Kingdom  Overseas 

Total  Overseas

United 

Statutory audit services(1)
Anglo American plc Annual Report paid to the  
Company’s auditor 

2.2 

– 

2.2 

–

Subsidiary entities – for purposes of Anglo  
American plc Annual Report 
Subsidiary entities – additional local  
statutory requirements 
Subsidiary entities – total 
Total 
Other services(1)
Other services pursuant to legislation 
Tax services 
Corporate finance 
Other 
Total 

– 

4.8 

4.8 

0.5 
0.5 
2.7 

0.7 
0.4 
– 
0.9 
2.0 

4.6 
9.4 
9.4 

0.5 
0.7 
0.1 
1.1 
2.4 

5.1 
9.9 
12.1 

1.2 
1.1 
0.1 
2.0 
4.4 

0.1

–
0.1
0.1

–
0.1
–
0.2
0.3

(1)   $0.1 million was paid/payable in respect of the audit of Group pension schemes. Other services to 

these schemes amounted to $0.1 million.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
98

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

5.  Exploration expenditure
Exploration expenditure is stated before special items.

Compensation for key management was as follows:

US$ million 

2008 

2007

US$ million 

By business segment
Platinum 
Base Metals 
Ferrous Metals and Industries 
Coal 

2008 

2007

36 
123 
18 
35 
212 

36
77
12
32
157

Salaries and short term employee benefits    
Post employment benefits 
Termination benefits 
National insurance and social security 
Share-based payments 
Continuing operations 

20 
2 
2 
3 
11 
38 

28
4
4
6
9
51

6.  Employee numbers and costs
The average number of employees, excluding associates’ employees and including 
a proportionate share of employees within joint venture entities, for continuing 
operations was:

Thousand 

2008(1) 

2007(1)

By business segment 
Platinum 
Base Metals 
Ferrous Metals and Industries 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs    
Continuing operations 

56 
9 
15 
13 
11 
1 
105 

53
10
13
12
11
1
100

(1)   Amounts relating to discontinued operations are disclosed in note 35. Average number of employees, 

excluding associates’ employees and including a proportionate share of employees within joint 
venture entities, for continuing and discontinued operations was 105,000 (2007: 116,000).

The average number of employees for continuing operations by principal location 
of employment was:

Thousand 

South Africa 
Rest of Africa 
Europe 
North America 
South America 
Australia and Asia 
Continuing operations 

2008 

2007

79 
1 
10 
1 
9 
5 
105 

76
1
11
1
7
4
100

Payroll costs in respect of the employees included in the tables above were:

US$ million 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Defined contribution plans 
Defined benefit plans 
Other post employment benefits    
Share-based payments 
Continuing operations 

2008(1) 

2007(1)

   2,774 
153 
143 
49 
7 
155 
   3,281 

3,145
158
162
65
23
138
3,691

(1)   Amounts relating to discontinued operations are disclosed in note 35. Total payroll costs, including 

discontinued operations, were $3,281 million (2007: $4,266 million).

In accordance with IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures, key management personnel 
are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and 
controlling the activities of the entity, directly or indirectly, including any director 
(executive and non-executive) of the Group.

Key management includes members of the Board and the Executive Committee 
(ExCo).

Disclosure of directors’ emoluments, pension entitlements, share options and  
long term incentive plan awards required by the Companies Act 1985 and those 
specified for audit by the Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations 2002 are 
included in the Remuneration report.

7.  Special items and remeasurements
‘Special items’ are those items of financial performance that the Group believes 
should be separately disclosed on the face of the income statement to assist in  
the understanding of the underlying financial performance achieved by the Group.  
Such items are material by nature or amount to the year’s results and require 
separate disclosure in accordance with IAS 1 paragraph 86. Special items that 
relate to the operating performance of the Group are classified as operating special 
items and include impairment charges and reversals and other exceptional items, 
including significant legal provisions. Non-operating special items include profits 
and losses on disposals of investments and businesses.

Remeasurements comprise other items which the Group believes should be 
reported separately to aid an understanding of the underlying financial 
performance of the Group. This category includes:
(i) 

 unrealised gains and losses on ‘non-hedge’ derivative instruments open at 
year end (in respect of future transactions) and the reversal of the historical 
marked to market value of such instruments settled in the year. The full 
realised gains or losses are recorded in underlying earnings in the same year 
as the underlying transaction for which such instruments provide an 
economic, but not formally designated, hedge (if the underlying transaction  
is recorded in the balance sheet, e.g. capital expenditure, the realised amount 
remains in remeasurements on settlement of the derivative). Such amounts 
are classified in the income statement as financing when the underlying 
exposure is in respect of net debt and otherwise as operating.

(ii)   foreign exchange gains and losses arising on the retranslation of dollar 

denominated De Beers preference shares held by a rand functional currency 
subsidiary of the Group. This is classified as financing.

(iii)   foreign exchange impact arising in US dollar functional currency entities 

where tax calculations are generated based on local currency financial 
information (and hence deferred tax is susceptible to currency fluctuations). 
Such amounts are included within income tax expense.

Subsidiaries and joint ventures’ special items and remeasurements
Operating special items

US$ million 

2008 

2007

Impairment of Tarmac assets and restructuring costs    
Impairment of Lisheen 
Impairment of Black Mountain 
Impairment of Coal Australia assets 
Reversal of impairment of Silangan exploration asset    
Costs associated with ‘One Anglo’ initiatives 
Provisions for onerous contracts    
Costs associated with proposed sale of Tarmac 
Other 
Total operating special items – continuing operations 
Tax 
Minority interests 
Net total attributable to equity shareholders of the Company –  
continuing operations 

(91) 
(78) 
(62) 
(40) 
45 
(72) 
(39) 
(3) 
(12) 
(352) 
42 
1 

(43)
–
–
(153)
–
–
–
(55)
–
(251)
60
–

(309) 

(191)

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
99

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7.  Special items and remeasurements continued
Following structural review of the Industrial Minerals business by management 
and as a result of trading conditions in the building industry, restructuring and 
impairment charges totalling $91 million have been recorded. The impairment 
brings the carrying value in line with fair value (less costs to sell).

Impairments have been recorded at Black Mountain and Lisheen resulting from 
a reduction in the near term zinc and lead prices. These charges were based on 
a value in use assessment of recoverable amount using a pre-tax, risk free 
discount rate which equated to a post tax rate of 6%.

Financing remeasurements

US$ million 

2008 

2007

Foreign exchange gain/(loss) on De Beers preference shares 
Unrealised net gain on non-hedge derivatives related to net debt 
Total financing remeasurements – continuing operations 
Tax 
Net total attributable to equity shareholders of the Company – 
continuing operations 

28 
23 
51 
– 

51 

(3)
32
29
(5)

24

Costs associated with ‘One Anglo’ initiatives principally comprise advisory costs 
associated with procurement, shared services and information systems.

The unrealised net gain on non-hedge derivatives related to net debt principally 
comprises an unrealised gain on an embedded interest rate derivative.

Operating remeasurements

US$ million 

Net (loss)/gain on non-hedge derivatives 
Realised loss on derivatives relating to capital expenditure 
Total operating remeasurements – continuing operations 
Tax 
Minority interests 
Net total attributable to equity shareholders of the Company – 
continuing operations 

2008 

2007

(659) 
(120) 
(779) 
252 
135 

5
–
5
(1)
–

Tax remeasurements

US$ million 

2008 

2007

Foreign currency translation of deferred tax balances    
Minority interests 
Net total attributable to equity shareholders of the Company – 
continuing operations 

(153) 
52 

(101) 

–
–

–

Total special items and remeasurements – continuing operations

(392) 

4

US$ million 

2008 

2007

The net loss on non-hedge derivatives principally related to a net unrealised loss 
on derivatives relating to capital expenditure held by Anglo Ferrous Brazil and Los 
Bronces and an unrealised loss on an embedded derivative at Minera Loma de 
Níquel. Realised losses on derivatives relating to capital expenditure were 
principally incurred on foreign currency instruments held by Anglo Ferrous Brazil 
and Los Bronces.

Total special items and remeasurements before tax and minority  
interests – continuing operations   
Tax remeasurements 
Tax on special items and remeasurements    
Minority interests 
Net total special items and remeasurements attributable  
to equity shareholders of the Company – continuing operations 

(71) 
(153) 
247 
145 

243
–
(17)
34

168 

260

Profits and (losses) on disposals

US$ million 

2008 

2007

Associates’ special items and remeasurements
Associates’ operating special items and remeasurements

Disposal of interest in China Shenhua Energy 
Disposal of interest in Minera Santa Rosa SCM 
Disposal of Northam Platinum Limited 
Copebrás property compensation    
Disposal of Tarmac Iberia 
Disposal of Namakwa Sands(1) 
Part disposal of Exxaro (formerly Kumba Resources)    
Disposal of remaining interest in Highveld(1)   
Part disposal of AngloGold Ashanti 
Tongaat-Hulett and Hulamin BBBEE transactions(1) 
Tarmac land sales 
Disposal of Boschendal Phase II 
Other 
Net profit on disposals – continuing operations(2) 
Tax 
Minority interests 
Net total attributable to equity shareholders of the Company – 
continuing operations 

551 
142 
101 
96 
65 
49 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
5 
   1,009 
(47) 
(43) 

–
–
–
–
–
–
234
140
67
(68)
25
21
41
460
(71)
34

919 

423

(1)  See Disposals and demerger of subsidiaries and businesses note 33.

(2)  Includes charges associated with IFRS 2 on broad based black economic empowerment (BBBEE)  

and BEE transactions of nil (2007: $68 million).

In April 2008 the Group sold its investment in China Shenhua Energy for  
$704 million, generating a profit on disposal of $551 million.

On 20 August 2008 the Group sold its 22.4% interest in Northam Platinum 
Limited for cash proceeds of $205 million. This interest was transferred to a 
disposal group in September 2007, where it was held until sale.

The sale of the Group’s 40% interest in Minera Santa Rosa SCM was completed in 
December 2008 for consideration of $140 million. This investment had a nominal 
carrying value.

US$ million 

Impairment of De Beers’ businesses 
Impairment of De Beers’ Canadian assets 
Share of De Beers’ restructuring costs 
Share of De Beers’ class action payment and related costs 
Unrealised net loss on non-hedge derivatives 
Other impairments 
Total associates’ operating special items and remeasurements –  
continuing operations 
Tax  
Minority interests 
Net total associates’ operating special items and  
remeasurements – continuing operations    

2008 

2007

(79) 
– 
(37) 
(3) 
(101) 
(6) 

(226) 
17 
16 

–
(434)
(15)
(5)
(3)
(8)

(465)
2
–

(193) 

(463)

Due to current trading conditions De Beers has recorded an impairment of $176 million 
(attributable share $79 million) in respect of certain of its businesses. The 
impairment brings the carrying value of these assets in line with fair value (less 
costs to sell), determined using discounted cash flow techniques. 

Associates’ profits on disposals

US$ million 

2008 

2007

Disposal of interests in Williamson, Cullinan and Koffiefontein     
Disposal of interests in Acerinox    
Disposal of interest in Gope Exploration Company 
Other 
Associates’ net profit on disposals – continuing operations 

15 
– 
– 
3 
18 

–
12
8
4
24

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
100

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

7.  Special items and remeasurements continued
Associates’ financing remeasurements

US$ million 

2008 

2007

Unrealised net loss on non-hedge derivatives related to net debt 
Total associates’ financing remeasurements – continuing  
operations 

(15) 

(15) 

(4)

(4)

Total associates’ special items and remeasurements – continuing 
operations

US$ million 

Total associates’ special items and remeasurements before  
tax and minority interests – continuing operations 
Tax 
Minority interests 
Net total associates’ special items and remeasurements – 
continuing operations 

2008 

2007

(223) 
17 
16 

(445)
2
–

(190) 

(443)

Operating special items and remeasurements – continuing operations

US$ million 

Operating special items 
Operating remeasurements 
Total operating special items and remeasurements (excluding  
associates) – continuing operations 

Associates’ operating special items 
Associates’ operating remeasurements 
Total associates’ operating special items and remeasurements – 
continuing operations 
Total operating special items and remeasurements (including  
associates) – continuing operations 

2008 

2007

(352) 
(779) 

(251)
5

(1,131) 

(246)

(125) 
(101) 

(462)
(3)

(226) 

(465)

   (1,357) 

(711)

Operating special items (including associates) 
Operating remeasurements (including associates) 
Total operating special items and remeasurements (including  
associates) – continuing operations 

(477) 
(880) 

(713)
2

   (1,357) 

(711)

US$ million 

Before special 
items and 

After special 
items and 
   remeasurements  remeasurements 
2008 

2008 

Before special 
items and 

After special 
items and 
remeasurements  remeasurements
2007

2007 

Investment income
Interest and other  
financial income 
Expected return on defined  
benefit arrangements 
Dividend income from  
financial asset investments 
Total investment income – 
continuing operations    
Interest expense
Amortisation of discount  
relating to provisions 
Interest and other  
finance expense 
Interest on defined benefit  
arrangements 
Dividend on redeemable  
preference shares 

324 

215 

50 

589 

324 

215 

50 

589 

323 

257 

36 

616 

323

257

36

616

(33) 

(33) 

(36) 

(36)

(815) 

(815) 

(565) 

(565)

(201) 

(201) 

(229) 

(229)

Less: interest capitalised 
Total interest expense – 
continuing operations    
Other financing (losses)/gains
Net foreign exchange (losses)/ 
gains 
Fair value (losses)/gains on  
derivatives 
Net fair value gains/(losses) on  
fair value hedges 
Other net fair value (losses)/ 
gains 
Total other financing (losses)/ 
gains – continuing operations 
Net finance costs – 
continuing operations    

(16) 
(1,065) 
215 

(16) 
(1,065) 
215 

(9) 
(839) 
42 

(9)
(839)
42

(850) 

(850) 

(797) 

(797)

(173) 

(145) 

(2) 

2 

21 

2 

(18) 

(18) 

(191) 

(140) 

59 

(1) 

(6) 

(8) 

44 

56

12

(6)

11

73

(452) 

(401) 

(137) 

(108)

8.  Net finance costs
Finance costs and exchange gains/(losses) are presented net of effective cash 
flow hedges for respective interest bearing and foreign currency borrowings. 

The weighted average interest rate applicable to interest on general borrowings 
capitalised for continuing operations was 12.0% (2007: 11.4%). Financing 
remeasurements are set out in note 7.

9.  Financial instrument gains and losses
The net gains and losses recorded in the Consolidated income statement, for the 
total Group, in respect of financial instruments were as follows:

US$ million 

2008 

2007

At fair value through profit and loss
  Cash flow hedge derivatives(1)    
  Fair value hedge derivatives 
  Fair value hedge underlying instruments    
  Other fair value movements(2)    
Loans and receivables
  Foreign exchange 
  Interest income at amortised cost 
Available for sale
  Net gain transferred on sale 
  Other income 
Other financial liabilities
  Foreign exchange 
  Interest expense at amortised cost 

(380) 
(181) 
183 
   (1,723) 

(315)
(10)
4
198

(121) 
287 

476 
50 

108
308

298
36

479 
(631) 

(152)
(565)

(1)   Gains and losses on derivative instruments designated in cash flow hedge relationships which have 

been realised in the year have been recorded in Group revenue (2007: Group revenue).

(2)  Includes the impact of provisional pricing which is disclosed in note 4.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
101

2008 

2007

   1,021 

1,058

517 
– 
   1,538 

469
3,718
5,245

10.  Tax on profit on ordinary activities
a) Analysis of charge for the year from continuing operations

11.  Dividends

US$ million 

US$ million 

2008 

2007

18 
United Kingdom corporation tax at 28.5%    
– 
United Kingdom corporation tax at 30% 
840 
South Africa tax 
   1,155 
Other overseas tax 
Prior year adjustments  
(78) 
Current tax (excluding special items and remeasurements tax)   1,935 
610 
Deferred tax (excluding special items and remeasurements tax) 
   2,545 
Tax (excluding special items and remeasurements tax) 
(94) 
Special items and remeasurements tax 
   2,451 
Income tax expense – continuing operations 

–
163
812
1,259
(1)
2,233
443
2,676
17
2,693

b)  Factors affecting tax charge for the year
The effective tax rate for the year of 28.6% (2007: 30.5%) is approximately equal 
to the applicable standard rate of corporation tax for the year ended 31 December 
2008 in the United Kingdom (28.5%) (2007: 30%). The reconciling items are:

Final ordinary paid – 86 US cents per ordinary share  
(2007: 75 US cents) 
Interim ordinary paid – 44 US cents per ordinary share  
(2007: 38 US cents) 
Interim dividend paid – in specie(1)   

(1)   In specie dividend relates to the Mondi demerger. See Disposals and demerger of subsidiaries and 

businesses note 33.

The Board has decided to suspend dividend payments.

As stated in note 28, the employee benefit trust has waived the right to receive 
dividends on the shares it holds although the waiver was temporarily suspended in 
respect of the Mondi demerger dividend in specie. Immediately after the dividend 
was paid, the waiver was reinstated.

US$ million 

2008 

 2007(1)

12.  Earnings per share

Profit on ordinary activities before tax – continuing operations  8,571 
Tax on profit on ordinary activities calculated at  
United Kingdom corporation tax rate of 28.5% 
Tax on profit on ordinary activities calculated at  
United Kingdom corporation tax rate of 30% 

   2,443 

– 

8,821

–

2,646

Tax effect of share of net income from associates 

(317) 

(59)

Tax effects of:
Special items and remeasurements
Operating special items and remeasurements 
Profits and losses on disposals and financing remeasurements    
Tax remeasurements 
Items not taxable/deductible for tax purposes
Exploration expenditure 
Non-deductible net foreign exchange loss     
Non-deductible net interest expense 
Other non-deductible expenses 
Other non-taxable income 
Temporary difference adjustments
Changes in tax rates 
Movements in tax losses 
Enhanced tax depreciation 
Other temporary differences 
Other adjustments
Secondary tax on companies and dividend withholding taxes 
Effect of differences between local and UK rates 
Prior year adjustments to current tax 
Other adjustments 
Income tax expense – continuing operations 

28 
(255) 
153 

20 
28 
10 
127 
(78) 

(84) 
38 
(26) 
42 

634 
(181) 
(78) 
(53) 
   2,451 

15
(71)
–

19
2
–
83
(41)

12
13
(91)
(14)

644
(517)
(1)
53
2,693

(1)  Comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation.

IAS 1 requires income from associates to be presented net of tax on the face of the 
income statement. Associates’ tax is therefore not included within the Group’s total tax 
charge. Associates’ tax included within ‘Share of net income from associates’ for the 
year ended 31 December 2008 is $606 million (2007: $303 million). Excluding 
special items and remeasurements this becomes $623 million (2007: $305 million).

The effective rate of tax before special items and remeasurements including share 
of associates’ tax for the year ended 31 December 2008 was 33.4%. This was an 
increase from the equivalent effective rate of 31.8% in the year ended 31 December 
2007. The main reasons for this net increase are tax losses not recognised for 
deferred tax purposes and changes in the geographical mix of profits around the 
Group, partially offset by changes in statutory tax rates and the impact of prior year 
adjustments. In addition, the 2007 rate benefited from the availability of enhanced 
tax depreciation on certain assets. In future periods it is expected that the effective 
tax rate, including associates’ tax, will remain at or above the UK statutory tax rate.

US$    

Continuing  Discontinued 
operations 

operations  Group  operations 

2008 
Total  Continuing  Discontinued 

2007
Total 
operations  Group

Profit for the financial  
year attributable to  
equity shareholders of  
the Company
Basic earnings per share 
4.34 
Diluted earnings per share   4.29 
Headline earnings for  
the financial year(1)
Basic earnings per share  
3.78 
Diluted earnings per share   3.74 
Underlying earnings for  
the financial year(1)
Basic earnings per share  
4.36 
Diluted earnings per share   4.31 

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
– 

4.34 
4.29 

4.04 
3.99 

1.54 
1.51 

5.58
5.50

3.78 
3.74 

4.10 
4.04 

0.08 
0.08 

4.18
4.12

4.36 
4.31 

4.18 
4.13 

0.22 
0.21 

4.40
4.34

(1)   Basic and diluted earnings per share are shown based on headline earnings, a Johannesburg stock 

exchange (JSE Limited) defined performance measure, and underlying earnings, which the directors 
consider to be a useful additional measure of the Group’s performance. Both earnings measures are 
further explained below.

The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the 
following data:

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m
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US$ million (unless  
otherwise stated) 

Continuing  Discontinued 
operations 

operations  Group  operations 

2008 
Total  Continuing  Discontinued 

2007
Total 
operations  Group

5,215 

Basic and diluted earnings
Profit for the financial  
year attributable to  
equity shareholders  
of the Company 
Number of shares (million)
Basic number of ordinary  
shares outstanding(1) 
Effect of dilutive potential 
ordinary shares(2)
  Share options and awards 
Diluted number of ordinary  
shares outstanding(1) 

– 

5,215 

5,294 

2,010 

7,304

   1,202 

   1,309

13 

18

   1,215 

   1,327

(1)   Basic and diluted number of ordinary shares outstanding represent the weighted average for the year. 
The average number of ordinary shares in issue excludes the shares held by the employee benefit 
trusts and other Anglo American plc shares held by the Group.

(2)  Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares 
in issue on the assumption of conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares. All outstanding 
share options and awards are potentially dilutive and have been included in the calculation of diluted 
earnings per share. No instruments are anti-dilutive for the year ended 31 December 2008 (2007: nil).

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
102

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

12.  Earnings per share continued
The weighted average number of ordinary shares, and accordingly earnings per 
share, of the Group have been impacted by the effect of the share buyback 
programme as well as the Anglo American share consolidation which on 2 July 
2007 resulted in 100 existing Anglo American ordinary shares being exchanged for 
91 new Anglo American ordinary shares.

‘Underlying earnings’ is an alternative earnings measure which the directors believe 
provides a clearer picture of the underlying financial performance of the Group’s 
operations. Underlying earnings is presented after minority interests and excludes 
special items and remeasurements (see note 7). Underlying earnings is distinct 
from ‘Headline earnings’, which is a JSE Limited defined performance measure.

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for continuing operations, 
based on headline and underlying earnings for continuing operations, uses the 
following earnings data:

Continuing operations 

Earnings 
(US$ million) 
2007 

2008 

Basic earnings  

per share (US$)
2007

2008 

   5,215 
209 
(27) 
(1) 
   (1,009) 
47 
43 
67 
(1) 
(2) 

Profit for the financial year attributable 
to equity shareholders of the Company – 
continuing operations 
Operating special items 
Operating special items – tax 
Operating special items – minority interests   
Net profit on disposals(1) 
Net profit on disposals – tax 
Net profit on disposals – minority interests    
Associates’ special items 
Associates’ special items – tax 
Associates’ special items – minority interests 
Headline earnings for the financial year(2) – 
   4,541 
continuing operations 
Operating special items(3) 
143 
(15) 
Operating special items – tax 
779 
Operating remeasurements 
Operating remeasurements – tax    
(252) 
Operating remeasurements – minority interests  (135) 
(51) 
Financing remeasurements 
– 
Financing remeasurements – tax    
153 
Tax remeasurements 
(52) 
Tax remeasurements – minority interests 
116 
Associates’ remeasurements 
Associates’ remeasurements – tax 
(9) 
Associates’ remeasurements – minority interests  (9) 
Associates’ special items(4) 
40 
(7) 
Associates’ special items – tax 
Associates’ special items – minority interests 
(5) 
IFRS 2 charges on BBBEE and BEE transactions –
Underlying earnings for the financial year – 
continuing operations 
Underlying earnings for the financial year – 
discontinued operations 
Underlying earnings for the financial year – 
total Group 

   5,237 

   5,237 

– 

5,294 
196 
(54) 
– 
(528) 
71 
(34) 
418 
– 
– 

5,363 
55 
(6) 
(5) 
1 
– 
(29) 
5 
– 
– 
7 
– 
– 
20 
(2) 
– 
68 

4.34 
0.17 
(0.02) 
– 
(0.84) 
0.04 
0.04 
0.05 
– 
– 

3.78 
0.12 
(0.01) 
0.65 
(0.21) 
(0.11) 
(0.04) 
– 
0.12 
(0.04) 
0.10 
(0.01) 
(0.01) 
0.03 
(0.01) 
– 
– 

4.04
0.15
(0.04)
–
(0.40)
0.05
(0.02)
0.32
–
–

4.10
0.04
–
–
–
–
(0.02)
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.01
–
–
0.05

5,477 

4.36 

4.18

284 

– 

0.22

5,761 

4.36 

4.40

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for discontinued operations, 
based on headline and underlying earnings for discontinued operations, uses the 
following earnings data:

Discontinued operations 

Profit for the financial year attributable
to equity shareholders of the Company –  
discontinued operations 
Operating special items 
Operating special items – tax 
Financing special items 
Financing special items – tax 
Net profit on disposals 
Net profit on disposals – tax 
Associates’ special items 
Associates’ special items – tax 
Headline earnings for the financial year – 
discontinued operations 
Operating remeasurements 
Operating remeasurements – tax    
Financing remeasurements 
Associates’ remeasurements 
Associates’ remeasurements – tax 
Underlying earnings for the financial year – 
discontinued operations 

13.  Intangible assets

Earnings 
(US$ million) 
2007 

2008 

Basic earnings  

per share (US$)
2007

2008 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

2,010 
13 
(2) 
2 
(8) 
(2,079) 
165 
1 
2 

104 
(3) 
1 
(2) 
204 
(20) 

284 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

1.54
0.01
–
–
(0.01)
(1.59)
0.13
–
–

0.08
–
–
–
0.16
(0.02)

0.22

2008 

2007

Licences  
and other  

Licences 
   and other 

US$ million 

intangibles  Goodwill(1) 

Total  intangibles  Goodwill(1) 

Total

Cost
At 1 January 
Acquired through business 
combinations 
Additions 
Transfer to assets held  
for sale 
Disposal of assets 
Disposal and demerger  
of businesses(2) 
Reclassifications 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 
Accumulated amortisation
At 1 January 
Charge for the year(3) 
Impairments 
Disposal and demerger  
of businesses(2) 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 
Net book value 

15 

1,546 

1,561 

88 

2,101 

2,189

50 
24 

1,657 
– 

1,707 
24 

– 
– 

(23) 
– 

(23) 
– 

– 
3 

– 
– 

51 
6 

– 
(2) 

51
9

–
(2)

– 
15 
(2) 
102 

– 
(15) 
(250) 
2,915 

– 
– 
(252) 
3,017 

(78) 
– 
2 
15 

(633) 
– 
23 
1,546 

(711)
–
25
1,561

5 
4 
2 

– 
– 
11 
91 

– 
– 
– 

5 
4 
2 

55 
5 
– 

– 
– 
– 

55
5
–

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
11 
2,915  3,006 

(57) 
2 
5 
10 

– 
– 
– 
1,546 

(57)
2
5
1,556

(1)   Excluding associated IFRS 2 charges on BBBEE and BEE transactions.

(2)  Headline earnings for the financial year – total Group was $4,541 million (2007: $5,467 million).

(3)  Year ended 31 December 2008 includes costs associated with ‘One Anglo’ initiatives, Tarmac 
restructuring and proposed sale of Tarmac as well as provisions for onerous leases. Year ended 
31 December 2007 includes costs associated with proposed sale of Tarmac.

(1)   The goodwill balances provided are net of cumulative impairment charges of $45 million as at 

31 December 2008 (2007: $45 million).

(2)  2007 includes cost of $711 million and accumulated amortisation of $57 million relating to the 

demerger of Mondi.

(3)  Includes amounts in respect of discontinued operations of nil (2007: $3 million).

(4) Includes restructuring costs and legal settlements.

The increase in goodwill relating to acquisition of subsidiaries represents the 
excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets, including mining 
reserves, of businesses acquired. Further detail is given in note 32.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
13.  Intangible assets continued
Impairment tests for goodwill
Goodwill is allocated for impairment testing purposes to cash generating units 
(CGUs) which reflect how it is monitored for internal management purposes.  
This allocation largely represents the Group’s primary reporting segments set  
out below. Any goodwill associated with CGUs subsumed within these primary 
segments is not significant when compared to the goodwill of the Group, other 
than in Ferrous Metals and Industries where the material components of goodwill 
are split out below:

US$ million 

Platinum 
Base Metals 
Ferrous Metals and Industries
  Anglo Ferrous Brazil 
  Other Ferrous Metals and Industries 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 

2008 

230 
208 

2007

230
162

   1,556 
73 
88 
760 
   2,915 

–
75
88
991
1,546

The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on a fair value or value in 
use calculation as appropriate. Value in use calculations use cash flow projections 
based on financial budgets and life of mine or non-mine production plans covering 
a five year period that are based on latest forecasts for commodity prices and 
exchange rates. Cash flow projections beyond five years are based on life of mine 
plans where applicable and internal management forecasts and assume constant 
long term real prices for sales revenue. 

Cash flow projections are discounted using pre-tax discount rates equivalent  
to a real post tax discount rate of 6% (2007: 6%), that have been adjusted for  
any risks that are not reflected in the underlying cash flows. Where the 
recoverability of goodwill allocated to a CGU is supported by fair value less costs  
to sell, market observable data (in the case of listed subsidiaries, market share 
price at 31 December of the respective listed entity) or detailed cash flow models 
are used.

Expected future cash flows are inherently uncertain and could materially change 
over time. They are significantly affected by a number of factors including reserves 
and production estimates, together with economic factors such as commodity 
prices, discount rates, currency exchange rates, estimates of costs to produce 
reserves and future capital expenditure. Management believes that any reasonably 
possible change in the key assumptions on which the recoverable amount is based 
would not cause the carrying amounts to exceed their recoverable amounts.

The Group acquired a controlling interest in Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA on 5 August 
2008 resulting in the recognition of provisionally determined goodwill totalling 
$1.6 billion. The recoverable amount of this goodwill has been reviewed with 
reference to fair value (less costs to sell) as informed by the market price paid by 
the Group (underpinned by a discounted cash flow model which has been updated 
to reflect latest available information).

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14.  Tangible assets

US$ million 

Cost
At 1 January 2008 
Additions 
Acquired through business 
combinations 
Transfer to assets held for sale 
Fair value adjustment 
Disposal of assets 
Disposal of businesses 
Reclassifications(2) 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 2008 
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 January 2008 
Charge for the year  
Impairments 
Transfer to assets held for sale 
Disposal of assets 
Disposal of businesses 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 2008 
Net book value
At 31 December 2008 
At 31 December 2007 

Mining  

   properties   Land and  Plant and 
buildings  equipment 
   and leases 

Other(1) 

Total

   12,652  2,256  12,902 

436 

47 

5,363  33,173
5,726

357  4,886 

   6,341 
(66) 
– 
(5) 
(52) 
418 
   (2,600) 
   17,124 

   2,652 
353 
123 
(42) 
(2) 
(12) 
(511) 
   2,561 

73 
(16) 
3 
(14) 
(1) 

508 
– 
50 
(44) 
– 
(2,682) 

7,358
436 
(200)
(118) 
53
– 
(245)
(182) 
(131)
(78) 
216  2,048 
–
(389)  (2,702)  (1,466)  (7,157)
6,615  38,577
2,175  12,663 

653 
84 
19 
– 
(8) 
– 

6,126 
964 
114 
(65) 
(166) 
(29) 
(114)  (1,281) 
5,663 
634 

208 
104 
– 
– 
(19) 
– 

9,639
1,505
256
(107)
(195)
(41)
(119)  (2,025)
9,032
174 

   14,563 
   10,000 

1,541 
1,603 

7,000 
6,776 

6,441  29,545
5,155  23,534

(1)   Other tangible assets include $6,050 million of assets in the course of construction, which are not 

depreciated.

(2)  Relates mainly to amounts transferred from assets in the course of construction.

US$ million 

Mining  

   properties   Land and  Plant and 
buildings  equipment 
   and leases 

Other(1) 

Total

   9,250 
98 

Cost 
At 1 January 2007 
Additions 
Acquired through business
combinations 
Transfer to assets held for sale 
Disposal of assets 
Disposal and demerger of businesses(2) 
Reclassifications(3) 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 2007 
Accumulated depreciation 
At 1 January 2007 
Charge for the year (4) 
Impairments(5) 
Transfer to assets held for sale 
Disposal of assets 
Disposal and demerger of businesses(2) 
Reclassifications 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 2007 
Net book value
At 31 December 2007 
At 31 December 2006 

   2,855 
(89) 
(12) 
– 
228 
322 
   12,652 

   2,136 
323 
162 
(30) 
(7) 
– 
– 
68 
   2,652 

   10,000 
7,114 

3,833  19,400 
379 

56 

3,481  35,964
4,129
3,596 

21 
(19) 
(29) 

53 
(67) 
(273) 
(1,836)  (8,003) 
817 
596 
2,256  12,902 

116 
114 

34 
(152) 
(20) 

2,963
(327)
(334)
(692) (10,531)
67
1,242
5,363  33,173

(1,094) 
210 

1,151 
114 
2 
(10) 
(13) 

8,901 
1,139 
31 
(33) 
(245) 
(627)  (3,948) 
(23) 
 304 
6,126 

– 
36 
653 

278  12,466
1,627
51 
203
8 
(75)
(2) 
(18) 
(283)
(153)  (4,728)
–
429
9,639

23 
21 
208 

1,603 
6,776 
2,682  10,499 

5,155  23,534
3,203  23,498

(1)   Other tangible assets includes $4,850 million of assets in the course of construction, which are not 

depreciated.

(2)  Includes cost of $9,242 million and accumulated depreciation of $4,381 million relating to the 

demerger of Mondi.

(3)  Relates mainly to amounts transferred from assets in the course of construction and reclassification 

of asset values upon finalisation of Peace River Coal acquisition accounting.

(4) Includes amounts in respect of discontinued operations of $231 million.

(5)  Includes amounts in respect of discontinued operations of $5 million.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
104

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

14.  Tangible assets continued
Included in the additions above is $215 million (2007: $42 million) of interest 
expense incurred on borrowings funding the construction of qualifying assets 
which has been capitalised during the year.

The net book value and depreciation charges relating to assets held under finance 
leases comprise:

US$ million 

2008 

Net book 
value 

Depreciation 

Net book 
value 

2007

Depreciation

Mining properties and leases 
Land and buildings 
Plant and equipment 
Other 

12 
34 
19 
1 
66 

2 
24 
5 
– 
31 

18 
44 
17 
1 
80 

2
13
3
–
18

The net book value of land and buildings comprises:

US$ million 

Freehold 
Leasehold – long 
Leasehold – short (less than 50 years) 

2008 

2007

   1,492 
39 
10 
   1,541 

1,536
51
16
1,603

15.  Environmental rehabilitation trusts
The Group makes voluntary contributions to controlled funds that were established  
to meet the cost of some of its restoration and environmental rehabilitation 
liabilities, primarily in South Africa.

US$ million 

At 1 January 
Contributions made 
Interest earned 
Transfer to assets held for sale 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 

The funds comprise the following investments:

US$ million 

Equity 
Bonds 
Cash 

2008 

2007

252 
36 
16 
– 
(60) 
244 

197
37
12
(2)
8
252

2008 

2007

23 
82 
139 
244 

19
85
148
252

These assets are primarily rand denominated. Cash is held in short term fixed 
deposits or earns interest at floating inter-bank rates and bonds earn interest at 
a weighted average fixed rate of 9% (2007: 11%) and are fixed for an average 
period of 10.2 years (2007: 9.5 years). These assets are recorded ‘at fair value 
through profit and loss’.

These funds are not available for the general purposes of the Group. All income 
from these assets is reinvested to meet specific environmental obligations. These 
obligations are included in environmental rehabilitation costs under non-current 
provisions (see note 25).

16.  Investments in associates

US$ million  

2008 

2007

At 1 January 
Net income from associates(1) 
Dividends received(2) 
Transfer from subsidiary 
Transfer to assets held for sale 
Transfer to financial asset investments 
Actuarial loss on post retirement benefits 
Movement on cash flow hedge reserve 
Movement on available for sale reserve 
Other equity movements 
Acquired  
Disposed  
Other capital distributions 
Repayments of capitalised loans(3)   
Reversal of impairment 
Currency movements 
At 31 December(4) 

   3,341 
   1,113 
(599) 
– 
– 
– 
(7) 
4 
– 
4 
9 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(253) 
   3,612 

4,780
107
(327)
393
(74)
(606)
(6)
12
10
31
2
(957)
(32)
(44)
1
51
3,341

(1)   Includes amounts in respect of discontinued operations of nil (2007: $90 million loss).

(2) Dividends received include nil (2007: $52 million) relating to discontinued operations. In addition 

$10 million (2007: nil) was received from associates classified as held for sale.

(3)  Excludes $43 million (2007: $43 million) redemption by De Beers of preference shares included within 

financial asset investments.

(4)  The fair value of investments in Tongaat-Hulett and Hulamin at 31 December 2008 are $350 million 
(2007: $667 million) and $137 million (2007: $292 million) respectively based on the closing share 
prices. With effect from 30 June 2007 the Group began accounting for these investments as 
associates under the equity method.

The Group’s total investments in associates comprise:

US$ million 

Equity 
Loans(1) 
Total investments in associates 

2008 

2007

   3,279 
333 
   3,612 

2,968
373
3,341

(1)   The Group’s total investments in associates include long term debt which in substance forms part of 

the Group’s investment. These loans are not repayable in the foreseeable future.

The Group’s share of the summarised financial information of associates is as 
follows:

US$ million 

2008 

2007

Total non-current assets 
Total current assets 
Total current liabilities 
Total non-current liabilities 
Group’s share of associates’ net assets 
Revenue 
Operating costs 
18 
Net profit on disposals 
(147) 
Net finance costs 
(15) 
Financing remeasurements 
(606) 
Income tax expense 
Minority interests 
(15) 
Group’s share of associates’ net income – continuing operations  1,113 
– 
Revenue 
– 
Operating costs 
– 
Net profit on disposals 
– 
Net finance costs 
– 
Financing remeasurements 
– 
Income tax expense 
– 
Minority interests 
– 
Group’s share of associates’ net income – discontinued operations 
1,113 
Group’s share of associates’ net income – total Group 

5,734
   5,224 
   3,003 
1,864
   (1,267)  (1,254)
   (3,348)  (3,003)
3,341
   3,612 
   6,653 
5,089
   (4,775)  (4,482)
24
(85)
(4)
(303)
(42)
197
1,053
(1,072)
7
(30)
13
(51)
(10)
(90)
107

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
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16.  Investments in associates continued
Segmental information is provided for primary and secondary reporting segments 
as follows:

18.  Financial asset investments 

US$ million 

By business segment
Platinum 
Diamonds 
Ferrous Metals and Industries 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 
Total continuing operations 
Gold 
Paper and Packaging 
Total discontinued operations 
Total Group 

US$ million 

By geographical segment
South Africa 
Rest of Africa 
Europe 
North America 
South America 
Australia and Asia 

  Net income  Aggregate investment
2007

2008 

2007 

2008 

13 
47 
724 
329 
– 
   1,113 
– 
– 
– 
   1,113 

38 

57 
(229)  1,623 
1,121 
198 
809 
190 
– 
2 
3,612 
197 
– 
(92) 
– 
2 
– 
(90) 
3,612 
107 

57
1,802
778
702
2
3,341
–
–
–
3,341

   Aggregate investment
2007

2008 

   2,264 
187 
(56) 
22 
686 
509 
   3,612 

1,704
677
98
36
641
185
3,341

The Group’s share of associates’ contingent liabilities incurred jointly by investors 
is $166 million (2007: $190 million).

Details of principal associates are set out in note 40.

17.  Joint ventures
The Group’s share of the summarised financial information of joint venture entities 
that is proportionately consolidated in the Group financial statements is as follows:

US$ million 

2008 

2007

Total non-current assets 
Total current assets 
Total current liabilities 
Total non-current liabilities 
   1,288 
Group’s share of joint venture entities’ net assets  
   1,414 
Revenue 
(779) 
Operating costs 
12 
Net finance costs 
(115) 
Income tax expense 
532 
Total continuing operations 
– 
Revenue 
– 
Operating costs 
– 
Net finance costs 
– 
Income tax expense 
Total discontinued operations 
– 
Group’s share of joint venture entities’ profit for the financial year  532 

3,148
   1,771 
999
415 
(358)
(389) 
(509)  (2,862)
927
1,631
(601)
7
(189)
848
113
(96)
(4)
(4)
9
857

The Group’s share of joint venture entities’ contingent liabilities incurred jointly 
with other venturers is $22 million (2007: $19 million) and its share of capital 
commitments is $414 million (2007: $457 million).

The Group also holds investments in a number of proportionately consolidated jointly 
controlled operations. The Group’s share of joint venture operations’ net assets is 
$981 million (2007: $480 million). The Group’s share of joint venture operations’ profit 
for the financial year is $554 million (2007: $100 million). The Group’s share of joint 
venture operations’ contingent liabilities incurred jointly with other venturers is $98 million 
(2007: $113 million) and its share of capital commitments is $83 million (2007: nil).

Details of principal joint ventures are set out in note 40.

US$ million 

At 1 January 2008 
Additions  
Interest receivable 
Net advances  
Disposals 
Disposal of businesses 
Reversal of impairments 
Movements in fair value 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 2008 
Less: non-current portion 
Current portion 

   Available 
for sale 

   Loans and  
   receivables  investments(1) 

Total

938 
– 
44 
153 
– 
(1) 
25 
(11) 
(213) 
935 
935 
– 

4,780
3,842 
827
827 
44
– 
153
– 
(626)
(626) 
(1)
– 
45
20 
(888) 
(899)
(822)  (1,035)
2,353  3,288
3,115
2,180 
173
173 

(1)  Balance at 31 December 2008 principally includes investment in AngloGold Ashanti Limited.

US$ million 

At 1 January 2007 
Additions  
Interest receivable 
Net advances  
Disposals 
Disposal and demerger of businesses 
Transfer from investments in associates 
Retained investment in Mondi 
Movements in fair value 
Other movements 
Reclassifications 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 2007 
Less: non-current portion 
Current portion 

   Available 
   Loans and  
for sale 
   receivables  investments 

404 
– 
59 
53 
– 
(12) 
– 
– 
– 
1 
410 
23 
938 
938 
– 

1,569 
42 
– 
– 
(540) 
(79) 
606 
318 
2,326 
– 
(395) 
(5) 
3,842 
3,842 
– 

Total

1,973
42
59
53
(540)
(91)
606
318
2,326
1
15
18
4,780
4,780
–

No items were classified as ‘At fair value through profit or loss’ or ‘Held to 
maturity’ during either year presented.

No provision for impairment is recorded against financial assets classified as 
‘Loans and receivables’ (2007: $25 million).

19.  Inventories

US$ million 

Raw materials and consumables 
Work in progress 
Finished products 

2008 

2007

774 
843 
   1,085 
   2,702 

703
812
829
2,344

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales 
amounted to $12,253 million (2007: $14,585 million), of which nil (2007: 
$2,212 million) relates to discontinued operations.

Inventories held at net realisable value amounted to $561 million (2007: $167 million).

The write-down of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost  
of sales amounted to $210 million (net of revaluation of provisionally priced 
purchases) (2007: $34 million), of which nil (2007: $7 million) relates to 
discontinued operations.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
106

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

20.  Trade and other receivables

2008 

22. Financial assets
The carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets are as follows:

US$ million 

Trade receivables 
Amounts owed by 
related parties 
Other receivables 
Prepayments and
accrued income 

Due within   Due after 
 one year 

one year 

  Due within  Due after  
one year 

one year 

Total 

2007

Total

1,969 

57 

2,026  3,000 

30 

3,030

US$ million 

13 
725 

222 
2,929 

– 
33 

4 
94 

13 
758 

16 
420 

– 
125 

16
545

226 
3,023 

136 
3,572 

4 
159 

140
3,731

The historical level of customer default is minimal and as a result the ‘credit quality’ 
of year end trade receivables which are not past due is considered to be high. Of 
the year end trade receivables balance the following were past due at 31 December 
(stated after associated impairment provision):

US$ million 

Less than 1 month 
Between 1-2 months 
Between 2-3 months 
Greater than 3 months 

2008 

2007

85 
30 
10 
25 
150 

232
54
16
35
337

The overdue debtor ageing profile above is typical of the industry in which certain 
of the Group’s businesses operate. Given this, existing insurance cover (including 
letters of credit from financial institutions) and the nature of the related 
counterparties these amounts are considered recoverable.

Total trade receivables are stated net of the following impairment provision:

At fair value through profit and loss
  Trade and other receivables(1) 
  Other financial assets (derivatives)(2) 
Designated into fair value hedge
  Trade and other receivables(1) 
Loans and receivables
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Trade and other receivables(1) 
  Financial asset investments 
Available for sale investments 
  Financial asset investments 
Total financial assets 

(1)   Trade and other receivables exclude prepayments.

2008 

   Estimated   Carrying  Estimated 
fair value 
   fair value 

value 

2007
Carrying 
value

192 
376 

192 
376 

591 
535 

591
535

– 

– 

14 

14

   2,771 
   2,605 
906 

2,771 
2,605 
935 

3,129 
2,986 
918 

3,129
2,986
938

   2,353 
   9,203 

2,353 
3,842
3,842 
9,232  12,015  12,035

(2)  Derivative instruments are analysed between those which are ‘Held for trading’ and those designated 

into hedge relationships in note 24.

The fair values of financial assets represent the market value of quoted 
investments and other traded instruments. For non-listed investments and other 
non-traded financial assets fair value is calculated using discounted cash flows 
with market assumptions, unless carrying value is considered to approximate 
fair value.

Financial asset risk exposures are set out in note 24.

At 1 January 2007 
Charge for the year 
Release of provision 
Disposal and demerger of businesses 
Uncollectible amounts written off, net of recoveries    
Currency movements 
At 1 January 2008 
Charge for the year 
Reclassification 
Transfer to assets held for sale 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 2008 

21.  Trade and other payables

US$ million 

Trade payables 
Tax and social security 
Other payables(1) 
Accruals and deferred income 

  US$ million

23.  Financial liabilities
The carrying amounts and fair values of financial liabilities are as follows:

75
10
(7)
(56)
(3)
3
22
16
14
(2)
(9)
41

US$ million 

At fair value through profit and loss
  Trade and other payables(1) 
  Other financial liabilities (derivatives)(2) 
Designated into fair value hedge
  Trade and other payables(1) 
  Borrowings 
Financial liabilities at amortised cost
  Trade and other payables(1) 
  Borrowings 
Total financial liabilities 

2008 

   Estimated   Carrying  Estimated 
fair value 
   fair value 

value 

2007
Carrying 
value

687 
   1,497 

687 
1,497 

331 
586 

331
586

– 
   2,850 

– 
2,850 

12 
2,433 

12
2,433

3,480
   4,391 
4,391 
   10,658  11,145 
5,866
   20,083  20,570  12,716  12,708

3,480 
5,874 

2008 

2007

non-current payables.

(1)   Trade and other payables exclude tax and social security and deferred income and include other 

   3,183 
74 
   1,162 
351 
   4,770 

2,546
115
868
421
3,950

(2)  Derivative instruments are analysed between those which are ‘Held for trading’ and those designated 

into hedge relationships in note 24.

The fair value of financial liabilities is determined by reference to quoted market 
prices for similar issues, where applicable, otherwise the carrying value 
approximates fair value.

Financial liability risk exposures are set out in note 24.

(1)   On 20 August 2008 Anglo Platinum received $307 million from a subsidiary of Mvelaphanda Resources 

Limited (Mvela) in respect of the anticipated disposal of a 50% interest in the Booysendal joint 
venture. These funds have been invested in accordance with the terms of sale and will only be 
released to Anglo Platinum upon ministerial approval. At 31 December 2008 an amount of $253 
million is included within other payables representing the obligation to repay the funds failing the 
receipt of such approval.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
23.  Financial liabilities continued
An analysis of borrowings is set out below:

US$ million 

Due within   Due after 
 one year 

one year 

2008 

   Due within  Due after  
one year 

one year 

Total 

2007

Total

346 

678 

1,024 

146 

544 

690

Secured(1)
Bank loans and overdrafts 
Obligations under  
finance leases(2) 
Other loans 

Unsecured
Bonds issued under  
EMTN programme(3) 
154 
Bank loans and overdrafts  5,114 
Commercial paper 
1,116 
Obligations under  
finance leases(2) 
Other loans 

Total 

12 
– 
358 

56 
– 
734 

68 
– 
1,092 

2 
– 
148 

2,679 
3,335 
– 

2,833 
8,449 
1,116 

1,461 
2,383 
1,895 

4 
38 
6,426 
6,784 

13 
450 

17 
488 
6,477  12,903 
7,211  13,995 

3 
5 
5,747 
5,895 

6 
467 
1,755 
2,404 

76 
29 
649 

800 
482 
– 

78
29
797

2,261
2,865
1,895

9
472
7,502
8,299

(1)   Assets with a book value of $954 million (2007: $719 million) have been pledged as security, of 

which $663 million (2007: $431 million) are tangible assets, $160 million (2007: $149 million) are 
financial assets and $131 million (2007: $139 million) are inventories. Of these assets $284 million 
(2007: $22 million) were pledged in respect of project financing arrangements.

(2)  The minimum lease payments under finance leases fall due as follows:

  US$ million 
  Within one year 
  Greater than one year, less than five years 
  Greater than five years 

  Future finance charges on finance leases   
  Present value of finance lease liabilities    

2008 
24 
43 
86 
153 
(68) 
85 

2007
13
42
116
171
(84)
87

(3)  The Group issued $2,404 million of bonds under the EMTN programme in 2008 (2007: $9 million). 

All notes are guaranteed by Anglo American plc.

24.   Financial risk management and derivative financial assets/

liabilities 

The Group is exposed in varying degrees to a variety of financial instrument 
related risks. The Board has approved and monitors the risk management 
processes, inclusive of documented treasury policies, counterparty limits, 
controlling and reporting structures. The risk management processes of the 
Group’s independently listed subsidiaries are in line with the Group’s own policy.

The types of risk exposure, the way in which such exposure is managed and 
quantification of the level of exposure in the balance sheet at year end is provided 
as follows (subcategorised into credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk).

Credit risk
The Group’s principal financial assets are bank balances and cash, trade and other 
receivables and investments. The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk is as 
follows:

US$ million 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Financial asset investments 
Other financial assets (derivatives) 
Other guarantees and loan facilities 

2008 

2007

   2,771 
   2,797 
   1,108 
376 
239 
   7,291 

3,129
3,591
938
535
12
8,205

The Group limits exposure to credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial 
instruments through adherence to a policy of:

• 

Where possible acceptable minimum counterparty credit ratings assigned by 
international credit-rating agencies (including long term ratings of A- (Standard 
& Poor’s), A3 (Moody’s) or A- (Fitch) or better).

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• 

• 

Daily counterparty settlement limits (which are not to exceed three times  
the credit limit for an individual bank).
Exposure diversification (the aggregate group exposure to key relationship 
counterparties cannot exceed 5% of the counterparty’s shareholders’ equity). 

Given the diverse nature of the Group’s operations (both in relation to commodity 
markets and geographically), together with insurance cover (including letters  
of credit from financial institutions), it does not have significant concentration of 
credit risk in respect of trade receivables, with exposure spread over a large 
number of customers.

An allowance for impairment for trade receivables is made where there is an 
identified loss event, which based on previous experience, is evidence of a 
reduction in the recoverability of the cash flows. Detail of the credit quality of trade 
receivables and the associated provision for impairment is disclosed in note 20.

Liquidity risk
The Group ensures that there are sufficient committed loan facilities (including 
refinancing, where necessary) in order to meet short term business requirements, 
after taking into account cash flows from operations and its holding of cash and 
cash equivalents, as well as any group distribution restrictions that exist.

Non-wholly owned subsidiaries, where possible, will maintain their own financing 
and funding requirements. In most cases the financing will be non-recourse to the 
Group. In addition, certain projects are financed by means of limited recourse 
project finance, if appropriate.

The expected undiscounted cash flows of the Group’s financial liabilities (including 
associated derivatives), by remaining contractual maturity, based on conditions 
existing at the balance sheet date are as follows:

US$ million 

31 December 2008
Non-derivative financial 
liabilities 
Net settled derivatives  

31 December 2007
Non-derivative financial 
liabilities 
Gross settled derivatives  
  Receive leg 
  Pay leg 
Net settled derivatives  

US$ million 

31 December 2008
Non-derivative financial  
liabilities 
Net settled derivatives  

31 December 2007
Non-derivative financial  
liabilities 
Gross settled derivatives 
  Receive leg 
  Pay leg 
Net settled derivatives  

Fixed 
interest 

  Within 1 year 
Capital 
Floating 
interest  repayment 

Fixed 
interest 

   1-2 years
Capital 
Floating 
interest  repayment

(191) 
156 
(35) 

(405) (11,385) 
8 
(499) (11,377) 

(94) 

(179) 
164 
(15) 

(245) 
(101) 
(346) 

(732)
(53)
(785)

(144) 

(188)  (9,643) 

(87) 

(95) 

(440)

– 
– 
102 
(42) 

7 
– 
(1) 
– 
(118) 
291 
(306)  (9,346) 

– 
– 
52 
(35) 

– 
– 
(53) 
(148) 

–
–
(9)
(449)

Fixed 
interest 

   2-5 years 
Floating 
Capital 
interest  repayment 

Fixed 
interest 

   +5 years
Floating 
Capital 
interest  repayment

(472) 
443 
(29) 

(422)  (4,348) 
(304) 
9 
(726)  (4,339) 

(345) 
345 
– 

(114)  (2,412)
(195) 
(400)
(309)  (2,812)

(177) 

(220)  (1,158) 

(47) 

(171) 

(776)

– 
– 
130 
(47) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(133) 
112 
(353)  (1,046) 

– 
– 
35 
(12) 

– 
– 
(35) 
(206) 

–
–
–
(776)

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
    
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
    
 
    
108

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

24.  Financial risk management and derivative financial assets/

liabilities continued

The Group had the following undrawn committed borrowing facilities at  
31 December:

US$ million 

Expiry date 
Within one year(1) 
Greater than one year, less than two years    
Greater than two years, less than five years   
Greater than five years 

2008 

2007

   2,994 
5 
   3,081 
25 
   6,105 

2,877
322
3,865
–
7,064

(1)  Includes undrawn rand facilities equivalent to $1 billion in respect of a series of facilities with 364 day 

maturities which roll automatically on a daily basis, unless notice is served.

In addition, the Group has dedicated, committed financing facilities for Minas-Rio 
and Barro Alto totalling $1.6 billion, subject to certain disbursement conditions.

The Group also had a $2 billion European Commercial Paper Programme 
established in October 2004. Drawings of $304 million were made at 31 December 
2008 (2007: $1,090 million). The Group also had a Rand 20 billion South African 
Medium Term Note Programme, established in November 2007, on which total 
drawings of Rand 7,273 million ($782 million) (2007: nil) were made at 
31 December 2008. Of this drawing Rand 7,074 million ($761 million) was  
issued as commercial paper.

Market risk
This is the risk that financial instrument fair values will fluctuate owing to changes 
in market prices. The significant market risks to which the Group is exposed are 
foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and commodity price risk.

Foreign exchange risk
As a global business, the Group is exposed to many currencies principally as a result 
of non-US dollar operating costs incurred by US dollar functional currency companies 
and to a lesser extent, from non-US dollar revenues. The Group’s policy is generally 
not to hedge such exposures as hedging is not deemed appropriate given the 
diversified nature of the Group though exceptions can be approved by the Board.

In addition, currency exposures exist in respect of non-US dollar approved  
capital expenditure projects. The Group’s policy is that such exposure can be 
hedged at management’s discretion, within certain pre-defined limits (or with 
Board approval).

The exposure of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities (excluding intra-group 
loan balances) to currency risk is as follows:

US$ million 

At 31 December 2008    
US$   
Rand 
Sterling 
Euro   
Australian dollar 
Other currencies 
Total financial liabilities   

At 31 December 2007    
US$   
Rand 
Sterling 
Euro   
Australian dollar 
Other currencies 
Total financial liabilities    

Financial 
liabilities 
(excluding 
derivatives) 

Impact of 
currency 
derivatives(1)  

Derivative 
liabilities 

Total financial 
liabilities – 
exposure to 
currency risk

(7,854) 
(5,289) 
(1,628) 
(1,821) 
(528) 
(1,953) 
(19,073) 

(3,261) 
(3,879) 
(1,325) 
(2,103) 
(406) 
(1,148) 
(12,122) 

(3,130) 
(15) 
1,141 
1,697 
– 
307 
– 

(2,962) 
– 
606 
1,886 
– 
470 
– 

(1,056) 
(2) 
– 
– 
– 
(439) 
(1,497) 

(560) 
(26) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(586) 

(12,040)
(5,306)
(487)
(124)
(528)
(2,085)
(20,570)

(6,783)
(3,905)
(719)
(217)
(406)
(678)
(12,708)

(1)   Where currency derivatives are held to manage financial instrument exposures the notional principal 

amount is ‘reallocated’ to reflect the remaining exposure to the Group.

(2)  Of these US$ financial assets, $97 million (2007: $571 million) are subject to South African 

exchange controls and will be converted to rand within the next six months.

Interest rate risk
Fluctuations in interest rates impact on the value of short term investments and 
financing activities, giving rise to interest rate risk. Exposure to interest rate risk 
is particularly with reference to changes in US and South African interest rates. 
Exposure to Brazilian interest rates is expected to increase in the near term.

The Group policy is to borrow funds at floating rates of interest as this is 
considered to give somewhat of a natural hedge against commodity price 
movements, given the correlation to economic growth (and industrial activity) 
which in turn shows a high correlation with commodity price fluctuation. In certain 
circumstances, the Group uses interest rate swap and option contracts to manage 
its exposure to interest rate movements on a portion of its existing debt. Also 
strategic hedging using fixed rate debt may be undertaken from time to time if 
considered appropriate.

In respect of financial assets, the Group’s policy is to invest cash at floating rates 
of interest and cash reserves are to be maintained in short term investments (less 
than one year) in order to maintain liquidity, while achieving a satisfactory return 
for shareholders.

US$ million 

At 31 December 2008
US$(2) 
Rand 
Sterling 
Euro   
Australian dollar 
Other currencies 
Total financial assets 

At 31 December 2007
US$(2) 
Rand 
Sterling 
Euro   
Australian dollar 
Other currencies 
Total financial assets 

Financial 
assets 
(excluding 
derivatives) 

Impact of 
currency 
derivatives(1)  

Derivative 
assets 

Total financial 
assets – 
exposure to 
currency risk

The exposure of the Group’s financial assets (excluding intra-group loan balances) 
to interest rate risk is as follows:

3,118 
3,895 
547 
136 
290 
870 
8,856 

4,260 
4,414 
839 
301 
221 
1,465 
11,500 

(108) 
82 
(2) 
– 
(4) 
32 
– 

(99) 
88 
– 
– 
(3) 
14 
– 

252 
71 
– 
– 
– 
53 
376 

465 
17 
– 
– 
– 
53 
535 

3,262
4,048
545
136
286
955
9,232

4,626
4,519
839
301
218
1,532
12,035

US$ million 

At 31 December 2008
Financial assets (excluding 
derivatives)(2) 
Derivative assets 
Financial asset exposure to 
interest rate risk 

At 31 December 2007
Financial assets (excluding 
derivatives)(2) 
Derivative assets 
Financial asset exposure to 
interest rate risk 

Interest bearing 
financial assets 

Non-interest bearing 
financial assets
  Other non- 
interest  
bearing 

   Floating 
rate 

Fixed 
Equity 
rate(1) investments 

Total

   3,098 
   196 

464 
– 

2,180 
– 

3,114  8,856
376

180 

  3,294 

464 

2,180  3,294 

9,232

   3,013 
1 

864 
11 

3,842 
– 

3,781  11,500
535

523 

   3,014 

875 

3,842 

4,304  12,035

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

(1)  Includes $360 million (2007: $476 million) of preference shares in a BEE entity.

(2)  At 31 December 2008 and 2007 no interest rate swaps were held in respect of financial asset 

exposures.

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
109

Certain of the Group’s sales and purchases are provisionally priced and as a result 
are susceptible to future price movements. The exposure of the Group’s financial 
assets and liabilities to commodity price risk is as follows:

US$ million 

At 31 December 2008
Total net financial instruments  
(excluding derivatives) 
Commodity derivatives (net)(2) 
Other derivatives not related to 
commodity (net) 
Total financial instrument exposure 
to commodity risk 

At 31 December 2007 
Total net financial instruments  
(excluding derivatives) 
Commodity derivatives (net)(2) 
Other derivatives not related to 
commodity (net) 
Total financial instrument exposure 
to commodity risk 

  Commodity price linked  Not linked
   Subject to 
to 
Fixed  commodity 
price 
price(1) 
price 
  movements 

Total

(291) 
(318) 

183  (10,109) (10,217)
(318)

– 

– 

– 

– 

(803) 

(803)

(609) 

183  (10,912) (11,338)

325 
(480) 

461 
– 

(1,408) 
– 

(622)
(480)

– 

– 

429 

429

(155) 

461 

(979) 

(673)

(1)  Includes financial instruments whose commodity prices are set annually or via contract negotiation.

(2)  Includes $249 million (2007: $124 million) derivative embedded in a long term power contract.

Derivatives
In accordance with IAS 32 and IAS 39, the fair value of all derivatives are separately 
recorded on the balance sheet within other financial assets (derivatives) and other 
financial liabilities (derivatives). Derivatives that are designated as hedges are 
classified as current or non-current depending on the maturity of the derivative. 
Derivatives that are not designated as hedges are classified as current in accordance 
with IAS 1 even when their actual maturity is expected to be greater than one year. 

The Group utilises derivative instruments to manage its market risk exposures  
as explained above. The Group does not use derivative financial instruments for 
speculative purposes, however it may choose not to designate certain derivatives 
as hedges. Such derivatives that are not hedge accounted are classified as 
‘non-hedges’ and fair value movements are recorded in the income statement. 

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24.  Financial risk management and derivative financial assets/

liabilities continued

Floating rate financial assets consist mainly of cash and bank term deposits. 
Interest on floating rate assets is based on the relevant national inter-bank rates. 
Fixed rate financial assets consist mainly of financial asset investments and cash, 
and have a weighted average interest rate of 13.5% (2007: 11%) and are fixed for 
an average period of four years (2007: four years). Equity investments are fully 
liquid and have no maturity period.

The exposure of the Group’s financial liabilities (excluding intra-group loan 
balances) to interest rate risk is as follows:

US$ million 

At 31 December 2008
Financial liabilities (excluding derivatives) 
Impact of interest rate swaps(1) 
Derivative liabilities 
Financial liability exposure to 
interest rate risk 

At 31 December 2007
Financial liabilities (excluding derivatives) 
Impact of interest rate swaps(1) 
Derivative liabilities 
Financial liability exposure to  
interest rate risk 

Interest bearing 
financial liabilities 
Fixed 
rate  

Floating 
rate 

Non- 
interest 
bearing
financial 
liabilities 

Total

   (10,461)  (3,459)  (5,153) (19,073)
   (2,829)  2,829 
–
(1,497)  (1,497)
– 
– 

– 

  (13,290) 

(630)  (6,650) (20,570)

   (5,425)  (2,822)  (3,875)  (12,122)
–
   (2,336)  2,336 
(586)
– 

– 
(541) 

(45) 

   (7,806) 

(486)  (4,416) (12,708)

(1)   Where interest rate swaps are held to manage financial liability exposures the notional principal 

amount is ‘reallocated’ to reflect the remaining exposure to the Group.

Interest on floating rate instruments is based on the relevant national inter-bank 
rates. Remaining fixed rate borrowings accrue interest at 8% (2007: 8%) and are 
at fixed rates for an average period of two years (2007: two years). Average 
maturity on non-interest bearing instruments is 17 months (2007: seven months).

Commodity price risk
The Group’s earnings are exposed to movements in the prices of the commodities 
it produces. 

The Group policy is generally not to hedge price risk, although some hedging may 
be undertaken for strategic reasons. In such cases, the Group uses forward, 
deferred and option contracts to hedge the price risk. 

The use of derivative instruments is subject to limits and the positions are 
regularly monitored and reported to senior management. 

Embedded derivatives
Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other host contracts are 
treated as separate derivatives when their risks and characteristics are not closely 
related to those of their host contract and the host contract is not carried at fair 
value. Embedded derivatives may be designated into hedge relationships and are 
accounted for in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy set out in note 1.

Cash flow hedges
In certain cases the Group classifies its forward exchange and commodity price 
contracts hedging highly probable forecast transactions as cash flow hedges. 
Where this designation is documented, changes in fair value are recognised in 
equity until the hedged transactions occur, at which time the respective gains or 
losses are transferred to the income statement (or hedged balance sheet item)  
in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy set out in note 1.

Fair value hedges
The majority of interest rate swaps (taken out to swap the Group’s fixed rate 
borrowings to floating rate, in accordance with the treasury policy) have been 
designated as fair value hedges. The respective carrying values of the hedged  
debt are adjusted to reflect the fair value of the interest rate risk being hedged. 
Subsequent changes in the fair value of the hedged risk are offset against fair 
value changes in the interest rate swap and classified within financing costs in the 
income statement.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
110

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

24.  Financial risk management and derivative financial assets/

liabilities continued

Non-hedges
The Group may choose not to designate certain derivatives as hedges, for example 
certain forward foreign currency contracts that provide a natural hedge of non-US 
dollar debt in the income statement or where the Group is economically hedged but 
IAS 39 hedge accounting cannot be achieved. Where derivatives have not been 
designated as hedges, fair value changes are recognised in the income statement 
in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy set out in note 1 and are 
classified as financing or operating depending on the nature of the associated 
hedged risk.

Capital risk management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability 
to continue as a going concern in order to provide returns for shareholders and 
benefits for other stakeholders and, with cognisance of forecast future market 
conditions and structuring, to maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the 
cost of capital.

In order to manage the short and long term capital structure, the Group adjusts the 
amount of ordinary dividends paid to shareholders, returns capital to shareholders 
(via, for example, share buybacks and special dividends), arranges debt to fund 
new acquisitions and also may sell non-core assets to reduce debt.

The Group monitors capital on the basis of the ratio of net debt to total capital less 
investments in associates (gearing). Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less 
cash and cash equivalents and current financial asset investments (excluding 
derivatives which provide an economic hedge of debt and including the net debt of 
disposal groups). Total capital is calculated as ‘Net assets’ (as shown in the 
Consolidated balance sheet) excluding net debt. Gearing as at 31 December 2008 
was 37.8% (2007: 20.0%). The increase during 2008 resulted primarily from 
acquisitions and capital expenditure, partially offset by strong operating cash flows 
and asset disposals.

Financial instrument sensitivities
Financial instruments affected by market risk include borrowings, deposits, 
derivative financial instruments, trade receivables and trade payables. The 
following analysis, required by IFRS 7, is intended to illustrate the sensitivity of  
the Group’s financial instruments (as at year end) to changes in commodity prices, 
exchange rates and interest rates.

The sensitivity analysis has been prepared on the basis that the components of 
net debt, the ratio of fixed to floating interest rates of the debt and derivatives 
portfolio and the proportion of financial instruments in foreign currencies are all 
constant and on the basis of the hedge designations in place at 31 December.  
In addition, the commodity price impact for provisionally priced contracts is based 
on the related trade receivables and trade payables at 31 December. As a 
consequence, this sensitivity analysis relates to the position as at 31 December.

The following assumptions were made in calculating the sensitivity analysis:

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

All income statement sensitivities also impact equity.
The majority of debt and other deposits are carried at amortised cost and 
therefore carrying value does not change as interest rates move.
No sensitivity is provided for interest accruals as these are based on pre-agreed 
interest rates and therefore are not susceptible to further rate changes.
Changes in the carrying value of derivatives (from movements in commodity 
prices and interest rates) designated as cash flow hedges are assumed to be 
recorded fully within equity on the grounds of materiality.
No sensitivity has been calculated on derivatives and related underlying 
instruments designated into fair value hedge relationships as these are assumed 
to materially offset one another.
All hedge relationships are assumed to be fully effective on the grounds of 
materiality.
Debt with a maturity below one year is floating rate, unless it is a long term fixed 
rate debt in its final year.
Translation of foreign subsidiaries and operations into the Group’s presentation 
currency has been excluded from the sensitivity. 

Using the above assumptions, the following tables show the illustrative effect on 
the income statement and equity that would result from reasonably possible 
changes in the relevant commodity price, foreign currency or interest rates:

The fair value of the Group’s open derivative position at 31 December (excluding 
normal purchase and sale contracts held off balance sheet), recorded within other 
financial assets (derivatives) and other financial liabilities (derivatives) is as follows:

US$ million 

Current
Cash flow hedge(1)
  Forward foreign currency contracts 
  Forward commodity contracts 
  Other 
Fair value hedge
  Forward foreign currency contracts 
  Interest rate swaps 
  Other 
Non-hedge (‘Held for trading’)(2)
  Forward foreign currency contracts 
  Cross currency swaps 
  Other 
Total current derivatives 

Non-current
Cash flow hedge(1)
  Forward foreign currency contracts 
  Forward commodity contracts 
Fair value hedge
  Interest rate swaps 
Total non-current derivatives 

2008 
Liability 

Asset 

2007
Liability

Asset 

10 
– 
– 

– 
140 
2 

114 
40 
66 
372 

(75) 
(49) 
– 

– 
– 
– 

2 
– 
11 

1 
– 
– 

(529) 
(504) 
(279) 
(1,436) 

31 
404 
86 
535 

–
(304)
–

(12)
–
–

(25)
(10)
(150)
(501)

– 
– 

4 
4 

(57) 
(4) 

– 
(61) 

– 
– 

– 
– 

–
(53)

(32)
(85)

(1)  The timing of the expected cash flows associated with these hedges is as follows:

  US$ million 
  Within one year 
  Greater than one year, less than two years 
  Greater than two years, less than five years 
  Greater than five years 

2008 
(160) 
(80) 
(11) –
– –
(251) 

2007
(289)
(61)

(350)

  The periods when these hedges are expected to impact the income statement generally follow the 
cash flow profile with the exception of hedging associated with capital projects which is included in 
the capitalised asset value and depreciated over the life of the asset. There are no material capital 
expenditure related hedges included in the above.

(2) $78 million (2007: $160 million) of derivative assets and $824 million (2007: $126 million) of 

derivative liabilities not designated as hedges and that are classified as current in accordance with 
IAS 1 are due to mature after more than one year. 

These marked to market valuations are in no way predictive of the future value  
of the hedged position, nor of the future impact on the profit of the Group. The 
valuations represent the cost of buying all hedge contracts at year end, at market 
prices and rates available at the time.

Normal purchase and normal sale contracts
Commodity based contracts that meet the scope exemption in IAS 39 (in that  
they are settled through physical delivery of the Group’s production or are used 
within the production process), are classified as normal purchase or sale contracts. 
In accordance with IAS 39 these contracts are not marked to market.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
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24.  Financial risk management and derivative financial assets/

25.  Provisions for liabilities and charges

liabilities continued

US$ million 

Commodity price sensitivities
2008
10% increase in the copper price    
10% decrease in the copper price    
10% increase in the platinum price 
10% decrease in the platinum price 
10% increase in the coal price 
10% decrease in the coal price 
2007
10% increase in the copper price    
5% decrease in the copper price 
10% increase in the platinum price 
15% decrease in the platinum price  
5% increase in the coal price 
5% decrease in the coal price 
Interest rate sensitivities
2008
25 bp increase in US interest rates 
25 bp decrease in US interest rates  
50 bp increase in South African interest rates 
50 bp decrease in South African interest rates  
2007
75 bp decrease in US interest rates 
50 bp decrease in South African interest rates  
75 bp decrease in UK interest rates 
Foreign currency sensitivities(1)
2008
+10% US$ to rand 
-10% US$ to rand 
+10% US$ to Australian dollar 
-10% US$ to Australian dollar 
+10% US$ to Brazilian real 
-10% US$ to Brazilian real 
+10% US$ to Chilean peso 
-10% US$ to Chilean peso 
2007
+5% US$ to rand 
-5% US$ to rand 
+5% US$ to Australian dollar 
-5% US$ to Australian dollar 
+5% US$ to Brazilian real 
-5% US$ to Brazilian real 
+5% US$ to Chilean peso 
-5% US$ to Chilean peso 

Income 
statement 

Equity

47 
(47) 
(9) 
9 
– 
– 

89 
(45) 
(8) 
13 
– 
– 

(6) 
6 
(11) 
11 

(2) 
10 
5 

45 
(46) 
20 
(20) 
(125) 
176 
(25) 
30 

18 
(18) 
(19) 
23 
(46) 
46 
8 
(9) 

47
(47)
(9)
9
(11)
11

66
(33)
(8)
13
(15)
15

(6)
6
(10)
10

(2)
10
5

42
(43)
19
(18)
(128)
180
(42)
51

18
(17)
(19)
23
(46)
46
8
(9)

(1)   + represents strengthening of US dollar against the respective currency.

The above sensitivities are calculated with reference to a single moment in time 
and will change due to a number of factors including:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

fluctuating trade receivable and trade payable balances;
derivative instruments and borrowings settled throughout the year; 
fluctuating cash balances; 
changes in currency mix; and 
commercial paper with short term maturities, which is regularly replaced or settled.

As the sensitivities are limited to year end financial instrument balances they do 
not take account of the Group’s sales and operating costs which are highly 
sensitive to changes in commodity prices and exchange rates. In addition, each of 
the sensitivities is calculated in isolation, while in reality commodity prices, foreign 
exchange rates and interest rates do not move independently.

US$ million 

At 1 January 2008 
Acquired through business combinations 
Disposal of businesses 
Charged to the income statement   
Capitalised 
Reclassifications 
Unwinding of discount 
Amounts applied 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 2008 

Maturity analysis of total provisions:

US$ million 

Current 
Non-current 

Environmental   Decommi- 

restoration(1)  ssioning(1) 

Other 

Total

675 
13 
(1) 
134 
– 
4 
19 
(12) 
(132) 
700 

256 
3 
– 
10 
11 
3 
14 
– 
(56) 
241 

293 
94 
– 
92 
119 
17 
– 
(33) 
(38) 
544 

1,224
110
(1)
236
130
24
33
(45)
(226)
1,485

2008 

2007

168 
   1,317 
   1,485 

142
1,082
1,224

(1)   The Group makes voluntary contributions to controlled funds to meet the cost of some of its 

decommissioning, restoration and environmental rehabilitation liabilities (see note 15).

Environmental restoration
The Group has an obligation to undertake restoration, rehabilitation and 
environmental work when environmental disturbance is caused by the 
development or ongoing production of a mining property. A provision is recognised 
for the present value of such costs. It is anticipated that these costs will be 
incurred over a period in excess of 20 years.

Decommissioning
Provision is made for the present value of costs relating to the decommissioning 
of plant or other site restoration work. It is anticipated that these costs will be 
incurred over a period in excess of 20 years.

Other
Other provisions primarily relate to cash settled share-based payments, indemnities, 
warranties and legal claims. It is anticipated that these costs will be incurred over 
a five year period.

26. Deferred tax
Deferred tax assets 

US$ million 

At 1 January 
(Charged)/credited to the income statement(1) 
(Charged)/credited to the statement of recognised income and  
expense 
Charged directly to equity 
Acquired through business combinations 
Transfer to assets held for sale 
Disposal and demerger of businesses 
Reclassifications 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 

(1)   Includes amounts in respect of discontinued operations of nil (2007: $9 million).

2008 

474 
(31) 

(57) 
(40) 
– 
(14) 
– 
(21) 
(53) 
258 

2007

372
109

30
(2)
10
–
(55)
(2)
12
474

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112

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

26. Deferred tax continued
Deferred tax liabilities

The Group had the following balances at 31 December 2007 in respect of which 
no deferred tax asset was recognised:

US$ million 

2008 

2007

   4,650 
398 

At 1 January 
Charged to the income statement(1) 
(Credited)/charged to the statement of recognised income and  
expense 
Charged directly to equity 
Acquired through business combinations 
Transfer to liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale  
Disposal and demerger of businesses 
Reclassifications 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 

(130) 
25 
798 
(28) 
(18) 
79 
   (1,219) 
   4,555 

3,687
456

150
–
904
(77)
(649)
2
177
4,650

(1)   Includes amounts in respect of discontinued operations of nil (2007: $12 million).

The amount of deferred tax provided in the accounts is as follows:

US$ million 

Deferred tax assets
Tax losses 
Other temporary differences 

Deferred tax liabilities
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation   
Fair value adjustments 
Tax losses 
Other temporary differences 

2008 

2007

13 
245 
258 

14
460
474

   2,333 
   2,201 
(117) 
138 
   4,555 

2,640
2,121
(46)
(65)
4,650

The amount of deferred tax charged/(credited) to the income statement (including 
amounts related to discontinued operations) is as follows:

US$ million 

Capital allowances in excess of depreciation   
Fair value adjustments 
Tax losses 
Other temporary differences 

2008 

2007

460 
(96) 
(18) 
83 
429 

373
(63)
(27)
64
347

The current expectation regarding the maturity of deferred tax balances is:

US$ million 

Deferred tax assets
Recoverable within 12 months 
Recoverable after 12 months 

Deferred tax liabilities
Payable within 12 months 
Payable after 12 months 

2008 

2007

62 
196 
258 

163
311
474

218 

790
   4,337  3,860
4,650
   4,555 

The Group had the following balances at 31 December 2008 in respect of which 
no deferred tax asset has been recognised:

US$ million 

Within one year 
One to five years 
After five years 
No expiry date 

Tax 
losses – 
revenue 

– 
43 
21 
2,600 
2,664 

Tax 
losses – 
capital 

– 
– 
– 
1,166 
1,166 

Other 
temporary 
differences 

– 
– 
– 
5 
5 

Total

–
43
21
3,771
3,835

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

US$ million 

Within one year 
One to five years 
After five years 
No expiry date 

Tax 
losses – 
revenue 

8 
1 
22 
2,248 
2,279 

Tax 
losses –  
 capital 

– 
– 
– 
1,430 
1,430 

Other 
temporary 
differences 

– 
– 
6 
– 
6 

Total

8
1
28
3,678
3,715

The Group also has unused tax credits of $356 million (2007: $211 million) for 
which no deferred tax asset is recognised in the balance sheet. These tax credits 
have no expiry date.

No liability has been recognised in respect of temporary differences associated with 
investments in subsidiaries, branches and associates and interests in joint ventures, 
where the Group is in a position to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary 
differences and it is probable that such differences will not reverse in the foreseeable 
future. The aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with investments 
in subsidiaries, branches and associates and interests in joint ventures, for which a 
deferred tax liability has not been recognised is $23,866 million (2007: $20,724 
million), on which tax may be payable up to $6,682 million (2007: $5,906 million).

27.  Retirement benefits
The Group operates defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans for the 
majority of its employees. It also operates post retirement medical arrangements 
in southern Africa and North America.

Defined contribution plans
The defined contribution pension and medical cost represents the actual 
contributions payable by the Group to the various plans. At 31 December 2008 
there were no material outstanding or prepaid contributions and so no accrual or 
prepayment has been disclosed in the balance sheet in relation to these plans.

The assets of the defined contribution plans are held separately in independently 
administered funds. The charge in respect of these plans is calculated on the basis  
of the contribution payable by the Group in the financial year. The charge for the 
year for defined contribution pension schemes for continuing operations was 
$134 million (2007: $157 million) and for defined contribution medical schemes 
for continuing operations was $9 million (2007: $5 million).

Defined benefit pension plans and post retirement medical plans
The majority of the defined benefit pension plans are funded. The assets of these 
plans are held separately from those of the Group, in independently administered 
funds, in accordance with statutory requirements or local practice throughout the 
world. The unfunded pension plans are principally in South America.

The post retirement medical arrangements provide health benefits to retired 
employees and certain dependants. Eligibility for cover is dependent upon certain 
criteria. The majority of these plans are unfunded.

The Group’s provision of anti-retroviral therapy to HIV positive staff has not 
significantly impacted the post retirement medical plan liability.

Independent qualified actuaries carry out full valuations every three years  
using the projected unit method. The actuaries have updated the valuations to 
31 December 2008.

The Group’s plans in respect of pension and post retirement healthcare are 
summarised as follows:

US$ million 

Africa  Americas  Europe 

Total  

Africa  Americas  Europe  

Total

   Southern 

The  

   Southern 

The 

   2008 

2007

Assets(1)
Defined benefit  
pension plans  
in surplus 

32 

– 

– 

32 

48 

– 

4 

52

(1)  Amounts are included in ‘Other non-current assets’. 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
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27.  Retirement benefits continued

Income statement
The amounts recognised in the income statement are as follows:

US$ million 

Africa  Americas  Europe 

Total  

Africa  Americas  Europe  

Total

   Southern 

The  

   Southern 

The 

   2008 

2007

Liabilities
Defined benefit  
pension plans  
in deficit 
Post retirement  
medical plans 
in deficit 

– 

(132)  (45)  (177) 

– 

(129) 

(6)  (135)

   (204) 
   (204) 

(20) 
(224) 
– 
(152)  (45)  (401) 

(277) 
(277) 

(32) 
(161) 

– 
(309)
(6)  (444)

US$ million 

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005 

2004

Defined benefit pension plans
Present value of liabilities 
Fair value of plan assets 
Net (deficit)/surplus 
Surplus restriction 
Net deficit after surplus restriction 

   (2,157)  (3,095)  (4,256)  (3,985)  (4,041)
3,479
   2,073 
(562)
(84) 
–
(61) 
(562)
(145) 

3,539 
(446) 
(107) 
(553) 

3,148 
53 
(136) 
(83) 

4,160 
(96) 
(163) 
(259) 

US$ million 

Post  
   retirement 
Pension   medical 
plans 

plans 

2008 

Total 
plans 

48 
1 

49 

Post  
   retirement 
Pension   medical 
plans 

plans 

54 
3 

57 

8 
– 

8 

2007

Total 
plans

62
3

65

43 
1 

44 

5 
– 

5 

(214) 

180 

(34) 

(1) 

(215) 

(255) 

(2) 

(257)

21 

201 

207 

22 

229

20 

(14) 

(48) 

20 

(28)

Analysis of the amount  
charged to operating profit
Current service costs 
Past service costs 
Total within operating costs – 
continuing operations 
Analysis of the amount  
charged to net finance costs
Expected return on  
plan assets(1) 
Interest costs on  
plan liabilities(2) 
Net (credit)/charge to  
net finance costs – 
continuing operations 
Total charge to the  
income statement – 
continuing operations 

Actuarial (loss)/gain on plan  
assets(1) 
Actuarial gain/(loss) on plan  
liabilities(2) 

Post retirement medical plans
Present value of liabilities 
Fair value of plan assets 
Net deficit 

Actuarial gain on plan assets(3) 
Actuarial gain/(loss) on plan  
liabilities(4)(5) 

(392) 

39 

308 

438 

163

10 

25 

35 

9 

28 

37

208 

(48) 

(156) 

(435) 

(198)

(1)  Included in ‘Investment income’.

(2) Included in ‘Interest expense’.

(241) 
17 
(224) 

(329) 
20 
(309) 

(422) 
16 
(406) 

(650) 
22 
(628) 

(654)
15
(639)

Actuarial assumptions
The principal assumptions used to determine the actuarial present value of benefit 
obligations and pension charges and credits under IAS 19 are detailed below (shown 
as weighted averages):

1 

1 

– 

– 

–

% 

Southern 

The  
Africa  Americas  

   Southern 

The 
Africa   Americas 

Europe  

2008 

2007

Europe

16 

(29) 

15 

(67) 

(22)

(1)  Net experience losses on pension plan assets were $392 million (2007: gains of $32 million; 2006: 

gains of $314 million).

(2) Net experience losses on pension plan liabilities were $29 million (2007: $112 million; 2006: 

$113 million).

(3) Net experience gains on medical plan assets were $1 million (2007: losses of $1 million; 2006: 

losses of $1 million).

(4) Net experience losses on medical plan liabilities were $7 million (2007: $4 million; 2006: gains of 

$36 million).

(5) Includes actuarial gains of $11 million due to a change in modelling methodology.

Cumulative net actuarial losses recognised in the Consolidated statement of 
recognised income and expense are $292 million (2007: $163 million; 2006: 
$126 million; 2005: $228 million; 2004: $57 million).

The market value of assets was used to determine the funding level of the 
plans. The market value of the assets of the funded plans was sufficient to cover 
101% (2007: 105%) of the benefits that had accrued to members after allowing 
for expected increases in future earnings and pensions. Companies within the 
Group are paying contributions as required in accordance with local actuarial 
advice. As the majority of the defined benefit pension plans are closed to new 
members, it is expected that contributions (in local currency) will increase as 
the members age.

The actual return on plan assets in respect of defined benefit pension schemes for 
continuing and discontinued operations was a loss of $178 million (2007: gain of 
$307 million).

Defined benefit pension plans
Average discount rate for 
plan liabilities 
Average rate of inflation 
Average rate of increase  
in salaries 
Average rate of increase  
of pensions in payment 
Average long term rate  
of return on plan assets(1) 
Post retirement medical plans
Average discount rate for 
plan liabilities 
Average rate of inflation 
Expected average increase  
in healthcare costs 

7.3 
4.0 

8.6 
3.7 

6.0 
2.7 

8.2 
5.5 

7.5 
3.6 

5.7
3.4

5.3 

5.4 

2.7 

6.8 

4.5 

3.5

4.0 

3.2 

2.8 

5.5 

1.8 

3.4

7.6 

11.3 

5.9 

8.5 

10.6 

6.8

7.3 
4.0 

7.1 
0.5 

n/a 
n/a 

8.0 
5.3 

5.5 
2.6 

n/a
n/a

5.4 

3.8 

n/a 

6.8 

4.4 

n/a

(1)  The long term expected return on plan assets has been set with reference to current market yields  
on government and corporate bonds and expected equity bond-outperformance in the relevant 
jurisdictions. The expected return on cash assets has been set with reference to expected bank base 
rates. The overall long term expected rate of return for each class is weighted by the asset allocation 
to the class at the balance sheet date. 

Mortality assumptions are determined based on standard mortality tables with 
adjustments, as appropriate, to reflect experience of conditions locally. In southern 
Africa, the PA90 tables (2007: the SA85-90 and the PA90 tables) are used. The 
main schemes in Europe use the PXA00 tables (2007: PA92 tables). The main 
schemes in the Americas use the RV2004, AT83 and UP24 tables (2007: RV2004, 
AT83 and GAM94 tables). The mortality tables used imply that a male or female 
aged 60 at the balance sheet date has the following future life expectancy:

Years   

Southern Africa 
The Americas 
Europe 

2008 

20.5 
22.4 
25.7 

Male 
2007 

20.3 
22.0 
25.3 

2008 

25.5 
26.5 
28.1 

Female
2007

25.2
26.1
26.8

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Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

27.  Retirement benefits continued
The market value of the pension assets in defined benefit pension plans and long term expected rate of return as at 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2007 are 
as follows:

At 31 December 2008
Equity 
Bonds 
Other 
Fair value of pension plan assets    
Present value of unfunded obligations 
Present value of funded obligations 
Present value of pension plan liabilities 
Net surplus/(deficit) in pension plans 
Surplus restriction related to pension plans    
Recognised pension plan assets/(liabilities) 
Amounts in the balance sheet
Pension assets 
Pension liabilities 

At 31 December 2007
Equity 
Bonds 
Other 
Fair value of pension plan assets    
Present value of unfunded obligations 
Present value of funded obligations 
Present value of pension plan liabilities 
Net surplus/(deficit) in pension plans 
Surplus restriction related to pension plans    
Recognised pension plan assets/(liabilities)   
Amounts in the balance sheet
Pension assets 
Pension liabilities 

Rate of  
return 
% 

10.5 
11.7 
8.9 

10.7 
10.8 
7.8 

   Southern Africa 
Fair value 
US$  
million 

Rate of  
return 
% 

10.0 
6.6 
5.2 

11.0 
7.6 
7.1 

231 
422 
42 
695 
– 
(602) 
(602) 
93 
(61) 
32 

32 
– 
32 

273 
654 
54 
981 
– 
(853) 
(853) 
128 
(80) 

48 

(129) 

48 
– 
48 

The Americas 
Fair value 
US$ 
million 

49 
137 
7 
193 
(102) 
(223) 
(325) 
(132) 
– 
(132) 

– 
(132) 
(132) 

68 
167 
10 
245 
(105) 
(269) 
(374) 
(129) 
– 

– 
(129) 
(129) 

Rate of  
return 
% 

7.4 
5.2 
2.7 

8.1 
5.2 
5.5 

(2) 

Europe 
Fair value 
US$  
million 

Total
Fair value 
US$ 
million

568 
427 
190 
1,185 
(6) 
(1,224) 
(1,230) 
(45) 
– 
(45) 

– 
(45) 
(45) 

1,021 
568 
333 
1,922 
(4) 
(1,864) 
(1,868) 
54 
(56) 
(83)

848
986
239
2,073
(108)
(2,049)
(2,157)
(84)
(61)
(145)

32
(177)
(145)

1,362
1,389
397
3,148
(109)
(2,986)
(3,095)
53
(136)

4 
(6) 
(2) 

52
(135)
(83)

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
115

27.  Retirement benefits continued
Movement analysis
The changes in the present value of defined benefit obligations are as follows:

28. Called-up share capital and share-based payments
Called-up share capital

US$ million 

At 1 January 
Current service costs(1) 
Acquisition, disposal 
and demerger  
of businesses 
Past service costs and  
effects of settlements  
and curtailments(2) 
Interest costs(3) 
Actuarial gains/(losses) 
Benefits paid 
Contributions paid by  
other members 
Reclassifications 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 

Post  
   retirement 
Pension   medical 
plans 

plans 

2008 

Total 
plans 

Post  
   retirement 
Pension   medical 
plans 

plans 

2007

Total 
plans

(3,095) 
(43) 

(329)  (3,424)  (4,256) 
(57) 
(48) 

(5) 

(422)  (4,678)
(66)

(9) 

– 

– 

– 

1,442 

150 

1,592

(1) 
(180) 
208 
145 

– 
(21) 
16 
16 

(1) 
(201) 
224 
161 

(1) 
(220) 
(48) 
137 

– 
(25) 
(29) 
18 

(1)
(245)
(77)
155

(9) 
– 
818 
(2,157) 

(3) 
– 
85 

(7) 
(12) 
(2) 
– 
903 
(83) 
(241)  (2,398)  (3,095) 

(2) 
– 
(10) 

(9)
(2)
(93)
(329)  (3,424)

(1)   Includes nil (2007: $3 million) for pension plans and nil (2007: $1 million) for post retirement medical 

plans in respect of discontinued operations.

(2)  Includes nil (2007: a gain of $2 million) for pension plans in respect of discontinued operations.

(3)  Includes nil (2007: $13 million) for pension plans and nil (2007: $3 million) for post retirement 

medical plans in respect of discontinued operations.

The changes in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:

US$ million 

At 1 January 
Expected return(1) 
Actuarial (losses)/gains 
Acquisition, disposal  
and demerger  
of businesses 
Contributions paid  
by employer 
Contributions paid  
by other members 
Benefits paid 
Reclassifications 
Currency movements 
At 31 December 

Post  
   retirement 
Pension   medical 
plans 

plans 

2008 

Total 
plans 

Post  
   retirement 
Pension   medical 
plans 

plans 

3,148 
214 
(392) 

20 
1 
1 

3,168 
215 
(391) 

4,160 
268 
39 

16 
2 
1 

2007

Total 
plans

4,176
270
40

– 

– 

– 

(1,329) 

– 

(1,329)

50 

11 

61 

69 

16 

85

9 
(145) 
– 
(811) 
2,073 

14 
5 
(161) 
(16) 
– 
– 
(5) 
(816) 
17  2,090 

7 
(137) 
2 
69 
3,148 

2 
(18) 
– 
1 
20 

9
(155)
2
70
3,168

(1)   Includes nil (2007: $13 million) for pension plans in respect of discontinued operations.

Assumed healthcare trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts 
recognised in the income statement. A 1% change in assumed healthcare cost 
trend rates would have the following effects:

2008 
Number of shares  US$ million 

2007
Number of shares  US$ million

Authorised:
5% cumulative preference  
shares of £1 each 
Ordinary shares of  
5486/91 US cents each     1,820,000,000 

50,000 

– 

50,000 

–

1,000  1,820,000,000 
1,000 

1,000
1,000

Called-up, allotted and fully paid:
5% cumulative preference  
shares of £1 each 
Ordinary shares of  
5486/91 US cents each:    
At 1 January 
Share consolidation 
Treasury share  
cancellation 
Other 
At 31 December 

   1,342,911,897 
– 

– 
7,123 
   1,342,919,020 

50,000 

– 

50,000 

–

738  1,541,653,607 
(138,749,193) 

– 

– 
– 

(60,000,050) 
7,533 
738  1,342,911,897 

771
–

(33)
– 
738

During 2008 7,123 ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents each were allotted to 
certain non-executive directors by subscription of their after tax directors’ fees 
(2007: 4,143 ordinary shares of 50 US cents each and 3,390 ordinary shares of 
5486/91 US cents each).

In 2008 5,649,992 ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents each were purchased by 
the Company and held in treasury (2007: 27,073,161 ordinary shares of 50 US 
cents each and 14,631,542 ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents each). Excluding 
shares held in treasury (but including the shares held by the Group in other 
structures, as outlined in the Tenon and Employee benefit trust sections below) 
the number of called-up, allotted and fully paid ordinary shares as at 31 December 
2008 was 1,316,485,510; $723 million (2007: 1,322,128,379; $726 million).

On 20 June 2007 the Company cancelled 50 ordinary shares of 50 US cents  
each previously held in treasury. On 3 August 2007 the Company cancelled 
60,000,000 ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents previously held in treasury.  
As at 31 December 2008 the Company held 26,433,510 ordinary shares of 
5486/91 US cents in treasury (2007: 20,783,518 ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents).

Following the demerger of Mondi on 2 July 2007, a share consolidation became 
effective with the result that for every 100 existing ordinary shares of 50 US cents 
each, shareholders received 91 new ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents each. This 
resulted in a reduction in the number of ordinary shares held of 138,749,193.

At general meetings, every member who is present in person has one vote on a 
show of hands and, on a poll, every member who is present in person or by proxy 
has one vote for every ordinary share held.

In the event of winding up, the holders of the cumulative preference shares will be 
entitled to the repayment of a sum equal to the nominal capital paid up, or credited 
as paid up, on the cumulative preference shares held by them and any accrued 
dividend, whether such dividend has been earned or declared or not, calculated 
up to the date of the winding up.

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US$ million 

Effect on the sum of service costs and  
interest costs 
Effect on defined benefit obligations 

1% increase 
2007 

2008 

1% decrease
2007

2008 

No ordinary shares were allotted on exercise of employee share option plans 
(2007: nil).

3 
28 

4 
39 

(3) 
(26) 

(2)
(22)

The Group expects to contribute approximately $39 million to its defined benefit 
pension plans and $20 million to its post retirement medical plans in 2009.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
116

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

28. Called-up share capital and share-based payments continued
Tenon
Tenon Investment Holdings (Pty) Limited (Tenon), a wholly owned subsidiary of 
Anglo American South Africa Limited (AASA), has entered into agreements with 
Epoch Investment Holdings Limited (Epoch), Epoch Two Investment Holdings 
Limited (Epoch Two) and Tarl Investments Holdings Limited (Tarl) (collectively the 
Investment Companies), each owned by independent charitable trusts whose 
trustees are independent of the Group. Under the terms of these agreements, the 
Investment Companies have purchased Anglo American plc shares on the market 
and have granted to Tenon the right to nominate a third party (which may include 
Anglo American plc but not any of its subsidiaries) to take transfer of the Anglo 
American plc shares each has purchased on the market. Tenon paid the Investment 
Companies 80% of the cost of the Anglo American plc shares including associated 
costs for this right to nominate which together with subscriptions by Tenon for 
non-voting participating redeemable preference shares in the Investment 
Companies provide all the funding required to acquire the Anglo American plc 
shares through the market. These payments by Tenon are sourced from the cash 
resources of AASA. Tenon is able to exercise its right of nomination at any time up 
to 31 December 2025 against payment of an average amount of $5.83 per share 
to Epoch, $9.07 per share to Epoch Two and $7.53 per share to Tarl which will be 
equal to 20% of the total costs respectively incurred by Epoch, Epoch Two and Tarl 
in purchasing shares nominated for transfer to the third party. These funds will 
then become available for redemption of the preference shares issued by the 
Investment Companies. The amount payable by the third party on receipt of the 
Anglo American plc shares will accrue to Tenon and, in accordance with paragraph 
33 of IAS 32, any resulting gain or loss recorded by Tenon will not be recognised in 
the income statement of Anglo American plc.

Under the agreements, the Investment Companies will receive dividends on the 
shares they hold and have agreed to waive the right to vote those shares. The 
preference shares issued to the charitable trusts are entitled to a participating right 
of up to 10% of the profit after tax of Epoch and 5% of the profit after tax of Epoch 
Two and Tarl. The preference shares issued to Tenon will carry a fixed coupon of 
3% plus a participating right of up to 80% of the profit after tax of Epoch and 85% 
of the profit after tax of Epoch Two and Tarl. Any remaining distributable earnings 
in the Investment Companies, after the above dividends, are then available for 
distribution as ordinary dividends to the charitable trusts.

The structure effectively provides Tenon with a beneficial interest in the price risk 
on these shares together with a participation in future dividend receipts. The 
Investment Companies will retain legal title to the shares until Tenon exercises its 
right to nominate a transferee.

At 31 December 2008 the Investment Companies together held 112,300,129 
(2007: 106,356,408) Anglo American plc shares with a market value of $2,511 
million (2007: $6,521 million) which represented 9% (2007: 8%) of the ordinary 
shares in issue (excluding treasury shares). The Investment Companies are not 
permitted to hold more than an aggregate of 10% of the issued share capital of 
Anglo American plc at any one time.

Although the Group has no voting rights in the Investment Companies and cannot 
appoint or remove trustees of the charitable trusts, the Investment Companies 
meet the accounting definition of a subsidiary in accordance with IAS 27 
Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements. As a result, the Investment 
Companies are consolidated in accordance with the definitions of IAS 27 and the 
principles set out in SIC 12 Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities.

Employee benefit trust
The provision of shares to certain of the Company’s share option and share 
incentive schemes is facilitated by an employee benefit trust. During 2008 
5,248,591 (2007: 9,007,694) shares were sold to employees on exercise of  
their options, and provisional allocations were made to options already awarded. 
The cost of shares purchased by the trust is presented against retained earnings. 
The employee benefit trust has waived the right to receive dividends on these 
shares although the waiver was temporarily suspended in respect of the Mondi 
demerger dividend in specie. Immediately after the dividend was paid, the waiver 
was reinstated.

The market value of the 4,445,244 shares (2007: 9,693,835 shares) held by the 
trust at 31 December 2008 was $99 million (2007: $594 million). 

The costs of operating the trust are borne by the Group but are not material.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

117

4

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28. Called-up share capital and share-based payments continued
Share-based payments
During the year ended 31 December 2008, the Group had six share-based payment arrangements with employees, the details of which are described in the remuneration 
report. All of the Group’s schemes are equity settled, either by award of options to acquire ordinary shares (ESOS, SAYE and former AAC Executive Share Incentive 
Scheme) or award of ordinary shares (BSP, LTIP and SIP). The ESOS and former AAC Executive Share Incentive Scheme are now closed to new participants, having been 
replaced with the BSP. 

The total share-based payment charge for continuing operations relating to Anglo American plc shares for the year was made up as follows:

US$ million 

ESOS 
BSP 
LTIP 
Other schemes 

2008 

2007

– 3

50 
53 

9 7

112 

41
43

94

The fair values of options granted under the ESOS and SAYE schemes, being the more material option schemes, were calculated using a Black Scholes model. No ESOS 
awards were granted in 2008 or 2007. The assumptions used in these calculations for the current and prior years are set out in the tables below:

Arrangement 

Date of grant    
Number of instruments 
Exercise price (£) 
Share price at the date of grant (£) 
Contractual life (years) 
Vesting conditions(2) 
Expected volatility 
Expected option life (years) 
Risk free interest rate 
Expected departures 
Expected outcome of meeting performance criteria (at date of grant)   
Fair value per option granted (weighted average) (£)    

2008 
SAYE(1) 

2007 
SAYE(1)

24/04/08 
307,297 
24.16 
30.20 
3.5-7.5 
3-7 
35% 
3.5-7.5 
4.6% 
5%pa 
n/a 
13.32 

26/04/07
315,716
21.42
26.78
3.5-7.5
3-7
30%
3.5-7.5
5.2%
5%pa
n/a
8.68

The fair value of ordinary shares awarded under the BSP and LTIP – ROCE, being the more material share schemes, was calculated using a Black Scholes model. The fair 
value of shares awarded under the LTIP – TSR scheme was calculated using a Monte Carlo model. The assumptions used in these calculations for the current and prior 
years are set out in the tables below:

Arrangement 

Date of grant    
Number of instruments 
Exercise price (£) 
Share price at the date of grant (£) 
Contractual life (years) 
Vesting conditions 
Expected volatility 
Expected option life (years) 
Risk free interest rate 
Expected departures 
Expected outcome of meeting performance criteria (at date of grant)   
Fair value per option granted (weighted average) (£)    

BSP(1) 

LTIP – ROCE(1) 

LTIP – TSR(1) 

BSP(1) 

LTIP – ROCE(1) 

LTIP – TSR(1)

2008 

2007

29/02/08 
   1,690,350 
– 
28.21 
3 
(3) 

17/03/08 
795,465 
– 
31.35 
3 
(4) 

35% 
3 
4.0% 
5%pa 
44-100% 
31.22 

35% 
3 
3.7% 
5%pa 
100% 
26.93 

17/03/08 
795,465 
– 
31.35 
3 
(5) 
35% 
3 
3.7% 
5%pa 
n/a 
19.69 

09/03/07 
1,642,336 
– 
24.73 
3 
(3) 

30% 
3 
5.1% 
5%pa 
44-100% 
24.67 

23/03/07 
841,211 
– 
24.63 
3 
(4) 

23/03/07
841,211
–
24.63
3
(5)

30% 
3 
5.2% 
5%pa 
100% 
23.96 

30%
3
5.2%
5%pa
n/a
18.34

(1)   The number of instruments used in the fair value models differs to the total number of instruments awarded in the year due to awards made subsequent to the fair value calculations taking place. The fair value 

calculated per the assumptions above has been applied to the total number of awards. The difference in income statement charge is not considered significant.

(2) Number of years continuous employment.

(3) Three years continuous employment with enhancement shares having variable vesting based on non-market based performance conditions.

(4) Variable vesting dependent on three years continuous employment and Group ROCE target being achieved.

(5) Variable vesting dependent on three years continuous employment and market based performance conditions being achieved.

The expected volatility is based on historic volatility over the last five years. The expected life is the average expected period to exercise. The risk free rate of return is the 
yield on zero-coupon UK government bonds with a term similar to the expected life of the option.

The charges arising in respect of the other employee share schemes that the Group operated during the year are not considered material.

A progressive dividend growth policy has been assumed in all fair value calculations.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
118

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

28. Called-up share capital and share-based payments continued
A reconciliation of option movements for the more significant share-based payment arrangements over the year to 31 December 2008 and the prior year is shown below. 
All options outstanding at 31 December 2008 with an exercise date on or prior to 31 December 2008 are deemed exercisable. Options were exercised regularly during the 
year and the weighted average share price for the year ended 31 December 2008 was £25.99 (2007: £29.09).

Executive Share Option Scheme(1)
Options to acquire ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents were outstanding under the terms of this scheme as follows:

Option price  
per share £ 

Options 
outstanding 
1 Jan 2008 

Options 
exercised 
in year 

Options 
forfeited 
in year 

Options 
outstanding 
31 Dec 2008

6.98 
8.00 
7.66 
10.19 
10.03 
8.00 
11.50 
8.05 
9.28 
11.41 
13.43 
11.52 
12.73 
12.12 
14.40 
13.94 

772,256 
29,000 
1,056,732 
15,000 
1,251,064 
26,750 
1,298,242 
11,000 
2,350,685 
32,937 
2,641,345 
84,373 
11,147 
37,579 
18,000 
5,500 
   9,641,610 

(247,973) 
– 
(267,610) 
(8,944) 
(211,600) 
– 
(220,781) 
– 
(417,174) 
(9,437) 
(540,912) 
(23,064) 
(2,356) 
– 
– 
(2,750) 
(1,952,601) 

(9,950) 
(22,000) 
(73,000) 
(3,000) 
(159,844) 
(3,000) 
(133,600) 
(4,000) 

514,333
7,000
716,122
3,056
879,620
23,750
943,861
7,000
(170,500)  1,763,011
22,500
(173,266)  1,927,167
57,309
8,791
37,579
18,000
2,750
(757,160)  6,931,849

(4,000) 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(1,000) 

Option price  
per share £ 

Options 
outstanding 
1 Jan 2007 

Options 
exercised 
in year 

Options 
forfeited 
in year 

Options 
outstanding 
31 Dec 2007

6.98 
8.00 
7.66 
7.66 
10.19 
10.03 
8.00 
11.50 
8.05 
9.28 
11.41 
10.81 
13.43 
11.52 
12.73 
12.12 
14.40 
13.94 

1,076,806 
38,000 
1,446,216 
5,000 
29,000 
1,745,658 
26,750 
1,848,700 
11,000 
4,022,398 
59,760 
10,000 
6,796,976 
194,322 
11,147 
37,579 
18,000 
5,500 
   17,382,812 

(288,550) 
(9,000) 
(368,400) 
(5,000) 
(14,000) 
(430,250) 
– 
(451,295) 
– 
(1,420,359) 
(21,823) 
(10,000) 
(3,955,583) 
(87,949) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(7,062,209) 

– 

– 

– 
– 

(16,000) 
– 

772,256
29,000
(21,084)  1,056,732
–
15,000
(64,344)  1,251,064
26,750
(99,163)  1,298,242
11,000
(251,354)  2,350,685
32,937
–
(200,048)  2,641,345
84,373
11,147
37,579
18,000
5,500
(678,993)  9,641,610

(22,000) 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(5,000) 
– 

At 31 December 2008

Year of 
grant    

1999 
1999 
2000 
2000 
2001 
2001 
2002 
2002 
2003 
2003 
2004 
2004 
2004 
2005 
2005 
2005 

Date exercisable 

24 June 2002 to 23 June 2009 
19 October 2002 to 18 October 2009   
23 March 2003 to 22 March 2010 
12 September 2003 to 11 September 2010 
2 April 2004 to 1 April 2011   
13 September 2004 to 12 September 2011 
18 March 2005 to 17 March 2012 
13 September 2005 to 12 September 2012 
5 March 2006 to 4 March 2013 
13 August 2006 to 12 August 2013 
1 March 2007 to 28 February 2014 
10 August 2007 to 9 August 2014 
29 November 2007 to 28 November 2014 
6 January 2008 to 4 January 2015 
1 August 2008 to 31 July 2015 
19 August 2008 to 18 August 2015 

At 31 December 2007

Year of 
grant    

1999 
1999 
2000 
2000 
2000 
2001 
2001 
2002 
2002 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2004 
2004 
2004 
2005 
2005 
2005 

Date exercisable 

24 June 2002 to 23 June 2009 
19 October 2002 to 18 October 2009   
23 March 2003 to 22 March 2010 
26 June 2003 to 25 June 2010 
12 September 2003 to 11 September 2010 
2 April 2004 to 1 April 2011   
13 September 2004 to 12 September 2011 
18 March 2005 to 17 March 2012 
13 September 2005 to 12 September 2012 
5 March 2006 to 4 March 2013 
13 August 2006 to 12 August 2013 
1 October 2006 to 30 September 2013 
1 March 2007 to 28 February 2014 
10 August 2007 to 9 August 2014 
29 November 2007 to 28 November 2014 
6 January 2008 to 4 January 2015 
1 August 2008 to 31 July 2015 
19 August 2008 to 18 August 2015 

See page 121 for footnote.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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28. Called-up share capital and share-based payments continued
SAYE Share Option Scheme(1)
Options to acquire ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents were outstanding under the terms of this scheme as follows:

At 31 December 2008

Year of 
grant   

2000 
2001 
2002 
2002 
2003 
2003 
2004 
2004 
2004 
2005 
2005 
2005 
2006 
2006 
2006 
2007 
2007 
2007 
2008 
2008 
2008 

Date exercisable 

1 July 2007 to 31 December 2007 
1 July 2008 to 31 December 2008 
1 September 2007 to 29 February 2008 
1 September 2009 to 28 February 2010 
1 September 2008 to 28 February 2009 
1 September 2010 to 28 February 2011 
1 September 2007 to 29 February 2008 
1 September 2009 to 28 February 2010 
1 September 2011 to 29 February 2012 
1 September 2008 to 28 February 2009 
1 September 2010 to 28 February 2011 
1 September 2012 to 28 February 2013 
1 September 2009 to 28 February 2010 
1 September 2011 to 29 February 2012 
1 September 2013 to 28 February 2014 
1 September 2010 to 28 February 2011 
1 September 2012 to 28 February 2013 
1 September 2014 to 28 February 2015 
1 September 2011 to 29 February 2012 
1 September 2013 to 28 February 2014 
1 September 2015 to 29 February 2016 

At 31 December 2007

Year of 
grant   

1999 
2000 
2001 
2001 
2002 
2002 
2003 
2003 
2003 
2004 
2004 
2004 
2005 
2005 
2005 
2006 
2006 
2006 
2007 
2007 
2007 

Date exercisable 

1 September 2006 to 28 February 2007 
1 July 2007 to 31 December 2007 
1 July 2006 to 31 December 2006 
1 July 2008 to 31 December 2008 
1 September 2007 to 29 February 2008 
1 September 2009 to 28 February 2010 
1 September 2006 to 28 February 2007 
1 September 2008 to 28 February 2009 
1 September 2010 to 28 February 2011 
1 September 2007 to 29 February 2008 
1 September 2009 to 28 February 2010 
1 September 2011 to 29 February 2012 
1 September 2008 to 28 February 2009 
1 September 2010 to 28 February 2011 
1 September 2012 to 28 February 2013 
1 September 2009 to 28 February 2010 
1 September 2011 to 29 February 2012 
1 September 2013 to 28 February 2014 
1 September 2010 to 28 February 2011 
1 September 2012 to 28 February 2013 
1 September 2014 to 28 February 2015 

See page 121 for footnote.

Option price  
per share £ 

Options 
outstanding 
1 Jan 2008 

4.85 
8.45 
9.23 
9.23 
7.52 
7.52 
10.81 
10.81 
10.81 
10.15 
10.15 
10.15 
17.97 
17.97 
17.97 
21.42 
21.42 
21.42 
24.16 
24.16 
24.16 

5,528 
36,294 
2,648 
24,738 
152,728 
40,908 
2,506 
72,162 
18,324 
275,727 
254,714 
48,059 
208,452 
122,114 
34,021 
178,172 
86,324 
36,918 
– 
– 
– 
   1,600,337 

Option price  
per share £ 

Options 
outstanding 
1 Jan 2007 

6.38 
4.85 
8.45 
8.45 
9.23 
9.23 
7.52 
7.52 
7.52 
10.81 
10.81 
10.81 
10.15 
10.15 
10.15 
17.97 
17.97 
17.97 
21.42 
21.42 
21.42 

1,728 
330,023 
1,531 
45,037 
105,884 
33,704 
6,940 
176,698 
49,827 
167,708 
92,595 
24,050 
323,567 
288,080 
60,555 
265,498 
146,950 
47,708 
– 
– 
– 
   2,168,083 

Options 
granted 
in year 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
194,711 
76,937 
35,649 
307,297 

Options 
granted 
in year 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
185,798 
90,656 
39,262 
315,716 

Options 
exercised 
in year 

– 
(35,392) 
(429) 
(333) 
(147,206) 
– 
(2,089) 
(1,441) 
– 
(262,405) 
(7,419) 
(162) 
(2,459) 
(288) 
(133) 
(501) 
(64) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(460,321) 

Options 
exercised 
in year 

(1,728) 
(324,172) 
(319) 
(7,792) 
(102,187) 
(7,544) 
(5,776) 
(16,963) 
(6,488) 
(160,787) 
(9,239) 
(1,588) 
(22,208) 
(8,936) 
(4,079) 
(9,868) 
(2,911) 
(1,798) 
(65) 
– 
– 
(694,448) 

Options 
forfeited 
in year 

Options 
outstanding 
31 Dec 2008

(5,528) 
(32) 
(2,219) 
(56) 
(1,333) 
– 
(417) 
(1,426) 
(195) 
(5,589) 
(9,924) 
(4,837) 
(36,051) 
(16,688) 
(5,189) 
(40,556) 
(14,174) 
(5,927) 
(26,486) 
(7,706) 
(3,271) 

–
870
–
24,349
4,189
40,908
–
69,295
18,129
7,733
237,371
43,060
169,942
105,138
28,699
137,115
72,086
30,991
168,225
69,231
32,378
(187,604)  1,259,709

Options 
forfeited 
in year 

Options 
outstanding 
31 Dec 2007

– 
(323) 
(1,212) 
(951) 
(1,049) 
(1,422) 
(1,164) 
(7,007) 
(2,431) 
(4,415) 
(11,194) 
(4,138) 
(25,632) 
(24,430) 
(8,417) 
(47,178) 
(21,925) 
(11,889) 
(7,561) 
(4,332) 
(2,344) 

–
5,528
–
36,294
2,648
24,738
–
152,728
40,908
2,506
72,162
18,324
275,727
254,714
48,059
208,452
122,114
34,021
178,172
86,324
36,918
(189,014)  1,600,337

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
120

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

28. Called-up share capital and share-based payments continued
Former AAC Executive Share Incentive Scheme(1)

At 31 December 2008

Year of 
grant    

1998 
1999 

Date exercisable 

1 January 2000 to 4 December 2008    
4 January 2001 to 4 January 2009 

At 31 December 2007

Year of 
grant    

Date exercisable 

1990-1997  1 January 1999 to 15 December 2007    
1 January 2000 to 4 December 2008    
1998 
4 January 2001 to 4 January 2009 
1999 

See following page for footnote.

  Weighted average  
option price  
per share £ 

Options 
outstanding 
1 Jan 2008 

– 
– 

679,800 
38,700 
718,500 

Options 
exercised 
in year 

(587,560) 
(33,900) 
(621,460) 

Options 
expired 
in year 

Options 
outstanding 
31 Dec 2008

(92,240) 
(4,800) 
(97,040) 

–
–
–

  Weighted average  
option price  
per share £ 

Options 
outstanding 
1 Jan 2007 

Options 
exercised 
in year 

Options 
outstanding 
31 Dec 2007

– 
3.37 
2.94 

49,800 
2,636,080 
95,500 
   2,781,380 

(49,800) 
(1,956,280) 
(56,800) 
(2,062,880) 

–
679,800
38,700
718,500

Long Term Incentive Plan(1)(2)
Ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents may be awarded for no consideration under the terms of this scheme. The number of shares outstanding is shown below:

Shares 
Shares 
conditionally 
outstanding 
1 Jan 2008  awarded in year 

Shares 
vested 
in year 

Shares 
forfeited 
in year 

Shares 
outstanding 
31 Dec 2008

   1,806,992 
61,993 
   1,423,723 
   1,760,571 
– 
– 
   5,053,279 

– 
– 
– 
– 
1,623,929 
83,200 
1,707,129 

(1,563,495) 
(61,993) 
(14,375) 
(5,526) 
– 
– 
(1,645,389) 

(243,497) 
– 

–
–
(207,316)  1,202,032
(150,100)  1,604,945
(47,911)  1,576,018
83,200
(648,824)  4,466,195

– 

Shares 
Shares 
outstanding 
conditionally 
1 Jan 2007  awarded in year 

Shares 
vested 
in year 

118,901 
1,572,479 
170,323 
10,000 
2,058,193 
61,993 
   1,492,252 
– 
   5,484,141 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1,766,921 
1,766,921 

(116,351) 
(738,356) 
(79,975) 
(10,000) 
(233,001) 
– 
(31,618) 
– 
(1,209,301) 

Shares 
forfeited 
in year 

– 
(834,123) 
(90,348) 
– 
(18,200) 
– 
(36,911) 
(6,350) 
(985,932) 

Shares 
expired 
in year 

Shares 
outstanding 
31 Dec 2007

(2,550) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

–
–
–
–
1,806,992
61,993
1,423,723
1,760,571
(2,550)  5,053,279

At 31 December 2008

Year of 
grant    

2005 
2005 
2006 
2007 
2008 
2008 

Vesting date 

2 April 2008 
1 June 2008 
29 March 2009 
23 March 2010 
17 March 2011 
18 August 2011 

At 31 December 2007

Year of 
grant   

2003 
2004 
2004 
2004 
2005 
2005 
2006 
2007 

Date exercisable/Vesting date 

11 April 2006 to 10 April 2007 
25 March 2007 
26 April 2007 
1 September 2007   
2 April 2008 
1 June 2008  
29 March 2009 
23 March 2010 

See following page for footnotes.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
28. Called-up share capital and share-based payments continued
Bonus Share Plan(3)
Ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents may be awarded under the terms of this scheme for no consideration. The number of shares outstanding is shown below:

At 31 December 2008

Year of 
grant   

2004 
2005 
2006 
2007 
2008 

Performance period end date 

31 December 2006   
31 December 2007   
31 December 2008   
31 December 2009   
31 December 2010   

At 31 December 2007

Year of 
grant   

2004 
2005 
2006 
2007 

Performance period end date 

31 December 2006   
31 December 2007   
31 December 2008   
31 December 2009   

Shares 
Shares 
outstanding 
conditionally  
1 Jan 2008  awarded in year 

Shares 
vested 
in year 

Shares 
forfeited 
in year 

Shares 
outstanding 
31 Dec 2008

5,684 
   1,847,813 
   1,424,558 
   1,544,288 
– 
   4,822,343 

– 
– 
– 
– 
1,701,688 
1,701,688 

(5,684) 
(1,709,848) 
(75,498) 
(54,786) 
(28,623) 
(1,874,439) 

–
– 
(137,139) 
826
(78,916)  1,270,144
(92,889)  1,396,613
(50,614)  1,622,451
(359,558)  4,290,034

Shares 
Shares 
outstanding 
conditionally  
1 Jan 2007  awarded in year 

Shares 
vested 
in year 

Shares 
forfeited 
in year 

Shares 
outstanding 
31 Dec 2007

459,737 
   2,293,706 
   1,815,462 
– 
   4,568,905 

– 
– 
– 
1,643,559 
1,643,559 

(454,053) 
(381,423) 
(283,839) 
(81,808) 
(1,201,123) 

– 

5,684
(64,470)  1,847,813
(107,065)  1,424,558
(17,463)  1,544,288
(188,998)  4,822,343

Share Incentive Plan
Ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents may be awarded under the terms of this scheme for no consideration. The number of shares outstanding is shown below:

Share Incentive Plan 

Awards outstanding 
at 31 Dec 2008 

968,341 

Awards outstanding  
at 31 Dec 2007 

Latest release date

921,574 

7 December 2011

(1)  The early exercise of share options is permitted at the discretion of the Company upon the termination of employment, ill health or death.

(2) The LTIP awards are contingent on pre-established performance criteria being met. Further information in respect of this scheme is shown in the Remuneration report.

(3)  The BSP was approved by shareholders in 2004 as a replacement for the ESOS and the Deferred Bonus Plan. Further information in respect of the BSP, including performance conditions, is shown in the 

Remuneration report.

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Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
122

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

29.  Reconciliation of changes in equity

US$ million 

Balance at 1 January 2007 
Total recognised income and expense 
Dividends paid 
Dividends paid to minority interests 
Dividend in specie relating to Mondi demerger 
Acquisition, disposal and demerger of businesses 
Issue of shares to minority interests 
Group reinvestment of dividends in Anglo Platinum 
Minority conversion of Anglo Platinum’s preference shares 
Exercise of share options in Anglo Platinum   
Share buybacks 
Purchase of shares for share schemes 
Share-based payment charges on equity settled schemes 
Issue of shares under employee share schemes 
Current tax on exercised employee share schemes 
Cancellation of treasury shares 
IFRS 2 charges arising on BBBEE and BEE transactions   
Other 
Balance at 1 January 2008 
Total recognised income and expense 
Dividends paid 
Dividends paid to minority interests 
Acquisition and disposal of businesses (including issue of shares  
to minority interests) 
Minority conversion of Anglo Platinum’s preference shares 
Share buybacks 
Purchase of shares for share schemes 
Share-based payment charges on equity settled schemes 
Issue of shares under employee share schemes 
Current tax on exercised employee share schemes 
Treasury shares issued in subsidiary entities 
Other 
Balance at 31 December 2008 

   Attributable to equity shareholders of the Company

Total 
share 
capital(1) 

3,484 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(33) 
– 
– 
3,451 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
3,451 

Retained 
earnings 

19,738 
7,276 
(1,527) 
– 
(3,718) 
41 
– 
– 
45 
– 
(6,167) 
(23) 
– 
131 
23 
– 
33 
3 
15,855 
5,113 
(1,538) 
– 

6 
6 
(595) 
(88) 
– 
97 
10 
6 
(45) 
18,827 

Share- 
based 
payment 
reserve 

Cumulative 
translation 
adjustment 
reserve 

Fair value 
and other 
reserves 

247 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(45) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
156 
(94) 
– 
– 
– 
(2) 
262 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
146 
(70) 
– 
– 
(50) 
288 

(38) 
58 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
20 
(4,097) 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(4,077) 

840 
1,891 
– 
– 
– 
112 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
33 
– 
(3) 
2,873 
(1,175) 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
34 
1,732 

Minority 
interests 

2,856 
844 
– 
(757) 
– 
(1,196) 
28 
86 
(45) 
51 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
35 
(33) 
1,869 
487 
– 
(796) 

(45) 
(6) 
– 
– 
11 
– 
– 
– 
15 
1,535 

Total 
equity

27,127
10,069
(1,527)
(757)
(3,718)
(1,088)
28
86
–
51
(6,167)
(23)
156
37
23
–
68
(35)
24,330
328
(1,538)
(796)

(39)
–
(595)
(88)
157
27
10
6
(46)
21,756

(1)  Total share capital comprises called-up share capital of $738 million (2007: $738 million) and the share premium account of $2,713 million (2007: $2,713 million).

Fair value and other reserves comprise:

US$ million 

Balance at 1 January 2007 
Total recognised income and expense 
Acquisition, disposal and demerger of businesses 
Cancellation of treasury shares 
Other 
Balance at 1 January 2008 
Total recognised income and expense 
Other 
Balance at 31 December 2008 

Available 
for sale 
reserve 

491 
1,889 
(7) 
– 
– 
2,373 
(1,285) 
– 
1,088 

Cash flow 
hedge 
reserve 

Other 
reserves(1) 

   Total fair value 
and other  
reserves

(422) 
2 
116 
– 
– 
(304) 
110 
– 
(194) 

771 
– 
3 
33 
(3) 
804 
– 
34 
838 

840
1,891
112
33
(3)
2,873
(1,175)
34
1,732

(1)   Other reserves comprise $689 million (2007: $689 million) legal reserve, $34 million (2007: nil) revaluation reserve and $115 million (2007: $115 million) capital redemption reserve.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
123

2008 

8,571 
1,509 
155 
71 
452 
(1) 
(1,113) 
46 
(999) 
80 
896 
(88) 
9,579 

2007

8,821
1,398
138
(243)
137
(12)
(197)
77
(352)
(389)
53
(56)
9,375

Short term borrowings  Medium and long term borrowings
2007

2008 

2007 

2008 

(6,784) 

35 
 –
(6,749) 

(5,895) 
(31) –
17 –
 –
(5,909) 

(7,211) 
 –
 –
 –
(7,211) 

(2,404)

(2,404)

30.  Consolidated cash flow analysis
a)  Reconciliation of profit before tax to cash inflows from continuing operations

US$ million 

Profit before tax – continuing operations 
Depreciation and amortisation 
Share-based payment charges 
Special items and remeasurements of subsidiaries and joint ventures 
Net finance costs before remeasurements 
Operating fair value gains before special items and remeasurements   
Share of net income from associates 
Provisions 
Increase in inventories 
Decrease/(increase) in operating receivables 
Increase in operating payables 
Other adjustments 
Cash inflows from continuing operations     

b)  Reconciliation to the balance sheet

US$ million 

Balance sheet   
Balance sheet – disposal groups(2)   
Bank overdrafts 
Bank overdrafts – disposal groups(2) 
Net debt classifications 

Cash and cash equivalents(1)  

2008 

2,771 
8 –
(35) 
– 
2,744 

2007 

3,129 
 –
(17) 
(38) –

3,074 

(1)  ‘Short term borrowings’ on the balance sheet include overdrafts which are included within cash and cash equivalents in determining net debt.

(2) Disposal group balances are shown as ‘Assets classified as held for sale’ and ‘Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale’ on the balance sheet.

c)  Movement in net debt

US$ million 

Balance at 1 January 2007 
Cash flow(4) 
Acquisition, disposal and demerger of businesses 
Reclassifications 
Movement in fair value 
Other non-cash movements 
Currency movements 
Balance at 1 January 2008 
Cash flow(4) 
Acquisition of businesses 
Reclassifications 
Movement in fair value 
Other non-cash movements 
Currency movements 
Balance at 31 December 2008 

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Cash 
and cash 
equivalents(1) 

2,980 
34 
– 
– 
– 
– 
60 
3,074 
(143) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(187) 
2,744 

Debt due 
within 
one year 

(2,076) 
(2,618) 
468 
(1,394) 
(7) 
– 
(282) 
(5,909) 
(1,432) 
(209) 
190 
(11) 
– 
622 
(6,749) 

Debt due 
after 
one year 

Current 
financial asset 

investments(2) 

(4,228) 
(1,334) 
1,858 
1,420 
10 
18 
(148) 
(2,404) 
(5,181) 
(461) 
(190) 
(176) 
(15) 
1,216 
(7,211) 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
210 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(37) 
173 

Net debt 
excluding 
hedges 

(3,324) 
(3,918) 
2,326 
26 
3 
18 
(370) 
(5,239) 
(6,546) 
(670) 
– 
(187) 
(15) 
1,614 
(11,043) 

Total net debt 
including 
hedges

Hedges(3) 

193 
– 
– 
– 
195 
– 
– 
388 
(380) 
– 
– 
(305) 
– 
– 
(297) 

(3,131)
(3,918)
2,326
26
198
18
(370)
(4,851)
(6,926)
(670)
–
(492)
(15)
1,614
(11,340)

(1)   The Group operates in certain countries (principally South Africa and Venezuela) where the existence of exchange controls may restrict the use of certain cash balances. These restrictions are not expected to have 

any material effect on the Group’s ability to meet ongoing obligations. 

(2)  Relates to amounts invested in unlisted preference shares (guaranteed by Nedbank Limited and Nedbank Group Limited) pending completion of the anticipated disposal of the Group’s 50% interest in the 

Booysendal joint venture.

(3)  Derivative instruments that provide an economic hedge of assets and liabilities in net debt are included above to reflect the true net debt position of the Group at the year end. These consist of net current 

derivative liabilities of $437 million (2007: $396 million net assets) and net non-current derivative assets of $140 million (2007: $8 million net liabilities) and are classified within other financial liabilities and 
other financial assets respectively on the balance sheet.

(4)  Cash flow on debt due within one year includes nil relating to discontinued operations (2007: repayments of $162 million). Similarly, cash flow on debt due after one year includes nil relating to discontinued 
operations (2007: receipts of $993 million). Cash flow on debt due after one year includes repayment of finance leases of $3 million (2007: nil) which is included within ‘Other financing activities’ in the 
Consolidated cash flow statement.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
124

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

31.  EBITDA by business segment

US$ million 

By business segment
Platinum 
Diamonds 
Base Metals 
Ferrous Metals and Industries 
Coal 
Industrial Minerals 
Exploration 
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs    
EBITDA – continuing operations    
EBITDA – discontinued operations 
EBITDA – total Group 

EBITDA is stated before special items and remeasurements and is reconciled to ‘Total profit from operations and associates’ as follows:

US$ million 

Total profit from operations and associates 
Operating special items and remeasurements (including associates)   
Net profit on disposals (including associates) 
Associates’ financing remeasurements 
Depreciation and amortisation: subsidiaries and joint ventures 
Share of associates’ interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and minority interests   
EBITDA – continuing operations    
EBITDA – discontinued operations 
EBITDA – total Group 

2008 

2007

2,732 
665 
2,845 
3,064 
2,585 
487 
(212) 
(319) 
11,847 
– 
11,847 

2008 

8,972 
1,357 
(1,027) 
15 4

1,509 
1,021 
11,847 
– 
11,847 

3,155
587
4,683
1,561
882
732
(157)
(272)
11,171
961
12,132

2007

8,929
711
(484)

1,398
613
11,171
961
12,132

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
125

32. Acquisitions
Acquisition of subsidiaries
On 5 August 2008 the Group acquired a 63.3% shareholding in Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA, which holds a 51% interest in the Minas-Rio iron ore project (Minas-Rio) and 
a 70% interest in the Amapá iron ore system (Amapá) at a price of R$28.147 ($18.056) per share. At that time the Group committed to extend the offer to the minority 
shareholders of Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA. This offer was formally made on 31 October 2008 and as a result, the Group’s shareholding in Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA at 
31 December 2008 was 98.9%. Total cash paid to acquire a controlling interest was $3.5 billion. A further $2.0 billion was paid (including cash settlement of a related 
derivative instrument ($0.7 billion)) to subsequently acquire minority interests.

This transaction followed on from the prior year acquisition of a 49% interest in each of Minas-Rio and LLX Minas-Rio, which owns the port of Açu (presented as 
a comparative in the Acquisition of material joint ventures section). 

As a result of these transactions the Group’s effective shareholding in each of the operating entities at 31 December 2008 was 99.4% in Minas-Rio, 49% in LLX 
Minas-Rio and 69.2% in Amapá.

In the year ended 31 December 2008, the Group purchased 7,941,964 shares (2007: 4,435,086 shares) in Anglo Platinum Limited for total consideration of $1,108 million 
(2007: $671 million). The cash paid in the year ended 31 December 2008 was $1,113 million (2007: $658 million). In the year ended 31 December 2007, the Group also 
acquired 3,353,108 shares in Anglo Platinum Limited through a dividend reinvestment plan. The Group’s shareholding in Anglo Platinum Limited increased from 76.5% at 
31 December 2007 to 79.6% at 31 December 2008.

The carrying value and fair value of the net assets at the date of acquisition of a controlling interest and related net cash outflows are shown below. The fair values 
presented are provisional, and will be finalised in 2009 when the final fair values arising from the fair value assessments are confirmed.

US$ million 

Net assets acquired
Tangible assets 
Other non-current assets 
Current assets   
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Minority interests 

Add: Value attributable to reserves and resources acquired, net of deferred tax(4) 
Less: Investments in associates previously recorded    
Less: Fair value of assets contributed 
Fair value of net assets acquired   
Partial funding of partner cash calls 
Goodwill arising on acquisitions 
Negative goodwill arising on acquisitions 
Total cost of acquisitions 
Satisfied by
Net cash acquired 
Cash paid in prior year 
Net cash paid (5)(6) 

Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA(2) 

Carrying 
value 

Provisional 
fair value 

Carrying 
value 

56 
1 
69 
(35) 
(7) 
– 
84 

930 
57 
319 
(278) 
(418) 
(235) 
375 

930 
96 
388 
(278) 
(534) 
(230) 
372 
1,590 
– 
– 
1,962 
– 
1,556 
– 
3,518 

243 
– 
3,275 

Other(3)

Fair 
value 

67 
13 
69 
(36) 
(13) 
– 
100 
59 
– –
– –
159 
– –
54 
– –
213 

12 
– –
201 

2008(1) 

2007

Total 
provisional 
fair value 

Total fair 
value

997 
109 
457 
(314) 
(547) 
(230) 
472 
1,649 4

2,121 

1,610 

3,731 

255 

3,476 

314
12
65
(54)
(66)
(80)
191

(9)
(59)
127
(12)
51
(2)
164

11
30
123

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(1)   Had all these acquisitions of subsidiaries taken place at 1 January 2008, the Group’s revenue would have been $26,367 million and the Group’s operating profit before special items and remeasurements would 

have been $7,929 million for the year ended 31 December 2008.

(2) Since the date of acquisition, Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA has contributed revenue of nil and operating loss before special items and remeasurements of $70 million to the Group.

(3) In total since the date of acquisition, these Other acquisitions have contributed revenue of $179 million and operating profit before special items and remeasurements of $16 million to the Group.

(4) Represents the Group’s share of value (implicit in the transaction) of reserves and resources, capitalised within tangible assets.

(5)  Includes net cash paid by discontinued operations of nil (2007: $9 million). 

(6) $2,411 million (2007: $658 million) has been paid to acquire minority interests in existing subsidiaries. In 2008 this related primarily to Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA and Anglo Platinum Limited (2007: Anglo Platinum 

Limited). These payments are not reflected in the above net cash paid amount. This resulted in total net cash paid for the acquisition of subsidiaries in the year of $5,887 million.

Acquisition of material joint ventures
The Group made one material acquisition of a joint venture in the year ended 31 December 2008 (2007: one).

On 29 February 2008 Anglo Coal Australia completed the acquisition of a 70% interest in the Foxleigh joint venture (Foxleigh) in Queensland, Australia. The total cost of 
acquisition was $606 million. The Group has proportionately consolidated 70% of Foxleigh from 29 February 2008.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
126

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

32. Acquisitions continued
The carrying value and provisional fair value of the net assets at the date of acquisition and related net cash outflow for material joint venture acquisitions are shown below:

US$ million 

Net assets acquired
Tangible assets
  Value attributable to reserves and resources acquired 
  Other tangible assets 
Other non-current assets 
Current assets   
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Fair value of net assets acquired and total cost of acquisitions 
Satisfied by
Net cash acquired 
Deferred consideration 
Costs accrued   
Net cash paid (2) 

Carrying 
value 

Foxleigh 
Provisional 
fair value 

2008 
Minas-Rio 
49% interest(1) 

2007
Minas-Rio 
49% interest

Fair value 

Fair value

– 
108 
– 
41 
(37) 
(47) 
65 

684 
108 
– 
41 
(37) 
(190) 
606 

1 
– 
– 
605 

151 
– 
– 
– 
– 
93 
244 

– 
242 
– 
2 

1,770
86
16
52
(84)
(632)
1,208

48
47
1
1,112

(1)   During the year further consideration of $284 million (which is contingent on certain criteria being met) was recognised (reduced from the $600 million recognised in the first half of 2008, as a result of a change in 

the assumptions with regards to payment and purchase of an additional interest in Minas-Rio) together with an adjustment to the net deferred tax liability recognised to reflect the future tax benefit from cash 
payments made on acquisition. These adjustments resulted in amendments to the ‘Value attributable to reserves and resources acquired’ and deferred tax in the acquisition balance sheet.

(2)  In addition, during the year there was further net cash paid of $2 million (2007: $2 million) for other joint venture acquisitions. This resulted in total net cash paid for investments in joint ventures of $609 million 

(2007: $1,114 million).

33. Disposals and demerger of subsidiaries and businesses

US$ million 

Net assets disposed
Tangible assets 
Other non-current assets 
Current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Net assets(1) 
Minority interests 
Group’s share of net assets immediately prior to disposal 
Less: Retained investments in associates 
Less: Retained financial asset investments    
Net assets disposed 
Cumulative translation differences recycled from reserves 
Fair value losses arising on transactions 
Dividend in specie relating to Mondi demerger 
Other 
Net gain on disposals 
Net sale proceeds 
Net cash and cash equivalents disposed 
Costs accrued 
Deferred consideration 
Realised foreign exchange 
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from disposals and demerger(2) 

2008 

2007

479 
6,197
43 
1,208
4,194
210 
(83)  (2,416)
(113)  (3,064)
536 
6,119
(116)  (1,200)
4,919
420 
(393)
– 
(318)
– 
420  4,208
(334)
68
(3,718)
3
157
384
(437)
4
–
–
(49)

(2) 
– 
– 
– 
119 
537 
(4) 
4 
(56) 
(13) 
468 

(1)   2008 includes net assets of $79 million no longer consolidated following loss of control of a 

subsidiary.

(2)  2008 includes nil in relation to discontinued operations (2007: net cash outflow of $159 million).

Disposals of businesses in the year ended 31 December 2008
The disposal of Namakwa Sands was the only material disposal of a business in 
the year.

Namakwa Sands
On 1 October 2008 Namakwa Sands was sold to Exxaro Resources Limited 
(Exxaro) for consideration of $330 million including deferred consideration.

The net asset position at the date of disposal, together with the resulting profit on 
disposal and related cash inflow, is shown below:

US$ million 

Tangible assets 
Other non-current assets 
Current assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Net assets disposed 
Cumulative translation differences recycled from reserves 
Net gain on disposal 
Net sale proceeds 
Deferred consideration 
Realised foreign exchange 
Net cash inflow from disposal of Namakwa Sands 

2008

296
4
91
(15)
(84)
292
1
49
342
(19)
(12)
311

On 3 November 2008 as part of the same transaction, the Group completed the sale 
of a 26% interest in both the Black Mountain zinc, lead and copper operation and 
the Gamsberg zinc project for consideration of $23 million. 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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33.  Disposals and demerger of subsidiaries and businesses 

continued

Disposals and demerger of subsidiaries and associates in the year  
ended 31 December 2007
Significant disposals and demerger of subsidiaries and associates recorded during  
the year ended 31 December 2007 are summarised below. For further details refer 
to the Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2007.

34. Disposal groups and non-current assets held for sale
Net assets relating to Namakwa Sands, which were previously classified as held 
for sale at 31 December 2007, were disposed of on 1 October 2008 as disclosed  
in note 33.

The following assets and liabilities relating to disposal groups were classified as 
held for sale. The Group expects to complete the sale of these businesses within  
12 months of the year end.

Mondi
On 2 July 2007 the Paper and Packaging business, Mondi, was demerged from  
the Group by way of a dividend in specie paid to shareholders of $3,718 million. 
The Paper and Packaging business is presented as a discontinued operation.  
Refer to note 35 for financial information on discontinued operations. The Group 
held a 5.3% interest in Mondi at 31 December 2008 and 31 December 2007 
through Epoch, Epoch Two and Tarl. Refer to note 28 for more information on 
these companies.

Highveld Steel and Vanadium Corporation (Highveld)
On 4 May 2007 the Group announced the disposal of the remaining 29.2% 
shareholding in Highveld to the Evraz Group SA (Evraz) for $238 million. Evraz 
was granted an option, subject to regulatory approvals, over this stake as part  
of the original transaction in which the Group sold 49.8% of Highveld to Evraz  
and Credit Suisse (in July 2006). Evraz exercised their option on 26 April 2007 
following requisite regulatory approvals.

Tongaat-Hulett Group
In December 2006 the Tongaat-Hulett Group announced the proposed 
unbundling and listing of Hulamin and simultaneous introduction of BBBEE into 
both companies.

This transaction was effected on 25 June 2007, and empowerment parties 
acquired 25% of Tongaat-Hulett and 15% of Hulamin’s operations. The Group 
commenced equity accounting both Tongaat-Hulett and Hulamin as of 25 June 
2007. However, in accordance with SIC 12 Tongaat-Hulett and Hulamin are 
required to consolidate the entities housing the empowerment interests (as they 
supplied significant funding to these parties to effect the transaction). This has  
the effect, in accounting terms, of cancelling the shares issued to these parties.  
As a result, the Group has equity accounted 49.8% and 44.9% of Tongaat-Hulett 
and Hulamin, respectively. The Group’s legal interest in Tongaat-Hulett at 
31 December 2008 was 37.1% (2007: 37.2%). The Group’s legal interest in 
Hulamin at 31 December 2008 was 38.4% (2007: 38.4%).

AngloGold Ashanti
On 2 October 2007 the Group sold 67.1 million shares in AngloGold Ashanti 
Limited for $2.9 billion. This reduced the Group’s shareholding from 41.6% to 
17.3%. The Group’s representation on the company’s board was also withdrawn 
at this time. The remaining investment is accounted for as a financial asset 
investment. The Gold business is presented as a discontinued operation. Refer  
to note 35 for financial information on discontinued operations. The Group’s 
shareholding at 31 December 2008 was 16.2% (2007: 16.6%).

US$ million 

Intangible assets 
Tangible assets 
Investments in associates 
Other non-current assets 
Total non-current assets 
Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total current assets 
Total assets 
Trade and other payables 
Short term borrowings 
Other current liabilities 
Total current liabilities 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Provisions for liabilities and charges 
Total non-current liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Net assets 

2008 
Platinum 

2007

disposal groups(1) 

Total(2)

– 
257 
– 
2 
259 
– 
8 
8 
16 
275 
(21) 
– 
– 
(21) 
– 
(56) 
(3) 
(59) 
(80) 
195 

3
589
74
4
670
38
50
–
88
758
(53)
(69)
(4)
(126)
(4)
(148)
(9)
(161)
(287)
471

(1)   This reflects the reclassification of operations to be sold under previously announced BEE deals. Due 

to the significant deterioration in global market conditions, coupled with a material decline in platinum 
group metal prices and constrained debt and equity markets, in the fourth quarter of 2008, the 
Lebowa mine plan and project pipeline, including the Middelpunt Hill UG2 expansion project, were 
placed under critical review in conjunction with Anooraq. Anglo Platinum and Anooraq remain 
committed to concluding the transaction as soon as practically possible and have extended the date 
for fulfilment of the conditions until 30 April 2009, thus it remains appropriate to classify these 
entities as held for sale. Northam Platinum Limited was sold on 20 August 2008 to Mvela. The cash 
inflow from the disposal was $205 million. In the event ministerial approval is not received, the sale 
of Northam Platinum Limited would be unwound. The split of the total assets, total liabilities and net 
assets for the Platinum disposal groups is as follows:

  US$ million 
  Lebowa Platinum Mines Limited 
  Northam Platinum Limited 
  Other 

Total 
assets 
265 
– 
10 
275 

Total 
liabilities 
(78) 
– 
(2) 
(80) 

2008 
Net 
assets 
187 
– 
8 
195 

Total 
assets 
243 
74 
11 
328 

Total 
liabilities 
(166) 
– 
(2) 
(168) 

2007
Net 
assets
77
74
9
160

(2)  Disposal groups at 31 December 2007 related to Namakwa Sands and Platinum disposal groups.

The net carrying amount of assets and associated liabilities classified as held for 
sale during the year was not written down in 2008 or 2007.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
128

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

35. Discontinued operations
On 2 July 2007 the Paper and Packaging business, Mondi, was demerged from the Group by way of a dividend in specie paid to shareholders.

On 2 October 2007 the Group sold 67.1 million shares in AngloGold Ashanti Limited which reduced the Group’s shareholding from 41.6% to 17.3%. The Group’s representation 
on the company’s board was also withdrawn at this time. The remaining investment is accounted for as a financial asset investment. 

Both of these operations are presented as discontinued.

The results of the discontinued businesses are shown below:

US$ million 

Revenue 
Total operating costs 
Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint ventures – discontinued operations 
Net profit on disposals 
Share of net income from associates 
Total profit from discontinued operations and associates 
Net finance costs 
Profit before tax – discontinued operations   
Income tax expense 
Profit for the financial year – discontinued operations 

Profit on partial disposal of AngloGold Ashanti(1) 
Transaction costs relating to the demerger of Mondi(1)   
Tax on net profit on disposal and demerger of discontinued operations 
Net profit after tax on disposal and demerger of discontinued operations 

Total profit for the financial year – discontinued operations 

Before special items 
and remeasurements 
2007 

2008 

Special items and 
remeasurements 
2007 

2008 

2008 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

4,062 
(3,741) 
321 
– 
97 
418 
(19) 
399 
(81) 
318 

– 
– 
– 
– 

318 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
(10) 
(10) 
119 
(187) 
(78) 
– 
(78) 
1 
(77) 

1,970 
(10) 
(157) 
1,803 

1,726 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

2007

4,062
(3,751)
311
119
(90)
340
(19)
321
(80)
241

1,970
(10)
(157)
1,803

2,044

(1)  For further details of the demerger of the Paper and Packaging business and disposal of AngloGold Ashanti refer to note 33.

Summary discontinued segment information
Segment revenue and segment result by discontinued business segment were:

US$ million 

Subsidiaries and joint ventures
Paper and Packaging 
Revenue and net income from associates
Gold 
Paper and Packaging 
Total associates 
Total discontinued operations including net income from associates 
Net profit on disposals 
Total profit from discontinued operations and associates 

Segment revenue 
2007 

2008 

Segment result before special 

items and remeasurements(1) 

Segment result after special 
items and remeasurements(1)

2008 

2007 

2008 

2007

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

4,062(2) 

1,004 
49 
1,053 
5,115 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

321 

95 
2 
97 
418 
– 
418 

– 

– 
– 2
– 
– 
– 
– 

311

(92)

(90)
221
119
340

(1)   Segment result is defined as being segment revenue less segment expense; that is operating profit.

(2)  This represents segment revenue; the Group’s share of associates of discontinued operations and discontinued associates’ revenue figures are provided for additional information.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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35. Discontinued operations continued
Summary discontinued special items and remeasurements
The following tables provide an analysis of special items and remeasurements for 
discontinued operations:

Subsidiaries and joint ventures’ special items and remeasurements – 
discontinued operations

US$ million 

2008 

2007

Operating special items 
Operating remeasurements 
Net profit on disposals 
Financing special items 
Financing remeasurements 
Total special items and remeasurements before tax – 
discontinued operations 
Tax 
Net total special items and remeasurements attributable to 
equity shareholders of the Company – discontinued operations 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

(13)
3
119
(2)
2

109
1

110

37.  Contingent liabilities and contingent assets
(i) Contingent liabilities
The Group is subject to various claims which arise in the ordinary course of 
business. Additionally, and as set out in the demerger agreement, Anglo American 
and Mondi have agreed to indemnify each other, subject to certain limitations, 
against certain liabilities. Having taken appropriate legal advice, the Group believes 
that the likelihood of a material liability arising is remote. At 31 December 2008 
contingent liabilities in respect of the Group’s subsidiaries comprise aggregate 
amounts of $548 million (2007: $488 million) in respect of loans and performance 
guarantees given to banks and other third parties and are primarily in respect of 
environmental restoration and decommissioning obligations. For information 
relating to contingent liabilities in respect of associates and joint ventures refer  
to notes 16 and 17 respectively.

No contingent liabilities were secured on the assets of the Group at 31 December 
2008 or 31 December 2007.

(ii) Contingent assets
There were no significant contingent assets in the Group at 31 December 2008  
or 31 December 2007.

Associates’ special items and remeasurements – discontinued  
operations

US$ million 

2008 

2007

Associates’ operating special items and remeasurements 
Associates’ net profit on disposals 
Associates’ financing remeasurements 
Total associates’ special items and remeasurements before tax –  
discontinued operations 
Tax 
Net total associates’ special items and remeasurements – 
discontinued operations 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

– 

(225)
7
13

(205)
18

(187)

(iii) Other
Minera Loma de Níquel
In January 2008 Minera Loma de Níquel (MLdN) was notified of the intention of the 
Venezuelan Ministry of Basic Industries and Mining (MIBAM) to cancel 13 of its 
exploration and exploitation concessions due to MLdN’s alleged failure to fulfil 
certain conditions of the concessions. These concessions do not include the 
concessions where the current mining operations and metallurgical facilities are 
located. MLdN believes that it has complied with the conditions of these 
concessions and has lodged administrative appeals against the notices of 
termination and is waiting for a response from MIBAM. MLdN may in the future 
undertake further appeals, including with Venezuela’s Supreme Court, if the 
MIBAM’s ruling does not adequately protect its interests.

Employee numbers and costs – discontinued operations
The average number of employees, excluding associates’ employees and including 
a proportionate share of employees within joint ventures, was:

Thousands 

By business segment
Paper and Packaging(1) 
Discontinued operations 

2008 

2007

– 
– 

16
16

(1)    2007 includes employee numbers for Mondi for the period it was held as a subsidiary pro rated over 

the full year.

Payroll costs in respect of the employees included in the table above were:

Anglo American and MLdN continue to strive to resolve the matter by way of 
constructive dialogue; however, Anglo American and MLdN believe that there  
is a valid legal basis to reverse the notices of termination and will pursue all 
appropriate legal and other remedies and actions to protect their respective 
interests both under Venezuelan and international law. As such, Anglo American 
anticipates restoration of these concessions and renewal of those that expire in 
2012. As a result, the Group continues to consolidate MLdN and no impairment  
has been recorded for the year ended 31 December 2008.

At 31 December 2008 the Group’s interest in the book value of MLdN, including its 
mineral rights, was $443 million (2007: $616 million), as included in the Group’s 
balance sheet. In the 12 months to 31 December 2008 MLdN’s contribution to 
Group operating profit was $30 million (2007: $370 million).

US$ million 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Post retirement healthcare costs    
Defined benefit pension plan costs 
Share-based payments 
Discontinued operations 

36. Capital commitments

US$ million 

Contracted but not provided 

2008 

2007

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

473
95
1
2
4
575

Anglo American Sur
Anglo American inherited a 1978 agreement with Codelco, the Chilean state mining 
company, when it acquired Disputada de Las Condes (since renamed Anglo 
American Sur) in 2002. The agreement grants Codelco the right, subject to certain 
conditions and limitations, to acquire up to a 49% minority interest in Anglo 
American Sur, the wholly owned Group company that owns the Los Bronces and 
El Soldado copper mines and the Chagres smelter. These conditions include limiting 
the window for exercising the right to once every three years in the month of 
January until January 2027. The right was not exercised in 2009. The calculations 
of the price at which Codelco can exercise its right are complex and confidential but 
do, inter alia, take account of company profitability over a five year period.

2008 

2007

   3,465 

2,373

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
130

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

38. Operating leases
At 31 December 2008 the Group had the following outstanding commitments 
under non-cancellable operating leases: 

US$ million 

Expiry date
Within one year 
One to two years 
Two to five years 
After five years 

2008 

2007

64 
60 
168 
197 
489 

52
42
207
205
506

Operating leases relate principally to land and buildings and vehicles. 

39.  Related party transactions
The Group has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries, associates and 
joint ventures (see note 40).

At 31 December 2008 the Group held $88 million (2007: $131 million) of 10% 
non-cumulative redeemable preference shares in DB Investments, the holding 
company of De Beers Société Anonyme. The Group has also made loans to 
De Beers during the year totalling $118 million. The loans are interest free for two 
years, at which point they revert to a market rate of interest, and are convertible 
into ordinary shares. These loans are included within Financial asset investments.

In addition to the Group’s normal funding requirements, the shareholders of 
De Beers have agreed to provide loans to De Beers, proportionate to their 
shareholdings, totalling $500 million. Anglo American holds a 45% interest in 
De Beers and will therefore provide a loan of $225 million.

The Company and its subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of business, enter  
into various sales, purchase and service transactions with joint ventures and 
associates and others in which the Group has a material interest. These 
transactions are under terms that are no less favourable than those arranged  
with third parties. These transactions are not considered to be significant.

Dividends received from associates during the year totalled $609 million (2007:  
$275 million), excluding nil (2007: $52 million) from discontinued operations,  
as disclosed in the Consolidated cash flow statement.

At 31 December 2008 the directors of the Company and their immediate relatives 
controlled 3% (2007: 3%) of the voting shares of the Company. 

Remuneration and benefits received by directors are disclosed in the directors’ 
remuneration report. Remuneration and benefits of key management personnel 
including directors are given in note 6.

Information relating to pension fund arrangements is disclosed in note 27.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
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40.  Group companies
The principal subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and proportionately consolidated joint arrangements of the Group at 31 December 2008, and the Group percentage  
of equity capital, joint arrangements and joint venture interests are set out below. All these interests are held indirectly by the parent company and are consolidated within 
these financial statements. The Group has restricted the information to its principal subsidiaries as full compliance with Schedule 5 paragraph 15 of the Companies Act 
1985 would result in a statement of excessive length.

Subsidiary undertakings 

Platinum
Anglo Platinum Limited 

Coal
Anglo Coal(2)    
Anglo Coal Holdings Australia Limited 
Peace River Coal Partnership 

Base Metals
Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Limited(3) 
Copebrás Limitada 
Namakwa Sands(3) 
Gamsberg Zinc(3)  
Anglo American Brasil Limitada (Barro Alto) 
Ambase Exploration (Namibia) Proprietary Limited (Skorpion) 
Anglo American Brasil Limitada (Catalão) 
Anglo American Sur SA  
Anglo American Norte SA 
Anglo American Brasil Limitada (Codemin) 
Minera Loma de Níquel, CA 
Minera Quellaveco SA 
Lisheen(4) 

Ferrous Metals and Industries

Scaw Metals/Moly-Cop/AltaSteel 
Kumba Iron Ore Limited 
Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA 
Anglo Ferrous Minas-Rio Mineração SA(5) 
Anglo Ferrous Amapá Mineração Limitada 

Industrial Minerals
Tarmac Group Limited 
Tarmac France SA 
Lausitzer Grauwacke GmbH 
Tarmac Iberia SA 
WKSM SA 
Tarmac CZ a.s. 
Tarmac SRL 
Koca Beton Agrega Mining and Construction Industry and Trading  
Company Limited 
United Marine Holdings Limited(6) 

Country of incorporation 

Business 

Percentage of equity owned (1)

2008 

2007

South Africa 

Platinum    

79.6% 

76.5%

South Africa 
Australia 
Canada 

South Africa 
Brazil 
South Africa 
South Africa 
Brazil 
Namibia 
Brazil 
Chile 
Chile 
Brazil 
Venezuela 
Peru 
Ireland 

Coal 
Coal 
Coal 

Zinc, lead and copper 
Fertilisers and acid 
Mineral sands –
Zinc project 
Nickel project 
Zinc 
Niobium    
Copper 
Copper 
Nickel 
Nickel 
Copper project 
Zinc and lead 

100% 
100% 
73.8% 

74% 
73% 

74% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
99.9% 
100% 
91.4% 
81.9% 
100% 

100%
100%
65.9%

100%
73%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
99.9%
100%
91.4%
81.9%
100%

South Africa/Chile/Canada  
South Africa 
Brazil 
Brazil 
Brazil 

Steel, engineering works  
and grinding media 
Iron ore    
Iron ore    
Iron ore project 
Iron ore system 

74%-100%  74%-100%
63.4%

63% 
98.9% –
99.4% 
69.2% –

UK 
France 
Germany 
Spain 
Poland 
Czech Republic 
Romania 

Turkey 
UK 

Construction materials 
Construction materials 
Construction materials 
Construction materials 
Construction materials 
Construction materials 
Construction materials 

Construction materials 
Construction materials 

100% 
100% 
100% 
– 
100% 
100% 
60% 

100% 
100% 

49%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
60%

100%
50%

(1)  The proportion of voting rights of subsidiaries held by the Group is the same as the proportion of equity owned, unless stated.

(2) A division of Anglo Operations Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary.

(3)  Previously Black Mountain and Gamsberg Zinc were divisions of Anglo Operations Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary. On 1 October 2008 100% of Namakwa Sands and on 3 November 2008, 26% of each of 

Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Limited and Gamsberg Zinc were sold. Gamsberg Zinc is a division of Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Limited.

(4) The Group’s interest in the Lisheen operations is held through Anglo American Lisheen Mining Limited, Killoran Lisheen Mining Limited and Lisheen Milling Limited. The Group owns 100% of the equity of each of 

these companies.

(5) At 31 December 2007 was named MMX Minas-Rio Mineração SA when a 49% interest was held and accounted for as a joint venture.

(6) 50% held at 31 December 2007 was accounted for as a joint venture.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
132

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

40. Group companies continued

Joint ventures   

Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi SCM 
AI Futtain Tarmac Quarry Products Limited  
LLX Minas-Rio Logística SA  
Midland Quarry Products Limited(8) 

Associates
DB Investments SA 
Queensland Coal Mine Management (Pty) Limited 
Cerrejón Zona Norte SA 
Carbones del Cerrejón LLC 
Carbones del Guasare SA 

Tongaat-Hulett Limited(9) 
Hulamin Limited(10) 
Samancor Holdings (Pty) Limited(11) 
Groote Eylandt Mining Company (Pty) Limited (GEMCO)(11) 
Tasmanian Electro Metallurgical Company (Pty) Limited (TEMCO)(11)   

Proportionately consolidated jointly controlled operations(12) 

Drayton 
Moranbah North 
German Creek   
Foxleigh 
Dawson 

Country of incorporation 

Business 

Chile 
Dubai 
Brazil 
UK 

Luxembourg 
Australia 
Colombia 
Anguilla 
Venezuela 

South Africa     
South Africa 
South Africa 
Australia 
Australia 

Location 

Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 
Australia 

Copper 
Construction materials 
Iron ore 
Construction materials 

Diamonds 
Coal 
Coal 
Coal 
Coal 
Sugar, starch, glucose  
and property development 
Aluminium 
Manganese 
Manganese 
Manganese 

Business 

Coal 
Coal 
Coal 
Coal 
Coal 

Percentage of equity owned (7)

2008 

44% 
49% 
49% 
50% 

45% 
33.3% 
33.3% 
33.3% 
24.9% 

37.1% 
38.4% 
40% 
40% 
40% 

2007

44%
49%
49%
50%

45%
33.3%
33.3%
33.3%
24.9%

37.2%
38.4%
40%
40%
40%

Percentage owned
2007

2008 

88% 
88% 
70% 
70% –
51% 

88%
88%
70%

51%

(7) All equity interests shown are ordinary shares.

(8)  During the year the Group ceased accounting for Midland Quarry Products Limited as a subsidiary and began accounting for it as a joint venture as it is now considered to be jointly controlled.

(9) Formerly The Tongaat-Hulett Group Limited.

(10) Unbundled from Tongaat-Hulett in June 2007.

(11) These entities have a 30 June year end.

(12) The wholly owned subsidiary Anglo Coal Holdings Australia Limited holds the proportionately consolidated jointly controlled operations.

41.  Events occurring after end of year
Subsequent to the year end, the Group disposed of 15.5 million shares in AngloGold Ashanti for proceeds of $434 million. As a result, the Group’s shareholding in 
AngloGold Ashanti has reduced to 11.8%.

With the exception of the above there have been no material reportable events since 31 December 2008.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
42. Financial statements of the parent company
a)  Balance sheet of the Company, Anglo American plc, as at 31 December 2008

US$ million 

Fixed assets
Fixed asset investments 
Current assets
Amounts due from subsidiaries 
Prepayments and other debtors 
Cash at bank and in hand 

Creditors due within one year
Cash held on behalf of subsidiaries 
Amounts owed to subsidiaries 
Other creditors 

Net current assets/(liabilities) 
Total assets less current liabilities 
Net assets 
Capital and reserves
Called-up share capital  
Share premium account 
Capital redemption reserve 
Other reserves 
Share-based payment reserve 
Profit and loss account 
Total shareholders’ funds (equity) 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of directors on 19 February 2009.

Cynthia Carroll 
Chief executive 

René Médori
Finance director

Note 

42c 

2008 

2007

12,925 

12,883

1,305 
138 
2 –
1,445 

(59) 
(215) 
(8) 
(282) 
1,163 
14,088 
14,088 

738 
2,713 
115 
1,955 
22 
8,545 
14,088 

208
114

322

(41)
(596)
(4)
(641)
(319)
12,564
12,564

738
2,713
115
1,955
22
7,021
12,564

42b 
42b 
42b 
42b 
42b 
42b 

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134

Financial statements

Notes to the financial statements continued

42. Financial statements of the parent company continued
b)  Reconciliation of movements in equity shareholders’ funds

US$ million 

Called-up 
share 
capital 

Share 
premium 
account 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 

Other 
reserves(1) 

Share-based 
payment 
reserve 

Balance at 1 January 2007 
Profit for the financial year 
Issue of treasury shares under employee share schemes 
Share-based payments 
Capital contribution to group undertakings    
Cancellation of treasury shares 
Transfer between share-based payment reserve and profit and loss account 
Share buybacks 
Dividends paid(3) 
Dividend in specie relating to Mondi demerger 
Balance at 1 January 2008 
Profit for the financial year 
Issue of treasury shares under employee share schemes 
Share-based payments 
Capital contribution to group undertakings    
Transfer between share-based payment reserve and profit and loss account 
Share buybacks 
Dividends paid(3) 
Balance at 31 December 2008 

771 
– 
– 
– 
– 
(33) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
738 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
738 

2,713 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
2,713 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
2,713 

82 
– 
– 
– 
– 
33 
– 
– 
– 
– 
115 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
115 

1,955 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1,955 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
1,955 

15 
– 
– 
11 
– 
– 
(4) 
– 
– 
– 
22 
– 
– 
12 
– 
(12) 
– 
– 
22 

Profit 
and loss 
account(2) 

4,075 
11,404 
143 
– 
14 
– 
4 
(2,383) 
(1,192) 
(5,044) 
7,021 
2,936 
41 
– 
20 
12 
(259) 
(1,226) 
8,545 

Total

9,611
11,404
143
11
14
–
–
(2,383)
(1,192)
(5,044)
12,564
2,936
41
12
20
–
(259)
(1,226)
14,088

(1)   At 31 December 2008 other reserves of $1,955 million (2007: $1,955 million) were not distributable under the Companies Act 1985.

(2)  At 31 December 2008 $483 million (2007: $421 million) of the Company profit and loss account of $8,545 million (2007: $7,021 million) was not distributable under the Companies Act 1985.

(3)   Dividends paid relate only to shareholders on the United Kingdom principal register excluding dividends waived by Greenwood Nominees Limited as nominees for Butterfield Trust (Guernsey) Limited, the trustee for 
the Anglo American employee share scheme. Dividends paid to shareholders on the Johannesburg branch register are distributed by a South African subsidiary in accordance with the terms of the Dividend Access 
Share Provisions of Anglo American plc’s Articles of Association.

The audit fee in respect of the parent company was $10,000 (2007: $14,000). Fees payable to Deloitte for non-audit services to the Company are not required to be 
disclosed because they are included within the consolidated disclosure in note 4.

Investments in subsidiaries
2007

2008  

12,891  
22  
20  
–  
12,933  

12,883
5,093
14
(5,099)
12,891

(8)  

(8)

12,925  

12,883

c)  Fixed asset investments

US$ million 

Cost
At 1 January 
Additions 
Capital contributions 
Disposals and demerger 
At 31 December 
Provisions for impairment
At 1 January and 31 December 
Net book value
At 31 December 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
42. Financial statements of the parent company continued
d)  Accounting policies: Anglo American plc, the Company
The Anglo American plc (the Company) balance sheet and related notes have  
been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting 
Principles (UK GAAP) and in accordance with UK company law. The financial 
information has been prepared on a historical cost basis as modified by the 
revaluation of certain financial instruments.

A summary of the principal accounting policies is set out below.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP requires  
the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets 
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts  
of revenues and expenses during the period. Although these estimates are based 
on management’s best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, following 
implementation of these standards, actual results may differ from those estimated.

As permitted by section 230 of the Companies Act 1985, the profit and loss 
account of the Company is not presented as part of these financial statements. 
The profit after tax for the year of the Company amounted to $2,936 million (2007: 
$11,404 million).

Significant accounting policies
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided in full on all timing differences that result in an obligation 
at the balance sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to pay less tax, at a future 
date, subject to the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are not discounted.

Share-based payments
The Company has applied the requirements of FRS 20 Share-based Payment. 
In accordance with the transitional provisions, FRS 20 has been applied to all  
grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002 that had not vested as  
at 1 January 2005.

The Company makes equity settled share-based payments to the directors, 
which are measured at fair value at the date of grant and expensed on a straight 
line basis over the vesting period, based on the Company’s estimate of shares 
that will eventually vest. For those share schemes with market vesting conditions, 
the fair value is determined using the Monte Carlo method at the grant date. 
The fair value of share options issued with non-market vesting conditions has been 
calculated using the Black Scholes model. For all other share awards, the fair value 
is determined by reference to the market value of the share at the date of grant. 
For all share schemes with non-market related vesting conditions, the likelihood 
of vesting has been taken into account when determining the associated charge. 
Vesting assumptions are reviewed during each reporting period to ensure they 
reflect current expectations.

The Company also makes equity settled share-based payments to certain 
employees of certain subsidiary undertakings. Equity settled share-based 
payments that are made to employees of the Company’s subsidiaries are treated  
as increases in equity over the vesting period of the award, with a corresponding 
increase in the Company’s investments in subsidiaries, based on an estimate of  
the number of shares that will eventually vest.

Any payments received from subsidiaries are applied to reduce the related 
increases in investments in subsidiaries.

Accounting for share-based payments is the same as under IFRS 2 and details  
on the schemes and option pricing models relevant to the charge included in the 
Company financial statements are set out in note 28 to the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2008.

Investments
Investments represent equity holdings in subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associates and are held at cost less provision for impairment.

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Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
136 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Introduction

The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates presented in this Annual Report are prepared in accordance with the Anglo American plc Policy for the Reporting of Ore 
Reserves and Mineral Resources*. This policy requires that the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 2004 edition 
(the JORC Code) be used as a minimum standard. Some Anglo American plc subsidiaries have a primary listing in South Africa where public reporting is carried out in 
accordance with the South African Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the SAMREC Code). The SAMREC Code is similar to the JORC Code and 
the Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource terminology appearing in this section follows the definitions in both the JORC (2004) and SAMREC (2007) Codes.

The information on Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources was prepared by or under the supervision of Competent Persons as defined in the JORC or SAMREC Codes, which 
include the Recognised Overseas Professional Organisation (ROPO) recognition agreements. All Competent Persons have sufficient experience relevant to the style of 
mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which they are undertaking. All the Competent Persons consent to the inclusion in this report of 
the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears. The names of the Competent Persons are lodged with the Anglo American plc Company 
Secretary and are available on request.

Anglo American Group companies are subject to a comprehensive programme of reviews aimed at providing assurance in respect of Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource 
estimates. The reviews are conducted by either suitably qualified Competent Persons from within a particular division, or from another division of the Group, or from 
independent consultants. The frequency and depth of the reviews is a function of the risks and/or uncertainties associated with a particular Ore Reserve and Mineral 
Resource, the overall value thereof and time that has lapsed since an independent third party review has been conducted. Those operations/projects subject to 
independent third party reviews during the year are indicated in footnotes to the tables.

The JORC and SAMREC Codes require the use of reasonable economic assumptions. These include long-range commodity price forecasts which are prepared by in-house 
specialists largely using estimates of future supply and demand and long term economic outlooks. Ore Reserve estimates are dynamic and are influenced by changing 
economic conditions, technical issues, environmental regulations and relevant new information and therefore can vary from year to year. Mineral Resource estimates also 
change and tend to be influenced mostly by new information pertaining to the understanding of the deposit and secondly by the conversion to Ore Reserves.

The estimates of Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources are stated as at 31 December 2008. Production forecasts for November and December have been considered to 
produce the estimates of the reported reserve figures. Unless otherwise stated, Mineral Resources are additional to those resources which have been modified to produce 
the Ore Reserves. The figures in the tables have been rounded and, if used to derive totals and averages, could cause minor computational differences. Ore Reserves in 
the context of this Annual Report have the same meaning as ‘Mineral Reserves’ as defined by the SAMREC Code. 

In some cases it is relevant to consider a component of Inferred Resources in the Life of Mine (LOM) plan. These resources are declared without application of any 
modifying factors. 

Tonnages are stated as dry metric tonnes unless otherwise stated. While metric units are predominantly applied, where relevant imperial units (e.g. troy ounces, calories 
and cubic feet) are also expressed.

Namakwa Sands is not reported as the business has been disposed of during 2008 as part of the BEE transaction with Exxaro. Black Mountain and the Gamsberg project 
are also affected by the same transaction and the attributable percentage to Anglo American plc decreased from 100% to 74% in both cases. Operations and projects 
which fall below the internal threshold (25% attributable interest) for reporting have been excluded from the Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates. 

*   A ‘Mineral Resource’ is a concentration or occurrence of material of intrinsic economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, quality and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic 
extraction. The location, quantity, grade, geological characteristics and continuity of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge. Mineral Resources are 
sub-divided, in order of increasing geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured categories.

 An ‘Inferred Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a low level of confidence. It is inferred from geological evidence and assumed but not 
verified geological and/or grade continuity. It is based on information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes which may be limited or of 
uncertain quality and reliability. 

 An ‘Indicated Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, shape, physical characteristics, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a reasonable level of confidence. It is 
based on exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. The locations are too widely or inappropriately 
spaced to confirm geological and/or grade continuity but are spaced closely enough for continuity to be assumed.

 A ‘Measured Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which tonnage, densities, shape, physical characteristics, grade and mineral content can be estimated with a high level of confidence. It is based on 
detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes. The locations are spaced closely 
enough to confirm geological and grade continuity.

 An ‘Ore Reserve’ is the economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses, which may occur when the material is mined. Appropriate 
assessments and studies have been carried out, and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. 
These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction could reasonably be justified. Ore Reserves are sub-divided in order of increasing confidence into Probable Ore Reserves and Proved Ore 
Reserves.

 A ‘Probable Ore Reserve’ is the economically mineable part of an Indicated, and in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses which may occur when the 
material is mined. Appropriate assessments and studies have been carried out, and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, 
social and governmental factors. These assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction could reasonably be justified.

 A ‘Proved Ore Reserve’ is the economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource. It includes diluting materials and allowances for losses which may occur when the material is mined. Appropriate assessments 
and studies have been carried out, and include consideration of and modification by realistically assumed mining, metallurgical, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors. These 
assessments demonstrate at the time of reporting that extraction could reasonably be justified.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
In South Africa, the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Number 28 of 2002 (MPRDA) was implemented on 1 May 2004, and effectively transferred 
custodianship of the previously privately held mineral rights to the State. Mining companies were given up to two years to apply for prospecting permit conversions and 
five years to apply for mining licence conversions for existing operations.

A Prospecting Right is a new order right issued in terms of the MPRDA that is valid for up to five years, with the possibility of a further extension of three years, that can 
be obtained either by the conversion of existing Old Order Prospecting Rights or through new applications. An Exploration Right is identical to a Prospecting Right, but is 
commodity specific in respect of petroleum and gas and is valid for up to three years which can be renewed for a maximum of three periods not exceeding two years each.

A Mining Right is a new order right issued in terms of the MPRDA valid for up to 30 years obtained either by the conversion of an existing Old Order Mining Right, or as 
a new order right pursuant to the exercise of the exclusive right of the holder of a new order Prospecting Right, or pursuant to an application for a new Mining Right. 
A Production Right is identical to a Mining Right, but is commodity specific in respect of petroleum and gas.

In preparing the Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource statement for South African assets, Anglo American plc has adopted the following reporting principles in respect of 
Prospecting Rights and Mining Rights: 

•  Where applications for new order Mining Rights and Prospecting Rights have been submitted and these are still being processed by the relevant regulatory 

authorities, the relevant reserves and resources have been included in the statement;

•    Where applications for the conversion of Old Order Mining Rights to new order Mining Rights have not yet been submitted and the required deadline (typically April 

2009) for submission has not passed, the relevant reserves and resources have been included in the statement;

•   Where applications for new order Prospecting Rights have been initially refused by the regulatory authorities, but are the subject of ongoing legal process and 
discussions with the relevant authorities and where Anglo American plc has reasonable expectations that the Prospecting Rights will be granted in due course, 
the relevant resources have been included in the statement (any associated comments appear in the footnotes).

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138 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Platinum

Anglo Platinum
The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC 
Code, 2004) as a minimum standard. Where relevant, the estimates were also prepared in compliance with regional codes and requirements (e.g. The South African Code 
for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, The SAMREC Code, 2007). The Mineral Resources are additional to the Ore Reserves. Merensky and UG2 Reef 
Mineral Resources are reported over an economic and mineable cut appropriate to the specific reef. The mineable cuts collectively form the basis of the consolidated reef 
figures. Details of the individual operations appear in the Anglo Platinum Annual Report. 

The figures reported represent 100% of the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves attributable to Anglo Platinum Limited unless otherwise noted. Anglo American plc’s 
interest in Anglo Platinum is 79.64%. Rounding of figures may cause computational discrepancies.

Anglo Platinum 
Ore Reserves 
Merensky Reef(3)(4)(5) 

UG2 Reef(3)(6)(7)(8) 

Platreef(9) 

All Reefs 

Tailings(12) 

Classification 

2008 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 

Proved primary ore stockpile (10) 

Probable 
Total 

 88.6 
129.4  
217.9  

469.9  
382.6 
852.5  

274.5  
20.6  
  112.8 
  407.9 

Proved 
Probable 

  853.6 
  624.7 

Tonnes(1) 
million 

2007 

88.7 
117.2 
205.8 

415.7 
413.5 
829.2 

284.6 
19.8 
114.0 
418.3 

808.6 
644.6 

Total 

  1,478.3 

1,453.3 

2008 

  4E PGE 
 5.28 
5.21 
5.24 

  4E PGE 
4.19 
4.43 
4.30 

  4E PGE 
3.21 
2.58 
3.56 
3.27 

  4E PGE 
3.95 
4.44 

4.16 

Grade(2) 
g/t 

2007 
4E PGE 
5.22 
5.11 
5.16 

4E PGE 
 4.37 
4.32  
4.35  

4E PGE 
3.24 
2.54 
3.51 
3.28  

4E PGE 
4.02 
4.32 

   Contained metal 
tonnes 

2008 

2007 

467.4 
674.1 
1,141.5 

1,970.8 
1,695.8 
3,666.6 

880.7 
53.1 
401.8 
1,335.6 

462.6 
598.5 
1,061.1 

1,816.0 
1,787.1 
3,603.1 

923.2 
50.1 
400.1 
1,373.4 

3,372.1 
2,771.7 

3,251.9 
2,785.7 

4.15 

6,143.7 

6,037.6 

2008 

Moz 
15.0 
21.7 
36.7 

Moz 
63.4 
54.5 
117.9 

Moz 
28.3 
1.7 
12.9 
42.9 

Moz 
108.4 
89.1 

197.5 

Total (alternative units) (11) 

  1,629.6Mton  1,601.9Mton 

0.121oz/ton  0.121oz/ton

Proved 
Probable 

Total 

 –  
  33.4 

  33.4 

– 
38.6 

38.6 

  4E PGE 
– 
0.88 

0.88 

4E PGE 
– 
0.92 

0.92 

– 
29.5 

29.5 

– 
35.5 

35.5 

Moz 

–  –

0.9 

0.9 

Total (alternative units) (11) 

36.8Mton    42.6Mton  0.026oz/ton  0.027oz/ton

Contained metal 
million troy ounces

2007

Moz
14.9
19.2
34.1

Moz
58.4
57.5
115.8

Moz
29.7
1.6
12.9
44.2

Moz
104.6
89.6

194.1

Moz

1.1

1.1

(1)  Tonnage: quoted as dry metric tonnes.

(2)  Grade: 4E PGE is the sum of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold grades in grammes per tonne (g/t).

(3)  Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef: In 2008 Anglo Platinum sold its 22.4% share in Northam to Mvelapanda Resources. The associated Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef Ore Reserves have been excluded from the 2008 Ore 

Reserve figures (16.1Mt equivalent to 2.5Moz).

(4)   Merensky Reef: The reserve pay-limit varies across all operations between 2.3g/t and 5.7g/t. The variability is a function of various factors including the depth of the orebody, geological complexity and infrastructure.

(5)   Merensky Reef: Increase in Ore Reserves is mainly attributable to changes at Amandelbult due to a re-evaluation of the structural and geological model. The re-evaluation shows a reduction in the geological losses and 

a commensurate increase in the Normal Merensky Reef facies. These increased Mineral Resources have been converted into Ore Reserves.

(6)   UG2 Reef: The reserve pay-limit varies across all operations between 1.6g/t and 4.7g/t. The variability is a function of various factors including the depth of the orebody, geological complexity and infrastructure.

(7)   UG2 Reef: Increase in Ore Reserve tonnage is mainly attributable to Amandelbult and Rustenburg. At Amandelbult re-evaluation of the geological losses was undertaken and at Rustenburg a change in the modifying 

factors resulted in increased Ore Reserves.

(8)   UG2 Reef: Application for conversion to New Order Mining Rights for Modikwa Platinum Mine is in the process of being finalised and it is expected that the application will be lodged early March 2009. Modikwa Platinum 

Mine has until 30 April 2009 to lodge this application.

(9)   Platreef: The reserve cut-off is 1.7g/t for fresh ore and 3.0g/t for weathered/oxidised ore.

(10) Platreef stockpiles: These are reported separately as Proved Ore Reserves and aggregated into the summation tabulations. 

(11) Alternative units: tonnage in million short tons (Mton) and grade in troy ounces per short ton (oz/ton).

(12)  Tailings: These are reported separately as Ore Reserves but are not aggregated in the total Ore Reserve figures. Operating tailings dams for current mining operations cannot be geologically assessed and therefore are 

not reported as part of the Ore Reserves. At Rustenburg Section historical dams have been evaluated and the tailings are included in the Ore Reserves statement.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
139

Contained metal 
million troy ounces

Classification 

2008 

Measured 
Indicated 
Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 
Total 

Measured 
Indicated 
Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 
Total 

  131.9 
  232.0 
  363.9 
  749.4 
  1,113.3 

  323.6 
  482.5 
  806.1 
  901.3 
  1,707.3 

Measured 
Indicated 
Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 
Total 

  152.4 
  898.8 
  1,051.2 
  1,331.3 
  2,382.4 

Measured 
Indicated 
Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 

  607.8 
  1,613.3 
  2,221.1 
  2,982.0 

Tonnes(1) 
million 

2007 

107.8 
276.5 
  384.3 
876.5 
1,260.8 

337.2 
499.7 
836.9 
1,223.2 
2,060.0 

  176.8 
  790.6 
  967.4 
1,408.0 
2,375.4 

621.8 
1,566.8 
2,188.6 
3,507.6 

Total 

  5,203.1 

5,696.2 

2008 

  4E PGE 
5.39 
5.15 
5.24 
5.37 
5.33 

  4E PGE 
5.78 
5.63 
5.69 
5.65 
5.67 

  4E PGE 
1.85 
2.18 
2.13 
1.89 
2.00 

  4E PGE 
4.71 
3.64 
3.93 
3.90 

3.91 

Grade(2) 
g/t 

2007 

4E PGE 
5.33 
5.29 
5.30 
5.29 
5.29 

4E PGE 
5.69 
5.38 
5.50 
5.22 
5.33 

4E PGE 
1.93 
2.21 
2.16 
1.88 
1.99 

4E PGE 
4.56 
3.77 
3.99 
3.89 

   Contained metal 
tonnes 

2008 

2007 

710.9 
1,194.4 
1,905.3 
4,026.6 
5,931.9 

1,868.9 
2,715.2 
4,584.1 
5,089.0 
9,673.1 

282.4 
1,956.8 
2,239.3 
2,519.3 
4,758.6 

574.4 
1,462.7 
2,037.1 
4,633.0 
6,670.1 

1,919.0 
2,686.9 
4,605.9 
6,379.8 
10,985.7 

340.8 
1,749.4 
2,090.2 
2,647.7 
4,737.9 

2,862.3 
5,866.4 
8,728.7 
11,634.9 

2,834.2 
5,899.0 
8,733.2 
13,660.5 

3.93 

20,363.5 

22,393.7 

2008 

Moz 
22.9 
38.4 
61.3 
129.5 
190.7 

Moz 
60.1 
87.3 
147.4 
163.6 
311.0 

Moz 
9.1 
62.9 
72.0 
81.0 
153.0 

Moz 
92.0 
188.6 
280.6 
374.1 

654.7 

Total (alternative units) (8) 

  5,735.4Mton  6,278.9Mton 

0.114oz/ton  0.115oz/ton

Measured 
Indicated 
Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 

 –  
  151.4 
151.4 
 –  –

– 
  151.4 
  151.4 

Total 

  151.4 

151.4 

  4E PGE 
– 
1.05 
1.05 
– 

1.05 

4E PGE 
– 
1.05 
1.05 
– 

1.05 

– 
159.7 
159.7 
– 

159.7 

– 
159.7 
159.7 
– 

159.7 

Moz 

– –
5.1 
5.1 

– –

5.1 

Total (alternative units) (8) 

  166.9Mton 

166.9Mton 

0.031oz/ton  0.031oz/ton 

2007

Moz
18.5
47.0
65.5
149.0
214.4

Moz
61.7
86.4
148.1
205.1
353.2

Moz
11.0
56.2
67.2
85.1
152.3

Moz
91.1
189.7
280.8
439.2

720.0

Moz

5.1
5.1

5.1

Anglo Platinum 
Mineral Resources 
Merensky Reef(3)(4)(5) 

UG2 Reef(3)(4)(6) 

Platreef(7) 

All Reefs 

Tailings(9) 

(1) Tonnage: quoted as dry metric tonnes.

(2) Grade: 4E PGE is the sum of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold grades in grammes per tonne (g/t).

(3)  Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef: In 2008 Anglo Platinum sold its 22.4% share in Northam to Mvelapanda Resources and expects to complete the sale of its 50% share in Booysendal in 2009. Consequently the Mineral 
Resources associated with Booysendal (Merensky Reef: 113Mt and 16.3Moz, UG2 Reef: 314Mt and 38.5Moz) and a component of Der Brochen (Merensky Reef: 24Mt and 3.7Moz, UG2 Reef: 31Mt and 4.9Moz) are 
excluded from the 2008 Mineral Resource figures. 

(4)  Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef: Application for conversion to New Order Mining Rights for Modikwa Platinum Mine is in the process of being finalised and it is expected that the application will be lodged early March 

2009. Modikwa Platinum Mine has until 30 April 2009 to lodge this application.

(5)  Merensky Reef: Depending on the reef characteristics a 2.3g/t to 3.8g/t cut-off has been used to identify Mineral Resources. 

(6)  UG2 Reef: Depending on the reef characteristics a 2.3g/t to 3.7g/t cut-off has been used to identify Mineral Resources.

(7)  Platreef: A 1.0g/t cut-off has been used to identify Mineral Resources.

(8) Alternative units: tonnage in million short tons (Mton) and grade in troy ounces per short ton (oz/ton).

(9)  Tailings: These are reported separately as Mineral Resources but are not aggregated in the total Mineral Resource figures. Operating tailings dams for current mining operations cannot be geologically assessed and 

therefore are not reported as part of the Mineral Resources. At Rustenburg Section historical dams have been evaluated and the tailings are included in the Mineral Resource statement.

The following operations and projects were reviewed during 2008 by independent consultants: Der Brochen, Magazynskraal, Mototolo, Pandora and Mogalakwena Mine (previously PPRust) – Zwartfontein North.

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140 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Platinum continued

Anglo Platinum 
Ore Reserves 
Other Projects 
Zimbabwe 
Unki(3) 
Great Dyke 

Anglo Platinum 
Mineral Resources 
Other Projects 
Zimbabwe 
Unki(3) 
Great Dyke 

Classification 

2008 

Proved 
Probable 

Total 

  4.2 
  34.6 

  38.7 

Tonnes(1) 
million 

2007 

5.2 
43.2 

48.4 

2008 

  4E PGE 
3.60  
3.81 

3.79 

Grade(2) 
g/t 

2007 
4E PGE 
3.60 
3.81 

3.78 

   Contained metal 
tonnes 

Contained metal 
million troy ounces

2008 

2007 

2008 

15.1 
131.6 

146.7 

18.8 
164.5 

183.3 

Moz 
0.5 
4.2 

4.7 

2007

Moz
0.6
5.3

5.9

Total (alternative units) (4) 

  42.7Mton 

53.4Mton 

0.110oz/ton  0.110oz/ton 

Classification 

2008 

Measured 
Indicated 
Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 

Total 

  6.3 
  9.3 
  15.6 
  78.9 

94.6 

Tonnes(1) 
million 

2007 

7.9 
11.7 
19.5 
98.7 

118.2 

2008 

  4E PGE 
4.08 
4.28 
4.20 
4.29 

4.28 

Grade(2) 
g/t 

2007 
4E PGE 
4.08 
4.28 
4.20 
4.29 

4.28 

   Contained metal 
tonnes 

2008 

2007 

25.7 
39.9 
65.6 
338.8 

404.4 

32.1 
49.9 
82.0 
423.5 

505.5 

Contained metal 
million troy ounces

2008 

Moz 
0.8 
1.3 
2.1 
10.9 

13.0 

2007

Moz
1.0
1.6
2.6
13.6

16.3

South Africa  

  3E PGE 

3E PGE 

Moz 

Moz

Total (alternative units) (4) 

  104.2Mton  130.3Mton  0.125oz/ton  0.125oz/ton 

Anooraq-Anglo Platinum Boikgantsho(5)
Platreef 

Measured 
Indicated 
Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 

 –  –
  88.3 
  88.3 
  52.0 

88.3 
88.3 
52.0 

Total 

  140.4 

140.4 

– –
1.35 
1.35 
1.23 

1.31 

1.35 
1.35 
1.23 

1.31 

Sheba’s Ridge(6) 

Canada  

River Valley(7) 

Brazil  

Pedra Branca(8) 

Total (alternative units) (4) 

  154.7Mton  154.7Mton  0.038oz/ton  0.038oz/ton 

Measured 
Indicated 
Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 

  111.8 
  128.4 
  240.1 
  0.9 

Total 

  241.0 

138.2 
128.4 
266.6 
0.9 

267.5 

  3E PGE 
0.85 
0.95 
0.90 
0.85 

0.90 

3E PGE 
0.87 
0.95 
0.91 
0.85 

0.91 

Total (alternative units) (4) 

  265.7Mton  294.9Mton  0.026oz/ton  0.027oz/ton 

Measured 
Indicated 
Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 

Total 

  4.3 
  11.0 
  15.3 
  1.2 

  16.5 

4.3 
11.0 
15.3 
1.2 

16.5 

  3E PGE 
1.79 
1.20 
1.37 
1.24 

1.36 

3E PGE 
1.79 
1.20 
1.37 
1.24 

1.36 

Total (alternative units) (4) 

  18.2Mton 

18.2Mton  0.040oz/ton  0.040oz/ton 

Measured 
Indicated 
Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 

Total 

  – –
 –  –
 –  –
  6.6 

  6.6 

6.6 

6.6 

  3E PGE 

3E PGE 

– –
– –
– –
2.27 

2.27 

2.27 

2.27 

Total (alternative units) (4) 

  7.3Mton 

7.3Mton  0.066oz/ton  0.066oz/ton 

– 
119.2 
119.2 
64.0 

183.3 

95.1 
122.1 
217.2 
0.8 

218.0 

7.6 
13.3 
20.9 
1.5 

22.4 

– –
– 
– –
15.0 

15.0 

– 
119.2 
119.2 
64.0 

183.2 

120.4 
122.1 
242.4 
0.8 

243.2 

7.6 
13.3 
20.9 
1.5 

22.4 

– 

15.0 

15.0 

– –
3.8 
3.8 
2.1 

5.9 

Moz 
3.1 
3.9 
7.0 
0.0 

7.0 

Moz 
0.2 
0.4 
0.7 
0.0 

0.7 

Moz 

– –
– –
– –
0.5 

0.5 

3.8
3.8
2.1

5.9

Moz
3.9
3.9
7.8
0.0

7.8

Moz
0.2
0.4
0.7
0.0

0.7

Moz

0.5

0.5

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
(1)  Tonnage: quoted as dry metric tonnes.

(2)   Grade:   4E PGE is the sum of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold grades in grammes per tonne (g/t).  
3E PGE is the sum of platinum, palladium and gold grades in grammes per tonne (g/t).

(3)  Unki: The 2007 reported figures represented 100% of the project, reflective of Anglo American’s shareholding at that time. Anglo Platinum currently holds an attributable interest of 80%, the reported figures for 2008 

reflect this position.

(4)   Alternative units: tonnage in million short tons (Mton) and grade in troy ounces per short ton (oz/ton).

(5)  Anooraq-Anglo Platinum Boikgantsho: Anglo Platinum holds an attributable interest of 50%. A cut-off of US$20.00/t gross metal value was applied for resource definition.

(6)   Sheba’s Ridge: In 2007 Mineral Resources were based on the total project. However, the 2008 figures reflect the Joint Venture (JV) component between Anglo Platinum and Ridge Mining. Anglo Platinum holds an 

attributable 35% of the JV area.

(7)  River Valley: Anglo Platinum holds an attributable interest of 50%. A cut-off of 0.7g/t (platinum plus palladium) was applied for resource definition.

(8)  Pedra Branca: Anglo Platinum holds an attributable interest of 51%. A cut-off of 0.7g/t (3E PGE) was applied for resource definition.

The following Operations and Projects contributed to the combined 2008 Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates stated per reef (excluding Other Projects): 
(MR = Merensky Reef, UG2 = UG2 Reef, PR = Platreef)

Amandelbult Mine – MR/UG2 
BRPM – MR/UG2 
Der Brochen Project – MR/UG2 
Ga-Phasha PGM Project – MR/UG2 
Kroondal PSA 1 – UG2 
Lebowa Platinum Mines – MR/UG2 
Magazynskraal 3 JQ – MR/UG2 
Marikana PSA 2 – UG2 
Modikwa Platinum Mine – MR/UG2 
Mogalakwena Mine (previously PPRust – Potgietersrust Platinums Ltd.) – PR 
Mototolo – UG2 
Other Exploration Projects (portions of Driekop) – UG2 
Pandora – UG2 
Rustenburg Mine – MR/UG2 
Twickenham Platinum Mine Project – MR/UG2 
Union Mine – MR/UG2 
WBJV – MR/UG2

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142 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Base Metals

Anglo Base Metals
The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC 
Code, 2004) as a minimum standard. The Mineral Resources are additional to the Ore Reserves. 

The figures reported represent 100% of the Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources, the percentage attributable to Anglo American plc is stated separately. Rounding of 
figures may cause computational discrepancies.

Attributable % 
100 

Classification 

2008 

Copper Division 
Ore Reserves 
Los Bronces (OP) 

Sulphide (TCu)(1) 
Flotation 

Sulphide (TCu)(2) 
Dump Leach 

El Soldado (OP and UG) 
Sulphide (TCu) 
Flotation 

   Oxide (TCu) 
Heap Leach 

Mantos Blancos (OP)(3) 
Sulphide (ICu) 
Flotation 

   Oxide (ASCu) 

Vat and Heap Leach 

   Oxide (ASCu) 

Dump Leach 

Mantoverde (OP)(4) 
   Oxide (ASCu) 

Heap Leach 

   Oxide (ASCu) 

Dump Leach 

100 

100 

100 

Collahuasi (OP) 
44.0 
   Oxide, Mixed and Secondary Sulphides (TCu)(5)    

Heap Leach 

Sulphide (TCu)(6) 
Flotation – direct feed 

Low Grade Sulphide (TCu) 
Flotation – stockpile 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

697.7 
782.7 
1,480.4 
344.8 
672.6 
1,017.4 

68.7 
50.7 
119.4 
1.5 
3.0 
4.6 

9.4 
19.3 
28.7 
1.5 
44.0 
45.5 
0.5 
9.4 
10.0 

53.5 
11.2 
64.7 
28.1 
11.5 
39.7 

715.4 
  890.7 
  1,606.1 
  303.9 
  492.6 
  796.5 

  71.2 
44.2 
  115.4 
  3.2 
  2.8 
  6.0 

  12.9 
18.5 
  31.3 
  1.4 
  37.6 
  39.0 
  0.6 
  11.6 
  12.1 

  45.6 
  8.0 
  53.6 
  20.9 
  10.1 
  31.1 

0.2 
20.3 
20.5 
315.4 
  1,224.1 
  1,539.5 
  – –
  675.1 
  675.1 

43.9 
31.2 
75.2 
279.0 
1,180.0 
1,459.1 

670.1 
670.1 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 
Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 
Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 
Proved 
Probable 
Total  
Proved 
Probable 
Total  

Proved 
Probable 
Total  
Proved 
Probable 
Total  

Proved 
Probable 
Total 
Proved 
Probable 
Total 
Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Grade 

2007 
%Cu 
0.76 
0.58 
0.66 
0.33 
0.25 
0.28 
%Cu 
1.04 
0.82 
0.95 
0.87 
0.74 
0.78 
%Cu 
0.93 
1.05 
1.01 
0.72 
0.44 
0.45 
0.24 
0.27 
0.27 
%Cu  
0.62 
0.57 
0.61 
0.36 
0.40 
0.37 
%Cu  
0.80 
0.88 
0.83 
0.99 
0.96 
0.97 

0.51 
0.51 

Contained metal 
thousand tonnes

2008 

2007

5,222 
4,899 
10,121 
1,003 
1,084 
2,087 

712 
393 
1,105 
28 
16 
44 

120 
173 
293 
10 
169 
179 

1 1

30 
31 

273 
43 
317 
75 
39 
115 

4 
156 
160 
3,123 
11,629 
14,752 
– –
3,443 
3,443 

5,303
4,540
9,842
1,138
1,682
2,819

715
418
1,133
13
22
36

87
203
291
11
195
205

26
27

332
64
395
101
46
147

352
275
626
2,762
11,328
14,091

3,418
3,418

2008 
 %Cu  
0.73 
0.55 
0.63 
0.33 
0.22 
0.26 
 %Cu  
1.00 
0.89 
0.96 
0.89 
0.57 
0.74 
 %Cu  
0.93 
0.94 
0.94 
0.70 
0.45 
0.46 
0.24 
0.26 
0.26 
%Cu  
0.60 
0.54 
0.59 
0.36 
0.39 
0.37 
%Cu  
1.60 
0.77 
0.78 
0.99 
0.95 
0.96 
– –
0.51 
0.51 

Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground.  
TCu = total copper, ICu = insoluble copper (total copper less acid soluble copper), ASCu = acid soluble copper. 
The metal price used for Ore Reserve definition is US$1.15/lb, except for Los Bronces where a copper price of US$1.25/lb has been applied.

(1)  Los Bronces – Sulphide (Flotation): A change in the cut-off grade saw some former dump leach ore become available to the flotation circuit (87Mt @ 0.42% TCu).

(2)  Los Bronces – Sulphide (Dump Leach): Anhydrite-bearing low grade sulphide material has been excluded (108Mt @ 0.24% TCu).

(3)   Mantos Blancos: Changes in Ore Reserves are attributable to changes in economic parameters, production, inclusion of new information and subsequent refinement of the Mineral Resource models.

(4)   Mantoverde: Changes in Ore Reserves are attributable to production and a constraint to the Kuroki pit by the rights of the neighbouring Enami Mine.

(5)  Collahuasi – Oxide, Mixed and Secondary Sulphides: Significant reduction in Ore Reserves is due to a transfer of Ujina secondary sulphides to the flotation process (42Mt).

(6)  Collahuasi – Sulphide (Flotation): A portion of the Probable Reserves from Ujina have been re-allocated to Inferred Resources following third party audits. In contrast, infill drilling and model refinement at Rosario has 

resulted in an increase in Ore Reserves.

The Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources of the following operations were reviewed during 2008 by independent consultants: Los Bronces, El Soldado, Mantoverde and Mantos Blancos.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

111.7 
1,532.4 
1,644.1 
43.1 

312.4 

61.2 
47.9 
109.1 
10.8 
0.1 
0.2 
0.3 
0.9 

17.7 
112.8 
130.5 
4.2 
1.0 
9.7 
10.7 
2.2 

1.1 

57.1 
59.6 
116.7 
0.3 

4.3 
4.3 
0.6 
– 

6.0 
6.0 
1.3 
3.5 
570.3 
573.8 
374.0 
2.9 
154.6 
157.5 
201.0 

Grade 

2007 
%Cu 
0.47 
0.45 
0.45 
0.67 

0.19 
%Cu 
0.81 
0.73 
0.77 
0.74 
0.87 
0.84 
0.85 
0.88 
%Cu 
0.75 
0.70 
0.71 
0.82 
0.59 
0.55 
0.55 
0.57 

0.24 
%Cu 
0.38 
0.36 
0.37 
0.62 

0.33 
0.33 
0.37 

%Cu

0.79 
0.79 
1.18 
1.28 
1.10 
1.10 
0.95 
0.50 
0.50 
0.50 
0.50 

Contained metal 
thousand tonnes

2008 

2007

466 
5,407 
5,872 
233 
– –
– –
– –
343 

360 
163 
523 
99 

1 1
1 2
2 3
6 8

104 
743 
848 
3 
2 6

54 
56 
2 
 – –
 – –
 – –
1 3

200 
157 
357 

1 2
 – –
11 
11 

1 2
9 –
411 –
420 –
– –

– –
24 
24 
7 
11 
2,459 
2,470 
2,407 
5 
547 
552 
450 

529
6,896
7,425
289

594

496
349
845
80

133
791
924
34

53
59
13

217
215
432

14
14

48
48
16
45
6,274
6,318
3,553
14
773
787
1,005

2008 
%Cu  
0.42 
0.42 
0.42 
0.46 
– –
– –
– –
0.18 
%Cu  
0.80 
0.81 
0.80 
0.77 
0.67 
0.81 
0.75 
0.80 
%Cu  
0.72 
0.66 
0.67 
0.77 
0.56 
0.57 
0.57 
0.56 
– –
– –
– –
0.24 
%Cu  
0.39 
0.39 
0.39 
0.61 
– –
0.32 
0.32 
0.39 
0.78 –
0.72 –
0.72 –
– –
%Cu  
– –
1.18 
1.18 
1.09 
0.78 
0.85 
0.85 
0.93 
0.47 
0.50 
0.50 
0.50 

Attributable % 
100 

Classification 

2008 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 
   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

  110.8 
  1,287.3 
  1,398.2 
50.7 
 –  –
 –  –
 –  –
  190.6 

100 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 
   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

100 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 
   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 
   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

100 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 
   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 
Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 
Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 
Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

  45.2 
  20.2 
  65.4 
  12.9 
  0.1 
  0.1 
  0.3 
  0.8 

  14.5 
  112.7 
  127.2 
  0.4 
  0.3 
  9.5 
  9.8 
  0.4 
  – –
  – –
– –
  0.3 

  51.8 
  40.6 
  92.4 
  0.2 
 –  –
  3.5 
  3.5 
  0.3 
  1.2 
  57.1 –
  58.2 –
  – –

 –  –
2.0 
  2.0 
  0.6 
1.4 
  289.3 
  290.7 
  258.9 
  1.2 
  109.3 
  110.5 
  90.0 

Copper Division 
Mineral Resources 
Los Bronces (OP)(1) 
Sulphide (TCu) 
Flotation 

Sulphide (TCu) 
Dump Leach 

El Soldado (OP and UG)(1) 
Sulphide (TCu) 
Flotation 

   Oxide (TCu) 
Heap Leach 

Mantos Blancos (OP)(1) 
Sulphide (ICu) 
Flotation 

   Oxide (ASCu) 

Vat and Heap Leach 

   Oxide (ASCu) 

Dump Leach 

Mantoverde (OP)(1) 
   Oxide (ASCu) 

Heap Leach 

   Oxide (ASCu) 

Dump Leach 

Sulphide Project (TCu)(2) 
Flotation  

Collahuasi (OP)(1) 
   Oxide, Mixed and Secondary Sulphides (TCu) 

44.0 

Heap Leach 

Sulphide (TCu) 
Flotation – direct feed 

Low Grade Sulphide (TCu) 
Flotation – stockpile 

Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground.  
TCu = total copper, ICu = insoluble copper (total copper less acid soluble copper), ASCu = acid soluble copper.

(1)  Copper Resources: In 2007 Measured and Indicated Resources were declared as estimated. In 2008 a test of reasonable eventual economic extraction was applied through consideration of an optimised pit shell based 
on the Anglo Base Metals long-term copper price. Materials outside the optimised shell are now excluded from the Mineral Resource statement. The decrease in Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources evident at 
most of operations is a result of this. Inferred Mineral Resources with reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction not considered in the Mine Plan in 2008 are as follows:- (Tt = Thousand tonnes) 

Los Bronces – Sulphide (Flotation):  
El Soldado – Sulphide (Flotation):  
El Soldado – Oxide (Heap Leach):  
Mantos Blancos – Sulphide (Flotation): 
Mantos Blancos – Oxide (Vat and Heap Leach):  
Mantoverde – Oxide (Heap Leach):  
Mantoverde – Sulphide Project:  
Collahausi – Oxide, Mixed and Secondary Sulphides (Heap Leach): 
Collahausi – Sulphide (Flotation):  
Collahausi – Low Grade Sulphide (stockpile):  

0.39% (TCu)  
0.56% (TCu)  
0.84% (TCu)  
0.59% (ICu)  
1.6Mt  0.59% (ASCu) 
5Mt   0.53% (ASCu) 
111.6Mt   0.66% (TCu)  
2.3Mt   0.76% (TCu) 
1,372Mt   0.90% (TCu)  
627.7Mt   0.50% (TCu) 

Pit Shell @ US$1.8/lb 
Pit Shell @ US$1.8/lb 
6 Tt   Pit Shell @ US$1.8/lb 
Pit Shell @ US$1.8/lb 
87Tt 
Pit Shell @ US$1.8/lb 
10Tt 
Pit Shell @ US$1.7/lb  (Difference due to relative timing of resource finalisation) 
 26Tt 
Pit Shell @ US$1.7/lb  (Difference due to relative timing of resource finalisation) 
736Tt 
Pit Shell @ US$1.8/lb 
17Tt 
Pit Shell @ US$1.8/lb 
12,350Tt 
Pit Shell @ US$1.8/lb
3,138Tt 

Tonnes  Grade (% Cu)  Contained metal   Economic criteria 
2,472Mt 
70.3Mt 
0.7Mt 
14.8Mt 

9,639Tt 
394Tt 

(2)  Mantoverde – Sulphide Project: The project is in a Pre-Feasibility Study stage with completion planned for mid-2009.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
144 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Base Metals continued

Zinc Division 
Ore Reserves 
Black Mountain (UG)(1)  
Deeps(2) 
Zinc 

Copper 

Lead 

Lisheen (UG)(3) 
Zinc 

Lead 

Skorpion (OP)(4) 
Zinc 

Attributable % 
74.0 

Classification 

2008 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

1.3 
7.4 
8.7 

  2.9 
  5.9 
8.8 

  6.6 
  1.6 
  8.2 

6.9 
2.7 
9.7 

  4.8 
  4.1 
  9.0 

6.4 
5.1 
11.5 

Grade 

2007 

%Zn 
2.50 
3.75 
3.56 
%Cu 
0.21 
0.81 
0.72 
%Pb 
4.48 
4.05 
4.12 

%Zn 
11.25 
13.68 
11.94 
%Pb 
1.98 
1.61 
1.88 

%Zn 
12.74 
9.72 
11.41 

Contained metal 
thousand tonnes

2008 

2007

109 
170 
280 

13 3
22 
35 

93 
168 
261 

779 
192 
970 

127 
29 
156 

624 
417 
1,041 

32
279
311

61
63

59
301
360

782
373
1,155

138
44
182

821
491
1,312

2008 

%Zn 
3.71 
2.89 
3.16 
%Cu 
0.45 
0.37 
0.40 
%Pb 
3.16 
2.86 
2.96 

%Zn 
11.72 
12.01 
11.78 
%Pb 
1.91 
1.81 
1.89 

%Zn 
12.94 
10.06 
11.61 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

100 

100 

Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground. 
For the polymetallic deposits, the tonnage figures apply to each metal. 

(1)   Black Mountain: On 18 January 2007, Exxaro exercised its option to acquire a 26% interest in Black Mountain. The sale was contingent on the conversion of Old Order to New Order Mining Rights which was granted in 

November 2008.

(2)   Black Mountain – Deeps: Production has been partially offset by updated geological, resource and reserve modelling based on additional information.

(3)  Lisheen: Changes are attributable to production.

(4)  Skorpion: Changes in Ore Reserves are attributable to production and changes to the operating cost (economic assumptions).

The Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources of the following operations were reviewed during 2008 by independent consultants: Black Mountain and Skorpion.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Zinc Division 
Mineral Resources 
Black Mountain (UG)  
Deeps(1) 
Zinc 

Attributable % 
74.0 

Classification 

2008 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

  1.6 
  2.6 
  4.3 
  2.4 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

0.5 
4.5 
5.0 
3.1 

Copper 

Lead 

Swartberg(2) 
Zinc 

Copper 

Lead 

Lisheen (UG)(3) 
Zinc 

Lead 

Skorpion (OP)(4) 
Zinc 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

Measured 
Indicated  
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

  – –
  17.3 
  17.3 
 –  –

17.3 
17.3 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

100 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

  0.9 
  0.4 
  1.3 
  0.2 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

100 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

  0.2 
  1.0 
  1.2 
  0.1 

  –

  –

  –

1.0 
0.5 
1.4 
0.4 

0.0 
0.2 
0.2 
0.8 

145

Contained metal 
thousand tonnes

2008 

2007

61 
96 
158 
104 

10 3
15 
25 
26 

56 
113 
169 
33 

– –
109 
109 
– –

– –
121 
121 
– –

– –
497 
497 
– –

114 
44 
158 
37 

20 

7 9

26 
5 

13 2
79 
92 
12 

11
160
171
124

28
31
38

10
200
210
40

109
109

121
121

497
497

123
61
184
68

22

31
11

15
17
71

2008 

%Zn 
3.74 
3.66 
3.69 
4.39 
%Cu 
0.63 
0.57 
0.59 
1.09 
%Pb 
3.41 
4.29 
3.95 
1.39 

%Zn 

– –
0.63 
0.63 
– –

%Cu 

 –
0.70 
0.70 
– –

%Pb 

 –
2.87 
2.87 
 –

%Zn 
12.91 
11.39 
12.45 
17.84 
%Pb 
2.23 
1.74 
2.08 
2.49 

%Zn 
7.29 
7.87 
7.78 
9.61 

Grade 

2007 

%Zn 
2.23 
3.53 
3.40 
3.96 
%Cu 
0.65 
0.61 
0.61 
1.23 
%Pb 
1.97 
4.40 
4.16 
1.28 

%Zn 

0.63 
0.63 

%Cu 

0.70 
0.70 

%Pb 

2.87 
2.87 

%Zn 
12.67 
12.95 
12.76 
18.24 
%Pb 
2.30 
1.86 
2.16 
3.05 

%Zn 
6.99 
6.94 
6.95 
9.16 

Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground. 
For the polymetallic deposits, the tonnage figures apply to each metal. 

(1)   Black Mountain – Deeps: Broken Hill and the Deeps Mineral Resources are combined for reporting purposes. There are no Inferred Mineral Resources external to those considered in the Mine Plan. At Black Mountain the 

definition of Mineral Resources is based on economic and financial parameters determined from the 2000 Feasibility Study. Mineral Resources are estimated to contain 6,646kt of material grading 40g/t silver as a 
by-product.

(2)   Black Mountain – Swartberg: The Swartberg mine was placed on care and maintenance from January 2007. The Ore Reserves were removed from the mine plan and converted to Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources 

are estimated to contain 17,323kt of material grading 35g/t silver as a by-product.

(3)  Lisheen: Mineral Resources are quoted above a 6% ZnEq cut-off. Inferred Mineral Resources with reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction consist of 0.2Mt with a Zn grade of 12.04% containing 28kt zinc 

metal and a Pb grade of 2.63% containing 6kt lead metal.

(4)  Skorpion: The current Mineral Resources are constrained by geological contacts. A major Mineral Resource update is planned for 2009 on completion of the current drill program. This will include a review of the 

parameters that control the eventual economic extraction outlook. At present, the Inferred Mineral Resources external to the current Mine Plan consist of 1.0Mt with an average Zn grade 8.87% containing 92kt zinc metal.

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Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
146 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Base Metals continued

Nickel Division 
Ore Reserves 
Barro Alto (OP)(1) 
Laterite 

Codemin (OP) 

Laterite 

Loma de Níquel (OP) 

Laterite 

Nickel Division 
Mineral Resources 
Barro Alto (OP)(1) 
Laterite 

Codemin (OP)(2) 
Laterite 

Loma de Níquel (OP)(3) 

Laterite 

Mining method: OP = Open Pit.

Attributable % 
100 

Classification 

2008 

100 

91.4 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

  9.5 
  31.2 
  40.7 

  3.2 
  0.5 
  3.7 

  12.1 
21.0 
  33.1 

Attributable % 
100 

Classification 

2008 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

  4.3 
  16.8 
  21.1 
38.7 

100  

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

91.4 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

  3.4 
  3.5 
  6.9 
 –  –

  0.9 
  4.8 
  5.7 
  1.7 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

12.3 
27.1 
39.5 

3.2 
0.5 
3.7 

11.9 
22.1 
34.0 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

– 
16.9 
16.9 
37.5 

3.3 
3.5 
6.9 

1.2 
4.8 
6.0 
1.7 

2008 

%Ni 
1.66 
1.72 
1.70 

%Ni 
1.33 
1.33 
1.33 

%Ni 
1.48 
1.46 
1.47 

2008 

%Ni 
1.32 
1.27 
1.28 
1.55 

%Ni 
1.29 
1.25 
1.27 
– –

%Ni 
1.38 
1.45 
1.44 
1.39 

Grade 

2007 

%Ni 
1.61 
1.81 
1.75 

%Ni 
1.33 
1.33 
1.33 

%Ni 
1.49 
1.47 
1.48 

Grade 

2007 

%Ni 
– 
1.36 
1.36 
1.56 

%Ni 
1.29 
1.25 
1.27 

%Ni 
1.40 
1.45 
1.44 
1.39 

Contained metal 
thousand tonnes

2008 

2007

158 
535 
693 

42 

7 7

49 

179 
306 
485 

199
491
690

42

49

178
324
502

Contained metal 
thousand tonnes

2008 

2007

57 –
213 
270 
599 

43 
44 
87 
– –

13 
69 
82 
23 

230
230
585

43
44
87

16
70
86
23

(1)   Barro Alto: Mineral Resources are quoted above a 0.9% Ni cut-off. An additional 0.42Mt of stockpiled ferruginous material with an estimated grade of 1.50% Ni containing 6,000 tonnes of nickel is available. 

Ore from Barro Alto is currently being processed at the Codemin plant. Inferred Mineral Resources external to the LOM comprise 21.8Mt with an average grade of 1.27% Ni, containing 275,000 tonnes of nickel.

(2)   Codemin: Mineral Resources are quoted above a 0.9% Ni cut-off.

(3)   Loma de Níquel: Mineral Resources are quoted above a 0.8% Ni cut-off (less than 35% Fe). Inferred Mineral Resources external to the LOM comprise 4.5Mt with an average grade of 1.50% Ni, containing 68,000 
tonnes of nickel. Includes Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources in concessions cancelled by MIBAM, which Anglo American plc anticipates will be restored. Refer to note 37 (iii) to the financial statements for further 
information regarding these nickel exploration and exploitation concessions.

The Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources of Barro Alto, Codemin and Loma de Níquel will be reviewed during 2009 by independent consultants.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
147

Contained product 
thousand tonnes

2008 

2007

128 
46 
174 

147
48
195

Contained product 
thousand tonnes

2008 

2007

210 2
106 3
316 4
5 5

Niobium 
Ore Reserves 
Catalão (OP) 

Carbonatite 

Niobium 
Mineral Resources 
Catalão (OP)(1) 

Carbonatite 

Phosphate products 
Ore Reserves 
Copebrás (OP) 

Carbonatite 

Phosphate products 
Mineral Resources 
Copebrás (OP)(2) 
Carbonatite 

Mining method: OP = Open Pit.

Attributable % 
100 

Classification 

2008 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

  10.6 
  4.0 
  14.6 

Attributable % 
100 

Classification 

2008 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

  16.6 
  9.0 
  25.6 
  0.6 

Attributable % 
73.0 

Classification 

2008 

Proved  
Probable 
Total 

  78.7 
  160.4 
  239.1 

Attributable % 
73.0 

Classification 

2008 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

  3.2 
  84.4 
  87.6 
  16.9 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

11.9 
4.2 
16.0 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

0.2 
0.3 
  0.5 
0.6 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

79.6 
152.1 
231.7 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

  0.5 
20.3 
  20.8 
15.8 

2008 

%Nb2O5 
1.21 
1.14 
1.19 

2008 

%Nb2O5 
1.26 
1.18 
1.23 
0.88 

2008 

%P2O5 
13.4 
13.3 
13.3 

2008 

%P2O5 
9.4 
10.4 
10.4 
12.9 

Grade 

2007 

%Nb2O5 
1.24 
1.15 
1.21 

Grade 

2007 

%Nb2O5 
1.05 
0.91 
0.96 
0.90 

Grade 

2007 

%P2O5 
13.3 
13.4 
13.3 

Grade 

2007 

%P2O5 
12.4 
11.4 
11.4 
12.9 

(1)   Catalão: Mineral Resources are quoted above a 0.7% Nb2O5 cut-off (decreased from previous 1% Nb2O5 cut-off). Inferred Mineral Resources external to the LOM comprise 4.3Mt with an average grade of 1.14% Nb2O5, 

containing 49,000 tonnes of product.

(2)   Copebrás: Mineral Resources are quoted above a 7% P2O5 cut-off. Inferred Mineral Resources external to the LOM comprise 48.1Mt with an average grade of 9.64% P2O5.

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148 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Base Metals continued

Projects 
Ore Reserves 
Quellaveco (OP)(1) 
Copper 
Sulphide 
Flotation 

Gamsberg (OP)(2) 

Zinc 

Projects 
Mineral Resources 
Quellaveco (OP)(1) 
Copper 
Sulphide 
Flotation 

Attributable % 
80.0 

Classification 

2008 

74.0 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

  253.3 
  636.8 
  890.1 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

  34.2 
  110.3 
  144.4 

Attributable % 
80.0 

Classification 

2008 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 

  1.9 
  193.9 
195.9 
  21.8 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

250.1 
688.3 
938.4 

34.3 
110.3 
144.5 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

1.5 
176.7 
178.2 
41.1 

Pebble (OP/UG)(3)(7)(8)(9) 

Copper 

50.0 

Measured(4) 
Indicated(5) 

   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred(6) 

500.0 
4,120.0 
4,620.0 
2,270.0 

655.0 
1,760.0 
2,415.0 
3,180.0 

Grade 

2007 

%Cu 
0.76 
0.59 
0.64 

%Zn 
7.55 
5.55 
6.03 

Grade 

2007 

%Cu 
0.53 
0.46 
0.46 
0.54 

%Cu 
0.34 
0.30 
0.31 
0.60 

Contained metal 
thousand tonnes

2008 

2007

1,925 
3,885 
5,810 

2,580 
6,124 
8,704 

1,901
4,061
5,962

2,585
6,124
8,709

Contained metal 
thousand tonnes

2008 

2007

8 8

834 
842 
131 

813
821
222

1,700 
19,776 
21,476 
8,399 

2,227
5,280
7,507
19,234

2008 

%Cu 
0.76 
0.61 
0.65 

%Zn 
7.55 
5.55 
6.03 

2008 

%Cu 
0.39 
0.43 
0.43 
0.60 

%Cu 
0.34 
0.48 
0.46 
0.37 

Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground.

(1)  Quellaveco: Based on a feasibility study completed in 2000. Mineral Resources are quoted using a US$ 1.80/lb resource pit constraint. Inferred Mineral Resources with reasonable prospects of eventual economic 

extraction not considered in the Mine Plan in 2008 are as follows:- (Tt = Thousand tonnes) 

  Tonnes  Grade (% Cu)  Contained metal   Economic criteria 
 392.7Mt  0.48% (Tcu) 

1,885Tt  Pit Shell @US$1.8/lb

(2)   Gamsberg: Based on a feasibility study completed in 2000 and reviewed in 2006 to account for prevailing economic and financial assumptions. Ore Reserves have reduced due to mining of approximately 0.06Mt of 
material with an average grade of 7.28% Zn via the exploration adit which was processed at the Black Mountain concentrator. An optimised pit shell includes Inferred Resources of 54.2Mt with an average grade of 
4.10% Zn. Gamsberg is owned by Black Mountain Mining (Pty) Ltd – 74% owned by Anglo Operations Limited and 26% by Exxaro group of companies.

(3)   Pebble: Copper Equivalent (CuEq) calculations use metal prices of US$1.80/lb copper, US$800/oz gold and US$10.00/lb for molybdenum. The CuEq calculation takes into consideration the relative difference in recovery 
between the copper, gold and molybdenum. The estimates of metallurgical recoveries used in the calculation were 91% for copper, 75% for gold and 90% for molybdenum in the western side of the deposits (formerly 
Pebble West) and 93% for copper, 80% for gold and 94% for molybdenum in the eastern side of the deposit (formerly Pebble East). The estimates of metallurgical recovery are preliminary results from the ongoing 
Prefeasibility study. For 2007, the calculation of CuEq did not take the relative difference in recoveries into account. By definition, Mineral Resources do not have demonstrated economic viability and neither should it be 
assumed that all or part of the Inferred Resources will necessarily convert to Indicated or Measured Resources. A test for “reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction” has been carried out and the mineral 
resources fall within a volume defined by metal price estimates of US$2.50/lb for copper, US$900/oz for gold and US$25/lb for molybdenum. The resources are based on drilling to June 2008 and a block model created 
in July 2008. The resources in the table are based on a cut-off grade of 0.4%CuEq. At a cut-off of 0.6%CuEq the estimates of Measured plus Indicated Resources are 3090 million tonnes at 0.56%Cu, 0.42g/t Au and 
0.030%Mo (0.96%CuEq).

(4)   Pebble co-product estimated grades 2008 (Measured): Gold 0.36g/t, Molybdenum 0.018%. CuEq average grade 0.63%.

(5)   Pebble co-product estimated grades 2008 (Indicated): Gold 0.37g/t, Molybdenum 0.027%. CuEq average grade 0.83%.

(6)   Pebble co-product estimated grades 2008 (Inferred): Gold 0.35g/t, Molybdenum 0.026%. CuEq average grade 0.71%.

(7)   Pebble: Previously the deposit was divided into Pebble West and Pebble East. In 2007 Measured and Indicated Resources were all reported from Pebble West at a cut-off of 0.4%CuEq while for the Inferred Resources, 
Pebble West (760Mt at 0.27%Cu containing 2,052kt of copper) were reported at a cut-off of 0.4%CuEq and Pebble East (2,420Mt at 0.71%Cu containing 17,182kt of copper) were reported at a cut-off of 0.8%CuEq.

(8)   Pebble: Significant changes between 2007 and 2008 resources, include a major upgrade of Inferred Resources in the former Pebble East to Indicated, the change in the cut-off grade of resources reported from the 
former Pebble East from 0.8%CuEq to 0.4%CuEq, the application of the test for reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction and the inclusion of relative recoveries in the calculation of the CuEq. Less 
significant changes were due to classification methodology.

(9)   Pebble: The property comprises a continuous block of 1,335 located Alaska State mineral claims which total 98,000 acres (39,659 hectares) and which are currently valid. The claims must be renewed annually before 

1 December through the payment of rental fees (approx. US$200,000) and registration of work conducted or payment of cash in lieu (approx. US$250,000). There are no known factors affecting the claims.

The Mineral Resources of the following projects were reviewed during 2008 by independent consultants: Pebble.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Ferrous Metals

Kumba Iron Ore
The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with The SAMREC Code, 2007. The Mineral Resources are reported as exclusive of those 
Mineral Resources modified to produce the Ore Reserve figures, i.e. the Ore Reserves are excluded from the Mineral Resource figures. In contrast, in 2007, Anglo American 
reported Mineral Resources for Kumba Iron Ore inclusive of Ore Reserves. The change to an exclusive reporting basis is in alignment with Anglo American’s reporting 
practice. These exclusive Mineral Resources are taken from the Kumba Iron Ore Annual Report of 2007. 

The figures reported represent 100% of the Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources, the percentage attributable to Anglo American plc is stated separately. Rounding of 
figures may cause computational discrepancies.

Saleable product 
million tonnes

2008 

2007

536@65.0% Fe 
187@65.1% Fe 
723@65.0% Fe 

598@65.2% Fe
174@65.3% Fe
772@65.2% Fe

4@64.9% Fe 
1@65.1% Fe  
5@64.9% Fe 

7@63.5% Fe
1@63.1% Fe
8@63.4% Fe

123@64.1% Fe 
91@63.9% Fe 

97@64.7% Fe
78@63.6% Fe
214@64.0% Fe  176@64.2% Fe

Iron Ore 
Ore Reserves 
Sishen Iron Ore Mine (OP)(1) 

   Attributable % 
36.6 

Classification 

2008 

Thabazimbi Iron Ore Mine (OP) 

46.6 

Sishen South Iron Ore Project (OP)(2) 

46.6 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

709.2 
247.7 
956.9 

4.1 
0.8 
4.9 

123.1 
91.0 
214.1 

Iron Ore 
Mineral Resources 
Sishen Iron Ore Mine (OP) 
   Within Pit 

   Outside Pit(3) 

Thabazimbi Iron Ore Mine (OP) 
   Within Pit 

   Outside Pit 

Sishen South Iron Ore Project (OP)  
   Within Pit(4) 

   Outside Pit 

Mining method: OP = Open Pit.

  Attributable %  
36.6 

Classification 

2008 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 
   Measured 
Indicated 
  Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 

46.6 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 
   Measured 
Indicated 
  Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 

46.6 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred in Mine Plan 
   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Inferred 

  44.8 
  14.5 
  59.3 
  4.2 
  713.9 
  701.0 
  1,414.8 
  146.6 

  0.7 
  0.0 
  0.7 
  0.3 
  18.0 
  4.8 
  22.9 
  2.6 

  0.9 –
  0.8 –
  1.7 –
  35.4 –
  48.6 
20.0 
  68.6 
  47.1 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

805.3 
227.2 
1,032.5 

7.8 
1.5 
9.3 

97.7 
78.2 
175.9 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

31.2 
23.2 
54.5 
4.9 
617.8 
588.5 
1,206.3 
109.7 

0.5 
0.1 
0.5 
0.3 
18.1 
4.9 
23.0 
2.7 

31.3 
55.6 
86.8 
10.1 

2008 

%Fe 
59.7 
59.3 
59.6 
%Fe 
64.5 
64.9 
64.6 
%Fe 
64.2 
63.9 
64.1 

2008 

%Fe 
59.5 
57.7 
59.1 
61.8 
54.6 
57.4 
56.0 
59.4 
%Fe 
61.0 
61.8 
61.0 
61.8 
62.4 
63.4 
62.6 
63.5 
%Fe 
61.1 
61.6 
61.3 
65.5 
65.1 
65.0 
65.1 
62.5 

Grade 

2007 
%Fe 
59.5 
60.0 
59.6 
%Fe 
62.9 
62.7 
62.9 
%Fe 
64.7 
63.6 
64.2 

Grade 

2007 

%Fe 
60.7 
59.7 
60.3 
62.4 
55.2 
58.6 
56.9 
61.0 
%Fe 
62.3 
61.6 
62.2 
61.6 
62.4 
63.4 
62.6 
63.4 
%Fe 
– 
– 
– 
– 
65.6 
64.3 
64.8 
63.4 

The tonnage is quoted as dry metric tonnes and abbreviated as Mt for million tonnes. 
Kumba Iron Ore delimit resources within an economic shell based on double the Free On Rail forward-looking long-term iron ore price. 
The Mineral Resources in addition to those considered for the Life of Mine (LOM) are reported as Outside Pit. 
The Zandrivierspoort Project is no longer reported as Anglo American’s shareholding (23.3%) is below the internal threshold for reporting. Details of this project are presented in the Kumba Iron Ore Annual Report.

(1)   Sishen Iron Ore Mine – Ore Reserves: Decrease is predominantly reflective of production with a lesser contribution from changes to the geological model.

(2)   Sishen South Iron Ore Project – Ore Reserves: Increase is attributable to an updated geological model, changes in economic assumptions including the increased forward-looking Free On Rail iron-ore price and 

a reduced cut-off grade.

(3)   Sishen Iron Ore Mine – Outside Pit: Increase is due to revision of geological model based on exploration drilling and the increased forward-looking Free On Rail iron-ore price.

(4)   Sishen South Iron Ore Project – Within Pit: Increase is mainly a response to the increased forward-looking Free On Rail iron-ore price.

The Mineral Resources of the following operations were reviewed during 2008 by independent consultants: Sishen Iron Ore Mine.

149

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150 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Ferrous Metals continued

Anglo Ferrous Brazil
The Minas-Rio project is located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil and will include open pit mines and a beneficiation plant producing high grade pellet feed which will be 
transported, through a slurry pipeline, over 500km to the Port of Açu in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The project will largely be based on the two main deposits of Serra do 
Sapo and Itapanhoacanga. Two ore types, Friable and Hard Itabirite, have been identified at Serra do Sapo and Itapanhoacanga. Only the Friable Itabirite at Serra do Sapo is 
being considered for Phase 1 of the project. The planned annual capacity of Phase 1 is 26.5Mtpa of iron ore pellet feed (wet tonnes), for start up during the second quarter 
of 2012.

The estimates of Mineral Resources have been audited by an independent Qualified Person from SRK who has compiled a NI 43-101 compliant Technical Report. In the case 
of the Serra do Sapo deposit a new Mineral Resource estimate was prepared in 2008 by Anglo Ferrous Brazil and audited by SRK. The Mineral Resources are also JORC 
compliant. The Qualified Person has consented to the inclusion of the resources in the table below, and associated footnotes, and agrees with the context and form in 
which they occur.  

The figures reported represent 100% of the Mineral Resources. Anglo American plc’s effective interest in the Minas Rio Project is 99.4%. Rounding of figures may cause 
computational discrepancies.

Minas-Rio Project(1)(7)(8) 
Iron Ore 
Mineral Resources 
Itapanhoacanga (OP)(3)(4) 
Friable Itabirite 

Hard Itabirite 

Attributable % 
99.4 

Classification 

2008 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred(2) 

Measured 
Indicated –
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred(2) 

 –  –
  83.0 
  83.0 
284.0 
 –  –
 –
 –  
  32.0 

Serra do Sapo (OP)(5) 

99.4 

Friable Itabirite and Hematite(6) 

Hard Itabirite 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred(2) 
Measured –
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred(2) 

462.0 –
  565.8 
  1,027.8 
  143.9 

  1,650.5 
  1,650.5 
680.8 

Tonnes 
 million 

2007 

83.0 
83.0 
284.0 

– 
32.0 

222.0 
222.0 
313.0 
– 
171.0 
171.0 
141.0 

2008 

%Fe 

– –
40.3 
40.3 
40.4 
– –
– –
– 
34.2 
%Fe 
38.1 –
37.5 
37.8 
34.3 
– –
31.0 
31.0 
30.3 

Grade

2007

%Fe

40.3
40.3
40.4

–
34.2
%Fe

41.0
41.0
39.5

34.8
34.8
34.2

Mining method: OP = Open Pit. 

(1)   Minas-Rio Project: All Mineral Resources are stated as wet metric tonnes and the moisture content is estimated at 7%. 

(2)   Minas-Rio Project – Inferred Resources: Due to the uncertainty in the estimates of Inferred Resources, it should not be assumed that all of the Inferred Resources will necessarily upgrade to Indicated or Measured 

Resources.

(3)   Itapanhoacanga: Cut-off grade used is 33% Fe . 

(4)   Itapanhoacanga – Further lower grade resources above a cut-off of 20% Fe: 

Friable Itabirite – an estimated 7Mt of Indicated Mineral Resources at an estimated average grade of 32% Fe; 
Friable Itabirite – an estimated 78Mt Inferred Mineral Resources at an estimated average grade of 29% Fe; and 
Hard Itabirite – an estimated 19Mt of Inferred Mineral Resources at an estimated average grade of 31% Fe.

(5)   Serra do Sapo: A new geological model and resource estimate was completed during 2008. A significant increase in Mineral Resources has occurred due to the inclusion of new drill results. Additional increases are 

attributable to a lowering of cut-off grade to 25% Fe from the previous 33% Fe.

(6)   Serra do Sapo – Friable Itabirite and Hematite: The hematite material has been included within the friable material type, as it is an attractive material type economically but not significant in tonnage terms.

(7)   Serro deposit – Resources above a cut-off of 33% Fe: 

Friable plus Hard Itabirite – an estimated 25Mt of Indicated and 56Mt of Inferred Mineral Resources at an estimated average grade of approximately 38% Fe. 
Further lower grade resources above a cut-off of 20% Fe: 
Friable plus Hard Itabirite – an estimated 101Mt of Indicated and 256Mt of Inferred Mineral Resources at an estimated average grade of 29% Fe.

(8)    João Monlevade deposit – Resources above a cut-off of 30% Fe: 

Friable Itabirite – an estimated 133Mt of Inferred Mineral Resources at an estimated average grade of 47% Fe.

Amapá iron ore system
Iron Ore
Anglo American acquired an effective 69.2% interest in the Amapá project during 2008. During 2008 new exploration drilling was conducted within the project mineral 
rights area. A resource and reserve estimate incorporating all project data will be prepared in 2009.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
151

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Samancor
The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with The SAMREC Code, 2007 and The JORC Code, 2004 as applicable. The Mineral 
Resources are reported as inclusive of those Mineral Resources modified to produce the Ore Reserve figures, i.e. the Ore Reserves are included in the Mineral Resource 
figures.  

The figures reported represent 100% of the Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources. Rounding of figures may cause computational discrepancies.

Manganese  
Ore Reserves 
GEMCO (OP)(1) 

Attributable % 
40.0 

Classification 

2008 

Hotazel Manganese Mines 
   Mamatwan (OP)(2) 

40.0 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 
Proved 
Probable 
Total 

  71.9 
  43.9 
  115.8 

  40.5 
  8.1 
  48.6 
  3.9 
  14.9 
  18.8 

   Wessels (UG)(3) 

Manganese  
Mineral Resources 
GEMCO (OP)(4) 

Hotazel Manganese Mines(5) 
   Mamatwan (OP)(6) 

   Wessels (UG)(7) 

Attributable % 
40.0 

Classification 

2008 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

40.0 

Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 
Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

  74.6 
  47.5 
  122.1 

  51.8 
  13.9 
  65.7 
  6.7 
  119.6 
  126.3 

2008 

49.4 
47.0 
48.5 

% Yield

2007

49.3
47.0
48.5

2008 

44.2 
44.0 
44.1 

% Yield

2007

44.2
44.0
44.1

Tonnes 
million 

2007 

81.8 
44.7 
126.5 

44.0 
8.1 
52.1 
4.6 
14.8 
19.4 

Tonnes 
million 

2007 

80.1 
47.7 
127.8 

56.2 
15.6 
71.8 
8.8 
30.7 
39.5 

2008 

%Mn 
48.2 
47.1 
47.8 
%Mn 
37.7 
36.8 
37.6 
46.5 
45.3 
45.5 

2008 

%Mn 
46.3 
46.0 
46.2 
%Mn 
37.6 
36.3 
37.3 
47.3 
44.0 
44.1 

Grade 

2007 

%Mn
48.2 
47.2 
47.8 
%Mn 
37.6 
36.4 
37.4 
46.0 
45.2 
45.4 

Grade 

2007 

%Mn 
46.5 
46.0 
46.3 
%Mn 
37.6 
36.4 
37.3 
46.0 
45.3 
45.5 

Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground.

Mamatwan tonnages stated as wet metric tonnes. Wessels and GEMCO tonnages stated as dry metric tonnes.

(1)   GEMCO – Ore Reserves: Changes are the result of pricing changes (increases) between FY07 and FY08. Culturally significant areas have also been excised from the Ore Reserves (G Quarry rainforest) adjacent to the 

local community. This excision equates to 3.24Mt of ROM for 1.29Mt of product at 47.6% Mn at a yield of 40%.

(2)  Mamatwan – Ore Reserves: X-Zone included as a reserve. 

(3)   Wessels – Ore Reserves: Dilution factors as per Ukwazi Mining were used for the resource to reserve conversion. Note that the reserve estimation includes a fines portion of 24% which defines the difference between 
ROM and quality product. Changes due to following: Revised structural interpretation and model of the Lower Body; Wessels Mine used to be a high grade mine – mean manganese content for W1Lump being 48%.  
As a result only this high grade portion was previously declared while a low grade portion, W4Lump at a mean grade of 41.8% manganese, was declared as an exclusive resource, with the selling of this product being 
dependent on marketing requirements. Positive changes in market conditions now allow for the inclusion of all grades above a cut-off of 37.5% Mn; The traditional W1L at a mean grade of 48% was also adjusted to 
47% Mn; Changes also due to mine production depletion.

(4)   GEMCO – Mineral Resources: The resource has only been depleted due to mine production.

(5)   Hotazel Manganese Mines: An agreement has been signed between Samancor Manganese and an empowerment consortium Ntsimbintle Mining (Pty) Ltd, but remains subject to government approval. When approved, 
this transaction allows for the inclusion of part of the Prospecting Rights held by Ntsimbintle into the Wessels and Mamatwan Mining Areas in exchange for 9% of the equity in Hotazel Manganese Mines, thereby adding 
the resources within the Ntsimbintle Prospecting Right to the Wessels and Mamatwan Mining Rights. The Anglo American share of Wessels and Mamatwan mines (Hotazel Manganese Mines) will consequently drop to 
36.4%.

(6)   Mamatwan – Mineral Resources: Mineral Resources have been declared above a 35% Mn cut-off grade and also exclude those resources to be contributed by Ntsimbintle Mining (Pty) Ltd.

(7)   Wessels – Mineral Resources: Changes due to following: Revised structural interpretation and model of the Lower Body; The Upper Body, after extensive evaluation, was added as an Indicated Resource. Changes also 

due to mine production depletion. Figures exclude those resources to be contributed by Ntsimbintle Mining (Pty) Ltd.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
152 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Coal

Anglo Coal
The Coal Reserve and Coal Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC 
Code, 2004) as a minimum standard. Where relevant, the estimates were also prepared in compliance with regional codes and requirements (e.g. The SAMREC Code, 
2007). The Coal Resources are additional to those resources which have been modified to produce the Coal Reserves. The tonnage is quoted as wet metric tonnes at the 
appropriate in-situ moisture content. 

The figures reported represent 100% of the Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources, the percentage attributable to Anglo American plc is stated separately. A change to the 
100% reporting basis necessitated a change to certain figures as reported in 2007. Rounding of figures may cause computational discrepancies.

Attributable %(2)  Classification 

100 

71.6 

Coal Reserves(1) 
Australia 
Callide (OC) 

Domestic Power 

Capcoal (UG/OC) 

Export Thermal 

Coking 

Dawson (OC) 

Export Thermal 

51.0 

Coking 

Drayton (OC) 

Export Thermal 

88.2 

Domestic Power 

Moranbah North (UG) 

88.0 

Coking 

Australia Export Thermal 

61.8 

Australia Coking 

69.1 

Australia Domestic Power 

99.5 

ROM Tonnes(3)  

Yield(4)  

CV/CSN(5) 

Saleable Tonnes(3)

2008 

  million 
134.6 
87.7 
222.3 
  million 
125.8 
90.3 
216.1 

2007 

million 
204.8 
27.0 
231.8 
million 
135.6 
90.1 
225.6 

  million 
205.1 
123.0 
328.1 

million 
213.6 
123.0 
336.6 

  million 
26.5 
14.4 
40.9 

  million 
118.4 
17.3 
135.8 
million 
610.4 
332.8 
943.2 

million 
30.7 
14.6 
45.3 

million 
119.5 
23.3 
142.8 
million 
704.1 
278.0 
982.1 

2008 

% 
97.4 
99.2 
98.1 
% 
38.9 
39.1 
39.0 

% %

29.8 
17.2 
24.5 
% 
53.2 
30.5 
44.7 

% %

28.0 
47.5 
35.3 
% 
69.8 
69.8 
69.8 

% %

25.0 
25.0 
25.0 
% 
75.8 
74.0 
75.6 
% 
50.8 
38.8 
45.4 
% 
51.8 
46.0 
48.6 
% 
93.9 
96.3 
94.8 

2007 

% 
98.7 
98.1 
98.6 
% 
41.1 
41.3 
41.2 

29.9 
17.3 
24.9 
% 
53.3 
30.6 
45.0 

28.0 
47.5 
35.1 
% 
69.8 
69.8 
69.8 

25.0 
25.0 
25.0 
% 
77.4 
73.0 
76.7 
% 
51.5 
39.9 
46.5 
% 
52.2 
47.1 
49.2 
% 
96.0 
89.2 
95.2 

2008 

kcal/kg 
4,530 
4,550 
4,540 
kcal/kg 
7,400 
7,400 
7,400 
CSN 
8.5 
8.5 
8.5 
kcal/kg 
6,600 
6,620 
6,610 
CSN 
7.5 
7.5 
7.5 
kcal/kg 
6,720 
6,740 
6,730 
kcal/kg 
5,780 
5,780 
5,780 
CSN 
7.5 
8.0 
7.5 
kcal/kg 
6,840 
6,980 
6,880 
CSN 
8.0 
8.0 
8.0 
kcal/kg 
4,590 
4,600 
4,590 

2007 

kcal/kg 
4,610 
4,480 
4,590 
kcal/kg 
7,400 
7,400 
7,400 
CSN 
8.5 
8.5 
8.5 
kcal/kg 
6,610 
6,570 
6,600 
CSN 
7.5 
7.5 
7.5 
kcal/kg 
6,720 
6,740 
6,730 
kcal/kg 
5,780 
5,780 
5,780 
CSN 
8.0 
7.5 
8.0 
kcal/kg 
6,860 
6,950 
6,890 
CSN 
8.0 
7.5 
8.0 
kcal/kg 
4,650 
4,640 
4,650 

2008 

million 
131.0 
87.0 
218.0 
million 
53.1 
38.6 
91.7 
million 
39.1 
16.3 
55.4 
million 
114.1 
38.9 
153.0 
million 
59.6 
61.4 
121.0 
million 
18.5 
10.1 
28.6 
million 
6.6 
3.6 
10.2 
million 
95.0 
13.6 
108.6 
million 
185.7 
87.6 
273.3 
million 
193.7 
91.4 
285.0 
million 
137.6 
90.7 
228.3 

2007

million
202.1
26.5
228.5
million
57.8
38.6
96.5
million
42.6
16.3
58.9
million
117.8
39.1
156.9
million
62.9
61.4
124.3
million
21.4
10.2
31.6
million
7.7
3.7
11.3
million
97.7
17.9
115.6
million
197.1
87.9
285.0
million
203.1
95.7
298.9
million
209.7
30.1
239.9

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Mining method: OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground. 
For the multi-product operations, the ROM tonnage figures apply to each product. 
The Saleable tonnage cannot be calculated directly from the ROM reserve tonnage using the air dried yields as presented since the difference in moisture content is not taken into account. 
Attributable percentages for country totals are weighted by saleable tonnes and should not be directly applied to the ROM tonnage. 
Additional footnotes appear at the end of the section. 

Export Thermal refers to low- to high-volatile thermal coal primarily for export in the use of power generation; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Coking refers to a high-, medium- or low-volatile semi-soft, soft or hard coking coal primarily for blending and use in steel industry, particularly from Australian operations; quality measured as crucible swell number (CSN). 
Metallurgical refers to semi soft, soft, hard, semi-hard or anthracite coal, other than Coking Coal, such as pulverized coal injection (PCI) or other general metallurgical coal for the export or domestic market with a wider 
range of properties than Coking Coal. 
Domestic Power refers to low- to high-volatile thermal or semi-soft coal primarily for domestic consumption for power generation, predominantly in Australia and South Africa; quality measured by calorific value. 
Synfuels refers to a coal specifically for the domestic production of synthetic fuel and chemicals; quality measured by calorific value.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
153

5

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Attributable %(2)  Classification 

74.0 

Coal Reserves(1) 
Canada 
Trend (OC) 

Export Thermal 

Coking 

Canada Export Thermal 

74.0 

Canada Coking 

74.0 

Coal Reserves(1) 
Colombia 
Cerréjon (OC) 

Export Thermal 

Attributable %(2)  Classification 

33.3 

Colombia Export Thermal 

33.3 

2008 

  million 
10.4 
4.2 
14.6 

million 
10.4 
4.2 
14.6 

2008 

  million 
519.3 
241.0 
760.2 
  million 
519.3 
241.0 
760.2 

ROM Tonnes(3)  

2007 

million 
11.4 
4.2 
15.6 

million 
11.4 
4.2 
15.6 

2008 

% 
2.0 –
2.8 –
2.2 

% %

68.0 
67.3 
67.8 
% 
2.0 –
2.8 –
2.2 
% 
68.0 
67.3 
67.8 

Yield(4)  

2007 

% 

– 

67.4 
66.4 
67.1 
% 

– 
% 
67.4 
66.4 
67.1 

2008 

kcal/kg 
5,660 –
5,660 –
5,660 
CSN 
7.0 
7.0 
7.0 
kcal/kg 
5,660 –
5,660 –
5,660 
CSN 
7.0 
7.0 
7.0 

CV/CSN(5) 

2007 

kcal/kg 

– 
CSN 
7.0 
7.0 
7.0 
kcal/kg 

– 
CSN 
7.0 
7.0 
7.0 

Saleable Tonnes(3)

2008 

million 

0.2 –
0.1 –
0.3 
million 
7.4 
3.0 
10.4 
million 

0.2 –
0.1 –
0.3 
million 
7.4 
3.0 
10.4 

2007

million

–
million
8.0
2.8
10.8
million

–
million
8.0
2.8
10.8

ROM Tonnes(3)  

Yield(4)  

CV/CSN(5) 

Saleable Tonnes(3)

2007 

million 
649.0 
211.2 
860.2 
million 
649.0 
211.2 
860.2 

2008 

% 
96.9 
96.9 
96.9 
% 
96.9 
96.9 
96.9 

2007 

% 
100 
100 
100 
% 
100 
100 
100 

2008 

kcal/kg 
6,200 
6,200 
6,200 
kcal/kg 
6,200 
6,200 
6,200 

2007 

kcal/kg 
6,130 
6,220 
6,160 
kcal/kg 
6,130 
6,220 
6,160 

2008 

million 
502.9 
233.4 
736.3 
million 
502.9 
233.4 
736.3 

2007

million
661.2
215.4
876.6
million
661.2
215.4
876.6

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Mining method: OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground. 
For the multi-product operations, the ROM tonnage figures apply to each product. 
The Saleable tonnage cannot be calculated directly from the ROM reserve tonnage using the air dried yields as presented since the difference in moisture content is not taken into account. 
Attributable percentages for country totals are weighted by saleable tonnes and should not be directly applied to the ROM tonnage. 
Additional footnotes appear at the end of the section. 

Export Thermal refers to low- to high-volatile thermal coal primarily for export in the use of power generation; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Coking refers to a high-, medium- or low-volatile semi-soft, soft or hard coking coal primarily for blending and use in steel industry, particularly from Australian operations; quality measured as crucible swell number (CSN). 
Metallurgical refers to semi soft, soft, hard, semi-hard or anthracite coal, other than Coking Coal, such as pulverized coal injection (PCI) or other general metallurgical coal for the export or domestic market with a wider 
range of properties than Coking Coal. 
Domestic Power refers to low- to high-volatile thermal or semi-soft coal primarily for domestic consumption for power generation, predominantly in Australia and South Africa; quality measured by calorific value. 
Synfuels refers to a coal specifically for the domestic production of synthetic fuel and chemicals; quality measured by calorific value.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
154 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Coal continued

Attributable %(2)  Classification 

100 

Coal Reserves(1) 
South Africa 
Goedehoop (UG/OC) 
Export Thermal 

   Metallurgical 

Greenside (UG) 

Export Thermal 

Isibonelo (OC) 

Domestic Synfuel 

Kleinkopje (OC) 

Export Thermal 

Domestic Power 

Kriel (UG/OC) 

Domestic Power 

Landau (OC) 

Export Thermal 

Domestic Power 

100 

100 

100 

73.0 

100 

Mafube (OC) 

Export Thermal 

50.0 

Domestic Power 

New Denmark (UG) 

Domestic Power 

New Vaal (OC) 

Domestic Power 

Nooitgedacht 5 Seam (UG) 
Export Thermal 

   Metallurgical 

100 

100 

100 

Zondagsfontein (UG/OC) 
Export Thermal 

73.0 

Domestic Power 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable –
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable –
Total 

Proved 
Probable –
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved –
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

ROM Tonnes(3)  

Yield(4)  

CV/CSN(5) 

Saleable Tonnes(3)

2008 

  million 
50.5 
81.2 
131.7 

  million 
19.5 
12.2 
31.7 
  million 
90.6 
 –
90.6 
  million 
81.9 
25.4 
107.4 

  million 
82.1 
62.4 
144.5 
  million 
37.5 
27.8 
65.3 

2007 

million 
46.7 
103.7 
150.4 

  –

million 
9.3 
47.6 
56.9 
million 
91.5 

91.5 
million 
75.2 
64.0 
139.2 

  –

million 
94.8 
61.4 
156.2 
million 
37.8 
35.7 
73.5 

  million 
40.6 
66.8 –
107.3 

million 
44.3 

44.3 

  million 
41.9 
87.6 
129.5 
  million 
444.9 
 –
444.9 
  million 
2.9 
 –
2.9 

  million 

 –
117.7 –
117.7 

million 
62.6 
102.1 
164.7 
million 
477.2 

477.2 
million 
3.6 

3.6 

  –

million 

– 

  –

2008 

% 
49.9 
54.2 
52.6 

% %

2.0 

0.8 
% 
63.2 
60.3 
62.1 
% 
100 
– –
100 
% 
32.9 
49.0 
36.7 

% %
40.6 –
 –
31.0 
% 
100 
100 
100 
% 
50.1 
48.4 
49.4 

% %
10.6 –
15.3 –
12.6 
% 
54.2 
36.9 –
43.4 

% %

28.0 
31.3 –
30.1 
% 
100 
100 
100 
% 
91.2 
– –
91.2 
% 
39.9 –
– –
39.9 

% %

30.5 

 –
30.5 
% 
– –
40.1 –
40.1 

% %
 –
40.5 –
40.5 

2007 

% 
57.5 
52.9 
54.4 

3.3 
4.2 
3.9 
% 
64.2 
60.3 
60.9 
% 
100 

100 
% 
57.7 
52.8 
55.4 

– 
% 
100 
100 
100 
% 
58.5 
64.9 
61.6 

– 
% 
53.6 

53.6 

25.9 

25.9 
% 
100 
100 
100 
% 
91.7 

91.7 
% 

– 

71.9 

71.9 
% 

– 

– 

2008 

kcal/kg 
6,200 
6,130 
6,150 
kcal/kg 
6,990 
– 
6,990 
kcal/kg 
6,240 
6,220 
6,230 
kcal/kg 
4,660 

– –
4,660 
kcal/kg 
6,220 
6,230 
6,220 
kcal/kg 
4,530 –
– –
4,530 
kcal/kg 
4,800 
4,500 
4,670 
kcal/kg 
6,270 
6,260 
6,270 
kcal/kg 
3,340 –
4,690 –
4,040 
kcal/kg 
6,290 
6,270 –
6,280 
kcal/kg 
5,380 
5,080 –
5,190 
kcal/kg 
4,900 
4,850 
4,870 
kcal/kg 
3,500 
– –
3,500 
kcal/kg 
6,200 –
– –
6,200 
kcal/kg 
6,510 

– –
6,510 
kcal/kg 

– –
6,340 –
6,340 
kcal/kg 

– –
4,880 –
4,880 

2007 

kcal/kg 
6,160 
6,170 
6,160 
kcal/kg 
7,080 
7,010 
7,030 
kcal/kg 
6,200 
6,190 
6,200 
kcal/kg 
4,870 

4,870 
kcal/kg 
6,170 
6,180 
6,170 
kcal/kg 

– 
kcal/kg 
4,920 
4,730 
4,850 
kcal/kg 
6,250 
5,730 
5,980 
kcal/kg 

– 
kcal/kg 
6,260 

6,260 
kcal/kg 
5,050 

5,050 
kcal/kg 
5,140 
5,100 
5,120 
kcal/kg 
3,720 

3,720 
kcal/kg 

– 
kcal/kg 
6,470 

6,470 
kcal/kg 

– 
kcal/kg 

– 

2008 

million 
26.3 
45.1 
71.4 
million 
1.0 
– 
1.0 
million 
12.6 
7.5 
20.1 
million 
90.6 

– –
90.6 
million 
27.3 
12.6 
39.9 
million 
33.2 –
– –
33.2 
million 
82.1 
62.4 
144.5 
million 
18.8 
13.4 
32.3 
million 

4.0 –
4.2 –
8.2 
million 
22.0 
24.7 –
46.7 
million 
11.4 
20.9 –
32.3 
million 
41.9 
87.6 
129.5 
million 
417.6 

– –
417.6 
million 

1.2 –
– –
1.2 
million 
0.9 

– –
0.9 
million 

– –
47.5 –
47.5 
million 

– –
49.8 –
49.8 

2007

million
27.5
56.1
83.6
million
1.5
4.4
5.9
million
6.3
30.4
36.7
million
91.3

91.3
million
43.8
33.9
77.7
million

–
million
94.8
61.4
156.2
million
22.2
23.5
45.7
million

–
million
23.9

23.9
million
12.1

12.1
million
62.6
102.1
164.7
million
448.0

448.0
million

–
million
2.6

2.6
million

–
million

–

Mining method: OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground. 
For the multi-product operations, the ROM tonnage figures apply to each product. 
The Saleable tonnage cannot be calculated directly from the ROM reserve tonnage using the air dried yields as presented since the difference in moisture content is not taken into account. 
Additional footnotes appear at the end of the section.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
155

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Coal Reserves(1) 
South Africa 
South Africa Export Thermal 

86.0 

Attributable %(2)  Classification 

South Africa Metallurgical 

100 

South Africa Domestic Power 

91.6 

South Africa Synfuel 

100 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Coal Reserves(1) 
Venezuela 
Guasare (OC) 

Export Thermal 

Attributable %(2)  Classification 

25.0 

Venezuela Export Thermal 

25.0 

Proved 
Probable –
Total 

Proved 
Probable –
Total 

2008 

million 
892.4 
481.0 
1,373.4 

ROM Tonnes(3)  

2007 

million 
943.0 
414.5 
1,357.5 

  –

  –

2008 

% %

48.0 
46.3 
46.5 

% %

15.8 

15.2 

% %

88.4 
78.8 
85.4 

% %

100 
 –
100 

Yield(4)  

2007 

57.7 
56.4 
56.9 

46.5 
4.2 
24.8 

93.2 
100 
94.6 

100 

100 

CV/CSN(5) 

Saleable Tonnes(3)

2008 

kcal/kg 
6,240 
6,240 
6,240 
kcal/kg 
6,760 
– 
6,760 
kcal/kg 
3,870 
4,780 
4,120 
kcal/kg 
4,660 

– –
4,660 

2007 

kcal/kg 
6,200 
6,100 
6,150 
kcal/kg 
6,700 
7,010 
6,860 
kcal/kg 
4,070 
4,970 
4,260 
kcal/kg 
4,870 

4,870 

2008 

million 
108.2 
150.9 
259.1 
million 
1.9 
– 
1.9 
million 
590.1 
225.0 
815.1 
million 
90.6 

– –
90.6 

2007

million
123.8
143.8
267.6
million
4.2
4.4
8.6
million
617.5
163.5
780.9
million
91.3

91.3

ROM Tonnes(3)  

Yield(4)  

CV/CSN(5) 

Saleable Tonnes(3)

2008 

  million 
136.6 
 –
136.6 
million 
136.6 
 –
136.6 

2007 

million 
141.0 

141.0 
million 
141.0 

141.0 

2008 

% 
100 
– –
100 

% %

100 
– –
100 

2007 

% 
100 

100 

100 

100 

2008 

kcal/kg 
7,320 

– –
7,320 
kcal/kg 
7,320 

– –
7,320 

2007 

kcal/kg 
7,100 

7,100 
kcal/kg 
7,100 

7,100 

2008 

million 
141.1 
– –
141.1 
million 
141.1 
– –
141.1 

2007

million
145.5

145.5
million
145.5

145.5

ROM Tonnes(3)  

Yield(4)  

CV/CSN(5) 

Saleable Tonnes(3)

Attributable %(2)  Classification 

2008 

2007 

Total Coal Reserves 
Export Thermal 

47.7 

Metallurgical 

100 

Coking 

69.3 

Domestic Power 

93.3 

Synfuel 

100 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

Proved 
Probable 
Total 

million 
2,169.1 
1,059.0 
3,228.0 

million 
2,448.5 
907.9 
3,356.4 

  –

  –

2008 

% 
82.6 
69.9 
77.9 

% %

15.8 

15.2 

% %

52.4 
46.7 
49.2 

% %

89.5 
83.8 
87.5 

% %

100 
 –
100 

2007 

% 
74.7 
61.9 
69.7 

46.5 
4.2 
24.8 

52.7 
47.7 
49.8 

93.9 
98.3 
94.7 

100 

100 

2008 

kcal/kg 
6,500 
6,360 
6,450 
kcal/kg 
6,760 
– 
6,760 
CSN 
8.0 
7.5 
8.0 
kcal/kg 
4,010 
4,730 
4,230 
kcal/kg 
4,660 

– –
4,660 

2007 

kcal/kg 
6,390 
6,330 
6,370 
kcal/kg 
6,700 
7,010 
6,860 
CSN 
8.0 
7.5 
8.0 
kcal/kg 
4,220 
4,910 
4,350 
kcal/kg 
4,870 

4,870 

2008 

million 
938.1 
472.0 
1,410.1 
million 
1.9 
– 
1.9 
million 
201.1 
94.3 
295.4 
million 
727.7 
315.6 
1,043.4 
million 
90.6 

– –
90.6 

2007

million
1,127.6
447.2
1,574.7
million
4.2
4.4
8.6
million
211.1
98.5
309.7
million
827.2
193.6
1,020.8
million
91.3

91.3

Mining method: OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground. 
For the multi-product operations, the ROM tonnage figures apply to each product. 
The Saleable tonnage cannot be calculated directly from the ROM reserve tonnage using the air dried yields as presented since the difference in moisture content is not taken into account. 
Attributable percentages for country totals are weighted by saleable tonnes and should not be directly applied to the ROM tonnage. 
Additional footnotes appear at the end of the section.

Export Thermal refers to low- to high-volatile thermal coal primarily for export in the use of power generation; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Coking refers to a high-, medium- or low-volatile semi-soft, soft or hard coking coal primarily for blending and use in steel industry, particularly from Australian operations; quality measured as crucible swell number (CSN). 
Metallurgical refers to semi soft, soft, hard, semi-hard or anthracite coal, other than Coking Coal, such as pulverized coal injection (PCI) or other general metallurgical coal for the export or domestic market with a wider 
range of properties than Coking Coal. 
Domestic Power refers to low- to high-volatile thermal or semi-soft coal primarily for domestic consumption for power generation, predominantly in Australia and South Africa; quality measured by calorific value. 
Synfuels refers to a coal specifically for the domestic production of synthetic fuel and chemicals; quality measured by calorific value.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
156 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Coal continued

Coal Resources – Mine Leases(6) 
Australia 
Callide (OC) 

   Attributable %(2) 
100 

Capcoal (UG/OC) 

Dawson (OC) 

Drayton (OC) 

Foxleigh (OC) 

Moranbah North (UG) 

Australia Sub Total 

71.6 

51.0 

88.2 

70.0 

88.0 

80.2 

Coal Resources – Mine Leases(6) 
Canada 
Trend (OC) 

   Attributable %(2) 
74.0 

Canada Sub Total 

74.0 

Coal Resources – Mine Leases(6) 
Colombia 
Cerréjon (OC) 

   Attributable %(2) 
33.3 

Colombia Sub Total 

33.3 

Mining method: OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground. 
Attributable percentages for country totals are weighted by Measured and Indicated MTIS. 
Additional footnotes appear at the end of the section.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Classification 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

2008 
MTIS(6) 

317.8 
375.3 
693.1 
0.4 
MTIS(6) 

181.2 
119.8 
301.0 
8.6 
MTIS(6) 

162.3 
215.1 
377.4 
2.7 
MTIS(6) 
9.3 
12.4 
21.7 
1.3 
MTIS(6) 
1.8 
71.0 
72.7 

MTIS(6) 
32.4 
22.4 
54.7 
0.6 
MTIS(6) 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

704.7 
816.0 
1,520.7 
13.6 

Classification 

   Measured –
Indicated –
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

   Measured –
Indicated –
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

2008 
MTIS(6) 

– 
2.4 
MTIS(6) 

– 
2.4 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 

253.9 
346.0 
599.9 
1.5 
MTIS(6) 

121.1 
103.8 
224.9 
13.5 
MTIS(6) 
5.9 
33.0 
38.9 
2.9 
MTIS(6) 
6.8 
11.7 
18.4 
1.4 
MTIS(6) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
MTIS(6) 
35.4 
18.4 
53.9 
0.8 
MTIS(6) 

423.1 
512.9 
936.0 
20.1 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 
3.2 
0.1 
3.3 
2.5 
MTIS(6) 
3.2 
0.1 
3.3 
2.5 

Classification 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

2008 
MTIS(6) 

667.1 
712.8 
1,379.9 

MTIS(6) 

667.1 
712.8 
1,379.9 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 

204.1 
990.2 
1,194.3 
1.9 
MTIS(6) 

204.1 
990.2 
1,194.3 
1.9 

2008 
GAR(7) 

4,800 
4,740 
4,770 
4,050 

CV

2007
GAR (7)

4,950
4,790
4,860
3,890

GAR(7) 

GAR (7)

7,160 
7,160 
7,160 
7,160 

7,160
7,160
7,160
7,160

GAR(7) 

GAR (7)

6,560 
6,590 
6,580 
6,540 

6,350
6,350
6,350
6,540

GAR(7) 

GAR (7)

6,730 
6,760 
6,750 
6,860 

GAR(7) 

7,680 
7,420 
7,430 
– 
GAR(7) 

6,730 
6,730 
6,730 
6,730 

6,740
6,760
6,750
6,860

GAR (7)
–
–
–
–
GAR (7)

6,730
6,730
6,730
6,730

GAR(7) 

GAR (7)

5,930 
5,900 
5,920 
6,910 

2008 
GAR(7) 
– 
– 
– 
7,500 

GAR(7) 
– 
– 
– 
7,500 

2008 
GAR(7) 

6,400 
6,290 
6,340 
– 
GAR(7) 

6,400 
6,290 
6,340 
– 

5,780
5,480
5,620
6,790

CV

2007
GAR (7)

7,500
7,500
7,500
7,500

GAR (7)

7,500
7,500
7,500
7,500

CV

2007
GAR (7)

6,520
6,210
6,270
7,220

GAR (7)

6,520
6,210
6,270
7,220

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Coal Resources – Mine Leases(6) 
South Africa 
Goedehoop (UG/OC) 

   Attributable %(2) 
100 

Greenside (UG) 

Isibonelo (OC) 

Kleinkopje (OC) 

Kriel (UG/OC) 

Landau (OC) 

Mafube (OC) 

New Denmark (UG) 

New Vaal (OC) 

Nooitgedacht 5 Seam (UG) 

Zondagsfontein (UG/OC) 

South Africa Sub Total 

100 

100 

100 

73.0 

100 

50.0 

100 

100 

100 

73.0 

85.8 

Mining method: OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground. 
Attributable percentages for country totals are weighted by Measured and Indicated MTIS. 
Additional footnotes appear at the end of the section.

157

5

R
e
s
O
u
R
c
e
s
e
s
t
i
M
a
t
e
s

O
R
e
R
e
s
e
R
v
e
s
a
n
d
M
n
e
R
a
l

i

Classification 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

   Measured –
Indicated –
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

   Measured –
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

   Measured 
Indicated –
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

   Measured 
Indicated –
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

   Measured –
Indicated –
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

   Measured 
Indicated –
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

   Measured 
Indicated –
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

2008 
MTIS(6) 

135.4 
83.8 
219.2 

MTIS(6) 

– 
27.7 
MTIS(6) 

25.8 
25.8 

MTIS(6) 
31.9 

31.9 

MTIS(6) 
61.8 
34.7 
96.5 

MTIS(6) 
34.0 
66.3 
100.2 

MTIS(6) 
4.2 

4.2 
10.7 
MTIS(6) 

– 
78.7 
MTIS(6) 
2.5 

2.5 
– 
MTIS(6) 
1.1 

1.1 

MTIS(6) 
90.8 
220.3 
311.2 

MTIS(6) 

361.7 
430.9 
792.6 
117.1 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 

132.9 
100.6 
233.5 
– 
MTIS(6) 
– 
– 
– 
26.6 
MTIS(6) 
– 
25.8 
25.8 
– 
MTIS(6) 
– 
– 
– 
– 
MTIS(6) 
56.9 
39.5 
96.5 
– 
MTIS(6) 
11.2 
62.7 
73.9 
– 
MTIS(6) 
12.6 
41.9 
54.5 
– 
MTIS(6) 
– 
– 
– 
78.6 
MTIS(6) 
– 
8.4 
8.4 
– 
MTIS(6) 
1.1 
– 
1.1 
– 
MTIS(6) 

202.1 
343.2 
545.3 
– 
MTIS(6) 

416.8 
622.1 
1,038.9 
105.2 

2008 
GAR(7) 

5,010 
5,320 
5,130 
– 
GAR(7) 
– 
– 
– 
5,120 

GAR(7) 
– 
5,330 
5,330 
– 
GAR(7) 

4,960 
– 
4,960 
– 
GAR(7) 

5,280 
4,710 
5,080 
– 
GAR(7) 

5,750 
6,050 
5,950 
– 
GAR(7) 

5,300 
– 
5,300 
5,420 

GAR(7) 
– 
– 
– 
5,840 

GAR(7) 

4,230 
– 
4,230 
– 
GAR(7) 

6,240 
– 
6,240 
– 
GAR(7) 

4,480 
5,200 
4,990 
– 
GAR(7) 

4,990 
5,320 
5,170 
5,630 

CV

2007
GAR (7)

5,910
5,430
5,700
–
GAR (7)
–
–
–
6,560

GAR (7)
–
5,330
5,330
–
GAR (7)
–
–
–
–
GAR (7)

5,490
4,740
5,180
–
GAR (7)

5,970
6,090
6,070
–
GAR (7)

5,400
5,420
5,410
–
GAR (7)
–
–
–
5,850

GAR (7)
–
3,820
3,820
–
GAR (7)

6,240
–
6,240
–
GAR (7)

5,150
5,120
5,130
–
GAR (7)

5,470
5,260
5,340
6,030

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
158 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Coal continued

Coal Resources – Mine Leases(6) 
Venezuela 
Guasare (OC) 

   Attributable %(2) 
25.0 

Venezuela Sub Total 

25.0 

Coal Resources – Mine Leases(6) 
Total Mine Leases 

   Attributable %(2) 

62.8 

Coal Resources – Projects(6) 
Australia 
Dartbrook (UG/OC) 

   Attributable %(2) 
78.0 

Grosvenor (UG) 

Saddlers Creek (UG) 

Taroom (OC) 

Theodore (OC) 

Australia Sub Total 

100 

88.0 

51.0 

51.0 

77.9 

Mining method: OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground. 
Attributable percentages for country totals are weighted by Measured and Indicated MTIS. 
Additional footnotes appear at the end of the section.

Classification 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) –

2008 
MTIS(6) 
26.9 
79.5 
106.5 

MTIS(6) 
26.9 
79.5 
106.5 

Classification 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

2008 
MTIS(6) 

1,760.5 
2,039.2 
3,799.7 
133.1 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 
26.9 
79.5 
106.5 
– 
MTIS(6) 
26.9 
79.5 
106.5 
– 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 

1,074.2 
2,204.9 
3,279.0 
129.7 

2008 
GAR(7) 

7,910 
7,860 
7,870 
– 
GAR(7) 

7,910 
7,860 
7,870 
– 

2008 
GAR(7) 

5,950 
5,990 
5,970 
5,800 

Classification 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

2008 
MTIS(6) 

170.1 
51.9 
222.1 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 

170.1 
51.9 
222.1 

2008 
GAR(7) 

6,200 
6,200 
6,200 

MTIS(6) 

MTIS(6) 

GAR(7) 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

227.8 
111.9 
339.7 

195.9 
95.7 
291.6 

6,650 
6,660 
6,650 

MTIS(6) 

MTIS(6) 

GAR(7) 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

   Measured –
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

398.9 
137.9 
536.8 

MTIS(6) 
36.4 
89.0 
125.5 

MTIS(6) 

358.2 
358.2 

MTIS(6) 

129.9 
322.5 
452.4 

MTIS(6) 
– 
– 
– 
MTIS(6) 
– 
262.4 
262.4 

MTIS(6) 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

833.2 
749.0 
1,582.2 

495.9 
732.5 
1,228.5 

6,440 
6,340 
6,410 

GAR(7) 

5,560 
5,580 
5,570 

GAR(7) 
– 
6,250 
6,250 

GAR(7) 

6,410 
6,240 
6,330 

CV

2007
GAR (7)

7,910
7,860
7,870
–
GAR (7)

7,910
7,860
7,870
–

CV

2007
GAR (7)

5,860
5,830
5,840
6,190

CV

2007
GAR (7)

6,200
6,200
6,200

GAR (7)

6,230
6,230
6,230

GAR (7)

6,460
6,560
6,530

GAR (7)
–
–
–
GAR (7)
–
6,290
6,290

GAR (7)

6,280
6,390
6,350

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Coal Resources – Projects(6) 
Canada 
Roman Mountain (OC) 

   Attributable %(2) 
74.0 

Canada Sub Total 

74.0 

Coal Resources – Projects(6) 
China 
Xiwan (UG/OC) 

   Attributable %(2) 
60.0 

China Sub Total 

60.0 

Coal Resources – Projects(6) 
South Africa 
Elders (UG/OC) 

   Attributable %(2) 
73.0 

Kriel East (UG) 

New Largo (OC) 

Nooitgedacht 2+4 Seam (UG) 

South Rand (UG/OC) 

Vaalbank (UG/OC) 

South Africa Sub Total 

73.0 

73.0 

100 

73.0 

100 

76.8 

Mining method: OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground. 
Attributable percentages for country totals are weighted by Measured and Indicated MTIS. 
Additional footnotes appear at the end of the section.

Classification 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Classification 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Classification 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

   Measured –
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

2008 
MTIS(6) 
18.2 
6.3 
24.5 
MTIS(6) 
18.2 
6.3 
24.5 

2008 
MTIS(6) 

199.6 
128.2 
327.8 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 
– 
– 
– 
MTIS(6) 
– 
– 
– 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 

109.8 
389.5 
499.2 

2008 
GAR(7) 

6,810 
6,810 
6,810 

GAR(7) 

6,810 
6,810 
6,810 

2008 
GAR(7) 

6,620 
6,600 
6,610 

CV

2007
GAR (7)
–
–
–
GAR (7)
–
–
–

CV

2007
GAR (7)

6,540
6,600
6,590

MTIS(6) 

MTIS(6) 

GAR(7) 

GAR (7)

199.6 
128.2 
327.8 

109.8 
389.5 
499.2 

6,620 
6,600 
6,610 

6,540
6,600
6,590

2008 
MTIS(6) 
87.7 
36.6 
124.3 

MTIS(6) 
41.4 
50.8 
92.2 
MTIS(6) 

199.9 
186.3 
386.3 

MTIS(6) 

61.6 
61.6 
MTIS(6) 
36.4 
220.7 
257.1 

MTIS(6) 
54.6 
23.4 
77.9 
MTIS(6) 

420.0 
579.4 
999.5 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 
14.8 
150.9 
165.7 

MTIS(6) 
– 
– 
– 
MTIS(6) 

639.4 
128.2 
767.6 

MTIS(6) 
– 
61.6 
61.6 
MTIS(6) 
17.5 
0.5 
18.0 
MTIS(6) 
54.6 
23.4 
77.9 
MTIS(6) 

726.3 
364.6 
1,090.8 

2008 
GAR(7) 

5,200 
5,170 
5,190 

GAR(7) 

4,980 
4,940 
4,960 

GAR(7) 

4,000 
4,050 
4,020 

GAR(7) 
– 
5,320 
5,320 

GAR(7) 

5,560 
5,590 
5,590 

CV

2007
GAR (7)

5,210
5,110
5,120

GAR (7)
–
–
–
GAR (7)

4,300
4,220
4,290

GAR (7)
–
5,320
5,320

GAR (7)

4,830
4,830
4,830

GAR(7) 

GAR (7)

3,900 
3,900 
3,900 

3,900
3,900
3,900

GAR(7) 

GAR (7)

4,470 
4,910 
4,730 

4,300
4,760
4,450

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160 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates 

as at 31 December 2008

Coal continued

Coal Resources – Projects(6) 
Total Projects 

   Attributable %(2) 
75.5 

Coal Resources – Mine Lease & Projects(6) 
Total Coal Resources 

   Attributable %(2) 
68.3 

Brown Coal Resources(6) 
Monash Energy (OC) 

   Attributable %(2) 
100 

Classification 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Classification 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

Inferred in Mine Plan(8) 

2008 
MTIS(6) 

1,471.0 
1,462.9 
2,933.9 

2008 
MTIS(6) 

3,231,5 
3,502.2 
6,733.7 
133.1 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 

1,331.9 
1,486.6 
2,818.5 

 Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 

2,406.1 
3,691.4 
6,097.5 
129.7 

Classification 

2008 
MTIS(6) 

Tonnes 

2007 
MTIS(6) 

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

5,095.0 
5,221.0 
10,316.0 

5,095.0 
5,221.0 
10,316.0 

2008 
GAR(7) 

5,890 
5,750 
5,820 

2008 
GAR(7) 

5,920 
5,890 
5,910 
5,800 

2008 
GAR(7) 

1,820 
1,790 
1,800 

CV

2007
GAR (7)

5,220
6,050
5,660

CV

2007
GAR (7)

5,510
5,920
5,760 
6,190

CV

2007
GAR (7)

1,820
1,790
1,800

Total Brown Coal Resources 

100 

MTIS(6) 

MTIS(6) 

GAR(7) 

GAR (7)

   Measured 
Indicated 
   Measured and Indicated 

5,095.0 
5,221.0 
10,316.0 

5,095.0 
5,221.0 
10,316.0 

1,820 
1,790 
1,800 

1,820
1,790
1,800

Mining method: OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground. 
Attributable percentages for country totals are weighted by Measured and Indicated MTIS. 
Additional footnotes appear at the end of the section.

Coal Bed Methane
Anglo Coal
Coal Bed Methane (CBM) estimates were compiled by an external independent consultant in accordance with the guidelines and recommendations contained in the  
Petroleum Resources Management System 2007 sponsored by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the World Petroleum Council (WPC). 

CBM Reserves 
Australia 
Dawson 

Harcourt 

Total CBM Reserves 

   Attributable %(2) 

51.0 

25.5 

46.0 

   Saleable Volume(9) 

Saleable Energy Content(9)

Classification 

2008 

2007 

Proved: 1P 
Probable: 2P-1P 
Total: 2P 

Proved: 1P 
Probable: 2P-1P 
Total: 2P 

Proved: 1P 
Probable: 2P-1P 
Total: 2P 

MMcf 
49,882 
100,259 
150,141 
MMcf 
– 
36,902 
36,902 
MMcf 
49,882 
137,161 
187,043 

MMcf 
55,254 
100,259 
155,513 
MMcf 
– 
– 
– 
MMcf 
55,254 
100,259 
155,513 

2008 
PJ 
53 
106 
159 
PJ 
– –
39 –
39 
PJ 
53 
145 
197 

2007

PJ
58
106
164
PJ

–
PJ
58
106
164

(1)   Coal Reserves are quoted on a Run Of Mine (ROM) reserve tonnage basis which represents the tonnes delivered to the plant. Saleable reserve tonnage represents the product tonnes produced. 

Coal Reserves (ROM and Saleable) are on the applicable moisture basis.

(2)  Attributable (%) refers to 2008 only. For the 2007 Reported and Attributable figures, please refer to the 2007 Annual Report.

(3)  The tonnage is quoted as metric tonnes and where applicable abbreviated as Mt for million tonnes.

(4)  Yield (%) represents the ratio of Saleable reserve tonnes to ROM reserve tonnes and is quoted on a constant moisture basis or on an air dried to air dried basis. 

The total yield is calculated on the ROM reserves and may differ from the individual yields given for Proved and Probable Reserves.

(5)   The coal quality for the Coal Reserves is quoted as either Calorific Value (CV) or Crucible Swell Number (CSN) on a Gross As Received (GAR) basis. 

 Coal quality parameters for the Coal Reserves for Coking, Metallurgical and Export Thermal collieries meet the contractual specifications for coking coal, PCI, metallurgical coal, steam coal and domestic coal.  
Coal quality parameters for the Coal Reserves for Domestic Power and Domestic Synfuels collieries meet the specifications of the individual supply contracts. 
CV is rounded to the nearest 10 kcal/kg and CSN to the nearest 0.5 index.

(6)   Coal Resources are quoted on a Mineable Tonnage In-Situ (MTIS) basis in million tonnes which are in addition to those resources which have been modified to produce the reported Coal Reserves. 

Coal Resources are on an in-situ moisture basis.

(7)   The coal quality for the Coal Resources is quoted on an in-situ heat content as Calorific Value (CV) on a Gross As Received (GAR) basis. 

CV is rounded to the nearest 10 kcal/kg.

(8)   Inferred in Mine Plan refers to Inferred Coal Resources that are included in the life of mine schedule of the respective collieries but which are not reported as Coal Reserves. 

(9)  CBM Reserves are reported in terms of saleable volume (million cubic feet – MMcf) and saleable energy (Petajoules – PJ, or one thousand trillion Joules).

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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China 
Xiwan: 

Colombia 
Cerréjon: 

South Africa 
Elders: 
Goedehoop: 
Greenside: 
Kleinkopje: 

Landau: 

Mafube: 

New Denmark: 
New Largo: 

Summary of material changes (±10%) at reporting level

Australia 
Callide:  
Capcoal: 

An increase of approximately 93 Mt in resources is due to additional new drilling information. 
Resource and reserve numbers were derived by depletion. Resources in Mine Lease were adjusted by approximately 71 Mt that were previously allocated to resources in the mine plan.  
An attributable percentage of 71.6% was calculated from the Anglo Coal ownership of 70% in the Mitsui JV and 86.4% in the Marubeni JV weighted against Saleable Reserves, and does not reflect the  
shareholding in the respective entities. 
Resource and reserve numbers were derived by depletion. Resources in Mine Lease were adjusted by approximately 338 Mt that were previously allocated to resources in the mine plan. 
Resource and reserve numbers were derived by depletion. 
Foxleigh was a new acquisition in March 2008, but no reliable reserve estimates are available and all reserves are therefore reported as Resources in Mine Lease only. 
An increase of approximately 46 Mt in resources was due to exploration drilling. 
Not reported in 2008 due to <25% attributable interest. 

Dawson: 
Drayton: 
Foxleigh: 
Grosvenor: 
Jellinbah: 
Saddlers Creek:  An increase of approximately 84 Mt in resources was due to exploration drilling particularly in the deep underground areas.  
Taroom: 
Theodore: 

Not reported previously – exploration drilling resulted in upgrade in classification and initial reporting of resources.  
Not reported previously – increase of approximately 95 Mt in resources due to initial reporting of Theodore Central.

Canada 
Trend: 
Roman Mountain:  Not reported previously – exploration drilling resulted in upgrade in classification and initial reporting of resources.

A decrease of approximately 3 Mt from resources to non-economic representing the coal between the original pit shell and the new pit shell design. 

The deeper potential underground resources of approximately 212 Mt were reclassified as intrinsically non-economic pending further mineability investigation.

 An increase of approximately 574 Mt in reserves and approximately 798 Mt in resources was due to the change in reporting basis from 33.3% to 100% in 2008. A decrease in reserves of approximately 
30 Mt was due to changes in the geological model. A reduction in resources of approximately 62 Mt was due to changes in the geological model, whereas a gain of approximately 246 Mt in resources 
was due to a consolidation of resource blocks resulting in new resources not previously reported.

A decrease of approximately 35 Mt in resources was due to a reclassification of Inferred Resources previously reported as Indicated Resources. 
A decrease in Saleable of metallurgical coal of approximately 5.6 Mt was due to a change of product mix, and the decision to cease production of such coal. 
A decrease of approximately 21 Mt in resources was due to the exclusion of low yield areas. 
Changes in block ranking and cut-off depths resulting in transfer of reserves >70 m from surface and a resulting decrease of approximately 33 Mt in reserves and corresponding increase in resources.  
The Saleable products changed from Export Thermal to mixed Export Thermal and Domestic Thermal (Power Station) due to the change in product mix from 5 West, which now supplies Domestic  
Thermal product.  
Approximately 8 Mt of reserve was reclassified as non-economic pending the Environmental Management Programme Report (EMPR) approval at Umlalazi South. Saleable products changed from  
Export Thermal to mixed Export Thermal and Domestic Thermal (Power Station) due to the change in product mix from Navigation West, which now supplies a mixed product. 
An increase in reserves and resources resulted from the change of reporting basis from 50% to 100% in 2008. All reserves are classified as Probable pending the outcome of EMPR approval.  
A significant increase of approximately 68 Mt reserves is due to the conversion of Resources in Mine Lease at Nooitgedacht. 
A decrease of approximately 30 Mt in reserves was due to changes in layout and mine design. 
A loss of approximately 725 Mt resulted from changes to the geological model from raw coal to washed product model. 
An increase of approximately 269 Mt in resources resulted from an increased amount of wash data through exploration.  
Approximately 8 Mt of resources was sterilised due to permanent infrastructure and out-of-pit losses. 
An increase of approximately 239 Mt in resources resulted from exploration drilling. 

New Vaal: 
South Rand: 
Zondagsfontein:  An increase of approximately 118 Mt resulted from the conversion of resources to reserves following mine planning after approval of project, but was assigned to the Probable category pending Mining  

Right approval.

Venezuela 
Guasare: 

Brown Coal 
Monash Energy: 

Coal Bed Methane 
Dawson: 
Harcourt: 

The 2008 Guasare resource and reserve numbers have been derived by depletion. An increase of approximately 106 Mt in reserves and approximately 80 Mt in resources resulted from the change in  
reporting basis from 25% to 100% in 2008.

Resource estimates have not changed from 2007 because no additional data were added in 2008. The brown coal is a substantial resource suitable as a feedstock to many chemical processes but  
requires technological breakthroughs to allow the economic development of clean coal plants.

Initial reserves calculated in 2006 were depleted for gas production, consumption and venting for the 2008 estimates. 
CBM resources for PLA 210 are reported for the first time in 2008.

Assumption with respect to Mineral Tenure 
South Africa: 

All pending mining right conversions and applications were granted in 2008. Cession of the Mining Right at Kriel Colliery from Anglo Coal to Anglo Inyosi Coal (Pty) Limited remains pending,  
although Anglo Coal has reasonable expectation that this will be granted in due course.

Three Prospecting Rights are still the subject of ongoing legal review and Anglo Coal has reasonable expectations that these rights will be granted in due course, and the relevant Project Coal  
resources have been included in the statement.

Cession of Prospecting Rights from Anglo Coal to Anglo Inyosi Coal (Pty) Limited was granted during 2008, with the exception of the South Rand project. Anglo Coal has reasonable expectation  
that these rights will be granted in due course, and the relevant Project Coal resources have been included in the statement.

Venezuela: 

Although the Carbones del Guasare mining concession terminates in 2013, Coal Resources in the Mine Lease that may be included in a mine plan beyond this date are included in the 2008 statement.

Royalty Payment 
South Africa:  

Royalty payments are scheduled to commence in April 2009 and have been taken into consideration in economic assessment of the reserves.

Reviews by independent third parties were carried out in 2008 on the following Operations and Project areas: 
Australia:  
China: 
South Africa:  

Callide, Dawson, Grosvenor, Moranbah North, Saddlers Creek 
Xiwan 
Elders Extension, Isibonelo, Kriel, Mafube 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
     
     
     
 
 
 
  
 
  
     
     
     
 
 
     
 
  
     
 
  
     
 
 
 
 
162 Other information

Production statistics

The figures below include the entire output of consolidated entities and the Group’s share of joint ventures, joint arrangements and associates where 
applicable, except for Collahuasi in Base Metals and De Beers which are quoted on a 100% basis.

Anglo Platinum (troy ounces)(1)(2)
Platinum 
Palladium 
Rhodium 

Nickel (tonnes)(3) 
Copper (tonnes)(3) 
Gold 

Anglo Coal (tonnes)
South Africa
Eskom 
Trade – Thermal 
Trade – Metallurgical 

Australia
Thermal 
Metallurgical 

South America
Thermal 
Canada
Thermal 
Metallurgical 

Total 
Anglo Coal (tonnes)
South Africa
Bank 
Greenside 
Goedehoop 
Isibonelo 
Kriel 
Kleinkopje 
Landau 
New Denmark 
New Vaal 
Nooitgedacht 
Mafube 

Australia
Callide 
Drayton 
German Creek (Capcoal) 
Jellinbah East 
Moranbah 
Dawson Complex 
Foxleigh 

South America
Carbones del Guasare 
Carbones del Cerrejón 

Canada
Peace River Coal 
Total 

2008 

2007

2,386,600 
1,318,800 
299,300 
4,004,700 
15,500 
8,800 
78,500 

36,158,100 
22,286,800 
971,900 
59,416,800 

14,696,300 
13,144,900 
27,841,200 

2,474,000
1,389,700
328,800
4,192,500
19,200
11,000
97,900

34,064,000
23,952,400
1,143,700
59,160,100

15,059,300
10,145,400
25,204,700

11,484,500 

11,259,800

140,100 –
632,300 –
772,400 –
99,514,900 

– 
3,401,100 
7,449,400 
5,152,100 
10,344,400 
4,545,600 
4,089,300 
5,272,500 
17,034,400 
454,600 
1,673,400 
59,416,800 

9,582,700 
3,711,500 
5,621,900 
1,033,900 
3,181,500 
3,537,200 
1,172,500 –
27,841,200 

1,074,200 
10,410,300 
11,484,500 

772,400 –
99,514,900 

95,624,600

51,900
3,314,900
8,456,200
5,001,000
11,210,100
3,490,700
4,058,200
5,134,700
17,119,500
565,700
757,200
59,160,100

10,031,100
3,902,700
4,115,700
891,800
3,211,600
3,051,800

25,204,700

1,384,400
9,875,400
11,259,800

95,624,600

(1)  See the published results of Anglo Platinum Limited for further analysis of production information.

(2)  Northam Platinum Limited was transferred to a disposal group in September 2007. Production information excludes Northam Platinum Limited and 2007 information has been adjusted accordingly. Northam 

Platinum Limited was sold on 20 August 2008.

(3) Also disclosed within total attributable nickel and copper production.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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De Beers (diamonds recovered – carats)
100% basis (Anglo American 45%)
Debswana 
Namdeb 
De Beers Consolidated Mines 
Williamson 
Canada 

Anglo Base Metals
Copper
Collahuasi
100% basis (Anglo American 44%)
Ore mined  
Ore processed 

Ore grade processed 

Production 

Total copper production for Collahuasi 
Anglo American Sur
Los Bronces mine
Ore mined  
Marginal ore mined  
Las Tortolas concentrator 

Production 

El Soldado mine
Ore mined  

Ore processed 

Ore grade processed 

Production 

Chagres Smelter

Production 

Total copper production for Anglo American Sur 

2008 

2007

32,276,000 
2,122,000 
11,960,000 
134,000 
1,640,000 
48,132,000 

33,638,000
2,176,000
14,998,000
220,000
81,000
51,113,000

Oxide 
Sulphide 
Oxide 
Sulphide 
Copper concentrate 
Copper cathode 
Copper in concentrate 

Ore processed  
Ore grade processed 
Average recovery 
Copper concentrate 
Copper cathode 
Copper in concentrate 
Total 

Open pit – ore mined 
Open pit – marginal ore mined 
Underground (sulphide) 
Total 
Oxide 
Sulphide 
Oxide 
Sulphide 
Copper concentrate 
Copper cathode 
Copper in concentrate 
Total 

Copper concentrate smelted 
Copper blister/anodes 
Acid 

tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
% Cu 
% Cu 
dry metric tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
% Cu 
% 
dry metric tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
% Cu 
% Cu 
dry metric tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 

57,699,800 
7,317,400 
42,377,400 
0.6 
1.1 
1,574,000 
49,400 
415,000 
464,400 

21,045,100 
36,008,900 
20,012,700 
1.1 
84.9 
677,900 
45,800 
190,000 
235,800 

5,305,800 
21,700 
1,312,700 
6,640,200 
821,800 
7,179,700 
1.3 
0.8 
174,100 
6,700 
43,100 
49,800 

148,400 
146,100 
486,600 
285,600 

61,969,800
7,129,200
43,679,900
0.8
1.0
1,346,000
58,100
393,900
452,000

26,503,300
35,744,000
21,125,300
1.0
85.3
607,400
48,300
182,900
231,200

6,283,000
76,600
1,514,900
7,874,500
791,900
7,400,900
1.4
1.1
229,700 
7,500
65,300
72,800

168,100
164,100
493,400
304,000

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164 Other information

Production statistics continued

Oxide 
Sulphide 
Marginal ore mined 
Oxide 
Sulphide 
Marginal ore 
Copper concentrate 
Copper cathode 
Copper in concentrate 
Total 

Oxide 
Marginal ore 
Oxide 
Marginal ore 
Copper cathode 

Anglo Base Metals (continued)
Anglo American Norte
Mantos Blancos mine
Ore processed 

Ore grade processed 

Production 

Mantoverde mine
Ore processed 

Ore grade processed 

Production 
Total copper production for Anglo American Norte 
Black Mountain 
Total Anglo Base Metals copper production 
Anglo Platinum copper production  
Production(1) 
Total attributable copper production 
Nickel, Niobium, Mineral Sands and Phosphates
Nickel
Codemin
Ore mined 
Ore processed 
Ore grade processed 
Production 
Loma de Níquel
Ore mined 
Ore processed 
Ore grade processed 
Production 
Total Anglo Base Metals nickel production 
Anglo Platinum nickel production 
Production(1) 
Total attributable nickel production 
Niobium 
Catalão
Ore mined 
Ore processed 
Ore grade processed 
Production 

2008 

2007

tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
% Cu (soluble) 
% Cu (insoluble) 
% Cu (soluble) 
dry metric tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
% Cu (soluble) 
% Cu (soluble) 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
% Ni 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
% Ni 
tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
Kg Nb/tonne 
tonnes 

4,694,800 
4,311,100 
5,003,000 
0.7 
1.2 
0.3 
132,300 
39,600 
46,800 
86,400 

9,556,900 
4,300,400 
0.7 
0.4 
62,500 
148,900 
2,500 
641,300 

8,800 
650,100 

498,400 
475,900 
2.1 
9,100 

811,000 
676,800 
1.6 
10,900 
20,000 

15,500 
35,500 

768,100 
818,100 
11.1 
4,600 

4,587,900
3,879,800
5,862,900
0.7
1.1
0.3
105,900
48,700
40,200
88,900

9,280,700
5,511,100
0.7
0.3
61,000
149,900
2,200
655,000

11,000
666,000

539,300
522,600
2.1
9,900

1,183,200
1,096,100
1.6
15,700
25,600

19,200
44,800

852,500
831,700
10.9
4,700

(1)   Northam Platinum Limited was transferred to a disposal group in September 2007. Production information excludes Northam Platinum Limited and 2007 information has been adjusted accordingly. Northam 

Platinum Limited was sold on 20 August 2008.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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Anglo Base Metals (continued)
Mineral Sands
Namakwa Sands(1)
Ore mined 
Production 

Smelter production 

Phosphates
Copebrás
Sodium tripolyphosphate 
Phosphates 
Zinc and Lead
Black Mountain
Ore mined 
Ore processed 
Ore grade processed 

Production 

Lisheen
Ore mined 
Ore processed 
Ore grade processed 

Production 

Skorpion
Ore mined 
Ore processed 
Ore grade processed 
Production 
Total attributable zinc production 
Total attributable lead production 

Ilmenite 
Rutile 
Zircon 
Slag tapped 
Iron tapped 

Zinc 
Lead 
Copper 
Zinc in concentrate 
Lead in concentrate  
Copper in concentrate  

Zinc 
Lead 
Zinc in concentrate 
Lead in concentrate 

Zinc 
Zinc  

tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
% Zn 
% Pb 
% Cu 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
% Zn 
% Pb 
tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
% Zn 
tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 

(1)   Production information included until date of disposal on 1 October 2008.

2008 

2007

13,418,600 
240,900 
19,100 
97,400 
118,500 
78,800 

10,200 
982,100 

1,199,800 
1,204,800 
3.0 
4.2 
0.4 
27,900 
47,000 
2,500 

1,561,900 
1,516,900 
12.1 
1.6 
167,200 
15,900 

1,390,400 
1,333,300 
11.7 
145,400 
340,500 
62,900 

18,111,700
300,300
24,500
114,800
151,300
101,800

56,700
1,037,800

1,065,200
1,099,600
3.2
4.3
0.3
28,300
41,900
2,200

1,584,700
1,513,600
12.0
1.9
164,700
20,200

1,402,300
1,379,600
11.7
150,100
343,100
62,100

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
166 Other information

Production statistics continued

Anglo Ferrous Metals and Industries
Kumba Iron Ore
Lump 
Fines 
Amapá(1)
Sinter feed 
Pellet feed 
Total iron ore production 
Scaw Metals
South Africa – Steel Products 
International – Steel Products 
Samancor Manganese(2)
Manganese ore 
Manganese alloys(3) 

Anglo Industrial Minerals
Aggregates 
Lime products 
Concrete 

2008 

2007

22,042,000 
14,657,000 

128,000 –
584,000 –
37,411,000 

771,000 
879,000 

2,704,000 
306,000 

93,095,000 
1,353,000 
6,312,000 

19,043,000
13,357,000

32,400,000

776,000
803,000

2,411,000
310,000

95,393,300
1,468,200
8,858,400

tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 

tonnes 
tonnes 
m3 

(1)  Production from Amapá is included from 5 August 2008. Amapá is not currently in commercial production. Until commercial production is reached all revenue and related costs are being capitalised. Amapá 

production for full year 2008 was 1.2 Mt.

(2) Saleable production.

(3)  Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

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Quarterly production statistics(1)

   December 2008  September 2008 

June 2008 

March 2008  December 2007  September Q08 

December Q07

   Quarter ended 

% Change

   December Q08 v  December Q08 v  

Anglo Platinum(2)
Platinum (troy ounces) 
Palladium (troy ounces) 
Rhodium (troy ounces) 
Nickel (tonnes) 

Anglo Coal (tonnes)
Eskom 
Thermal 
Metallurgical 

De Beers (diamonds recovered – carats)
100% basis (Anglo American 45%)
Diamonds 

Anglo Base Metals (tonnes)
Copper 
Nickel 
Zinc   
Lead 

Anglo Ferrous Metals and Industries (tonnes)
Iron ore(3) 
South Africa Steel Products 
International Steel Products 
Manganese ore(4) 
Manganese alloys(4)(5) 

(1)  Excludes Anglo Industrial Minerals.

842,300 
450,500 
107,100 
4,100 

543,200 
321,700 
75,300 
4,000 

572,500 
300,800 
59,400 
3,700 

428,600 
245,800 
57,500 
3,700 

669,000 
381,900 
87,400 
5,000 

   9,465,900 
8,193,800 
   12,247,300  12,377,600  12,819,800  11,163,000  12,764,100 
2,599,200 
   3,955,200 

8,363,000 

4,389,300 

2,773,000 

9,692,200 

3,631,600 

8,637,000 

55% 
40% 
42% 
3% 

(2)% 
(1)% 
9% 

26%
18%
23%
(18)%

16%
(4)%
52%

   10,795,000  13,111,000  12,452,000  11,774,000  12,143,000 

(18)% 

(11)%

172,000 
4,800 
82,900 
14,400 

148,600 
5,600 
86,500 
16,700 

161,000 
5,000 
88,200 
14,700 

159,700 
4,600 
82,900 
17,100 

176,400 
6,500 
87,700 
18,100 

   10,098,000  10,250,000 
187,000 
230,000 
732,000 
81,000 

167,000 
215,000 
565,000 
72,000 

8,873,000 
211,000 
221,000 
741,000 
76,000 

8,190,000 
206,000 
213,000 
666,000 
77,000 

8,992,000 
178,000 
212,000 
645,000 
84,000 

16% 
(14)% 
(4)% 
(14)% 

(1)% 
(11)% 
(7)% 
(23)% 
(11)% 

(2)%
(26)%
(5)%
(20)%

12%
(6)%
1%
(12)%
(14)%

(2) Northam Platinum Limited was transferred to a disposal group in September 2007. Production information excludes Northam Platinum Limited and 2007 information has been adjusted accordingly. Northam 

Platinum Limited was sold on 20 August 2008.

(3) Production from Amapá is included from 5 August 2008. Amapá is not currently in commercial production. Until commercial production is reached all revenue and related costs are being capitalised. Amapá 

production for full year 2008 was 1.2 Mt.

(4) Saleable production. 

(5) Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.

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2008 

2007

8.27 
0.54 
0.68 
1.17 
524 

9.30 
0.69 
0.72 
1.44 
637 

7.05
0.50
0.73
1.19
522

6.84
0.50
0.68
1.14
498

2008 

2007

1,585 
355 
6,564 
315 
953 
85 
95 

922 
186 
1,250 
132 
490 
51 
43 

1,304
355
6,200
323
1,686
147
118

1,537
368
6,850
303
1,170
104
115

US$/oz 
US$/oz 
US$/oz 
   US cents/lb 
   US cents/lb 
   US cents/lb 
   US cents/lb 

US$/oz 
US$/oz 
US$/oz 
   US cents/lb 
   US cents/lb 
   US cents/lb 
   US cents/lb 

168 Other information

Exchange rates and commodity prices

US$ exchange rates
Average prices for the year
Rand 
Sterling 
Euro 
Australian dollar 
Chilean peso 

Closing spot prices
Rand 
Sterling 
Euro 
Australian dollar 
Chilean peso 

Commodity prices
Average market prices for the year
Platinum(1) 
Palladium(1) 
Rhodium(1) 
Copper(2) 
Nickel(2) 
Zinc(2) 
Lead(2) 

31 December spot prices
Platinum(1) 
Palladium(1) 
Rhodium(1) 
Copper(2) 
Nickel(2) 
Zinc(2) 
Lead(2) 

(1)  Source: Johnson Matthey.

(2) Source: LME daily prices.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Key financial data

US$ million (unless otherwise stated) 
Group revenue including associates 
Less: Share of associates’ revenue 
Group revenue 
Operating profit including associates before special items and remeasurements 
Special items and remeasurements (excluding financing special items and remeasurements) 
Net finance costs (including financing remeasurements), tax and minority interests of associates 
Total profit from operations and associates 
Net finance costs (including financing special items and remeasurements) 
Profit before tax 
Income tax expense 
Profit for the financial year – continuing operations 
Profit for the financial year – discontinued operations 
Profit for the financial year – total Group 
Minority interests 
Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company    
Underlying earnings(2) – continuing operations 
Underlying earnings(2) – discontinued operations 
Underlying earnings(2) – total Group 
Earnings per share ($) – continuing operations 
Earnings per share ($) – discontinued operations 
Earnings per share ($) – total Group 
Underlying earnings per share ($) – continuing operations    
Underlying earnings per share ($) – discontinued operations 
Underlying earnings per share ($) – total Group 
Ordinary dividend per share (US cents) 
Special dividend per share (US cents) 
Weighted average basic number of shares outstanding (million) 
EBITDA(3) – continuing operations 
EBITDA(3) – discontinued operations 
EBITDA(3) – total Group 
EBITDA interest cover(4) – total Group 
Operating margin (before special items and remeasurements) – total Group 
Ordinary dividend cover (based on underlying earnings per share) – total Group 
Balance sheet
Intangible and tangible assets 
Other non-current assets and investments 
Working capital 
Other net current liabilities 
Other non-current liabilities and obligations 
Cash and cash equivalents and borrowings(5) 
Net assets classified as held for sale 
Net assets 
Minority interests 
Equity attributable to the equity shareholders of the Company 
Total capital(6) 
Cash inflows from operations – continuing operations 
Cash inflows from operations – discontinued operations 
Cash inflows from operations – total Group 
Dividends received from associates and financial asset investments –  
continuing operations 
Dividends received from associates and financial asset investments –  
discontinued operations 
Dividends received from associates and financial asset investments – total Group 
Return on capital employed(7) – total Group 
EBITDA/average total capital(6) – total Group 
Net debt to total capital (gearing)(8) 

2008 
32,964 
(6,653) 
26,311 
10,085 
(330) 
(783) 
8,972 
(401) 
8,571 
(2,451) 
6,120 
– 
6,120 
(905) 
5,215 
5,237 
– 
5,237 
4.34 
– 
4.34 
4.36 
– 
4.36 
44.0 
– 
1,202 
11,847 
– 
11,847 
28.3 
30.6% 
9.9 

32,551 
7,494 
861 
(1,565) 
(6,729) 
(11,051) 
195 
21,756 
(1,535) 
20,221 
32,799 
9,579 
– 
9,579 

2007 
30,559 
(5,089) 
25,470 
9,590 
(227) 
(434) 
8,929 
(108) 
8,821 
(2,693) 
6,128 
2,044 
8,172 
(868) 
7,304 
5,477 
284 
5,761 
4.04 
1.54 
5.58 
4.18 
0.22 
4.40 
124.0 
– 
1,309 
11,171 
961 
12,132 
42.0 
28.4% 
3.5 

25,090 
9,111 
1,966 
(877) 
(6,261) 
(5,170) 
471 
24,330 
(1,869) 
22,461 
29,569 
9,375 
470 
9,845 

2006(1) 
29,404 
(4,413) 
24,991 
8,888 
24 
(398) 
8,514 
(71) 
8,443 
(2,518) 
5,925 
997 
6,922 
(736) 
6,186 
5,019 
452 
5,471 
3.51 
0.70 
4.21 
3.42 
0.31 
3.73 
108.0 
67.0 
1,468 
10,431 
1,766 
12,197 
45.5 
25.4% 
3.5 

25,632 
7,969 
3,096 
(1,177) 
(5,790) 
(3,244) 
641 
27,127 
(2,856) 
24,271 
30,451 
9,012 
1,045 
10,057 

2005(1) 
24,872 
(4,740) 
20,132 
5,549 
16 
(315) 
5,250 
(220) 
5,030 
(1,208) 
3,822 
111 
3,933 
(412) 
3,521 
3,335 
401 
3,736 
2.35 
0.08 
2.43 
2.30 
0.28 
2.58 
90.0 
33.0 
1,447 
7,172 
1,787 
8,959 
20.0 
18.5% 
2.9 

33,368 
5,556 
3,538 
(1,492) 
(8,399) 
(4,993) 
– 
27,578 
(3,957) 
23,621 
32,571 
5,963 
1,302 
7,265 

2004(1)

22,610
(5,429)
17,181
3,832
556
(391)
3,997
(385)
3,612
(765)
2,847
1,094
3,941
(440)
3,501
2,178
506
2,684
1.84
0.60
2.44
1.52
0.35
1.87
70.0
–
1,434
5,359
1,672
7,031
18.5
14.7%
2.7

35,816
5,547
3,543
(611)
(8,339)
(8,243)
–
27,713
(4,588)
23,125
35,956
3,857
1,434
5,291

659 

311 

251 

468 

380

– 
659 
36.8% 
38.0% 
37.8% 

52 
363 
37.8% 
40.4% 
20.0% 

37 
288 
32.4% 
38.7% 
12.9% 

2 
470 
19.2% 
26.0% 
17.0% 

16
396
14.6%
21.2%
25.4%

(1)   Comparatives were adjusted in the 2007 Annual Report to reclassify amounts relating to discontinued operations where applicable.
(2)  Underlying earnings is net profit attributable to equity shareholders, adjusted for the effect of special items and remeasurements and any related tax and minority interests.
(3)  EBITDA is operating profit before special items, remeasurements, depreciation and amortisation in subsidiaries and joint ventures and share of EBITDA of associates.
(4)  EBITDA interest cover is EBITDA divided by net finance costs, excluding other net financial income, exchange gains and losses on monetary assets and liabilities, amortisation of discounts on provisions, special 

items and financial remeasurements, but including share of associates’ net interest expense.

(5)  This differs from the Group’s measure of net debt as it excludes the net debt of disposal groups (2008: $8 million; 2007: $(69) million; 2006: $(80) million; 2005: nil; 2004: nil), and excludes the impact of 
derivative instruments that provide an economic hedge of assets and liabilities in net debt (2008: liabilities of $297 million; 2007: assets of $388 million; 2006: assets of $193 million; 2005: nil; 2004: nil). 
For more detail see note 30 Consolidated cash flow analysis.

(6) Total capital is net assets excluding net debt (excluding the impact of derivative instruments).
(7)  Return on capital employed is calculated as total operating profit before impairments for the year divided by the average of total capital less other investments and adjusted for impairments.
(8)  Net debt to total capital is calculated as net debt (excluding the impact of derivative instruments) divided by total capital less investments in associates. 

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170 Other information

Summary by business segment

US$ million  
Continuing operations
Platinum 
Diamonds 
Base Metals 

Copper 
Collahuasi 
Anglo American Sur  
Anglo American Norte 
Other –

Nickel, Niobium, Mineral Sands and Phosphates 
Codemin 
Loma de Níquel 
Catalão 
Namakwa Sands 
Copebrás 

Zinc 
Black Mountain 
Lisheen 
Skorpion 

Other –
Ferrous Metals and Industries 
Kumba Iron Ore 
Scaw Metals 
Samancor Manganese 
Tongaat-Hulett/Hulamin(4) 
Anglo Ferrous Brazil –
Highveld Steel –
Other 6
Coal 
South Africa 
Australia 
South America 
Canada 
Projects and corporate 
Industrial Minerals 
Exploration –
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs –
Total continuing operations 
Discontinued operations
Gold 
Paper and Packaging 
Mondi Packaging 
Mondi Business Paper 
Other 
Total discontinued operations 
Total Group 

2008 

6,327 
3,096 
5,878 

3,907 
1,134 
1,965 
808 
 –

1,381 
198 
210 
141 
177 
655 

590 
115 
196 
279 

 –
6,849 
2,573 
1,927 
1,526 
817 
 –

 6

6,436 
2,210 
3,119 
947 
139 –
21 
4,378 
 –
 –
32,964 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
32,964 

Revenue(1) 
2007 

6,789 
3,076 
7,129 

4,507 
1,383 
2,273 
851 

1,583 
325 
553 
106 
184 
415 

1,039 
165 
364 
510 

5,400 
1,635 
1,432 
665 
1,293 

369 –

3,574 
1,538 
1,389 
627 

20 
4,591 

30,559 

1,004 –
4,111 –
2,296 –
1,204 –
611 –
5,115 –
35,674 

2008 

2,732 
665 
2,845 

2,226 
682 
1,265 
288 
(9) 

563 
132 
48 
80 
59 
244 

209 
37 
40 
132 

(153) 
3,064 
1,667 
309 
998 
115 
(4) 

(21) 
2,585 
814 
1,353 
446 
15 –
(43) 
487 
(212) 
(319) 
11,847 

11,847  

EBITDA(2) 
2007 

Operating profit/(loss) (3) 
2008 

2007 

Underlying earnings
2007

2008 

3,155 
587 
4,683 

3,192 
1,062 
1,630 
507 
(7) 

842 
242 
390 
57 
44 
109 

729 
93 
242 
394 

(80) 
1,561 
879 
204 
249 
140 
(9) 
108 –
(10) 
882 
481 
166 
271 

 8
(36) 
732 
(157) 
(272) 
11,171 

401 
560 
316 
198 
46 
961 
12,132 

2,226 
508 
2,505 

2,017 
613 
1,157 
255 
(8) 

507 
123 
30 
78 
59 
217 

136 
26 
22 
88 

(155) 
2,935 
1,618 
274 
980 
92 
(8) 

(21) 
2,240 
736 
1,144 9
396 
 –
(44) 
228 
(212) 
(345) 
10,085 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
10,085 

2,697 
484 
4,338 

2,983 
998 
1,518 
474 
(7) 

786 
234 
370 
55 
44 
83 

654 
83 
227 
344 

(85) 
1,432 
834 
172 
225 
114 
(9) 
108 –
(12) 
614 
414 

227 

(36) 
474 
(157) 
(292) 
9,590 

202 
324 
195 
105 
24 
526 
10,116 

1,313 
256 
1,369 

1,171 
367 
699 
113 
(8) 

218 
94 
(97) 
70 
46 
105 

128 
28 
15 
85 

(148) 
1,396 
558 
165 
658 
53 
(30) 5

(8) 
1,581 
543 
797 
257 
11 –
(27) 
173 
(200) 
(651) 
5,237 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
5,237 

1,299
239
3,100

2,060
701
1,026
340
(7)

555
178
243
60
31
43 

558
65
174
319

(73)
605
274
97
169
44

18
(2)
490
296
24
175

(5)
384
(145)
(495)
5,477

95
189
137
62
(10)
284
5,761

(1)   Revenue includes the Group’s share of revenue of joint ventures and associates. Base Metals’ revenue is shown after deduction of treatment charges and refining charges (TC/RCs). 

(2) EBITDA is operating profit before special items, remeasurements, depreciation and amortisation in subsidiaries and joint ventures and share of EBITDA of associates.

(3)  Operating profit includes operating profit before special items and remeasurements from subsidiaries and joint ventures and share of operating profit (before interest, tax, minority interests, special items and 

remeasurements) of associates.

(4)  Includes 100% of the results of the Tongaat-Hulett Group from 1 January to 25 June 2007, and the Group’s equity accounted share of Tongaat-Hulett and Hulamin since that date. For more detail see note 33 to the 

Financial statements.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of subsidiaries’ and associate’s reported 
earnings to the underlying earnings included in the consolidated 
financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2008. note only key reported lines are reconciled.

US$ million 
Anglo Platinum Limited
IFRS headline earnings (US$ equivalent of published) 
Exploration 
Exchange rate difference 
Operating remeasurements (net of tax) 
Other adjustments 

Minority interests 
Depreciation on assets fair valued on acquisition (net of tax) 
Contribution to Anglo American plc underlying earnings 

DB Investments (DBI) 
De Beers underlying earnings (100%) 
Difference in IAS 19 accounting policy 
De Beers underlying earnings – Anglo American plc basis (100%) 
Anglo American plc’s 45% ordinary share interest 
Income from preference shares 
Other 
Contribution to Anglo American plc underlying earnings 

Kumba Iron Ore Limited (KIO)
IFRS headline earnings (US$ equivalent of published)(1) 
Exploration 
Other adjustments 

Minority interests 
Depreciation on assets fair valued on acquisition (net of tax) 
Contribution to Anglo American plc underlying earnings 

(1)   KIO IFRS headline earnings for the year ended 31 December 2008 assume a minority interest of 20% in KIO’s underlying mining assets.

2008 

2007

1,607 
36 
64 4
17 –
6 
1,730 
(376) 
(41) 
1,313 

515 
18 
533 
240 
13 
3 –
256 

872 
8 –
12 7

892 
(328) 
(6) 
558 

1,748
36

(10)
1,778
(443)
(36)
1,299

483
13
496
223
16

239

434

441
(155)
(12)
274

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172 Other information

The business – an overview

Precious

Anglo Platinum 

100% owned
South Africa
Rustenburg Section
Amandelbult Section
Mogalakwena Mines (formerly Potgietersrust Platinums)
Lebowa Platinum Mines
Western Limb Tailings Retreatment
Waterval Smelter (including converting process)
Polokwane Smelter
Rustenburg Base Metals Refinery
Precious Metals Refinery
Twickenham Mine

De Beers(1) 

100% owned
South Africa
De Beers Group Services  
(Exploration and Services)
De Beers Marine

Canada
De Beers Canada
 Snap Lake
 Victor

Base

Anglo Base Metals 

100% owned
Copper
Chagres (Chile)
El Soldado (Chile)
Los Bronces (Chile)
Mantos Blancos (Chile)
Mantoverde (Chile)
Michiquillay (Peru)

Nickel
Codemin (Brazil)
Barro Alto (Brazil)

Trading and Marketing
The Diamond Trading Company

Zinc/Lead
Lisheen (Ireland)
Skorpion (Namibia)

Niobium 
Catalão (Brazil)

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Other interests
South Africa
Union Section 

Joint ventures or sharing agreements
Modikwa Platinum Joint Venture 
Kroondal Pooling and Sharing Agreement 
Bafokeng-Rasimone Joint Venture 
Marikana Pooling and Sharing Agreement 
Mototolo Joint Venture  
Masa Chrome Company 
Pandora Venture 

Overall ownership: 

79.6%

85%

50%
50%
50%
50%
50%
74%
42.5%

Other interests
South Africa
De Beers Consolidated Mines(2)

Finsch 
Kimberley Mines 
Namaqualand Mines 
The Oaks 
Venetia 
 South African Sea Areas 
(SASA) 

78%
78%
78%
78%
78%

78%

Botswana
Debswana (Damtshaa,  
Jwaneng, Orapa and  
Lethlakane mines) 

50%

Other interests
Copper
Collahuasi (Chile) 
Palabora (South Africa) 
Quellaveco (Peru) 
Pebble (US) 

Nickel
Loma de Níquel (Venezuela) 

Zinc/Lead
Black Mountain (South Africa) 
Gamsberg (South Africa) 

Phosphate products
Copebrás (Brazil) 

Overall ownership: 

45%

Namibia
Namdeb (Mining Area No. 1,  
Orange River Mines,  
Elizabeth Bay and Marine 
concessions)  
De Beers Marine Namibia 

50%
70%

Trading and Marketing
DTC Botswana 
Namibia DTC 

Industrial Diamonds
Element Six 

50%
50%

60%

Diamond jewellery retail
De Beers Diamond Jewellers  50%

Overall ownership: 

100%

44%
17%
82%
50%

91%

74%
74%

73%

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
173

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Bulk

Anglo Ferrous Metals and Industries 

100% owned
Industries
Vergelegen (South Africa)

Overall ownership: 

100%

Other interests
Ferrous Metals
Kumba Iron Ore (South Africa) 
Samancor (South Africa and Australia) 
Minas-Rio (Brazil) 
Amapá (Brazil) 
LLX Minas-Rio (Brazil) 
Scaw Metals (worldwide) 
Exxaro Resources (southern Africa and Australia) 

Industries 
Tongaat-Hulett (southern Africa) 
Hulamin (South Africa) 

63%
40%
99.4%
69.2%
49%
  74%-100%
10%

37.1%
38.4%

Anglo Coal 

100% owned
South Africa
Bank
Goedehoop
Greenside
Isibonelo
Kleinkopje
Kriel(3)
Landau
New Denmark
New Vaal
Nooitgedacht

Australia
Callide

Other interests
South Africa
Mafube 

50%

Australia – other
Monash Energy Holdings Ltd

South Africa – other
Richards Bay Coal Terminal  27%

Canada
Peace River Coal 

Colombia
Carbones del Cerrejón 

Venezuela
Carbones del Guasare 

74%

33%

25%

Overall ownership: 

100%

Australia
Dawson Complex 
Drayton 
German Creek 
Jellinbah East 
Moranbah North 
Foxleigh 

Australia – other
Dalrymple Bay Coal  
Terminal Pty Ltd 
Newcastle Coal Shippers  
Pty Ltd 

51%
88%
70%
23%
88%
70%

32%

20%

Other business

Anglo Industrial Minerals 

100% owned
Aggregates and Building Materials
Tarmac Group (UK)
Tarmac France (France and Belgium)
Tarmac Germany
Tarmac Poland
Tarmac Czech Republic
Tarmac Turkey
Tarmac International Holdings (Europe and Middle East)
United Marine Holdings(4)

(1)   An independently managed associate.

(2)  De Beers’ 78% holdings include a 4% indirect holding via the Key Employee Trust.

Other interests
Aggregates and Building Materials
Tarmac Romania 

Overall ownership: 

100%

60%

(3)  Kriel forms part of the proposed Anglo Inyosi Coal of which Anglo Coal will own 73%. The outstanding conditions precedent to the transactions are expected to be fulfilled in the first half of 2009 following 

which the transaction will complete.

(4)  On 26 January 2008 the Group acquired the remaining 50% shareholding in United Marine Holdings.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
174 Other information

Shareholder information

Annual General Meeting
Will be held at 11:00 am on 15 April 2009, at The Royal Society,  
6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG.

Shareholders’ diary 2009/10
Interim results announcement 
Annual results announcement 
Annual Report 
Annual General Meeting 

August 2009 
February 2010 
March 2010 
April 2010 

Shareholding enquiries
Enquiries relating to shareholdings should be made to the Company’s  
UK Registrars, Equiniti or the South African Transfer Secretaries,  
Link Market Services South Africa (Pty) Limited, at the relevant address below:

UK Registrars
Equiniti 
The Causeway 
Worthing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA 
England 
Telephone: 
In the UK: 0871 384 2026*
*  Calls charged at 8p per minute from a BT landline. Other telephony providers’ costs may vary.

From outside the UK: +44 121 415 7558

Transfer Secretaries in South Africa
Link Market Services South Africa (Pty) Limited 
11 Diagonal Street 
Johannesburg 2001, South Africa 
(PO Box 4844, Johannesburg 2000) 
Telephone: +27 (0) 11 630 0800

Enquiries on other matters should be addressed to the  
Company Secretary at the following address:

Registered and Head Office
Anglo American plc 
20 Carlton House Terrace 
London SW1Y 5AN 
England 
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7968 8888 
Fax: +44 (0)20 7968 8500 
Registered number: 3564138 
Website: www.angloamerican.co.uk

Additional information on a wide range of shareholder services  
can be found in the Shareholder Information section of the Notice  
of AGM and on the Group’s website.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Other Anglo American publications

• 2007/8 Fact Book 
• 2008 Notice of AGM and Shareholder Information Booklet 
• 2008 Report to Society 
• Optima – Anglo American’s current affairs journal 
• Transformation Report 
• Good Citizenship: Our Business Principles

If you would like to receive copies of Anglo American’s publications,  
please write to:

Investor and Corporate Affairs Department
Anglo American plc 
20 Carlton House Terrace 
London SW1Y 5AN 
England

Alternatively, publications can be ordered online at: 
http://www.angloamerican.co.uk/aa/siteservices/requestreport/

The 2008 Annual Report and the booklet containing the Notice  
of AGM and other shareholder information are available free of  
charge from the Company, its UK Registrars and South African  
Transfer Secretaries. 

Charitable partners
This is just a selection of the charities which Anglo American,  
The Chairman’s Fund and the Anglo American Group Foundation  
have worked with in 2008:

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Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

 
Anglo American plc Annual Report 2008

Anglo American is committed  
to delivering operational  
excellence in a safe and  
responsible way, adding value  
for shareholders, customers,  
employees and the communities  
in which we operate

Highlights

$10.1 bn

Operating profit (2007: $10.1 bn)

$5.2 bn

Underlying earnings (2007: $5.8 bn)

$4.36

Earnings per share (2007: $4.40)

•  Group operating profit of $10.1 billion, with operating 
profit from core operations up 10% to $9.8 billion

•  Strong performances from Coal and Ferrous Metals 

with increased production of coal and iron ore

•  2009 capital expenditure reduced by more than  

50% to $4.5 billion

•  $2 billion target by 2011 from cost saving and 

efficiency initiatives

Above: Bucket-wheel excavator at Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen open pit in South Africa’s Northern Cape. 
Measuring 11 kilometres by 1.5 kilometres and almost 400 metres deep, this is one of the world’s largest 
open pits, producing around 34 million tonnes of iron ore in 2008

FIND OUT MORE>>
www.angloamerican.co.uk

Underlying earnings per share
US$

Dividends per share
US cents

Cover: Martin van Heerden, mine overseer (left) and 
Jacques Nortier, supervisor at Anglo Coal South Africa’s 
Kriel Colliery, inspect a new type of fan. Much quieter 
than previous models, the new fans are helping to make 
the workplace less stressful and reduce the potential for 
noise induced hearing loss

Excludes discontinued operations

4.40 4.36

3.73

4.18

3.42

2.58

1.87

2.30

1.52

04 05 06 07 08

Interim
Final
Special

86

33

62

75

67

51

28

19

33

38

44

04

05

06

07

0
08

Operating profit includes share of associates’ operating profit (before share of associates’ tax, finance  
charges and minority interest) and is before special items and remeasurements, unless otherwise stated.  
See note 3 to the financial statements for operating profit on a total Group basis. For definition of special  
items and remeasurements see note 7 to the financial statements and see note 35 for information on 
discontinued operations.

Operations considered core to the Group are Base Metals, Platinum, Ferrous Metals’ core businesses  
(Kumba Iron Ore, Scaw Metals, Samancor Manganese and Anglo Ferrous Brazil), Coal and Diamonds.

 Unless otherwise stated tonnes are metric tons, ‘Mt’ denotes million tonnes and ‘kt’ denotes thousand tonnes. 

Unless otherwise stated ‘$’ and ‘dollar’ denote US dollars.

Printed on Revive 50:50 Silk and Revive 100 
Uncoated paper. Revive 50:50 Silk is made from 
pre and post consumer waste and virgin wood fibre, 
Revive 100 Uncoated is made from 100% de-inked 
post consumer waste. Both have been independently 
certified in accordance with the FSC (Forest 
Stewardship Council). 

Printed at St Ives Westerham Press Ltd, ISO14001, 
FSC certified and CarbonNeutral®

Designed by Addison 
www.addison.co.uk

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Anglo American plc
20 Carlton House Terrace
London SW1Y 5AN
England

Tel +44 (0)20 7968 8888
Fax +44 (0)20 7968 8500
Registered number 3564138

www.angloamerican.co.uk

A global business  
fit for the future 

Annual Report 2008