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Anglo American

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FY2011 Annual Report · Anglo American
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ANNUAL REPORT 2011

What it takes:  
“It takes all of us,  
using our knowledge, 
skills and expertise  
to deliver value.”

 
 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION

What it takes:
A CLEAR  
AMBITION

Our ambition is to be the leading mining 
company, by being the investment, the 
partner and the employer of choice.  
This year’s report focuses on great stories  
from across our operations showing  
what it takes to deliver this ambition.

01

03

02

04

LEADING-EDGE ENGINEERING CHANGING  
THE WAY WE MINE

Exploration is the lifeblood of the mining industry and the 
search for new deposits is unending. Two new prospects are 
expanding the resource base of our Los Bronces copper mine 
in Chile, already one of the largest concentrations of copper 
mineralisation in the world.

The San Enrique-Monolito and Los Sulfatos exploration 
projects are being conducted in harsh climatic conditions  
and difficult terrain, often at elevations of over 4,000 metres 
above sea level – which restricts field activities to the limited 
summer periods between December and March. To assist  
in the exploration process, Anglo American has taken the 
innovative step of developing an eight kilometre exploration 
access tunnel from which to drill out the resource. 
Conventional drill and blast methods have been discarded  
in favour of a tunnel boring machine, which has advantages  
in terms of speed, safety, reduced environmental impact  
and overall project risk.

The tunnelling operation has recently been completed and  
the two projects could be among Anglo American’s biggest 
copper prospects to date, with San Enrique-Monolito 
estimated to contain up to 25 million tonnes of copper,  
while the figure for Los Sulfatos could be even higher.

For more information visit 
www.angloamerican.com

Above
01  Exploration geologist 
Esmé Tristram at the 
Confluencia area of  
Los Bronces.

02/03 The Confluencia 

processing plant at the 
Los Bronces copper mine 
in the Chilean Andes.

04  Carrying out a routine 
cleandown in the  
eight kilometre 
exploration access  
tunnel recently completed 
at Los Sulfatos.

Cover

Exploration 
geologist  
Esmé Tristram 
examines 
copper bearing 
ore near  
Los Sulfatos, high in the 
Chilean Andes.

Other sources of information

You can find this report and 
additional information about 
Anglo American on our 
corporate website. 

Although we have chosen  
not to produce an ‘integrated 
report’, we have included a 
comprehensive overview of  
our non-financial performance  
in this report. More detailed 
information on our sustainability 
performance is provided in our 
Sustainable Development 
Report. This can be found on  
our corporate website. 

For more information visit 
www.angloamerican.com

Key to icons in this document

Go to a page in this or another 
publication

Visit our corporate website

Information directly aligned  
to our Group strategy

Video available

 
 
GROUP AT A GLANCE WHERE WE OPERATE

What it takes:
SHARING KNOWLEDGE AND 
EXPERTISE ON A GLOBAL SCALE

Business units

Bulk

IRON ORE  
AND MANGANESE
We are in the top five of the 
world’s iron ore producers, with  
a large high quality resource 
base in South Africa and Brazil.

Iron ore is a key component  
in steel, the most widely used  
of all metals. Global steel 
consumption is forecast to  
grow in excess of 5% pa over  
the next three years.

METALLURGICAL  
COAL
Metallurgical Coal is the  
second biggest Australian 
metallurgical coal producer  
and the No. 3 global exporter  
of metallurgical coal. 

Anglo American is an active 
partner in diverse clean coal 
energy initiatives.

Metallurgical coal is the key  
raw material for 70% of the 
world’s steel industry.  
Demand is driven by economic, 
industrial and steel growth.

THERMAL  
COAL
In South Africa, Thermal Coal 
owns and operates nine mines. 
In Colombia, we have a one-third 
shareholding (with BHP Billiton 
and Xstrata each owning one- 
third) in Cerrejón, Colombia’s 
biggest thermal coal exporter.

About 5.1 billion tonnes of 
thermal coal are produced 
globally each year. Around  
40% of all electricity  
generated globally is powered  
by thermal coal.

Average number 
of employees 
(’000s)(1)

Share of Group  
operating profit

3

8
$4,520 m $1,189 m $1,230 m
41%

11% 

11%

9

2010 
$3,681m, 38%

2010 
$780 m, 8%

2010 
$710 m, 7%

Base metals

COPPER 

Copper has interests in six 
operations in Chile. These 
comprise the 75.5% owned 
Los Bronces and El Soldado 
mines and the Chagres smelter, 
the 100% owned Mantos  
Blancos and Mantoverde  
mines, and a 44% interest  
in the Collahuasi mine. 

Copper is used mainly in  
wire and cable, brass, tubing  
and pipes, air conditioning  
and refrigeration.

5
$2,461 m
22%

2010 
$2,817 m, 29%

For more information, see page 54 or visit  
www.angloamerican.com

For more information, see page 60 or visit  
www.angloamerican.com

For more information, see page 64 or visit  
www.angloamerican.com

For more information, see page 68 or visit  
www.angloamerican.com

(1)   Excluding contractors and associates’ employees, and including a proportionate share of employees within joint venture entities.
(2)   De Beers is an independently managed associate. Employee numbers shown represent the average number of employees in  

De Beers’ managed operations, including 100% of employees in De Beers’ underlying joint ventures.

(3)   De Beers’ results are shown as share of associate’s operating profit.

Headquarters

Corporate and representative offices

North America

Africa

London, United Kingdom

Beijing, China
Brisbane, Australia
Johannesburg, South Africa
Kinshasa, DRC
Luxembourg

New Delhi, India
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Santiago, Chile 
São Paulo, Brazil

South America

Australia and Asia

Precious

NICKEL 

PLATINUM 

DIAMONDS 

Nickel has three operating 
assets, all producing ferronickel: 
the world class Barro Alto mine, 
now in its ramp-up phase, and 
Codemin, both in Brazil; and 
Loma de Níquel in Venezuela.

Platinum owns the largest 
platinum reserves in the world 
and is the largest primary 
producer of platinum,  
accounting for some 40%  
of newly mined supply.

Approximately two-thirds of 
nickel is used in the production  
of stainless steel. Just over 20%  
is used to make other types  
of steel and for super-alloys, 
which can withstand extreme 
temperatures.

Platinum and other platinum 
group metals (PGMs) are 
primarily used in autocatalysts 
and jewellery. They are also 
employed in the chemical, 
electrical, electronic, glass  
and petroleum industries and  
in medical applications.

De Beers is the world’s  
leading diamond company  
and generates about 35%  
of global rough diamond 
production from its operations  
in Botswana, South Africa,  
Namibia and Canada.

The largest diamond jewellery 
market is the US, followed by 
China, Japan and India.

2
$57 m
1%

2010 
$96 m, 1%

55

$890 m
8%

2010 
$837 m, 9%

16(2)

$659 m(3)
6%

2010 
$495 m, 5%

Other Mining and Industrial

OTHER MINING  
AND INDUSTRIAL
Subject to regulatory approvals, 
Anglo American’s programme  
to divest of its businesses not 
considered core to the Group 
has largely been completed. 
Scaw South Africa, the remaining 
part of the Scaw Metals group,  
is the last such business to be 
sold. Catalão (niobium) and 
Copebrás (phosphates)  
are both considered core to  
the Group and are reported 
within the Other Mining and 
Industrial segment.

16

$195 m
2%

2010 
$664 m, 7%

For more information, see page 72 or visit  
www.angloamerican.com

For more information, see page 76 or visit  
www.angloamerican.com

For more information, see page 80 or visit  
www.angloamerican.com

For more information, see page 84 or visit  
www.angloamerican.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

CONTENTS

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What it takes:
STRONG  
PERFORMANCE

OPERATING PROFIT 
(2010: $9.8 bn)

 $11.1 bn

UNDERLYING EARNINGS 
(2010: $5.0 bn)

 $6.1 bn

UNDERLYING EARNINGS 
PER SHARE  
(2010: $4.13)

 $5.06

Operating profit includes attributable share  
of associates’ operating profit (before 
attributable share of associates’ interest,  
tax, and non-controlling interests) and is 
before special items and remeasurements, 
unless otherwise stated. See notes 2 and 4  
to the financial statements for operating  
profit. For definition of special items and 
remeasurements, see note 5 to the financial 
statements. See note 13 to the financial 
statements for the basis of calculation of 
underlying earnings.

‘Tonnes’ are metric tons, ‘Mt’ denotes million 
tonnes, ‘kt’ denotes thousand tonnes and 
‘koz’ denotes thousand ounces; ‘$’ and 
‘dollars’ denote US dollars and ‘cents’ 
denotes US cents.

Net debt includes related hedges and net  
debt in disposal groups. See note 31 to the 
financial statements. 

DIVIDENDS PER SHARE
Cents

2007

38

44

86

2008

NIL

2009

NIL

2010

25

2011

28

40

46

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
$ bn

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

NET DEBT
$ m

4.1

5.3

4.8

5.0

5.8

4,851

11,340

11,280

7,384

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

1,374

Overview
02  Our strategic growth projects
04  Chairman’s statement
06  Marketplace
10  Our strategy
12  Chief Executive’s statement

Strategy in action

Iron Ore and Manganese

Operating and financial review
14  Key performance indicators (KPIs)
16 
36  Resources and technology
42  Group financial performance
48  Risk
54 
60  Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
64 
68  Copper
72  Nickel
76  Platinum
80  Diamonds
84  Other Mining and Industrial

Introduction
The Board

Governance
88 
90 
92  Executive management
93  Role of the Board
95  Board in action
101  Audit Committee report
104  Directors’ remuneration report
116 
117  Directors’ report
122  Statement of directors’ responsibilities

I ndependent remuneration report review

Financial statements
124  Responsibility statement
125 
126  Principal statements
130  Notes to the financial statements

Independent auditor’s report

Introduction

Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources
177 
178  Summary
180 
Iron Ore
182  Manganese
183  Coal 
190  Copper
193  Nickel
194  Platinum
197  Phosphate products
198  Niobium
199  Definitions
200  Glossary

Other information
201  Production statistics
206  Exchange rates and commodity prices
207  Summary by business operation
208  Key financial data
209  Reconciliation of reported earnings
210  The business – an overview
212  Shareholder information
IBC  Other Anglo American publications

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 
Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

01
01

 
 
OVERVIEW OUR STRATEGIC GROWTH PROJECTS

What it takes:
 DELIVERING ON 
 OUR PROMISES

In 2011, we delivered three of our  
four strategic growth projects. 

Our successful delivery of three major 
mining projects on or ahead of schedule 
during the year is a great achievement,  
and will contribute significant new volumes 
of iron ore, copper and nickel as the new 
operations continue to ramp up during 2012.

For more information 
turn to page 18

02 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

BARRO ALTO
What we said we’d do
We would meet our scheduled production 
date for first metal from our $1.9 billion  
Barro Alto nickel project in Brazil by the end 
of the first quarter of 2011. The project  
would use proven metallurgical processing 
technology to ensure that we both met that 
date and experienced a relatively trouble free 
ramp-up process thereafter. We planned that 
Barro Alto would more than double our Nickel 
business’s ferronickel production. 

What we did and what it means  
to the business
We delivered first metal in March 2011,  
on schedule. Barro Alto was the first of  
our four major strategic growth projects  
to begin production and will be a key 
contributor to Anglo American’s 35%  
organic volume growth by 2014. The new 
nickel plant will reach its full production 
capacity at the beginning of 2013 and will 
average 41,000 tonnes per year of nickel  
over its first five years of full production, 
making use of our low risk and proven 
technology and rotary kiln electric  
furnace process.

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We were determined 
that safe delivery  
would be a hallmark  
of the commissioning 
and ramp-up phases  
at Barro Alto; there 
have been no fatal 
incidents to date, and 
we had an unbroken 
period of 13.2 million 
man hours without  
a lost time injury.

KOLOMELA
What we said we’d do
We would commission Kolomela, a key 
element in our South African iron ore growth 
strategy, by the end of the first half of 2012. 
Thereafter, we would ramp up iron ore output 
to between 4 and 5 Mt during 2012, and 
reach full design capacity of 9 Mtpa in 2013.

What we did and what it means  
to the business
The successful commissioning of Kolomela – 
a new iron ore mine in South Africa’s 
Northern Cape – was the third of our four 
major growth projects to be delivered in 2011. 
Kolomela was commissioned five months 
ahead of schedule, on budget and shipped  
its first product from the port of Saldanha  
to China in December 2011. This shipment  
is a significant milestone towards achieving 
the production ramp-up schedule of 4 to 5 Mt 
in 2012 and the expectation of reaching  
full production of 9 Mtpa in 2013. The 
commissioning of the Kolomela project is  
in line with our growth strategy of ramping  
up our South African iron ore production to 
70 Mtpa by 2019.

LOS BRONCES
What we said we’d do
We would deliver the Los Bronces expansion 
project in Chile on time, producing first 
copper in the fourth quarter of 2011. The  
next phase, the ramping-up period, is 
scheduled to be completed by end-2012.  
The expansion will increase the mine’s  
output by an average of 200,000 tonnes of 
copper per annum over the first 10 years,  
with highly attractive cash operating costs.

What we did and what it means  
to the business
We delivered first copper production in 
October 2011, on schedule(1). The expansion  
of Los Bronces is expected to more than 
double (on average over the first three years 
of full production) the mine’s existing output 
of 221,000 tonnes per year. We have a  
12 month ramp-up period ahead until we 
reach full production, during which time  
we will be increasing processing plant 
throughput from 61,000 tonnes to 148,000 
tonnes of ore per day. At peak production 
levels, Los Bronces is expected to be the  
fifth largest copper mine in the world, with 
reserves and resources that support a  
mine life of over 30 years and with further 
expansion potential.

(1)  The schedule for delivery of first production from 
projects refers to the information published in  
Anglo American’s 2010 Annual Report.

01

02

06

07

08

03

04

05

09

10

11

12

01 

02 

03 

04 

05 

06 

07 

08 

09 

10 

11 

12 

 Control room supervisor (left) Jean Pierre 
Rabba Migane and consulting engineer 
Juan Nuñez in the control room at the 
Confluencia plant at Los Bronces.

 Pulp thickener at Los Bronces’ 
Confluencia facility.

 Holding tanks at Los Bronces’  
Confluencia plant.

 Working on the ore conveyor’s gearless 
drive system at Los Bronces.

 Conveyor at the Kolomela mine. 

 A stacker-reclaimer in action at Kolomela.

 Safety technician Rodrigo Jordani Braga  
at viewing point at Barro Alto.

 Graded iron ore being transported  
by conveyor to the load-out terminal  
at Kolomela.

 Production operator Edineia  
Liberato Pereira at Barro Alto’s  
ore preparation plant.

 Looking out over the mine from the top  
of the primary crusher at Kolomela.

 Nickel being poured at Barro Alto. 

 (Left to right) Production technicians 
Valério Vieiru de Souza and Eliel de Castro 
in the control room at Barro Alto.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

03

 
OVERVIEW CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Sir John Parker

MINING COMMODITIES VITAL  
FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Our commodities help to both fuel growth in developing countries and to 
enable the continuing technological revolution in the developed economies.

The way in which the mining industry conducts its business, and its 
attendant footprint on the environment and on host communities, 
offers a wealth of opportunities to make a positive impact on society. 
In this report you will find many examples of how Anglo American, as  
a global leader in the industry, is endeavouring to ensure that we uplift 
and help sustain our neighbouring communities, while protecting the 
environment − and how we intend to maintain a competitive edge in 
respect of our peers and deliver value to our shareholders.

PERFORMANCE AND DIVIDEND

Against a background of difficult operational conditions, including 
exceptional flooding in early 2011 at many of our operations in 
Australia, Chile and South Africa, significant cost inflation and, in  
the second half, a more uncertain macro-economic landscape,  
Anglo American recorded a sound set of financial and operational 
results. Operating profit rose by 14% to a record level of $11.1 billion 
from $9.8 billion in 2010. The Board proposes a final dividend of  
46 cents per share, giving a total dividend for the year of 74 cents,  
a 14% increase. 

DELIVERING OUR GROWTH PROJECTS

In an industry that is frequently criticised for its shortcomings in the 
field of project delivery, Anglo American in 2011 commissioned three 
major mining operations, all of them on or ahead of schedule and in  
the lower half of the cost curve. Barro Alto in Brazil, which employs 
proven processing technology, came on stream in March and is 
ramping up to full production. In Chile, our expansion at Los Bronces, 
which we commissioned in October, will create one of the world’s 
biggest copper mines. In the final weeks of the year, we commissioned 
– five months ahead of time – the Kolomela mine in South Africa, 
thereby further enhancing our profile in the high margin seaborne  
iron ore business.

At our biggest project of all, Minas-Rio, despite a series of local 
challenges, we continue to make good progress towards our targeted 
first iron ore on ship delivery date in 2013. In December, we also 
announced the go-ahead for a greenfield coal mine in Queensland, 
Australia. The $1.7 billion Grosvenor project is expected to produce 
5 Mt of metallurgical coal a year over a projected life of 26 years. 

04 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Beyond these developments, we have continued to augment our 
strong resource base through several exploration successes, and  
we are focused on prioritising the most attractive of our $84 billion 
pipeline of unapproved projects towards development approval. 

DELIVERING VALUE 

We also continue to examine M&A opportunities as one of our 
strategic priorities in driving value in core commodities. In November, 
we announced a key acquisition and a major value enhancing 
divestment. First, we agreed to acquire the Oppenheimer family’s 
40% interest in De Beers. This presented a unique opportunity for us 
to raise our profile in diamonds, and in early January 2012 our 
shareholders voted overwhelmingly to approve the transaction.

Also in November, in accordance with our rights, we announced  
the completion of the sale of a 24.5% stake in Anglo American Sur 
(AA Sur), comprising a number of the Group’s copper assets in Chile, 
to Mitsubishi Corporation for $5.39 billion in cash. This transaction 
highlighted the inherent value of AA Sur as a world class, tier one 
copper business with extensive reserves and resources and 
significant further growth options from its exploration discoveries, 
valuing AA Sur at $22 billion on a 100% basis.

On the matter of Codelco’s option to acquire an interest in AA Sur,  
I should like to emphasise that Anglo American is a responsible 
company that always acts with care, after considering all of the 
evidence. We always act within the law wherever we operate, and we 
always seek to protect shareholder value. This approach has been 
applied by our Board with regard to the Codelco option. I also wish to 
reaffirm that Anglo American is an approachable company that is 
open to finding solutions to any problems it encounters anywhere 
around the world – and this includes the Codelco issue.

We are fully aware of the headwinds that our Platinum business is 
facing; be they cost pressures, safety stoppages or lingering concerns 
over the euro zone. Platinum is building upon the improvements 
achieved over the past five years and it has performed well relative  
to the wider industry in light of the challenges. We recognise, however, 
that the current level of returns is not acceptable to our investors.  
With the full support of the Board, our chief executive Cynthia Carroll 
and her team will therefore assess the optimal configuration of  

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our Platinum business. Our aim at Anglo American is to establish  
a commodities portfolio that can withstand the headwinds and 
maximise shareholder value and returns, through the cycle.

SAFETY

Most regrettably, the significant improvement in our performance 
over the previous four years in the field of safety was not maintained  
in 2011. The number of people who lost their lives while on company 
business increased to 17 from 15 in 2010, while there was also a rise  
in the number of serious injuries. In light of this, Cynthia Carroll, with 
the full backing of the Board, has instituted a Group-wide operational 
risk management initiative across all of our operations. It incorporates 
a comprehensive programme of independent safety reviews to find 
solutions at site level, in the realisation that until substantial 
improvements are achieved in this area our ambition of zero harm  
will simply not be attainable.

A CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Countries today are far more aware, and protective, of the value  
of their minerals patrimony. Developing nations and developed 
economies alike are seeking to increase their share of the mining  
cake through a range of means, from establishing joint ventures  
with mining companies, to windfall taxes and increased royalties,  
and even in some cases threatening to push matters to the point  
of nationalisation of mining assets. 

At the same time, the growing demand for metals and minerals  
means that mining companies are exploring in regions beyond  
their traditional mining jurisdictions, with all their attendant climatic, 
infrastructural, logistical and other challenges. This inevitably  
presents a heightened degree of risk and may be accompanied by 
political instability in some countries where good governance is still 
developing. Our present and long held commitment, irrespective  
of where we operate, is to always conduct ourselves to the highest 
standards of corporate conduct. 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Our approach to sustainable development is one that embodies our 
desire to be pro-active, and to take the lead in the key sustainability 
issues facing our industry. It is also one that is cognisant of the 
pressure from society for ethical and transparent behaviour by the 
extractives industry, with downstream consumers demanding greater 
responsibility from mining companies and ethical accreditation in 
respect of the origin of minerals and metals. 

At our Quellaveco copper project in Peru, for example, we have 
slowed down progress while we participate in a multi-stakeholder 
dialogue and work with the local communities to seek to fully 
understand their concerns and aspirations. In this way, we hope to 
reach a fair solution for all stakeholders and a high degree of buy-in  
for this important mining development. 

Climate change is becoming a major issue for the mining industry,  
and Anglo American seeks to play its part in helping address its 
causes, and mitigating its effects. We are an active and vocal 
participant in the debate that is taking place on a global, national  
and local level, and we are engaging with governments and other  
key stakeholders to develop equitable and effective climate change 
policies, and to enable our communities to access clean energy.  
At a grassroots level, we are investing in clean coal research and 
development projects in Australia, South Africa and the USA. 

As a company, we support government actions to put in place policies 
that lead to a long term price on carbon – but we want to see this done 
in full consultation with stakeholders, from a solid fact base and over  
a realistic timeframe, so that it does not jeopardise jobs, industry 
competitiveness, or social and economic development. 

GOVERNANCE

I have now been your chairman for over 2½ years and have sought 
over that period to ensure that your Board is strong and influential,  
and that we have a Board with the appropriate set of skills and talent  
to challenge and stress-test our strategy. 

As part of that process, we appointed Phuthuma Nhleko, group 
president and former CEO of the MTN Group, to the Board in  
March 2011. Phuthuma brings impressive leadership and vision in 
transforming MTN from a highly successful South African mobile 
operator into a significant force in mobile telecommunications 
services in emerging markets. You will recall, too, that I paid tribute  
to Nicky Oppenheimer last year, and I was delighted to host our 
November Board dinner in South Africa to recognise his long  
and important contribution to the Group.

In terms of enhancing the Board’s contribution to our affairs, during 
the year the Board participated in an internal strategy forum, along 
with our most senior executives. I also oversaw an internally facilitated 
Board-effectiveness review in 2010, and in 2011 reported back to  
the Board our performance against the objectives set. In addition,  
I commissioned an external effectiveness review of the Board and  
its various committees; the results of that review will be detailed in  
the 2012 annual report. 

At the 2011 AGM, the Board also became an ‘early mover’ in adopting 
annual re-election of directors as part of our commitment to setting 
the tone of the company’s governance from the very top. Notably, too, 
we are committed to increasing the representation of women on the 
Board (excluding the chairman) to about 30% by 2013.

OUTLOOK

In 2011, there was a distinct slowdown in the major emerging 
economies, alongside continuing fragility in the US and Europe. 
Concerns about global economic growth could linger early in 2012, 
though we expect stronger activity later in the year and into 2013.  
As inflationary pressures subside, there is scope for policymakers  
to stimulate their economies. In the medium to longer term, we  
remain optimistic about global economic prospects. China and India 
will continue to benefit from technological and productivity catch-up, 
driving sustained strong growth. Rising living standards and a growing 
middle class should drive more demand for industrial commodities.  
In addition, the US should overcome its recent difficulties, with  
a resumption of healthier long term growth rates as positive trends  
in demographics and productivity reassert themselves.

Sir John Parker 
Chairman

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

05

 
OVERVIEW MARKETPLACE

AN UNDERSTANDING OF  
THE TIMES IN WHICH WE LIVE

Real GDP relative to US
at purchasing power parity, as percentage of US

THE ECONOMY

FALTERING ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Early in 2011, the world economy appeared  
to be growing robustly. Most regions were 
enjoying robust economic growth after the 
dislocation of the global financial crisis and  
a severe recession. The large emerging 
economies – notably China, India and Brazil 
– were leading the upswing, but there were 
also more encouraging trends in the major 
advanced economies. During the year, all  
of the world’s major economies faltered, 
contributing to a marked global slowdown. 
There were three reasons.

First, there were some significant ‘shocks’ 
during the year. Political uncertainty in North 
Africa and the Middle East pushed up oil 
prices, which depressed activity in the major 
oil-importing countries. Additionally, Japan’s 
earthquake/tsunami and consequent nuclear 
power emergency led to a severe fall in 
domestic production and severely disrupted 
global supply chains, notably in the auto 
industry. The recovery has been slow.

Second, policy settings in the emerging 
economies became much more restrictive  
in the first half of 2011, contributing to the 
slowdown in the second half. In particular, 
central banks tightened monetary policy 
aggressively as they sought to restrain 
inflationary pressure. The Brazilian central 
bank was particularly aggressive and its 
monetary tightening led to a pronounced 
economic slowdown in 2011. The Reserve 
Bank of India (RBI) and the People’s Bank  
of China (PBOC) also tightened policy 
appreciably, with the macro-economic 
effects becoming clearer during 2011.

Third, Europe’s financial crisis intensified 
during 2011. Critically, the crisis spread  
from small peripheral economies to larger 
economies at the core of the euro zone. 
During the year, financial markets began  
to question the government solvency of 
Spain and Italy. Additionally, investors 
became much more nervous about the 
implications of strained government finances 
on the European banking system. In spite of a 
series of policy initiatives, markets remained 
sceptical that policymakers would resolve the 
crisis. Increasing market volatility and rising 
risk premiums contributed to a European 
economic slowdown.

Japan

Germany

France

UK

Brazil

China

India

0

20
2000
2010
2020

40

60

80

100 120

Source: IMF and Oxford Economics

Manufacturing activity
purchasing managers’ index
50 = no change

65

60

55

50

45

40

35

30

2005
China
US
Euro area

Source: ISM, NBS and Markit

2012

06 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

THE MACRO-ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

By the end of 2011, most of the world’s 
leading economies had reported a material 
weakening. China, India and Brazil reported 
slower GDP growth rates and falling inflation. 
This opened up the scope for looser policy. 
Brazil and China have already moved to 
loosen policy settings and this should help  
to cushion their economies in 2012. Lower 
inflation should enable the RBI to loosen 
monetary policy, which should also support 
India’s economy. In 2012, real GDP growth 
should be lower than in 2011, but the major 
emerging economies should avoid a  
sharp downturn.

In the longer term, we expect  
further significant growth in  
the main emerging economies  
as they ‘catch up’ with the  
advanced economies.

Surprisingly, the US economy strengthened 
late in 2011 as the effects of higher oil prices 
and the disruption from Japan’s natural 
disaster began to fade. While there are still 
some concerns around the economy’s 
underlying growth rate, further policy 
stimulus should support a continuing 
recovery in 2012.

Europe remains the principal source of 
concern. There are growing worries that the 
crisis has now become so complex there is  
no practicable solution. It is possible this 
could lead to a further intensification of the 
crisis in 2012 and a deep recession. More 
likely, policymakers seem to have done 
enough to contain the crisis. Governments 
have emphasised their commitment to 
stabilising the euro and the European Central 
Bank (ECB) has become more involved in 
providing liquidity. This should be enough to 
remove the extreme downside risks to the 
economy and the financial system.

In the longer term, we expect further 
significant growth in the main emerging 
economies as they ‘catch up’ with the 
advanced economies. With real GDP per 
capita still well below levels in the US, there is 
considerable scope for the convergence of 
living standards through technology transfer 
and productivity gains. Over the next decade, 
this should mean all of the major emerging 
economies grow rapidly.

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COMMODITY 
MARKETS

DEVELOPMENTS DURING 2011 

An attractive pricing environment prevailed 
for much of the year, underpinned by strong 
supply and demand fundamentals. In 2011, 
average prices for Anglo American’s main 
commodities were on average 5% to 39% 
higher than in 2010.

A YEAR OF TWO HALVES

Commodity prices were particularly strong 
during the first half of 2011, despite disrupted 
trade flows caused by the Japanese 
earthquake/tsunami and the uncertainty 
created over the European sovereign  
debt crises. 

Pricing in the first half was well supported  
by China’s demand growth, which remained 
resilient notwithstanding a general tightening 
of monetary policy to control inflation. 
Together with steepening cost curves and 
widespread supply disruptions, this provided 
a level of support for pricing, with new record 
levels set in metallurgical coal, copper and 
iron ore. 

An attractive pricing environment 
prevailed for much of the year, 
underpinned by strong supply  
and demand fundamentals.

Measures to tighten monetary policy and 
control inflation in emerging economies  
such as China and India started to have  
the intended effect and the rate of growth 
decelerated in the second half of the year.  
In addition, a lack of coordinated policy 
response to tackle the European sovereign 
debt crises impacted investor sentiment  
and credit availability. As industrial activities 
slowed and commodities consumers 
destocked across the inventory chain, 
demand for commodities was negatively 
impacted. On the other hand, supply 
continued to recover from various disruptions 
earlier in the year. As a result, individual 
commodity prices responded, trending  
lower towards the end of the year. 

The main outperformer among the 
commodities produced by Anglo American 
was coking coal, particularly in the first  
half of the year, as producers continued  
to recover from the flooding and industrial 
disruptions in Queensland. While prices  
for coking coal declined in the second half  
of the year, at the end of 2011 they were  
broadly in line with the prices achieved in 
December 2010. 

Thermal coal also demonstrated relatively 
resilient pricing, drifting by only 4% in the 
second half of the year. All other commodities 
produced by Anglo American fell by 13% to 
23% in the second half of the year.

The December 2011 average price of copper, 
coking coal, thermal coal and iron ore all 
remained well above analyst consensus 
forecasts of long term ‘through the cycle’ 
prices, with only nickel and PGM prices at  
or below long term outlooks. 

While analysts adjusted their near term price 
forecasts as 2011 progressed, their long term 
price expectations have been increasing, in 
particular for thermal coal, copper, steel and 
iron ore. One of the driving forces behind the 
upgrades to long term prices has been the 
recognition of the challenges in delivering 
new supply and an anticipated increase in  
the capital and operating costs. 

Indexed 2011 commodity prices

0
0
1
=
0
1
0
2
r
e
b
m
e
c
e
D

,

x
e
d
n

I

e
c
i
r

P

160

150

140

130

120

110

100

90

80

70

60

Dec 10

Feb 11

Apr 11

Jun 11

Aug11

Oct 11

Dec 11

Iron Ore
Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum

Source: Anglo American Commodity Research

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

07

 
 
 
 
 
 
OVERVIEW MARKETPLACE

A UNIQUE AND  
DIVERSE PORTFOLIO

MATURING 
EMERGING MARKETS

LONGER TERM TRENDS IN  
COMMODITY DEMAND

Although the short term macro-economic 
outlook appears uncertain, the medium to 
long term prospect for global commodity 
demand remains robust as China continues 
to urbanise and industrialise. China is  
an important market for most of the 
commodities produced by Anglo American. 
Nevertheless, as China shifts from an 
investment intensive to consumption driven 
economy, the growth rate in demand for steel 
materials is expected to moderate to a more 
sustainable level. 

This shift, however, is expected to drive  
a stronger demand growth rate for 
commodities such as diamonds and PGMs. 
These products have completed less than 
half of their build-up to expected long term 
demand per capita in China, implying that 
significant growth potential exists.

Both commodities are experiencing similar 
growth patterns in intensity of use, which 
reflect comparable rates of growth in 
intensity of use per gross domestic product 
(GDP) in rapidly industrialising countries 
such as China. Typically, intensity of use 
reaches a peak quite quickly, to be followed 
by a declining growth rate – though overall 
consumption continues to rise. 

Indexed intensity of use – China

P
D
G

r
e
p
d
n
a
m
e
D

1.1

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

2

2011e

4

6

8

10

14
12
US$ PPP GDP per capita

16

18

20

22

Steel
Copper
Autocatalyst PGMs
Diamonds

Source: Anglo American Commodity Research

08 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

While Chinese intensity of use per GDP  
for commodities such as copper and steel 
may have peaked in recent years, we  
expect sustained growth for PGMs and, 
particularly, diamonds.

Of course, China is not the last country 
expected to experience this cycle of 
commodity demand; India and other  
rapidly growing emerging economies  
such as Indonesia, the Philippines and  
Turkey are expected to be significant 
consumers of commodities. Just as China 
filled in the gap left by slowing demand 
growth in the developed world, these 
countries will generate increasing rates  
of commodity demand growth as they 
progress economically.

SUPPLY CONSTRAINTS AND 
INCREASED CAPITAL INTENSITY

While demand is clearly one key driver of 
prices, supply side factors also play a crucial 
role in commodity price performance. 
Mine-specific costs, both capital and 
operating, have been rising markedly since 
around 2004 and are expected to continue  
to provide upward pressure on prices across 
the mining industry over the medium term. 

Commodities such as diamonds  
and PGMs have completed less than 
half of their build-up to expected  
long term demand per capita in 
China, implying that significant 
growth potential exists.

For example, the availability of more readily 
mined copper deposits has declined over  
the last decade, while falling average grades, 
increasing infrastructure requirements, 
growing technical complexity and more 
frequent use of underground mining have 
resulted in cost escalation significantly above 
general inflation. Such structural challenges 
have been exacerbated by industrial action, 
shortages of equipment and skilled labour, 
higher mining taxes and royalties, a weaker 
US dollar and increasingly onerous 
environmental and social legislation. 

This is not a commodity-specific 
phenomenon; similar cost inflation is being 
experienced across the mining industry  
and, as a result, both capital and operating 
cost escalation have had an impact on the  
rate of introduction of new capacity across 
most commodities. 

 
 
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2011 portfolio composition
of major diversified mining
companies(5)
Anglo American

BHP Billiton

Rio Tinto

Vale

Xstrata

0%

50%

100%

Investment(1)
Consumption(2)
Late cycle(3)
Other(4)

Source: Company information

(1)   Includes iron ore, metallurgical coal, manganese.
(2)   Includes aluminium, copper, nickel, zinc.
(3)   Includes thermal coal, petroleum, platinum, 

diamonds.

(4)   Includes Other Mining & Industrial 

(Anglo American), Other (Rio Tinto), 
Other (Xstrata).

(5)   Based on 2011 EBITDA contribution 

(2010 operating profit in the case of Vale). 
Anglo American is based on pro-forma 
full consolidation of De Beers’ 2011 EBITDA.

OUR STRATEGY  
IN ACTION

OUR AMBITION, STRATEGY AND 
UNIQUE PORTFOLIO

Anglo American aims to be the leading  
global mining company – the investment,  
the partner and the employer of choice – 
through the operational excellence of  
world class assets in the most attractive 
commodities, and a resolute commitment  
to the highest standards of safe and 
sustainable mining. We believe attractive 
commodities to be those that generate 
superior returns through the economic  
cycle, based on favourable supply-demand 
fundamentals. We consider world class 
assets to be those that are low cost, large, 
long life and with clear expansion potential.

Anglo American’s current portfolio  
is uniquely diversified, with material 
exposure to metallurgical coal and 
iron ore, which both benefit from 
continued industrialisation in 
emerging economies, while also 
having exposure to later cycle 
businesses through platinum and 
ultimately, diamonds.

In order to achieve this, we own, operate  
and grow, through discovery and acquisition, 
mining assets in those commodities and 
businesses that we believe deliver the best 
returns through the economic cycle and over 
the long term. We aim to focus on businesses 
in which we have advantaged positions,  
i.e. large scale assets with long lives, low cost 
profiles and with clear expansion potential.

Anglo American has a unique and diversified 
portfolio. Its mix spans:

 (cid:228) Bulk commodities – iron ore, metallurgical 
coal, thermal coal and manganese ore. 

These materials are typically used in 
investment and infrastructure development 
in earlier stages of economic development.

 (cid:228) Base metals – copper, nickel and niobium. 

These commodities are typically used  
more during the ‘consumptive’ stages of 
economic growth, which correlate to the 
middle stages of economic development. 

 (cid:228) Precious metals and minerals – platinum 
and diamonds, in both of which we are  
a global leader. 

These businesses are typically later cycle, 
with peak demand coming from richer, more 
developed areas. 

Anglo American’s current portfolio is uniquely 
diversified, with material exposure to 
metallurgical coal and iron ore, which both 
benefit from continued industrialisation in 
emerging  economies, while also having 
exposure to later cycle businesses through 
platinum and ultimately, diamonds, as GDP 
per capita increases. 

CASH FLOW ALLOCATION

In a long cycle industry such as mining,  
the inevitable investment decisions,  
capital allocation and balance sheet 
management require sound judgement  
to build a sustainable and value  
creating company. 

The Board of Anglo American has a  
balanced and disciplined approach  
to capital management, focusing on:

 (cid:228) Delivering value accretive growth  

through our attractive projects pipeline  
and opportunistic M&A to supplement  
the pipeline.

 (cid:228) A clear dividend policy, providing a  

base dividend that will be maintained  
or increased through the cycle.

 (cid:228) Maintaining a robust balance sheet  

through the cycle.

 (cid:228) Returning surplus cash to shareholders. 

Anglo American’s unique and diversified portfolio has material exposure 
to early-, mid- and late- stages of industrialisation

Early stages of industrialisation

Later stages of industrialisation

Iron Ore

Copper

Nickel

Thermal Coal

PGMs

Metallurgical
Coal

Manganese

Niobium

Phosphates

Diamonds

Lower GDP/capita

Higher GDP/capita

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

09

 
OVERVIEW OUR STRATEGY

A STRATEGY THAT  
DELIVERS PERFORMANCE

01

02

 “Our four strategic elements drive Anglo American  
towards our aim of being the leading global mining 
company – the investment, the partner and the employer  
of choice – through the operational excellence of world 
class assets in the most attractive commodities and a 
resolute commitment to the highest standards of safe  
and sustainable mining.”

Cynthia Carroll Chief Executive

INVESTING 
World class assets  
in the most attractive 
commodities

ORGANISING
Efficiently and 
effectively

BECOMING  
THE LEADING  
MINING COMPANY

Investment, partner  
and employer  
of choice

OPERATING
Safely, 
sustainably and 
responsibly

EMPLOYING
The best people

01   At the Sakatti exploration  
site in northern Finland, 
geophysicist Circé 
Malo-Lalande (left)  
discusses data obtained  
from our Ground 
Electromagnetic 
Superconducting  
Quantum Interference  
Device (EMSQUID) with 
Anglo American chief 
executive Cynthia Carroll.

02   Barro Alto: Safety technician 
Rodrigo Jordani Braga at the 
plant’s viewing point.

03   Metallurgical Coal’s head  

05   Apprentices gain  

of operations Dieter Haage 
(right) and Joy Mining site 
manager Manie Swanepoel  
at Moranbah North’s longwall.

04   Fishermen working in  

Corral de los Chanchos Bay, 
off the town of Chañaral in 
Chile, where our new 
desalination plant, which  
will serve the Mantoverde 
copper mine, will secure a 
sustainable water supply, 
while protecting the ocean 
environment.

experience carrying out 
essential maintenance  
in Metallurgical Coal’s 
Dawson mine workshops  
in Queensland, Australia. 
Before starting the job,  
a comprehensive risk 
management assessment  
is undertaken, which 
incorporates extensive  
safety measures,  
including isolation and 
lock-out procedures.

10 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

INVESTING – IN WORLD CLASS  
ASSETS IN THE MOST ATTRACTIVE 
COMMODITIES

We own, operate and grow world class mining 
assets in those commodities that we believe 
deliver the best returns through the economic 
cycle and over the long term. 

We aim to focus on those commodities in 
which we have advantaged positions and on 
large scale assets with long lives, low cost 
profiles and with clear expansion potential,  
that is: copper, diamonds, iron ore, 
metallurgical coal, nickel, platinum and 
thermal coal.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 

 (cid:228) We successfully delivered three of our  

four strategic mining growth projects on  
or ahead of schedule during the year: the 
Barro Alto nickel operation in Brazil, the  
Los Bronces copper expansion in Chile and 
the Kolomela iron ore mine in South Africa.

 (cid:228) We also made good progress during the year 
at the Minas-Rio iron ore project in Brazil,  
the fourth of our strategic growth projects. 
We are continuing to manage a number of 
challenges in a high inflationary Brazilian 
mining environment. To mitigate these 
challenges, we are implementing various 
measures including acceleration activities 
within the previously announced 15% capital 
expenditure increase, to target first ore  
on ship in the second half of 2013.

 (cid:228) In December 2011, we announced the 

approval of the Grosvenor metallurgical coal 
project in the Bowen Basin of Queensland, 
Australia. This greenfield project is expected 
to produce 5 Mtpa of metallurgical coal from 
its underground longwall operation over a 
projected life of 26 years with capital 
expenditure forecast at $1.7 billion.

 (cid:228) Beyond our organic growth programme,  

we took the unique opportunity in  
November to acquire the Oppenheimer 
family’s shareholding in De Beers, taking  
our interest in the world’s leading diamond 
company to up to 85%.

For more information 
turn to page 16

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 “The technology we have developed this year has been vital 
in the delivery of our strategic growth projects. This has 
been a very exciting year for Anglo American.”

Brian Beamish Group Director of Mining and Technology

For more information on technology and innovation, visit  
www.angloamerican.com

03

04

05

ORGANISING – EFFICIENTLY  
AND EFFECTIVELY

OPERATING – SAFELY, SUSTAINABLY  
AND RESPONSIBLY

In two vital areas of our business – asset 
optimisation (AO) and procurement – we have 
beaten our own expectations. The initial aim of 
capturing $1 billion of value for each initiative 
originally covered the entire Group. By the 
2011 year end, however, we had exceeded our 
targets in respect of both AO and procurement, 
each of which has delivered benefits of more 
than $1 billion from core businesses alone over 
the past three years.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 

 (cid:228) $2.2 billion of sustainable AO benefits 

delivered from our businesses.

Operating safely, sustainably and responsibly 
is embedded in everything we do. The safety 
of our people is our key core value and we  
are relentless in striving to achieve our goal  
of zero harm. 

We are committed to environmental 
stewardship and minimising the 
environmental impact of our operations. 

We aim to make a sustainable and positive 
difference to community development  
and act with integrity to build respectful 
relationships with the societies in which  
we work. 

 (cid:228) The operation review (OR) process, initiated 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 

in 2010, got under way at various sites  
at all the business units; the ORs are a 
collaborative effort, creating teams that  
are able to identify value improvement 
opportunities and leverage our global best 
practice across the Group’s complete 
mining value chain.

 (cid:228) AO knowledge and principles are being 
embedded within the business through  
a comprehensive change management 
programme.

 (cid:228) $1.3 billion in procurement benefits were 

delivered by our businesses.

 (cid:228) A new corporate centre-led supply chain 

organisation model enabled more effective 
management of purchased materials and 
services; it is already operating in the top 
quartile of its peer group.

 (cid:228) Around three-quarters of Anglo American’s 

total procurement spend of more than 
$13 billion a year is in developing countries.

For more information 
turn to page 20

 (cid:228) In November 2011, Platinum announced 
details of Project Alchemy – a R3.5 billion 
($430 million) community economic 
empowerment transaction that will  
provide equity ownership to certain host 
communities around four operations  
that have not previously benefited from 
Platinum’s extensive broad based black 
economic empowerment transactions, as 
well as key labour sending areas. The mine 
host communities that are set to benefit are 
those around Twickenham, Mogalakwena, 
Amandelbult and Rustenburg. Platinum has 
been involved in the upliftment of its mine 
host communities for a number of years and  
this transaction will help to develop 
self-sustaining communities that are not 
solely dependent on mining.

 (cid:228) The Barro Alto operation, consisting of  

the mine and the newly constructed nickel 
processing plant, has an exemplary safety 
record and was recently recognised  
as the safest mine in Brazil. The mine  
has operated for almost seven years –  
2,509 days – without a single lost time 
injury. The project was completed with  
a benchmark LTIFR of 0.04.

For more information 
turn to page 24

EMPLOYING – THE BEST PEOPLE

Our people are as vital to our success as  
our mining assets. 

We are committed to our people, who 
determine how effectively we operate and 
build our reputation with our investors, 
partners and fellow employees every day,  
and whom we require to uphold our values. 

Ultimately, it is our people who will realise  
our ambition and deliver our strategy to be 
the leading global mining company.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR 

 (cid:228) At the end of December 2011, 51% of  

Anglo American employees at management 
level in South Africa were ‘historically 
disadvantaged South Africans’. We believe 
we are now well placed to achieve the 
enhanced targets for 2014 set out in  
South Africa’s revised Mining Charter.

 (cid:228) During 2011, we invested $79 million  

(2.2% of total employee costs) in direct 
training activities, and supported over  
3,000 bursars, apprentices, graduates  
and other trainees.

 (cid:228) We are now in a position where more  

than 90% of employees in southern Africa 
check their HIV status every year. Regular 
HIV counselling and testing (HCT) ensures 
that we achieve early diagnosis of HIV 
infection and timely access to care.

For more information 
turn to page 32

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

11

 
OVERVIEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT

DETERMINATION TO  
LEAD BY EXAMPLE

Cynthia Carroll 

RECORD OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: $9.8 bn)

$11.1 bn

For more information 
turn to page 42

HIGH VALUE 
METALLURGICAL  
COAL FROM OUR  
NEWLY APPROVED 
GROSVENOR PROJECT 

5 Mtpa

For more information 
turn to page 63

IMPRESSIVE 
FINANCIAL AND 
OPERATIONAL 
PERFORMANCE
Anglo American delivered an impressive 
financial and operational performance in 
2011, as we continued to capture the 
benefits of operational improvements and 
disciplined cost management to capitalise 
on the attractive commodity demand and 
pricing environment that prevailed for 
much of the year. We reported a record 
operating profit of $11.1 billion, a 14% 
increase, EBITDA of $13.3 billion, while 
underlying earnings increased by 23%  
to $6.1 billion, also a record. 

THREE MAJOR NEW MINING 
OPERATIONS DELIVERED

Our successful delivery of three major  
mining projects on or ahead of schedule 
during the year is a great achievement, and 
will contribute significant new volumes of  
iron ore, copper and nickel as the new 
operations continue to ramp up during 2012. 

Our decision to sustain capital investment in 
the development of these and other growth 
projects through the cycle, with highly 
competitive operating costs and capital 
intensity ratios, sets us apart as a near term 
volume growth leader.

The first shipment of lump iron ore from the 
9 Mtpa Kolomela mine in South Africa in 
December 2011, five months ahead of 
schedule, was an important step towards our 
goal of increasing production to 70 million 
tonnes from our South African iron ore assets 
this decade. In copper, the expansion at  
Los Bronces in Chile, completed in October 
2011, will more than double the mine’s 
production of 221,000 tpa, on average,  
over the first three years of full production, 
with reserves and resources that support  
a mine life of over 30 years. And in Brazil,  
we delivered first production at our new 
Barro Alto nickel operation in March 2011. 
Barro Alto will average 41,000 tpa of nickel 
over its first five years of full production and 
increase Anglo American’s nickel volumes  
by 180%.

these challenges, we are implementing 
various measures including acceleration 
activities within the previously announced 
15% capital expenditure increase, to target 
first ore on ship in the second half of 2013.

We are maintaining momentum into our  
next phase of growth, with the Board 
approval of six growth projects across  
six commodities, including our 5 Mtpa 
Grosvenor metallurgical coal project in 
Australia. We expect to approve further  
new projects during 2012, including the 
Quellaveco copper project in Peru. 

BUILDING THE NEXT PHASE  
OF GROWTH

Looking further out, we are focused on 
prioritising the most attractive of our  
$84 billion pipeline of unapproved projects 
towards development and we continue to 
replenish and increase our world class 
resource base through numerous exploration 
successes. Our discovery of copper, nickel 
and platinum group elements at Sakatti in 
northern Finland is a great example of  
Anglo American’s deep-rooted greenfield 
exploration expertise delivering value as  
well as the use of our innovative drilling 
technology to reduce our environmental 
impact as we work towards defining  
the resource.

TWO FURTHER NEW MINES ON TRACK

We also made good progress during the  
year at the Minas-Rio iron ore project  
in Brazil, the fourth of our strategic growth 
projects. We are continuing to manage a 
number of challenges in a high inflationary 
Brazilian mining environment. To mitigate 

SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES TO  
DELIVER FURTHER VALUE

Beyond our organic growth programme,  
we continue to deliver shareholder value 
commercially. We took the unique 
opportunity in November to finalise the 

12 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

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04

03

01   Pump station under construction at the 
Minas-Rio iron ore project in Brazil.

02   Anglo American has participated in a series 
of community engagement workshops with 
the people living close to the site of the 
Quellaveco copper project in Peru.

03   The Cut-8 extension will transform 

Jwaneng into a ‘superpit’, and extend the 
life of this pre-eminent diamond mine until 
at least 2025.

04   Stephanie Klatt, senior project geologist, 
checking core samples at the Sakatti drill 
site in northern Finland.

 “Our discovery of copper, nickel  
and platinum group elements at 
Sakatti in northern Finland is a  
great example of Anglo American’s  
deep rooted greenfield  
exploration expertise.”

Cynthia Carroll Chief Executive

agreement to acquire the Oppenheimer 
family’s shareholding in De Beers, taking 
Anglo American’s interest in the world’s 
leading diamond company to up to 85%.  
We will continue to pursue growth where  
we see the most compelling, long term 
opportunities and to deliver value from  
our high quality asset base. 

Our sale of a non-controlling interest  
in our Anglo American Sur assets to  
Mitsubishi for $5.4 billion, valuing those 
assets at $22 billion, is a demonstration  
of that commitment and of the quality  
our assets. 

Our Platinum business today is a far cry  
from what it was a few years ago in terms of 
production, productivity and safety. We have 
seen substantial improvement in operating 
performance and the returns are in line  
with the industry. However, these returns 
have declined in recent years and are not 
acceptable to us for the medium and longer 
term. The platinum industry faces significant 
challenges, from cost inflation and safety 
issues to ongoing concerns over European 
demand. As a result, we are embarking on  
a review to assess the optimal configuration 
of our Platinum portfolio with a focus on 
improving performance. We will do this  
with the single purpose in mind of maximising 
shareholder value and returns through  
the cycle.

SAFETY

Safety remains my absolute priority and  
I have not wavered on this commitment  
since my appointment as chief executive  
five years ago. I am deeply saddened that in 

01

02

2011, 17 employees died while working for 
Anglo American. We have a long way to go to 
achieve our objective of zero harm, despite 
marked improvements in our safety record 
since 2007, with a significant reduction in the 
number of our people who have lost their 
lives at work and lost time injury rates. While 
we continue to see many examples of safety 
excellence across Anglo American, we are 
committed to reviewing, refocusing and 
reprioritising our safety related programmes 
to address ongoing challenges.

UK Government-led matching initiative  
for the Global Alliance for Vaccines and 
Immunisations, a public/private partnership 
that is increasing access to immunisation in 
the world’s poorest countries. 

In January 2012, I joined other world business 
leaders to launch the Business Leadership 
Council for a Generation Born HIV Free, a 
private sector-led initiative that aims to end 
the transmission of HIV from mothers to  
children by the end of 2015.

TAKING THE LEAD IN  
SUSTAINABLE MINING

Managing the social, economic and 
environmental impacts of our operations  
is essential to our success. Our approach  
to sustainability is a key differentiator for  
Anglo American, is fundamental to the way  
we do business and is embedded in  
everything we do. 

Together with safety, our primary 
sustainability challenges are around climate 
change, and securing access to water and 
energy. During 2011, we implemented new 
technical standards and management  
tools – the Water Efficiency Target Tool  
and our energy and carbon management 
programme, ECO2MAN – to help operations 
understand their water and energy 
requirements, and identify and implement 
savings projects.

We have continued our support for 
community health systems during 2011, 
particularly in emerging economies, at a  
local and global level. In June 2011, we 
pledged $3 million over three years to the  

STRONG OUTLOOK FOR OUR 
COMMODITIES

Despite short term uncertainty persisting  
in the global economy, particularly in  
Europe, the outlook for Anglo American’s 
diversified mix of commodities remains 
strong. We expect sustained growth in the 
emerging economies, notably in China and 
India, which will underpin robust demand  
for commodities, supplemented by early 
recovery signs in the US. Continuing 
industrialisation and urbanisation cycles  
and the considerable scope for the 
convergence of living standards, combined 
with long term supply constraints, present an 
attractive proposition across our unique 
portfolio of early, mid- and late development 
cycle commodities.

Cynthia Carroll 
Chief Executive

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

13

 
Capital projects and investment

For a summary of the Group’s capital  

projects and investments 

turn to pages 18 to 19

Total shareholder return (TSR)

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

MEASUREMENT 
AND TARGETS

Strategic elements

KPI targets

Results and targets

INVESTING
In world class assets in the  
most attractive commodities

Turn to page 16

Total shareholder return (TSR) 
Share price growth plus dividends reinvested  
over the performance period. A performance 
period of three years is used and TSR is  
calculated annually 

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

Return on capital employed (ROCE) 
Total operating profit before impairments  
for the year divided by the average total  
capital less other investments and adjusted  
for impairments

Underlying earnings per share 
Underlying earnings are net profit attributable  
to equity shareholders, before special items  
and remeasurements

ORGANISING
Efficiently and effectively

Turn to page 20

Asset optimisation (AO) 
Sustainable operating profit benefit from 
optimised performance of the asset base  
of the core businesses

Supply chain
Operating profit and capital spend benefits to  
the Group resulting from centralised procurement 
from core businesses

OPERATING
Safely, sustainably  
and responsibly

Turn to page 24

Work related 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 regular duties for one full shift or more the 
day after the injury was incurred, whether a 
scheduled workday or not 

Energy consumption
Measured in gigajoules (GJ)

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 
Measured in tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions

Voluntary labour turnover 
Number of permanent employee resignations  
as a percentage of total permanent employees

Gender diversity 
Percentage of women, and female managers  
employed by the Group

EMPLOYING
The best people
Turn to page 32

Total water use 
Total water use includes only water used for  
primary activities, measured in million m3

Corporate social investment 
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  
and is shown as a percentage of profit before tax

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

HIV counselling and testing (HCT)
Percentage of employees in southern Africa 
undertaking voluntary annual HIV tests with 
compulsory counselling and support

14 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

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Strategic elements

KPI targets

Results and targets

INVESTING

In world class assets in the  

most attractive commodities

Turn to page 16

Total shareholder return (TSR) 

Capital projects and investment 

Share price growth plus dividends reinvested  

Optimise the pipeline of projects and ensure that 

over the performance period. A performance 

new capital is only committed to projects that deliver 

period of three years is used and TSR is  

the best value to the Group on a risk adjusted net 

calculated annually 

present value basis 

Return on capital employed (ROCE) 

Total operating profit before impairments  

for the year divided by the average total  

Underlying earnings per share 

Underlying earnings are net profit attributable  

to equity shareholders, before special items  

capital less other investments and adjusted  

and remeasurements

for impairments

ORGANISING

Efficiently and effectively

Turn to page 20

Asset optimisation (AO) 

Sustainable operating profit benefit from 

optimised performance of the asset base  

of the core businesses

Supply chain

Operating profit and capital spend benefits to  

the Group resulting from centralised procurement 

from core businesses

OPERATING

Safely, sustainably  

and responsibly

Turn to page 24

Work related 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 

Total water use 

Total water use includes only water used for  

primary activities, measured in million m3

Corporate social investment 

Social investment as defined by the London 

Benchmarking Group includes donations, gifts in 

kind and staff time for administering community 

200,000 hours worked. An LTI is an occupational 

programmes and volunteering in company time  

injury which renders the person unable to perform 

and is shown as a percentage of profit before tax

his/her regular duties for one full shift or more the 

day after the injury was incurred, whether a 

Enterprise development 

Number of companies supported and number  

of jobs sustained by companies supported by  

Anglo American enterprise development initiatives

scheduled workday or not 

Energy consumption

Measured in gigajoules (GJ)

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 

Measured in tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions

EMPLOYING

The best people

Turn to page 32

Voluntary labour turnover 

HIV counselling and testing (HCT)

Number of permanent employee resignations  

Percentage of employees in southern Africa 

as a percentage of total permanent employees

undertaking voluntary annual HIV tests with 

compulsory counselling and support

Gender diversity 

Percentage of women, and female managers  

employed by the Group

Return on capital employed (ROCE)

Underlying earnings per share

Capital projects and investment

2011

2010

26.5%

24.8%

2011

2010

$5.06

$4.13

For a summary of the Group’s capital  
projects and investments 
turn to pages 18 to 19

Total shareholder return (TSR)
Please refer to the Remuneration report 
turn to pages 104 to 115

Asset optimisation (AO)
Target: $1billion by 2011(1)

Supply chain
Target: $1billion by 2011(2)

2011

2010

$1,978m

$1,548 m

2011

2010

$1,185m

$713 m

Work related fatal injury 
frequency rate (FIFR)
Target: Zero fatal incidents

2011

2010

17 fatalities, 0.009 FIFR

15 fatalities(3), 0.008 FIFR

Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR)
Target: Zero incidents – the ultimate goal 
of zero harm remains

2011

2010

0.64

0.64(4) 

Energy consumption

Corporate social investment

2011

2010

GHG emissions

2011

2010

Total water use
Target: Under revision

2011

2010

102.9 million GJ 
total energy used

100.9 million GJ 
total energy used

2011

2010

$122m, 
1.3% of profit before tax

$111m, 
1.3% of profit before tax

Enterprise development
Target: Businesses supported: 3,500   
Jobs sustained: 18,000

2011

2010

38,681 businesses supported

47,070 jobs sustained

9,392 businesses supported

17,200 jobs sustained

18.8 Mt CO2 equivalent

20.0 Mt CO2 equivalent

115.3 Mm3

114.5 Mm3

Voluntary labour turnover

2011

2010

3.0%

5.3%

HIV counselling and testing (HCT)
Target: Over 90% of employees in high disease 
burden countries

2011

2010

92%

94%

Gender diversity

2011

2010

15% females

22% female managers

14% females

21% female managers

(1)  $1 billion of sustainable operating profit benefit from core businesses, excluding Other Mining and Industrial, by the end of 2011.
(2)  $1 billion of operating profit and capital spend benefits from core businesses, excluding Other Mining and Industrial, by the end of 2011.
(3)  During 2010, we reported 14 fatal incidents. A further incident, which was still under investigation at the time of going to print, has since been recorded, bringing the total figure to 15.
(4) 

In 2010, we reported an LTIFR of 0.57. This figure has been revised to retrospectively accommodate aligned reporting from Metallurgical Coal.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

15

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Investing in world class assets in the most attractive commodities

What it takes:
DRIVE AND A FOCUS  
ON OBJECTIVES

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“ 2011 was a very good year from  
a project delivery perspective,  
with three key projects being 
commissioned on or ahead of time.”

  David Weston Group Director of Business 
Performance and Projects

A DETERMINED TEAM SETTING NEW STANDARDS

The $1.9 billion Barro Alto nickel project in Brazil delivered its first metal 
on schedule in March 2011. The project is the first of our four major 
strategic growth projects to be commissioned and will be a key 
contributor to Anglo American’s 35% volume growth by 2014. 

Barro Alto will average 41 ktpa of nickel over its first five years of full 
production and has a highly competitive cost position in the lower half  
of the cost curve. It will more than double production from our Nickel 
business, and increase Anglo American’s total nickel volumes by 180%.

Barro Alto will have a long life from its extensive resource base, while 
Anglo American has the potential to increase nickel production by an 
additional 66 ktpa, with further upside potential from its unapproved 
projects at Jacaré and Morro Sem Boné, also in Brazil, leveraging the 
Group’s considerable nickel laterite technical expertise.

The safety performance at Barro Alto has been particularly impressive 
and it was recognised in 2010 as being the safest mine in Brazil.

To watch the video, visit 
www.angloamerican.com

16 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Clockwise from top:
01   Digger driver Erailde  
Belo Macedo at the 
primary crusher in  
Barro Alto plant.

02   Metal tapping in the 
electric furnace.

03   Inside the dispatch area.

Main picture, right 
Safety technician Rodrigo 
Jordani Braga, looks out over 
the Barro Alto plant from the 
main viewing point.

 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Investing in world class assets in the most attractive commodities

“Barro Alto has gone 
well from a project 
delivery viewpoint.  
It was on time, it’s ramping 
up well to reach its full 
production capacity at the 
beginning of 2013, and by 
using proven technology we 
have taken much of the risk 
out of the process.”

Walter De Simoni CEO, Nickel

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

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OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Investing in world class assets in the most attractive commodities

WELL POSITIONED NOW 
AND FOR THE FUTURE

IN BRIEF

 (cid:228) Nine major projects 

completed or in 
commissioning during 2011.

 (cid:228)  Grosvenor – a 5 Mtpa hard 

coking coal project 
approved.

 (cid:228) Cerrejón P500 Phase 1 –  
to increase export thermal 
coal production by 8 Mtpa  
(100% basis) – approved.

CAPEX: 4 strategic growth projects
$ bn

2011

2010

2009

2.4

2.3

2.0

CAPEX: Other projects
$ bn

2011

2010

2009

1.0

1.0

1.5

CAPEX: Stay in business
$ bn

2011

2010

2009

2.4

1.7

1.3

18 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

THREE MAJOR NEW MINING 
OPERATIONS DELIVERED  
ON OR AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Anglo American commissioned three 
major new mining operations during  
2011 – the Kolomela iron ore mine in 
South Africa, the Los Bronces copper 
expansion in Chile and the Barro Alto 
nickel mine in Brazil. The Group’s world 
class pipeline of projects spans its core 
commodities and is expected to deliver 
organic production growth of 35% by 
2014 from those projects that have  
been commissioned during 2011 and 
those that are approved and currently  
in development. 

During 2011, the Board approved a number  
of growth projects, including the 5 Mtpa 
Grosvenor metallurgical coal project in 
Queensland, Australia and the Collahuasi 
Phase 2 expansion in Chile. Beyond the  
near term, Anglo American is progressing  
towards approval decisions in relation to  
the development of further high quality 
growth projects, including the 225,000 tpa 
Quellaveco copper project in Peru. 
Submission to the Board for approval is 
expected for the Quellaveco project once the 
necessary permits are obtained. Together 
with a number of other medium and longer 
term projects, Anglo American has the 
potential to double production through its 
$98 billion pipeline of more than 85 approved 
and unapproved projects.

The Barro Alto nickel project in Brazil 
delivered its first metal in March 2011.  
Barro Alto is ramping up towards full 
production capacity, which it is expected to 
reach at the beginning of 2013. This project 
makes use of proven technology and will 
produce an average of 36,000 tpa of nickel in  
full production (41,000 tpa over the first five 
years), more than doubling production from 
our Nickel business, with a competitive cost 
position in the lower half of the cost curve.

The Los Bronces copper expansion project  
in Chile delivered its first production on 
schedule in October 2011. Production at  
Los Bronces is expected to more than 
double, increasing by an average of 278 ktpa 
over the first three years of full production 
and an average of 200 ktpa over the first 10 
years. At peak production levels, Los Bronces 
is expected to be the fifth largest producing 
copper mine in the world, with highly 
attractive cash operating costs, reserves and 
resources that support a mine life of over 30 
years, and with further expansion potential. 

Kumba’s Kolomela project in South Africa 
shipped its first lump iron ore from the port  
of Saldanha to China in December 2011,  
five months ahead of schedule. Kolomela is 
situated 80 km to the south of Kumba’s world 
class Sishen mine and, when full production 
is achieved in 2013, will produce 9 Mtpa of 
high quality seaborne iron ore, with further 
potential for expansion.

The Minas-Rio iron ore project in Brazil is 
expected to produce 26.5 Mtpa of iron ore in 
its first phase and has made good progress 
during the year. Minas-Rio secured a number 
of major licences and permits during the year; 
the offshore and onshore works at the port 
are on schedule; more than 90% of land 
access has been secured along the 525 km 
pipeline route and more than 200 km  
of pipe has been installed; and the civil works 
at the beneficiation plant are well under way. 
As with other complex greenfield mining 
projects, a number of irregular issues, such  
as the discovery of caves at the beneficiation 
plant site which require specialised 
assessment, continue to cause delays to the 
work scheduling, in addition to outstanding 
land access and an evolving permitting 
environment. Minas-Rio is implementing 
various measures to manage these 
challenges in a high inflationary Brazilian 
mining environment, including acceleration 
activities within the previously announced 
15% capital increase, to target first ore on 
ship in the second half of 2013.

Pre-feasibility studies for the second phase 
of the Minas-Rio iron ore project commenced 
during 2011 and, although still under way, the 
studies, together with the current resource 
statement (total resource volume (Measured, 
Indicated and Inferred)) of 5.8 billion tonnes, 
support the expansion of the project.

The greenfield Grosvenor project is situated 
immediately to the south of Anglo American’s 
Moranbah North metallurgical coal mine in 
the Bowen Basin of Queensland, Australia. 
The mine is expected to produce 5 Mtpa  
of metallurgical coal from its underground 
longwall operation over a projected life  
of 26 years and to benefit from operating  
costs in the lower half of the cost curve.  
A pre-feasibility study for expansion by 
adding a second longwall at Grosvenor  
is under way.

The 6.6 Mtpa Zibulo mine in South Africa 
reached commercial operating levels in the 
fourth quarter of 2011, ahead of schedule. 

In Colombia, Phase 1 of the Cerrejón P500 
expansion project, to increase production  
by 8 Mtpa (100% basis), was approved by 
Cerrejón’s three shareholders in the third 
quarter of 2011. First coal is targeted during 
the fourth quarter of 2013, with the project 
expected to achieve full production at the  
end of 2015. 

SELECTED MAJOR PROJECTS

Completed/In commissioning in 2011

Sector

Project

Iron Ore and Manganese

Kolomela

Thermal Coal

Copper

Nickel

Platinum

Approved

Zibulo

Los Bronces expansion

Collahuasi Phase 1

Barro Alto

Unki

Mogalakwena North

Base metals refinery expansion

Dishaba East Upper UG2

Sector

Project

Iron Ore and Manganese

Minas-Rio Phase 1

Metallurgical Coal

Thermal Coal

Copper

Platinum

Groote Eylandt Expansion Project  
(GEEP 2)(6)
Grosvenor Phase 1

Cerrejón P500 Phase 1

Collahuasi expansion Phase 2

Twickenham

Khuseleka Ore Replacement

Bathopele Phase 4

Bathopele Phase 5

Diamonds 
Other Mining and Industrial  Boa Vista Fresh Rock

Jwaneng – Cut 8

Future unapproved

The Unki project in Zimbabwe was handed 
over to operations in January 2011 and 
reached steady state production of  
120,000 tonnes milled per month during  
the fourth quarter of 2011, a year ahead  
of schedule.

In Botswana, Debswana’s Jwaneng mine 
Cut-8 extension project is progressing 
satisfactorily, largely on schedule and  
on budget. 

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South Africa

South Africa

Chile

Chile

Brazil

Zimbabwe

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

Country

Brazil

Australia

Australia

Colombia

Chile

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

Botswana

Brazil

Commissioning date

Capex $m(1)

Production volume(2)

Q4 2011

Q4 2011

Q4 2011

Q4 2011

Q1 2011 

Q4 2011

H2 2011

Q3 2011

H2 2011

1,062

517

2,800

148

1,900

459

822

360

219

9.0 Mtpa iron ore

6.6 Mtpa thermal

200 ktpa copper(3)

19 ktpa copper 

36 ktpa nickel (4)

70 kozpa refined platinum

350–400 kozpa refined platinum

11 ktpa nickel

100 kozpa refined platinum

First  
production  
date

Full  
production  
date

Capex $m(1)

2013

2013

2013

2013

2013

2015

2007

2009

2013

2017

2013

2014

2013

2016

2015

2014

2019

2015

2012

2018
2021(8)
2014

5,034

280

1,700

1,311

212

 1,248 

187

67

230
3,000(9)
173 (10)

Production volume(2)
26.5 Mtpa iron ore pellet feed (wet basis)(5)
0.6 Mtpa manganese ore

5.0 Mtpa metallurgical

8.0 Mtpa thermal

20 ktpa copper(7)
180 kozpa refined platinum

Replace 101 kozpa refined platinum

65 kozpa refined platinum

139 kozpa

100 million carats

2.7 ktpa additional niobium in product

Sector

Project

Country

Iron Ore and Manganese

Sishen Expansion Project phase 1B

South Africa

Metallurgical Coal

Sishen B Grade

Sishen Concentrates

Kolomela Expansion

Minas-Rio expansion

Grosvenor Phase 2

Drayton South

Moranbah South

Thermal Coal

Elders Multi-product Project

Copper

Nickel 

Platinum

Diamonds 

New Largo

Cerrejón P500 P2

Quellaveco

Michiquillay 

Collahuasi expansion Phase 3

Pebble

Jacaré

Tumela Conglomerate

Gahcho Kué
Venetia UG(13)

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa

Brazil

Australia

Australia

Australia

South Africa

South Africa

Colombia

Peru

Peru

Chile

US

Brazil

South Africa

Canada

South Africa

First  
production  
date

Full  
production  
date

2013

2016

2017

2017

TBD

2015

2015

2016

2017

2015

TBD

2016

2019

TBD

TBD

TBD

2020

TBD

TBD

2014

2017

2019

2019

TBD

2017

2015

2019

2019

2017

TBD

2017

2020

TBD

TBD

TBD

2026

TBD

TBD

Production volume(2)

0.75 Mtpa iron ore

6.0 Mtpa iron ore

1.1 Mtpa iron ore

6.0 Mtpa iron ore

TBD

6.0 Mtpa metallurgical

4.0 Mtpa thermal

12.0 Mtpa metallurgical

3.0 Mtpa thermal

13.0 Mtpa thermal

10–20 Mtpa thermal

225 ktpa copper

187 ktpa copper(11)

469 ktpa

175 ktpa(12)
TBD

271 kozpa refined platinum

TBD

TBD

(1)  Capital expenditure shown on 100% basis in nominal terms.
(2)  Represents 100% of average incremental or replacement production, at full production, unless otherwise stated.
(3)  Production represents average over the first 10 years of the project. Production over the first three years of the project will average 278 ktpa.
(4)  Average production of 36 ktpa over the full production years; a new mine plan will extend the life of Barro Alto with lower production in the additional years.
(5)  Capital expenditure, post-acquisition of Anglo American’s shareholding in Minas-Rio, includes 100% of the mine and pipeline, and an attributable share of the port, as modified by the agreement  

with LLX SA and LLX Minas-Rio. Capital expenditure is under review to contain the capital increase to approximately 15% of the guidance.

(6)  Subject to conditions precedent being fulfilled.
(7)  Further phased expansions have the potential to increase production to 1 Mtpa.
(8)  Waste stripping at Cut-8, an extension to Jwaneng mine, began in 2010. Carat recovery will commence in 2017, with Cut-8 reaching full production when Cut-7 ore is exhausted in 2021.
(9)  Debswana is investing $500 million in capital expenditure. Project investment, including capital expenditure, is likely to total $3 billion over the next 15 years. Total carats exposed are over the life  

of the extension.

(10)  Capital estimate subject to review.
(11)  Expansion potential to 300 ktpa.
(12)  Pebble will produce molybdenum and gold by-products and other projects will produce molybdenum and silver by-products.
(13)  A feasibility study is scheduled for consideration by De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) board in 2012.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

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OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Organising efficiently and effectively

What it takes:
UNLOCKING  
VALUE THROUGH  
PARTNERSHIP

02

COLLABORATION ACHIEVING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Metallurgical Coal’s strategy is to triple its hard coking coal production  
by 2020. As part of enabling this strategy, it has developed a pipeline  
of underground longwall projects in the Moranbah region in Australia. 

To achieve this growth, we will need to increase cutting hours and 
productivity of existing longwalls to world best practice and beyond,  
and establish new longwalls at this enhanced level.

Metallurgical Coal and Joy Mining Machinery, the world leader in the 
development and manufacture of underground mining machinery,  
have formed a collaborative partnership to improve the performance  
of the existing longwall at Moranbah and to develop and implement the 
‘Longwall of the future’, with a focus on zero harm and reducing costs  
per tonne. This new longwall design and implementation will become the 
standard for all Metallurgical Coal’s longwall developments in the future. 

In the initial phase of the work, Joy has played a key role in the  
Longwall100 project to improve longwall cutting hours and is bringing 
into operation its first Smart Services Centre in Australia in Metallurgical 
Coal’s Brisbane Office.

As we move forward, we will leverage the know how of both organisations 
and, by taking a complete mining system approach, the next level of 
technology, automation, design for reliability, and remote equipment 
performance prognostics (Smart Services) will be delivered. 

To watch the video, visit 
www.angloamerican.com

20 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Clockwise from top:
01   Viewing point at the 
Moranbah North 
coal handling and  
processing plant (CHPP).

02   Grading of coal at the 

Moranbah North CHPP.

03 and main picture, right   
Head of operations 
at Metallurgical Coal 
Dieter Haage (orange 
jacket) and Joy Mining 
site manager Manie 
Swanepoel underground 
at the Moranbah  
North longwall.

 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Organising efficiently and effectively

“The partnerships 
we are forging with 
companies that are 

world leaders in their fields 
are taking us to another level 
in unlocking value.”

Seamus French CEO, Metallurgical Coal

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

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OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Organising efficiently and effectively

IDENTIFYING OPPORTUNITIES 
AND DRIVING STANDARDS

SUSTAINABLE ASSET 
OPTIMISATION BENEFITS 
FROM CORE OPERATIONS  
(2010: $1.6 bn)

$2.0 bn

SUPPLY CHAIN BENEFIT 
FROM CORE OPERATIONS 
(2010: $739 m)

$1.2 bn 

SPEND ON SUPPLIERS 
BASED IN HOST 
COMMUNITIES CLOSE 
TO OUR OPERATIONS

$1.13 bn

The ORs are a collaborative effort that 
combines our central technical capability  
with our operational expertise across the 
Group, thereby creating teams that are able 
to identify value improvement opportunities  
and leverage our global best practice across 
the Group’s complete mining value chain. 
During 2011, ORs were conducted at Sishen 
(Kumba Iron Ore), Landau (Thermal Coal), 
Dishaba (Platinum), Venetia (De Beers), 
Capcoal (Metallurgical Coal) and  
Collahuasi (Copper). 

We have positioned ourselves to create 
unified systems and frameworks that facilitate 
the integration of operational excellence into 
all our processes. This will move us towards  
a uniform ‘Operating Way’ that ensures the 
consistent application of all our standards and 
policies, and better alignment of our people 
and processes.

A prominent element of the AO programme 
to date has been to embed AO knowledge 
and principles within the business. This is 
being achieved through a comprehensive 
change management programme that 
encompasses both skills development and 
internal communication. We have seen a 
marked increase in the number of employees 
that have been exposed to our AO Academy 
training, which is aimed at equipping our 
people with the right skills and business 
improvement mindset required to deliver  
AO results for the business. In the next phase 
of AO skills development we will incorporate 
the use of advanced technology and more 
interactive learning environments, thus 
making AO a more tangible reality for our 
people and the organisation.

ASSET OPTIMISATION

Our asset optimisation (AO) programme 
has been in place since 2009, and  
has surpassed the $1 billion target  
set in terms of the value delivered for 
sustainable AO benefits from our core 
businesses. Our portfolio of AO projects 
continues to develop and deliver.

In 2011, $2,042 million of sustainable benefits 
were delivered from our core businesses, 
with an additional $253 million delivered  
from one-off projects. These benefits were 
derived mainly from revenue enhancing 
projects in the mining and processing steps 
of the value chain. In total, $1,978 million of 
benefits were delivered against the $1 billion 
target from our businesses, excluding  
Other Mining and Industrial.

Sustainable asset optimisation benefits

Business unit
Kumba Iron Ore
Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum
Other Mining and Industrial 
Total

Analysed as:
Core operations
Non-core operations

* In 2011 terms.

$ m*
257
361
254
480
19
607
233
2,211

2,042
169

The AO programme remains focused on 
identifying and unlocking business value 
from our existing assets, across the value 
chain. One of the key features of the 
programme is the operation review (OR) 
process initiated in 2010. This structured 
eight-step review process enables our 
business units to drive towards operational 
excellence through the identification and 
prioritisation of business improvement 
opportunities, in accordance with our 
technical standards and our commitment  
to safety and sustainable development.  

22 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

SUPPLY CHAIN

Transformation
A significant milestone was achieved in 2011 
with Supply Chain delivering $1,274 million  
in value for the Group. In total, $1,185 million 
of benefits were delivered against the  
three year $1 billion target from our core 
businesses, excluding Other Mining  
and Industrial.

These targets were achieved through  
more effective management of purchased 
materials and services, enabled through  
a new centre-led organisation model that, 
based on a recent benchmarking study,  
is now operating in the top quartile. The 
foundations are now in place to create 
strategic ongoing value and remain a source 
of competitive advantage for the Group.

The significant progress made towards 
achieving Supply Chain’s vision of becoming 
the industry leader and global benchmark  
for supply chain value creation has been the 
result of effective collaboration throughout 
the Group and with key suppliers. 

Supply chain benefits

Business unit
Kumba Iron Ore
Iron Ore Brazil
Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum
De Beers
Other Mining and Industrial
Corporate
Total

Analysed as:
Core operations
Non-core operations

* In 2011 terms.

$ m*
361
89
159
152
137
36
215
13
89
23
1,274

1,210
64

Sustainable and responsible  
supply chain 
Local procurement is an effective way  
of creating sustainable development and 
delivering broader wealth creation for our 
host countries. Our vision is sustainable, 
responsible local procurement that positively 
contributes to a resilient supply chain and the 
economic and social development of the 
communities in which we operate. 

Anglo American spends more than $13 billion 
a year on procuring goods and services, 
representing a significant development 
opportunity. Around three-quarters of this 
spend is in developing countries. In 2011, 
expenditure on suppliers based in the host 
communities close to our operations was 
$1.13 billion. During the same period our  
total black economic empowerment (BEE) 
procurement spend by managed and 
independently managed businesses and 
enterprise development was R23.3 billion  
($3.2 billion). Of this total, Anglo American 
managed businesses spent a total of  
R21.5 billion ($3.0 billion) with ‘historically 
disadvantaged South African (HDSA) 
businesses (not including goods and services 
procured from parastatal companies and 
municipalities). All three South African 
business units exceeded the Mining  
Charter targets for the year. Local suppliers 
strengthen our social licence to operate and 
can lead to significant efficiencies such as 
reduced delivery and logistics costs.

Partnerships
Significant value exists in managing 
partnerships with our suppliers to develop 
new technology, improve operational 
performance and deliver mutually beneficial 
commercial outcomes. In 2011, more than  
50 key suppliers were engaged as part of the 
supplier relationship management (SRM) 
programme. Through the SRM, value is 
created from actively managing collaborative 
and performance based relationships with 
our key suppliers. Global framework 
agreements (GFAs) with over half of these 
key suppliers, have either finalised or are near 
completion and represent a formal alignment 
in the commercial relationship. These GFAs 
are critical in the turbulent and high demand 
markets we are currently experiencing, as 
they provide enhanced security of supply  
and improved commercial terms. 

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01

SAG MILL 2 FEED END 
DISCHARGE OPTIMISATION 
PROJECT

Just because two pieces of 
machinery do the same job, it  
does not always mean we get the 
same result. 

This was the case for two SAG  
mills at our Los Bronces copper 
operation in Chile. 

Following analysis of historical 
operational data, our engineers 
discovered that SAG mill 2 had  
a lower operational efficiency than 
SAG mill 1. Further investigation 
indicated the root cause to be  
a difference in design of the 
discharge of the two mills, which 
had resulted in a discharge 
restriction on SAG mill 2. In 
addition, SAG mill 2 showed 
irregular wear patterns on its  
lifters and liners, and its discharge 
was ‘spraying’. The mill also had 
slurry carry-over and a flowback  
of material.

In order to eliminate the restriction 
on SAG mill 2’s discharge end, the 
discharge boxes were redesigned 
and modified in order to balance 
evacuation with channelling. 

The SAG mill 2 feed end  
discharge optimisation project  
has proved a great success.  
The new discharge boxes were 
implemented in March 2011 and 
Los Bronces is now seeing normal 
wear patterns on the lifters and 
liners. Throughput on the mill has 
improved by 3%, resulting in a 
benefit of $25.9 million.

Above
01  Work in progress on the feed end discharge 

optimisation project at SAG mill 2.

To watch the video, visit 
www.angloamerican.com

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

23

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Operating safely, sustainably and responsibly

What it takes:
 INNOVATION  
AND DIALOGUE

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01

03

SOLUTIONS ROOTED IN CREATING SHARED VALUE 

Securing a safe and reliable water source in one of the driest regions in 
the world presents some obvious challenges. At our Mantoverde copper 
operation in Chile’s Atacama Desert, we’re doing our best to overcome 
these by reducing the strain on an already stretched watershed.

Our plans to develop a desalination plant that will meet 100% of 
Mantoverde’s water needs represents an opportunity to make a real 
difference in the Atacama region. By eliminating our own requirements 
from the current watershed, we will reduce the demand on this most vital 
of resources significantly, while also presenting community investment 
opportunities through the development of the desalination plant. 

Located in Corral de los Chanchos Bay, in the Chañaral district, the  
$96 million plant will have a water production rate of 120 litres per  
second. Start-up is scheduled for 2013 and the 20 month planned 
construction project will provide an estimated 150 jobs. 

Environmental protection measures have also been comprehensively 
addressed and constant dialogue with social organisations, neighbours’ 
associations, fishermen’s trade unions, public bodies and the  
Municipality of Chañaral has ensured the concerns of the communities 
have been considered at every stage of development. We can now look 
forward to an environmentally sound plant that will greatly improve  
water availability across the region. 

Our aim is to maximise the value of water resources while seeking to 
achieve no long term net harm to the environment or communities where 
we operate. This desalination plant will help us maintain that position  
and further develop our ambition to become a champion in responsible 
water stewardship.

To watch the video, visit 
www.angloamerican.com

24 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Clockwise from top:
01  Contractor Juan Silva 
Jemijo (left) and 
organisational 
development engineer 
Juan Luis Oyaneder at 
Bahia Los Chanchos.

02  Juan Luis Oyaneder 

discusses plans for the 
new desalination plant 
with a member of a 
community close to the 
site of the plant.

03   The local community  

will secure a sustainable 
water supply once our 
desalination plant  
at Mantoverde is  
up and running.

Main picture, right 
Fishermen working in Corral 
de los Chanchos Bay, off the 
town of Chañaral, where the 
new desalination plant for our 
Mantoverde copper mine will 
secure a sustainable water 
supply while protecting the 
ocean environment.

 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Operating safely, sustainably and responsibly

“Our desalination 
plant at Mantoverde 
will make a real 

difference by meeting the 
mine’s total water needs, 
thereby eliminating our 
need to compete for water 
resources in this driest of  
all the world’s deserts.”

John MacKenzie CEO, Copper

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 
Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

25
25

 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Operating safely, sustainably and responsibly

OPERATING SAFELY,  
SUSTAINABLY AND RESPONSIBLY

LOST TIME INJURY 
FREQUENCY RATE  
(2010: 0.64)

0.64

WATER

80%

More than 80% of our  
operations and planned  
projects are in water  
stressed basins

SAFETY LEADERSHIP

6,548

Number of employees  
who have completed our  
industry leading SHE risk 
management programme

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT:  
A STRATEGIC COMMITMENT

One of Anglo American’s four strategic 
pillars is to operate safely, sustainably and 
responsibly. As a company that exploits a 
finite resource, we are fully committed to 
operating our mines in a way that brings 
positive changes to host communities and 
leaves behind a healthy environment. We 
do not accept that injuries or deaths are 
an unavoidable part of our business. 
Safety remains our number one priority, 
and we expect everyone at work to take 
responsibility for their personal safety 
and that of their colleagues. 

Sustainable development (SD) touches  
on every aspect of our business. Our 
approach is based on a belief that exceptional 
operational value can be realised by 
embedding SD in everything that we do – 
from our systems, risk processes and 
procedures, to the way in which we  
consult and work with our stakeholders. 

Strong governance and risk management 
processes ensure that we deliver on our 
commitments. A dedicated global Safety and 
Sustainable Development (S&SD) Risk and 
Assurance team provides the Executive 
Committee and S&SD Committee of the 
Board with expert opinion on the adequacy of 
risk control measures to ensure that current 
and emerging risks are effectively controlled.

This second-party perspective, coupled  
with subject matter expertise (internal and 
external) enables us to identify critical safety, 
health and environmental improvement 
opportunities, thereby focusing and 
accelerating improvement efforts. Following 
the internal restructuring process that was 
completed in early 2010, our S&SD and 
Government and Social Affairs functions 
have been fully integrated within the project 
management and asset optimisation 
processes, ensuring that broader 
sustainability and licence to operate issues 
are provided for within our operational and 
decision-making processes.

SAFETY

While we acknowledge that mining is 
inherently a high-risk industry, we do not 
accept that anyone should be injured while 
working for us. 

Performance
We deeply regret that in 2011, 13 employees 
and four contractors lost their lives while 
working for Anglo American (2010: 15(1)).  
This tragic loss of life is unacceptable, 
particularly in light of the significant and 
consistent safety improvement that Group 
operations have achieved since 2007.  
The majority of these deaths (12) took  
place at our Platinum business, while other 
Group businesses such as Kumba Iron Ore, 
Metallurgical Coal and Nickel remained 
fatality-free for 2011. Notably, too, our 
exploration sites have operated without  
a fatal incident for over three years.

The Group’s lost time injury frequency rate 
(LTIFR) was 0.64 in 2011, equal to our 
performance in 2010. While the LTIFRs of 
almost all business units improved, an 
increase in injuries at Platinum countered the 
improvements achieved elsewhere. In 2011, 
Platinum launched ‘Zero Harm in Action’, a 
five-year change management programme 
to deliver a comprehensive safety 
intervention throughout the business. The 
programme will last for five years and be 
implemented at every location and involve 
every employee in Platinum.

Managing safety
Our approach to safety is outlined in  
the Safety Way, a comprehensive framework 
of roles and responsibilities supported by a 
set of safety principles and mandatory safety 
standards. This underpins the delivery of our 
safety strategy which outlines our risk based 
approach to safety. All of our operations  
have developed safety improvement plans 
that define how they drive continuous 
improvement in line with the Group strategy. 

While the significant improvement in safety 
performance achieved over the previous  
four years has given us confidence that we 
have adopted the right strategy, it is clear 
from the regression experienced in 2011,  
that the speed and the consistency with 
which its elements are being implemented 
are insufficient. To understand the reasons 
why, and to identify the actions needed to 
accelerate the drive to zero harm, in February 
2011, our chief executive, Cynthia Carroll, 
launched a strategic safety review and action 
plan. There are three main components to  
the plan: the development of leading safety 
performance indicators, of Group-wide  
site safety reviews, and corporate centre 
action plans.

(1)  During 2010, we reported 14 fatal incidents.  
A further incident, which was still under 
investigation at the time of going to print, has 
since been recorded, bringing the total to 15.

26 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

01   At Thermal Coal’s Isibonelo 
colliery in South Africa, each 
working day starts with a 
safety meeting. Workers  
end the meeting by giving 
each other the traditional 
‘thumbs up’.

01

Developing leading safety  
performance indicators
To date, Anglo American has been measuring 
safety performance almost exclusively on  
the basis of lagging indicators, such as  
the numbers of people hurt and injury 
frequency rates. While useful, these are  
not always effective as a predictor of future 
performance. We therefore introduced a 
programme aimed at developing a new set  
of metrics that more accurately describe the 
efforts sites are making to improve safety, 
and that improve our ability to anticipate  
and pre-empt potential incidents. Seven  
key measures relating to leadership, risk  
management training, safety competence, 
the delivery of maintenance programmes, 
improvements to risk management, learning 
from high potential incidents, and the closing 
review of safety actions were agreed. These 
measures, which make use of data that is 
already regularly collected by each site, 
provide a clearer view as to what our safety 
priorities should be, and will assist us in 
identifying those operations that need  
priority attention. 

In total, 46 safety reviews were 
conducted by the Group Safety and 
Sustainable Development Risk and 
Assurance team in 2011.

Safety assurance
In total, 46 safety reviews were conducted  
by the Group Safety and Sustainable 
Development Risk and Assurance team in 
2011. The audit teams have been augmented 
by experienced senior mining managers, 
technical specialists and industrial 
psychologists. They are tasked with providing 
immediate guidance to the site and business 
unit concerned so that more focused 
solutions for site-level responses can be 
developed. This deeper analysis is assisting 
us in identifying organisational or cultural 
factors external to the site that may be 
impeding on-site safety.

Promoting corporate leadership  
on safety
In April, 60 leaders, representing each of the 
business units and functions, took part in a 
Safety Leadership Summit to identify how the 
Group Management Committee and Group 
functions can support the operations in the 
goal of achieving zero harm more effectively. 
The participants prioritised a range of issues 
across the different functional areas, and 
agreed to establish six teams to develop 
these into formal action plans. Each team is 
led by an Executive Committee champion 
with the support of a cross-functional team. 
The identified actions aim to provide a 
coherent response to the safety issues 
experienced in 2011, while limiting additional 
work required by the business units.

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

LTIFR

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

FIFR

0.030

0.025

0.020

0.015

0.010

0.005

0

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

LTIFR
FIFR

Water consumption
Million m3

2007

114

137

2008

109

16      

2009

116

10      

2010

109 5

2011

115

0

125

250

Group excluding divested businesses
Divested businesses

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

27

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Operating safely, sustainably and responsibly

WATER

More than 80% of our operations and 
planned projects are located in water 
stressed basins where we expect increasing 
competition for water resources. Growing 
demand for water resources, along with the 
effects of climate change, is already leading 
to supply shortages, increased costs, stricter 
legislation and heightened social pressures.

The Anglo American water strategy and 
policy reflects our aim to demonstrate 
leadership within our water catchment  
areas. The strategy is a three stage journey 
phased over 10 years. Implementation of  
this strategy is being realised through our 
initiatives in three key areas: improving 
operational excellence, investing in 
technology, and engaging and partnering 
with our stakeholders.

Operational excellence
In 2011, a new Group technical standard for 
water management was issued. This new 
mandatory standard includes detailed 
requirements on target setting, water 
monitoring, site management and Water 
Action Plans (WAPs). Our site-level WAPs 
aim to provide our operations with a clear 
picture of their internal requirements  
in the context of legal and catchment 
management developments, and are 
intended to help operations implement 
integrated water management.

An important focus during the year was on 
the implementation of our Water Efficiency 
Target Tool (WETT) across all our managed 
operations. The tool, which was piloted at 
seven sites across the Group, forecasts the 
projected business-as-usual water demand 
of individual operations and establishes a 
register of water saving projects linking the 
two to deliver future performance targets. 
Through a robust bottom-up process of 
identifying and assessing water saving 
opportunities, and understanding local  
water risks, we have for the first time set 
quantitative savings targets for each 
managed operation within the Group. 

Technology
As part of our technology development 
activities, we are working to identify 
appropriate technology solutions and to 
agree the timeframes within which to  
achieve our proposed strategic objective  
of ‘zero net water consumption’ by 2030.

28 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Engagement and partnerships
Wherever we operate we engage with host 
governments, local authorities, communities, 
NGOs, businesses and other stakeholders  
on a range of water-related issues, and 
participate in global policy debates on  
water. We are pleased with the significant 
progress made in finalising outstanding water 
licence agreements for our operations in 
South Africa during 2011. This represented 
an important engagement with our regulatory 
partners to secure our business in the future.

Performance
During 2011, Group operations consumed  
a total of 131.6 million m3 of water. This 
comprised 115.3 million m3 of water for 
primary process and production activities,  
as well as a further 16.3 million m3 of water  
for secondary activities such as employee 
villages, sportsgrounds and office facilities. 
This represents a 0.7% year-on-year increase 
in our consumption of water used for primary 
activities, largely from the Barro Alto nickel 
plant in Brazil commencing production, as 
well as increased water requirements related 
to construction of the Minas-Rio project in 
Brazil and dust suppression arising from 
operational changes at El Soldado copper 
mine in Chile. The overall impact of these 
increases was mitigated by the sale of assets 
during 2010 that would have contributed a 
further 5.4 million m3 of water to the total in 
2011, as well as the disposal of a number of 
businesses throughout 2011.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY

Our response to climate change is guided  
by our climate change strategy and policy. 
Our strategy seeks to minimise our exposure 
to emerging climate change regulation, 
maximise opportunities in our product 
markets, and build adaptation measures 
against the impacts of regional climate 
change. The strategy will be implemented  
in three phases over the next 10 years.  
Within each phase, implementation is being 
undertaken through our initiatives in three 
key areas: improving operational excellence, 
investing in technology, and engaging and 
partnering with our stakeholders.

Operational excellence
In 2011, we issued a new Group technical 
standard to manage carbon and energy 
performance at all our operations, and we 
developed and implemented our energy  
and carbon management programme, 
ECO2MAN. This programme helps us identify 
and prioritise energy efficiency and carbon 
savings project opportunities at the business 

Energy consumption
GJ (million)

2007

196.7

98.7

2008

104.9

9.1

2009

104.4

9.5

2010

100.9 6.3

2011

102.9

0

150
Group excluding divested businesses
Divested businesses

300

Greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions
Tonnes (million)

2007

25.4

7.2

2008

19.8

1.9    

2009

18.9

1.6   

2010

20.0 1.1

2011

18.8

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Group excluding divested businesses
Divested businesses

unit and mine level, and is tied to our internal 
and external verification and assurance 
processes. It has been used to guide the 
development of new site-based bottom-up 
energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions savings targets. 

Technology
As energy use accounts for roughly 85%  
of our GHG emissions, we are primarily 
focusing existing activities on identifying  
and implementing innovative technologies 
aimed at using energy more efficiently. These 
include technological solutions to optimise 
processes and machinery at our operations, 
such as air compressors, ventilation fans, 
pumps, draglines, conveyors and electric 
motors. In addition to focusing on energy 
efficiency technologies, we are investing in 
developing and deploying technologies that 
may enable us to run cost efficient, carbon 
neutral mines by 2030.

Engagement and partnerships 
We continue to work with governments  
and our business peers to inform the 
development and implementation of efficient, 
effective and equitable climate change 
policies, including carbon taxes and other 
pricing mechanisms. In 2011, we were 
particularly active in engaging with the  
South African and Australian governments,  
in relation to the UNFCCC COP-17 
negotiations in Durban as well as 
commenting on proposed carbon pricing 
schemes. In addition, our flagship Zimele 
enterprise development programme 
announced the formation of a new Green 
Fund which will help entrepreneurs drive  
the green economy in South Africa. 

In addition to focusing on energy-
efficiency technologies, we are 
investing in developing and 
deploying technologies that may 
enable us to run cost efficient, 
carbon neutral mines by 2030.

01   Environmental graduate  

Carmen Dyer taking a water 
sample at Drayton, part of 
Metallurgical Coal in Australia.

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Performance
Reducing our GHG emissions
In 2011, the Group’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 
GHG emissions amounted to 18.8 Mt of 
carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e)  
(2010: 20.0 Mt). This 6% reduction on our 
2010 emissions was due largely to the sale  
of a number of businesses throughout 2011,  
as well as a revision of process emission 
calculation methodologies at Metallurgical 
Coal. The overall impact of these reductions 
was reduced by a significant increase in  
GHG emissions at our Nickel business in 
Brazil following commissioning of the new 
Barro Alto plant. 

Energy consumption
During 2011, we consumed 102.9 million 
gigajoules (GJ) of energy (2010: 100.9  
million GJ). This 2% rise was largely as a 
consequence of new energy consumption 
due to the Barro Alto plant construction and 
start-up and additional diesel consumption  
at Metallurgical Coal as a result of increased 
production. These increases were mitigated 
by the sale of businesses in 2010 that would 
have contributed about 6 million GJ to the 

01

2011 total, as well as the divestment of a 
number of businesses over the course  
of 2011.

Adaptation
Our new climate change strategy requires 
that all operations and projects undertake 
climate change vulnerability assessments, 
after which all high risk sites will undergo 
detailed climate change impact assessments.

This follows detailed assessments conducted 
by Imperial College, London and the UK  
Met Office in 2010 and 2011, on the potential 
impact of climate change in a number of 
potentially high risk operational regions. 
These included the Minas-Rio iron ore 
project in Brazil and in South Africa, coal  
and platinum operations situated in the 
Olifants River catchment as well as the area 
surrounding the Sishen iron ore mine in the 
country’s Northern Cape. The results of these 
have been shared with government and 
research institutions and have helped 
contribute to our internal climate risk model.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

29

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Operating safely, sustainably and responsibly

2011 Global social investment
expenditure
Total: $122m

Education and training  23%
Health and welfare  9%
Water and sanitation  2%
Institutional capacity development  1%
Community development  41%
Environment  1%
Energy and climate change  1%
Sports, arts, culture and heritage  6%
Disaster and emergency relief  5%
Employee matched giving  1%
Other  10%

2011 Global social investment
expenditure by region
Total: $122m 

South Africa  52%
Rest of Africa  10%
United Kingdom  1%
Americas  28%
Australia  2%
Other  7%

SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY

Integrating the Social Way
Launched in 2009, our Social Way contains  
a mandatory set of standards that prescribe 
rigorous minimum requirements for social 
performance within the Group. By the  
end of 2011, each operation had completed 
its third annual assessment of its level of 
compliance against the 24 requirements of 
the Social Way. Informed by this assessment, 
operations with any non-compliances 
develop social and community improvement 
plans that provide roadmaps to full 
compliance with the Social Way. 

We have been pioneering approaches 
to developing small businesses in 
South Africa since the 1980s and 
more recently have extended these 
activities into Chile, Brazil and Peru.

In 2011, there was a strong focus on 
integrating the requirements of the  
Social Way into Anglo American’s project 
stage gate reviews and our due diligence 
processes for mergers and acquisitions. 
Through this process, functional experts 
work with project teams at key stages in the 
new mine development process in order to 
ascertain whether the teams are compliant 
with technical, financial, environmental and 
social requirements before they may proceed 
to the next project stage. We believe that the 
inclusion of our social standards in this 
process, which was started in 2010, is already 
showing results in terms of more thorough 
preparation for permitting processes and a 
better understanding of community concerns 
and expectations at an early stage in new 
projects. This has facilitated the earlier 
identification and management of potential 
risks, and also contributes to developing and 
maintaining positive relationships with our 
host communities.

Monitoring and evaluation of our social 
performance continued to receive priority 
attention during 2011. In addition to assessing 
our performance through our Group-wide 
complaints and grievance mechanism, we 
have made important progress in using  
our comprehensive set of 32 output key 
performance indicators (KPIs) for social 
investments that were piloted and reported 
on for the first time in 2010. A review of our 
progress against some of these indicators  
is provided on page 31. Ensuring and 
maintaining consistency in reporting against 
these indicators, and in the use of our 
complaints and grievance mechanism, 
remains an important focus area. 

To complement our KPI initiatives, in  
2011 we also piloted a new community 
development peer review process. The 
reviews draw on internal expertise as well  
as resources from partners such as CARE 
International to ensure that our investments 
in community development are as effective 
as possible. Following the success of the 
pilots the process will be rolled out in 2012. 

SOCIAL INVESTMENT

Anglo American’s social investment spend  
in local communities totalled $122 million  
in 2011, up from $111 million in 2010  
and $82.5 million in 2009, and on our 
expenditure of $28 million back in 2000.  
To help manage this growth, we have 
developed a standardised reporting  
process for all our social investments. The 
aim is to facilitate consistent reporting of 
outputs, and to identify the most effective 
projects, delivery methods and partners  
with a view to maximising the value that 
Anglo American and its host communities  
realise from these investments. 

ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

We believe that enterprise development  
is one of the most effective means for  
ensuring sustainable benefits for our host 
communities. We have been pioneering 
approaches to developing small businesses 
in South Africa since the 1980s and more 
recently have extended these activities into 
Chile, Brazil and Peru.

Zimele – South Africa
Anglo American’s pioneering Zimele 
enterprise development programme was 
established in South Africa more than  
20 years ago, with the aim of empowering 
black entrepreneurs through the creation  
of small and medium sized enterprises 
(SMEs). Through our commitment to the 
UNDP Business Call to Action in support  
of the Millennium Development Goals, we  
are committed to creating and sustaining 
15,000 additional jobs in up to 1,500 new 
businesses by 2015. 

Zimele consists of five separate funds – the 
Supply Chain Fund, the Anglo American 
Khula Mining Fund, the Community Fund, the 
Olwazini Fund and, most recently, the Zimele 
Green Fund. While these funds operate on a 
commercial basis, they are guided by the 
social purpose of creating economically 
viable enterprises through the provision  
of equity/loans, mentoring and access to 

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Social investment output indicators

Total number of community development projects delivering benefits to 
communities in 2011

Total number of businesses supported

Jobs created/maintained through enterprise development initiatives

Beneficiaries of education projects

Beneficiaries of sports, arts, culture and heritage projects

Beneficiaries of community development projects

Beneficiaries of disaster and emergency relief projects

Beneficiaries with improved livelihood

1,380

38,681

47,070

556,033

248,093

2,132,624

11,100

2,481,467

value enhancing opportunities. In 2011,  
these funds supported 1,085 businesses  
and provided R567 million ($78.1 million)  
in funding for businesses that employed  
19,575 people, with a combined turnover  
of R574 million ($79.1 million). 

Emerge – Chile
Launched in 2006, our Emerge programme 
has achieved its ambitious goal of supporting 
thousands of SMEs in Chile. On one hand, our 
alliance with Fondo Esperanza, an institution 
that grants micro-credit, has helped more 
than 25,000 small businesses through 
business skills training and community bank 
micro-loans. The community bank model –  
in which members run their own businesses 
and act as co-guarantors by committing  
to pay back all the loans – has delivered 
exceptionally high loan repayment rates.  
On the other hand, the medium sized 
business programme has helped more  
than 200 entrepreneurs through the 
provision of training, financial assistance, 
mentoring and follow up. In 2011, Emerge 
was strengthened through a new partnership 
with international enterprise development 
NGO Technoserve to carry out support to 
medium sized businesses. 

CARE – Brazil
Anglo American’s Barro Alto project in Brazil 
has concluded the first three year period of 
partnership with local NGO, CARE Brazil. 
Enterprise development forms a strong focus 
of the partnership, which also includes 
activities to improve public education and 
social development in the communities 
surrounding our operation. Through this 
initiative, local residents have the opportunity 
to participate in a free training course on 
entrepreneurial management aimed at 
developing business opportunities in the 
region. The third group of small business 
owners has now completed the course.

In 2011, we piloted a new  
community development peer  
review process. The reviews  
draw on internal expertise as  
well as resources from partners 
such as CARE International to  
ensure that our investments in 
community development are as 
effective as possible.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

31

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Employing the best people

What it takes:
 FORESIGHT AND INITIATIVE 
TO CREATE CHANGE

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BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP IN AUSTRALIA

A thriving industry depends on a steady intake of new talent. For that 
reason, the Australian government’s Resourcing the Future report was 
cause for concern. The 2010 report predicted a major and growing 
shortfall of qualified tradespeople across the Australian construction,  
gas and mining industries unless employers acted quickly to bridge the 
skills gap.

The findings of the report came as no surprise to Debbie Butler, principal 
of operations training at Metallurgical Coal’s HR division, who had already 
been working on her own study of Anglo American’s trades’ workforce, 
which showed stagnation in the intake of apprentices. But Debbie also 
saw an opportunity. As the government’s needs dovetailed with our own, 
the timing proved perfect to join forces to develop an innovative new 
pathway for bringing fresh talent into the business.

Working with the National Apprenticeships Steering Committee, Debbie 
helped design a Metallurgical Coal-specific Advanced Entry (Adult) 
Trades Programme. The programme recognises workers’ existing 
experience and equips them with the additional skills they need to attain 
full trade qualifications in just 18 months – providing the potential to save 
Anglo American A$6.3 million per programme (18 months) or per intake 
(21 participants).

But the programme’s value is not only financial. Opportunities to  
upskill our people, develop career paths and increase the talent pool  
are all vital components as we aim to become the employer of choice.

With Debbie driving it forward, Anglo American became the first 
employer in the mining sector to implement the new initiative and,  
in 2011, 21 participants enrolled in the programme. It now represents an 
important element of Metallurgical Coal’s workforce planning strategy to 
ensure the business has sufficient experienced and qualified employees 
to meet its growth needs. 

This programme will help us in our commitment to identify, develop and 
retain the very best people in our industry – people like Debbie Butler.

To watch the video, visit 
www.angloamerican.com

32 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Clockwise from top:
01   Debbie Butler  

(centre)addresses 
students on the 
apprenticeship scheme  
at Metallurgical Coal.

02/03/04  Apprentices at 

work in the workshop(s) 
of Metallurgical Coal’s 
Moranbah North mine in 
Queensland, Australia.

Main picture, right 
An apprentice (right) gains 
experience carrying out 
essential maintenance in the 
workshops at Moranbah 
North. Before starting work,  
a comprehensive 
risk-management 
assessment is carried out, 
incorporating extensive 
safety measures, and 
including isolation and 
lock-out procedures.

 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Employing the best people

“We are determined 
to be an employer of 
choice. That means 

acting quickly and decisively 
to ensure that we have the 
talent our business needs  
for its future growth.”

Mervyn Walker Group Director of HR and Corporate Affairs

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

33

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW STRATEGY IN ACTION

 Employing the best people

SKILLED AND  
MOTIVATED PEOPLE

PROPORTION OF WOMEN 
EMPLOYED THROUGHOUT  
THE GROUP  
(2010: 14%)

15%

REDUCTION IN NUMBER OF  
NEW CASES OF OCCUPATIONAL 
DISEASE REPORTED

27%

INVESTMENT IN COMMUNITY 
HEALTH IN 2011

$11 m

34 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

OUR PEOPLE

The success of our business ultimately 
depends on the skills and motivation of 
our people, and on the extent to which 
they uphold our values and deliver our 
strategy. Being the employer of choice  
in the sector is integral to our aim to  
be the leading global mining company, 
and takes on added significance during 
expansionary times for the industry,  
when there is growing competition for 
scarce talent. Delivering on our ambition 
requires that we have systems in place  
to attract and retain the best talent, 
provide opportunities for personal 
development, recognise and reward 
excellence, drive for diversity and protect 
employee rights.

OUR STRATEGY AND  
MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Following the completion of the Group’s 
major restructuring in early 2010, the Group 
human resources department now operates 
as part of a lean corporate centre that focuses 
on providing essential governance activities 
and on identifying and realising synergies 
across the Group through collaborative 
working and the sharing of best practice.  
To achieve our objective of being the 
employer of choice, we have identified the 
following strategic priorities:

 (cid:228) Increasing the supply of scarce skills

 (cid:228) Preparing for growth

 (cid:228) Embedding our organisational model

 (cid:228) Improving productivity and efficiency

 (cid:228) Advancing workforce diversity

 (cid:228) Driving high performance and the right 

employee behaviours

 (cid:228)  Improving succession planning and 

supporting development

 (cid:228) Removing barriers to employee mobility

 (cid:228)  Developing consistent and aligned 

communication.

Our human resource standards, 
management systems and processes provide 
the foundation that allows us to deliver on 
these strategic priorities. We have identified 
opportunities for further improvements in  
all of these areas and are making significant 
progress in the implementation of a 
wide-ranging three year plan of work, to  
be implemented by the end of 2013.

Attracting and retaining the  
best people
At Anglo American we know that creating the 
right culture is critical to making people want 
to join and stay with the company, particularly 
within the context of a very competitive job 
market. We recognise that many people 
expect more from their jobs than financial 
benefit alone, and are increasingly looking  
for employment opportunities that are 
meaningful and that make a beneficial 
contribution to society. Our values, business 
principles and brand together create the 
overall employee proposition to attract and 
retain the best talent. 

We are working to improve the systems in 
place to identify our current and future skills 
requirements, and to proactively source the 
skills needed globally to respond to our 
anticipated growth over the next five years,  
and this is further supported by the key focus 
areas outlined below.

Developing our people
In 2010, we launched the People 
Development Way, a global capability 
framework detailing the behaviours, 
knowledge, skills and experience we need  
to achieve our strategic objectives. Our focus 
during 2011 has been on embedding the 
framework and driving high performance and 
the right behaviours. This framework is being 
applied consistently across the Group to 
guide development and is supported by 
comprehensive training for managers and 
their teams to ensure they understand its 
importance and application. 

We have also been rolling out a new 
performance management system across 
the Group. This places strong emphasis  
on aligning individual objectives with the 
company’s strategy and plans, reinforcing  
the Anglo American values, and focusing on 
personal development. All managerial and 
professional employees (representing nearly 
30% of all permanent employees) undergo 
formal performance management reviews  
on an annual basis. The remaining 70%  
of employees have access to a range of 
opportunities aimed at developing a 
workforce with the right skills, experience and 
training. Performance management among 
this segment is largely team based.

Recognising and rewarding excellence
It is important to our success that the 
structure and level of our remuneration  
and rewards are consistent across the Group 
and competitive in each of the markets in 
which we operate. We benchmark our 
remuneration schemes against our peers and 
we implement comprehensive performance-

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based reward systems with the aim of 
attracting and retaining the best people.  
In 2011, a project was undertaken to 
implement a standardised approach to the 
base-pay elements that form the basis of  
our performance incentive awards for our 
South African operations. The principal 
objectives of this work have been to improve 
employee understanding of the total reward 
package, simplify global employee mobility, 
and further enhance employee retention.  
A project is now being undertaken to drive 
this same alignment across our business 
units in Brazil.

Promoting workforce diversity 
By year end, the overall proportion of women 
throughout the Group had increased to 15%  
(2010: 14%). At management level, women 
accounted for 22% (2010: 21%). To drive 
further improvement in the representation of 
women in management and the workforce as 
a whole, each of our businesses has drafted 
an action plan. These plans include clear 
internal stretch targets to be achieved by 
December 2012 and December 2014  
(for the percentage representation of women 
in the workforce as a whole and women in 
management), as well as a description of  
the measures that will be taken to achieve 
these targets.

In our South African operations we continued 
to make good progress in promoting 
transformation in the workforce. At year  
end, 51% of our managers were ‘historically 
disadvantaged South Africans’ (HDSAs).  
We believe we are now well placed to  
achieve the enhanced targets for 2014 set 
out in the country’s revised Mining Charter 
and are putting in place appropriate  
systems for compliance and reporting to 
achieve this objective. 

Health
Effective management of occupational health 
protects our people, enhances productivity, 
and helps maintain our licence to operate and 
our global reputation. Promoting a healthy 
community and a safe and healthy workforce 
is beneficial for everyone.

Occupational health 
Our approach to occupational health  
is governed by the Occupational Health Way, 
which sets out a series of standards, guidelines 
and assurance processes aimed at preventing 
harm to our employees by proactively 
identifying and managing the source of 
potential health risks and eliminating  
exposure to hazards. In 2011, we rolled out 
new mandatory technical standards that 
address our principal health risks relating  
to noise, dust (inhaled hazards  

or airborne pollutants), fatigue, alcohol and 
substance abuse. In addition, we have a  
Group standard for emergency medical 
responses, while a technical standard  
relating to ergonomic issues is currently  
being developed.

The number of new cases of occupational 
disease reported for 2011 was 196, a 27% 
reduction on the previous year’s total of 268. 
The total occupational disease incidence  
rate in 2011 declined to 0.205 from 0.284. 
The drop was mainly accounted for by a  
27% reduction in the number of cases of 
noise-induced hearing loss reported by  
Scaw Metals.

Combating HIV/AIDS and  
Tuberculosis (TB)
An important element of promoting employee 
wellness is our focus on addressing HIV/AIDS, 
particularly at our operations in southern 
Africa where the epidemic is especially 
prevalent. Regular HIV counselling and testing 
(HCT) ensures that we achieve early diagnosis 
of HIV infection and timely access to care. We 
have now reached a position where more than 
90% of employees in southern Africa check 
their HIV status every year. The high uptake of 
HCT allows us to quantify the prevalence of 
HIV infection in our workforce. This is currently 
17% in southern African operations, which 
means that around 12,900 of our employees 
are HIV-positive.

Despite our considerable efforts in promoting 
workplace prevention programmes –  
through education and awareness, condom 
distribution, and the early diagnosis and 
treatment of sexually transmitted infections – 
we experienced a disappointingly high 
number of new HIV infections within our 
workforce in 2011. For the year as a whole we 
documented 902 new HIV infections, giving  
an approximate new infection incidence rate 
of 1.2%. Although consistent with the national 
rate, this is unacceptably high. All employees 
who test HIV-positive are invited to enrol in  
our HIV disease management programme. 
Currently, 61% of employees who are 
estimated to be HIV-positive are enrolled.  
By the end of 2011, we had 4,730 employees 
on anti-retroviral therapy (ART).

We also have an active programme, linked to 
our HIV/AIDS response, aimed at addressing 
the escalating TB epidemic. This is a source of 
great concern in South Africa, which has the 
third highest burden of the disease in the 
world as well as the highest rate of TB/HIV 
co-infection. In 2011, the TB incidence rate  
at our South African operations was 1,166  
per 100,000 employees (2010: 1,070 per 
100,000). There were 906 new TB cases 

recorded among our workforce and, sadly,  
we recorded 65 deaths from TB. While this  
is significantly less than in 2010 (86), we 
continue to drive a concerted effort to further 
reduce deaths from TB through earlier HIV 
and TB diagnosis and treatment.

PROMOTING HEALTHCARE IN THE 
BROADER COMMUNITY

Our activities to promote healthcare in the 
broader community include investments  
in health systems strengthening in our 
neighbouring communities, as well as activities 
aimed at supporting healthcare in developing 
countries more broadly.

With regards to supporting healthcare in 
developing countries, Anglo American has 
supported the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, 
Tuberculosis and Malaria since its inception  
in 2002 and, in 2010, our chief executive, 
Cynthia Carroll, pledged $3 million of funding 
on Anglo American’s behalf over the following 
three years to support the Global Fund. This 
pledge came with a challenge for other big 
businesses to do the same. In July 2011, we 
pledged $3 million over three years to the  
UK Government led matching initiative for  
the Global Alliance for Vaccines and 
Immunisations (GAVI), a public/private 
partnership that is increasing access to 
immunisation in the world’s poorest  
countries. These contributions were part  
of an investment of over $11 million in 
community health in 2011.

We are using the knowledge and experience 
that we have gained through our workplace 
health programmes to strengthen community 
health systems. An important initiative during 
the year has been our work with the Eastern 
Cape Department of Health in South Africa, 
where we sponsored the writing of a business 
plan to revitalise the funding and delivery of 
primary healthcare in four provincial sub-
districts. In Bushbuckridge, a labour sending 
area for Thermal Coal’s South African mines, 
the Bhubezi Community health centre opened 
in 2007 by Anglo American, Virgin Unite and 
the US government and sees an average of 
250 patients a day. Around 3,500 people are 
now receiving life saving ART as a result  
of this initiative.

In Brazil, a project has been established  
with the highly regarded Brazilian NGO, 
Reprolatina, to improve access to quality 
health services, particularly with regard to 
reproductive health for women and girls.  
A similar project has also been established  
in the communities surrounding the new  
Barro Alto nickel plant.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

35

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY

What it takes:
A CREATIVE AND 
EXPERIENCED TEAM

01

02

03

EXPLORING NEW WAYS TO MINIMISE OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

We have a strong track record of greenfield discovery and in 2011, our Exploration  
team was recognised for their work in northern Finland. At the Fennoscandian 
Exploration and Mining Conference the team was awarded the 5th Fennoscandian* 
Mining Award for the Sakatti discovery in northern Finland. The award recognises and 
honours individuals and teams for an outstanding contribution and achievement within 
the industry. 

The Sakatti project is a significant copper-nickel-platinum group elements grassroots 
discovery. Sakatti is located within a known mining region, 150 km north of the Arctic 
Circle, with excellent infrastructure including major highways and power generation 
facilities. The tenure to the Sakatti deposit and surrounding area is part of a contiguous 
extensive tenure package covering 830 km².

The mineralised body at Sakatti plunges to more than 1,000 metres below a thin glacial 
cover and is open at depth, to the west, north and south. It is one of a number of 
mineralised intrusions discovered by our Exploration team in the region. 

The current exploration drilling programme is focused on delineating the boundaries  
of the mineralised body and, as such, precludes infill drilling at a density required for  
the definition and estimation of a Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) compliant 
Mineral Resource.

We understand the importance of the local environment and, in collaboration with our 
drilling partner OYKATIAB, we have sought to minimise our environmental footprint 
through the development of an innovative semi-closed loop drilling system that has 
substantially minimised our waste and water use. Our team has been working in the 
region since 2004, engaging with a range of stakeholders: regional and municipal 
governments, and local communities including landowners, reindeer herders and  
other land users.

Anglo American sees Finland as highly prospective and the immediate plans are to 
continue to expand the exploration work at the Sakatti deposit, as well as looking at 
other priority targets within Lapland and the broader Fennoscandia region. 

*  Fennoscandia is the region that includes Scandinavia, Finland and Russia’s Kola Peninsula and Karelia.

Above
01  Senior project geologist Stephanie Klatt (left), discusses core samples with colleague Peter Blaberg. 

02  Geophysicist Circé Malo-Lalande, with the low temperature Ground Electromagnetic,  

Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (EM SQUID). 

03 and main picture  Stephanie Klatt, examining core samples at the Sakatti drill site. 

To watch the video, visit 
www.angloamerican.com

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OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY

IMAGINATION  
AND INVESTMENT

OUR RESOURCES

The resources Anglo American 
considers critical to achieving  
its strategic aims include:

 (cid:228) Knowledge and expertise.

 (cid:228) Proved and Probable Reserves  
(a summary is contained on  
page 178).

Full details of the Group’s Ore 
Reserves and Mineral Resources 
estimates are found on pages  
177 to 200.

Mine life per commodity
Years, minimum to maximum

4 to 23

4 to 25

1 to 23

6 to 68

4 to 32

5 to 30+

0

Range (Years)

70

Iron ore
Metallurgical coal
Thermal coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum

Mine life is the extraction period in years 
for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising 
Proved and Probable Reserves only.
Note: the 30+ years for platinum is due 
to 30 years being the maximum number
of years for which a mining right is granted
in South Africa.

TECHNOLOGY

Our strong in-house technology  
capability provides world class solutions 
to Anglo American and its global 
operations. Mining and Technology,  
which comprises seven highly specialised 
technical groups that concentrate their 
expertise in specific value-adding areas, 
made a significant contribution to the 
Group on several fronts.

The Technology Development unit manages, 
coordinates and integrates technology 
development across Anglo American.  
A detailed technology development vision 
and strategy have been developed to cover  
all perceived technology needs over the next  
20 years, across all aspects of the value chain. 
The vision for mining in 2030 has identified 
the gap between current technology and  
the technology that will be required in two 
decades’ time. More than 50 projects have 
been identified, which have been grouped 
into 11 programmes. The programmes 
include safety, automation, rapid discovery, 
resource characterisation, mining methods, 
alternative processes, resource to market 
optimisation, water, energy and carbon, 
operational efficiency and people. The 
projects are all managed in terms of a 
rigorous prioritisation and stage-gate 
protocol aligned with the Projects Way. 

Each project creates opportunities to 
advance the Group’s technology base to 
facilitate the development of new mines that 
will be safer and more efficient in terms of 
costs, energy, carbon and water consumption 
– even though they are likely to be deeper, 
lower grade and in more remote and less 
accessible locations than current mines. 
Existing mines, too, will benefit, with the 
implementation of new technologies 
providing greater efficiencies and improved 
safety, while such mines will serve as the 
testing grounds for the technologies for 
future operations.

One of the projects, a system that 
automatically senses the condition of haul 
trucks, won one of Anglo American’s Applaud 
awards for Innovation in 2011. Its uniqueness 
lies in it being an inexpensive, remote 
machine condition monitoring system 
capable of analysing the multi-variate data 
generated by equipment from different 
suppliers, and of producing easy to 
understand information upon which 

operations can easily act. The system was 
successfully implemented on a global basis, 
with the health of some 225 haul trucks being 
monitored from a central location. Significant 
savings have been realised as a result of  
the system being able to accurately predict 
impending failures. Such projects will support 
the Group in dealing with the ongoing skills 
shortage in the mining industry as well as the 
reluctance of many employees to living and 
working in remote areas of the world.

The four discipline centres of excellence 
(Mining, Metallurgy, Geosciences and 
Engineering), in collaboration with the 
business units, have developed and  
started to implement across the Group, a 
multi-disciplinary set of Group Technical 
Standards aimed at optimising value added  
to operations, improving project delivery and 
mitigating technical risks. These standards, 
with their associated guidelines, not only 
cover the various disciplines, but also 
projects, safety and sustainable development 
and risk, and have been designed to facilitate 
the sharing of best practice. The four centres 
of excellence continue to provide significant 
technical assurance to projects and asset 
optimisation opportunities to operations. 
Notably, an exercise has been launched, 
across the business units, to investigate  
the potential safety benefits of currently 
available technologies not yet deployed  
in our operations.

A detailed technology development 
vision and strategy has been 
developed to cover all perceived 
technology needs over the next  
20 years, across all aspects of the 
value chain.

The Technical Solutions division, made up of 
experts from all the traditional engineering 
disciplines, as well as mining, geophysics, 
metallurgy, geometallurgy and chemistry, 
industrial engineering, materials handling, 
safety, occupational health, sustainable 
development and project engineering, 
supports the Group’s operations, projects, 
business units and corporate functions. It 
provides leading metallurgical and process 
research, as well as laboratory and piloting 
facilities, a broad range of technical 
consulting, project engineering and field 
services, and is focused on delivering and 
implementing sustainable multi-discipline 
techno-economic solutions. 

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

01

02

03

DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-TOXICITY REAGENT FOR  
GOLD LEACHING 

A great deal of time and effort has been saved through the application  
of molecular modelling techniques in the design of chemical substances. 
For the mining industry, this opens up many possibilities in the field of 
more selective leach agents, and the identification of environmentally 
friendly alternative chemicals.

In order to demonstrate the potential of such techniques, an in-house 
technical team chose as a test case the targeted development of a gold 
leaching chemical with low toxicity – a decision that was partly driven  
by our interest in the Pebble copper/gold/molybdenum project in Alaska, 
and the concerns raised regarding chemical pollution there. 

Current practice for extracting gold from an ore generally involves the  
use of cyanide to dissolve the metal. While cyanide is highly effective in 
doing so, it is also extremely toxic and could pose a serious ecological 
liability. The resulting impetus to develop alternative ways to dissolve  
gold led to the reinvestigation of a number of historically known 
alternative substances by our Technical Solutions team − though these 
studies mostly highlighted cyanide’s advantages; namely, its superior 
selectivity, stability, and its low cost. 

A molecular modelling exercise, however, has identified a commonly 
available reagent with appropriate gold leaching characteristics and low 
toxicity. Although the solubility of the reagent is generally low, it achieved 
gold extractions of more than 95% on Witwatersrand gold-bearing ores. 

Although we are still in the early stages of the development of non-toxic 
and more efficient mineral extraction compounds, the application of 
molecular modelling in the resources industry holds out the promise  
of more sustainable process technologies in the future.

Above
01  Having been identified through molecular modelling, compounds are tested in  

our research laboratories. 

02  Small scale, accurate laboratory tests can be performed in high numbers in 

 rapid turnaround times.

03  Molecular modelling software is used to target suitable chemical compounds. 

For more information visit 
www.angloamerican.com

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NUMBER OF  
TECHNOLOGY-BASED 
PROJECTS TO DELIVER  
OUR VISION FOR  
MINING IN 2030

50

HAUL TRUCKS  
CURRENTLY BEING 
MONITORED  
REMOTELY FROM A  
CENTRAL LOCATION

225

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

39

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGY

01   At Thermal Coal’s New Vaal 

colliery, this haul truck is fitted 
with an energy absorbing 
safety bumper, developed by 
Technology Solutions.

02   Inspecting a shaft 
conveyance.

01

02

Metallurgical Coal, in collaboration with  
Joy Mining Machinery, is undertaking a 
‘Longwall of the future’ project which is 
designed to deliver world class levels of 
safety, production and operating cost 
performance. By leveraging the know-how  
of both organisations, and taking a holistic-
mining system approach, the plan is to 
advance to the next level of technology in 
terms of automation, built-in design reliability 
and remote prognostics. This is expected to 
result in cutting rates of around 2,000 tonnes 

per hour and 100 cutting hours per week.  
At the same time, safety will be enhanced 
through removing our teams from high 
energy environments. In a further 
development, in the Brisbane office a new 
integrated value chain control room employs 
the latest technology in order to yield 
maximum efficiencies in coal movements 
across Metallurgical Coal’s six coal mines and 
three loading ports. 

Technical Solutions recently developed and 
implemented a haul truck rolling-resistance 
solution in collaboration with Komatsu and 
the University of Pretoria in South Africa.  
As fuel consumption, cycle times, tyre life  
and equipment life are affected significantly 
by varying road conditions, this system 
continuously measures haul road conditions 
and informs mine management as to its  
road maintenance priorities. It has been 
implemented on two continents and is being 
rolled out globally. 

In the safety field specifically, we have 
developed a haul truck energy-absorbing 
bumper. Accidents between heavy and  
light vehicles are a major risk in the mining 
industry, and this new type of bumper  
will reduce the risk of fatal injuries. The 
uniqueness of the design is that the bumper 
can successfully absorb impact energies of 
up to 30 km/h without causing serious injury 
to the occupants of the light vehicle. The  
unit was successfully demonstrated at our 
Thermal Coal operations and is currently 
being rolled out on haul trucks with payloads 
above 150 tonnes.

Technical Solutions recently 
developed and implemented a haul 
truck rolling-resistance solution in 
collaboration with Komatsu and the 
University of Pretoria in South Africa.

The benefits of having our own Group 
mineralogical research capabilities have 
been well proven over many years in our 
Platinum, Copper and Iron Ore businesses. 
Recently, an opportunity was identified to 
further develop this capability in order to 
facilitate mineralogical investigations of  
coal samples, which differ vastly from other 
mineral deposits. As a result, Technical 
Solutions can now assist both our 
Metallurgical Coal and Thermal Coal 
operations to better understand their 
orebodies with regards to ash content, 
metallurgical beneficiation processes and 
product marketability. A novel instrument, 
which provides rapid and precise results for 
measuring the density of drill cores and plant 
samples, has now been developed in support 
of our renewed concentration on density 
values and their effect on mine planning  
and reserve estimation. 

40 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Exploration spend by 
commodity in 2011 
$ m

Iron Ore  $5 m
Metallurgical Coal  $5 m
Thermal Coal  $9 m
Copper  $27 m
Nickel  $26 m
Platinum  $5 m
Other  $44 m

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EXPLORATION

Our global exploration activity for 2011 
focused on greenfield exploration across  
a number of mature and frontier locations  
as well as adding value to our operations  
and advanced projects. During 2011,  
Anglo American’s exploration expenditure 
was $121 million in 16 countries,  
(2010: $136 million), while De Beers’ total 
exploration expenditure amounted to  
$40 million (2010: $43 million).

Platinum exploration costs of $5 million,  
were focused on providing support to the 
advanced projects and operations around 
South Africa’s Bushveld Complex and 
fulfilling the statutory work programme 
requirements. Exploration activities during 
the year led to a significant resource increase 
at Mogalakwena, while 2D/3D seismic 
surveys were conducted at the Der Brochen 
project and Union mine. Exploration drilling 
programmes continued at the mines in 
Rustenburg, Swartklip, Amandelbult and 
Twickenham. Platinum exploration continued 
outside South Africa at Unki in Zimbabwe  
and in Brazil.

Our global exploration activity  
for 2011 focused on greenfields 
exploration across a number of 
mature and frontier locations.

Copper exploration expenditure totalled 
$27 million and included near-mine 
exploration in Chile at the Los Bronces,  
El Soldado, Mantoverde and Mantos Blancos 
mines and advanced stage exploration 
drilling at West Wall. Drilling around  
West Wall led to the discovery of additional 
mineralisation at West Wall Norte prospect. 
Exploration also provided support for the 
development of the Los Sulfatos tunnel, 
which was completed in November 2011. 
Greenfield exploration was conducted in 
Chile, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil,  
the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, 
Canada and Indonesia.

Nickel laterite exploration expenditure  
was $4 million, which focused on exploration 
drilling in the Morro Sem Boné district  
in Brazil.

Polymetallic (copper-nickel-platinum group 
elements) exploration expenditure amounted 
to $22 million and focused on Sakatti in 
northern Finland. Exploration at this 
advanced project aimed to define the limits  
of the orebody and to test other surrounding 
high priority targets. Greenfield polymetallic 
exploration was conducted elsewhere in 
northern Finland, western Brazil, the 
Musgraves region of Western Australia and 
the Canadian Arctic. 

Iron Ore exploration expenditure of  
$5 million was concentrated around 
operations and projects in South Africa  
and Brazil. In South Africa, exploration was  
undertaken to support Kumba’s Sishen  
and Kolomela operations, as well as further 
drilling in the Northern Cape to advance 
these projects and fulfil statutory work 
programmes. Extensive surface and 
underground resource evaluation drilling 
continued on the Phoenix project at 
Thabazimbi mine. In Brazil, exploration work 
focused on evaluating resources close to  
the principal deposits and operations of 
Minas-Rio and Amapá.

Metallurgical Coal exploration expenditure  
of $5 million focused on drilling and 2D/3D 
seismic surveys to define and evaluate 
resources of coking and export thermal  
coal in Australia and Canada. In Australia, 
extensive drilling and seismic activities were 
performed to support the operations at 
Moranbah North, Capcoal, Dawson, Foxleigh, 
Drayton and Callide as well as the advanced 
projects of Grosvenor, Moranbah South, 
Drayton South and Dartbrook. Canadian 
exploration was strengthened at the Peace 
River Coal Trend mine and surrounding 
exploration leases, with the aim of defining 
additional coking coal resources. 

Thermal Coal exploration expenditure 
amounted to $9 million, which was primarily 
spent on drilling in southern Africa. In 
South Africa, exploration was undertaken 
across a number of projects, including 
Standerton, Elders, Zibulo, New Largo, Kriel 
East, Vaal basin, Heidelberg Limpopo and 
Waterberg projects. In Botswana, exploration 
focused on evaluating export thermal coal 
and coal bed methane prospectivity.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

41

 
 
 
 
 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

RECORD GROUP  
OPERATING PROFIT  
(2010: $9.8 bn)

$11.1 bn

GROUP UNDERLYING 
EARNINGS COMPARED  
TO 2010

+23%  

GROUP UNDERLYING 
EARNINGS PER SHARE 
(2010: $4.13)

$5.06

FINANCIAL REVIEW  
OF GROUP RESULTS

Group operating profit was a record at 
$11,095 million, 14% higher than 2010.

This improvement in operating profit was 
primarily driven by increases in the realised 
prices of commodities including a 42% rise  
in export metallurgical coal, a 39% increase 
in South African export thermal coal, and a 
26% increase in iron ore. However, increased 
commodity prices impacted results mainly  
in the first half of the year as global macro-
economic uncertainties led to a decrease  
in commodity prices in the second half.

During the year, three projects (Barro Alto, 
Los Bronces expansion and Kolomela)  
were delivered. While this contributed to  
an increase in production, operating profit 
was negatively affected by production 
disruptions across the Group’s operations, 
due to various causes, including inclement 
weather, safety stoppages and grade 
declines. Industry-wide mining cost 
pressures also negatively affected operating 
profit, although the impact was partly 
mitigated by the continuing positive 
performance of our embedded asset 
optimisation and procurement programmes.

The Group’s results are impacted by currency 
fluctuations in the countries where the 
operations are based. The weakening of  
the US dollar against the Australian dollar, 
Chilean peso and Brazilian real, resulted in  
a $149 million negative exchange variance  
in operating profit compared to 2010. CPI 
inflation had a further negative $585 million 
impact on operating profit.

Iron Ore and Manganese generated an 
operating profit of $4,520 million, 23%  
higher than 2010. Within this commodity 
group, Kumba Iron Ore had a strong 
performance with a record operating profit  
of $4,397 million, 29% higher than the 
previous year. 

Metallurgical Coal delivered a record 
operating profit of $1,189 million, a 52% 
increase on 2010, primarily due to higher 
realised export selling prices, which offset  
the impact of rain on production and sales.

Thermal Coal’s record operating profit of 
$1,230 million was 73% higher as a result  
of higher export thermal coal prices for both 
South African and Colombian coal and a 
strong rail performance in South Africa in  
the second half of 2011.

Copper delivered an operating profit of 
$2,461 million, 13% lower, as a result of lower 
sales volumes and higher operating costs, 
partly offset by high copper prices during the 
first half of the year.

Nickel reported an operating profit of 
$57 million, $39 million lower than 2010, 
largely due to higher project evaluation  
and exploration expenditure related to 
development of the unapproved Nickel 
project pipeline. 

Platinum generated an operating profit of 
$890 million, a $53 million increase, due to 
higher metal prices, which were offset by 
higher costs driven by labour and electricity 
rate increases.

Diamonds reported a record operating  
profit of $659 million, 33% higher, owing  
to significant price increases in 2011.

Other Mining and Industrial generated  
an operating profit of $195 million, 71%  
lower, owing to the disposal of a number  
of businesses during the year and in  
2010. Copebrás and Catalão delivered a  
combined increase in operating profit of  
29%. This was driven by an increase in sales 
volumes and prices at Copebrás owing to 
high demand for fertilizers.

Group underlying earnings were 
$6,120 million, a 23% increase on 2010, 
which reflects the operational results above. 
Net finance costs, before remeasurements, 
excluding associates, were $20 million  
(2010: $244 million). The effective rate of tax, 
before special items and remeasurements 
and including attributable share of associates’ 
tax, reduced in the year from 31.9% to 28.3%. 

Group underlying earnings per share were 
$5.06 (2010: $4.13).

42 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

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Operating profit

$ million

Iron Ore and Manganese

Metallurgical Coal

Thermal Coal

Copper

Nickel

Platinum

Diamonds

Other Mining and Industrial 

Exploration

Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs

Year ended  
31 Dec 2011

Year ended  
31 Dec 2010

4,520

1,189

1,230

2,461

57

890

659

195

(121)

15

3,681

780

710

2,817

96

837

495

664

(136)

(181)

Operating profit including associates before special items  
and remeasurements

11,095

9,763

Reconciliation of profit for the year to underlying earnings

$ million

Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders  
of the Company

Operating special items

Operating remeasurements

Net profit on disposals

Financing special items

Financing remeasurements

Special items and remeasurements tax

Non-controlling interests on special items and remeasurements

Underlying earnings(1)

Underlying earnings per share ($)

(1)  See note 4 to the financial statements.

Year ended  
31 Dec 2011

Year ended  
31 Dec 2010

6,169

6,544

173

74

253

(382)

(203)

(1,598)

9

(205)

118

(15)

6,120

5.06

13

(106)

112

140

4,976

4.13

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

43

 
 
 
 
 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Summary income statement

$ million

Year ended  
31 Dec 2011

Year ended  
31 Dec 2010

Operating profit before special items and remeasurements

9,668

8,508

Operating special items

Operating remeasurements

Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint ventures

Net profit on disposals

Share of net income from associates (see reconciliation below)

Total profit from operations and associates

Net finance costs before remeasurements

Financing remeasurements 

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the financial year

Non-controlling interests

Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders

Basic earnings per share ($)

Group operating profit including associates before special items  
and remeasurements(1)

  Operating profit from associates before special items and remeasurements

Operating special items and remeasurements

Net profit on disposals

Net finance costs (before special items and remeasurements)

Financing special items and remeasurements

Income tax expense (after special items and remeasurements)

Non-controlling interests (after special items and remeasurements)

Share of net income from associates

(164)

(65)

9,439

183

977

(228)

386

8,666

1,579

822

10,599

11,067

(20)

203

(244)

105

10,782

10,928

(2,860)

(2,809)

7,922

8,119

(1,753)

(1,575)

6,169

5.10

11,095

1,427

(18)

20

(48)

(7)

(384)

(13)

977

6,544

5.43

9,763

1,255

(29)

19

(88)

(12)

(315)

(8)

822

(1)  Operating profit before special items and remeasurements from subsidiaries and joint ventures was $9,668 million  

(2010: $8,508 million) and attributable share from associates was $1,427 million (2010: $1,255 million). For special items 
and remeasurements see note 5 to the financial statements.

44 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Special items and remeasurements
Operating special items and 
remeasurements, including associates, 
amounted to a loss of $247 million and 
included impairment and related charges, 
restructuring costs and operating 
remeasurements. Impairment and  
related charges were $154 million  
(2010: $122 million). This principally 
comprised an impairment of Tarmac  
Building Products of $70 million (Other 
Mining and Industrial segment) and 
accelerated depreciation of $84 million 
(2010: $97 million), mainly arising at  
Loma de Níquel (Nickel segment). The 
accelerated depreciation charge at  
Loma de Níquel has arisen due to ongoing 
uncertainty over the renewal of three 
concessions that expire in 2012 and over  
the restoration of 13 concessions that have 
been cancelled. Restructuring costs in 2011 
principally relate to retrenchment and 
consultancy costs within the Platinum and 
Diamond segments (2010: Other Mining and 
Industrial, Platinum and Diamond segments).

Operating remeasurements reflect a net loss 
of $74 million (2010: gain of $382 million) 
principally in respect of non-hedge 
derivatives of capital expenditure in Iron Ore 
Brazil. Derivatives which have been realised 
in the year had a cumulative net operating 
remeasurement gain since their inception of 
$383 million (2010: gains of $255 million).

Net profit on disposals, including associates, 
amounted to a gain of $203 million  
(2010: $1,598 million). In February 2011, the 
Group completed the disposal of its 100% 
interest in the Lisheen operation and its  
74% interest in Black Mountain Mining 
(Proprietary) Limited, which holds 100% of 
the Black Mountain mine and the Gamsberg 
project, resulting in a net cash inflow of 
$499 million, generating a profit on disposal 
of $397 million. Lisheen and Black Mountain 
were included in the Other Mining and 
Industrial segment.

Also included in net profit on disposals is  
an IFRS 2 Share-based Payment charge of 
$131 million resulting from a community 
economic empowerment transaction 
involving certain of Platinum’s host 
communities, which was completed in 
December 2011.

The Group sold Tarmac’s businesses  
in China, Turkey and Romania in July,  
October and November 2011 respectively. 

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Special items and remeasurements

Year ended 31 Dec 2011

Year ended 31 Dec 2010

$ million

Subsidiaries 
and joint 
ventures

Associates

Operating special items

(164)

Operating 
remeasurements

Operating special items 
and remeasurements

Net profit on disposals

Financing special items

Financing 
remeasurements

Special items and 
remeasurements tax

Non-controlling interests 
on special items and 
remeasurements

(65)

(229)

183

–

203

(119)

12

(9)

(9)

(18)

20

(9)

2

1

3

Subsidiaries 
and joint 
ventures

Associates

(228)

(25)

Total

(173)

(74)

386

(247)

203

(9)

158

1,579

–

205

105

(118)

(110)

(4)

(29)

19

(13)

1

(2)

Total

(253)

382

129

1,598

(13)

106

(112)

15

(141)

1

(140)

Tax

$ million (unless  
otherwise stated)

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit for the  
financial year

Effective tax rate 
including associates 

Year ended 31 Dec 2011

Year ended 31 Dec 2010

Before 
special  
items and 
remeasure-
ments

Associates’  
tax and 
non-
controlling 
interests

Including 
associates

Before 
special  
items and 
remeasure-
ments

Associates’  
tax and 
non-
controlling 
interests

10,626

(2,741)

401

11,027

(385)

(3,126)

9,109

(2,699)

322

(313)

Including 
associates

9,431

(3,012)

7,885

16

7,901

6,410

9

6,419

28.3%

31.9%

Financing remeasurements reflect a net gain 
of $205 million (2010: gain of $106 million), 
including associates, and relate to an 
embedded interest rate derivative,  
non-hedge derivatives of debt and other 
financing remeasurements.

Special items and remeasurements tax 
amounted to a charge of $118 million  
(2010: charge of $112 million). This related to 
a credit for one-off tax items of $137 million 
(2010: nil), a tax remeasurement charge of 
$230 million (2010: credit of $122 million) 
and a tax charge on special items  
and remeasurements of $25 million  
(2010: charge of $234 million). 

The current year credit relating to one-off  
tax items of $137 million principally related to 
the recognition of deferred tax assets in Iron 
Ore Brazil which were originally written off  
as part of the impairment charges related to 
the Amapá iron ore system in 2009, and a 
capital gains tax refund related to a prior  
year disposal.

Net finance costs
Net finance costs, before remeasurements, 
excluding associates, were $20 million  
(2010: $244 million). This reduction was 
driven by increased interest income due to 
higher average levels of cash and an increase 
in interest capitalised.

Tax
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 
income tax expense. Associates’ tax  
included within share of net income from 
associates for the year ended 31 December 
2011 is $384 million (2010: $315 million). 
Excluding special items and 
remeasurements, this amounted to  
$385 million (2010: $313 million).

The effective tax rate before special items 
and remeasurements, including attributable 
share of associates’ tax, for the year  
ended 31 December 2011 was 28.3%  
(2010: 31.9%). The decrease was due to a 
number of non-recurring factors that include 
the recognition of previously unrecognised 
tax losses and the reassessment of certain 
withholding tax provisions across the Group. 
In future, it is expected that the effective tax 
rate, including associates’ tax, will remain 
above the United Kingdom statutory tax rate.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW GROUP FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Balance sheet 
Equity attributable to equity shareholders  
of the Company was $39,092 million  
at 31 December 2011 (31 December  
2010: $34,239 million). This variance was 
mainly due to the increase in Group operating 
profit, and the proceeds on the disposal of 
24.5% of Anglo American Sur (AA Sur). 
Investments in associates were $340 million 
higher than at 31 December 2010, principally 
as a result of a significant improvement  
in earnings at De Beers. Property, plant  
and equipment increased by $739 million 
compared to 31 December 2010, due to 
ongoing investment in growth projects. There 
were no assets classified as held for sale at 
31 December 2011 (compared to assets,  
net of associated liabilities, of $188 million  
at 31 December 2010) due to the sale of the 
remaining Zinc assets during the year.

Cash flow
Net cash inflows from operating activities 
were $9,362 million (2010: $7,727 million). 
EBITDA was $13,348 million, an increase of 
11% from $11,983 million in the prior year, 
reflecting strong prices across the Group’s 
core commodities.

Net cash used in investing activities was 
$4,853 million (2010: $2,470 million). 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, 
net of related derivative cash flows, amounted 
to $5,764 million, an increase of $770 million, 
reflecting major spend on the Group’s 
strategic growth projects. Proceeds from 
disposals, principally the Group’s remaining 
Zinc portfolio (net of cash and cash 
equivalents disposed) were $533 million 
(2010: $2,795 million).

Net cash inflow from financing activities  
was $1,474 million compared with net  
cash used of $2,400 million in 2010.  
During the year the Group paid dividends  
of $818 million to company shareholders,  
and $1,404 million in dividends to  
non-controlling interests.

Liquidity and funding 
Net debt, including related hedges, was 
$1,374 million, a decrease of $6,010 million 
from $7,384 million at 31 December 2010. 
The decrease in net debt reflects strong 
operating cash flows and proceeds on the 
disposal of 24.5% of AA Sur.

Net debt at 31 December 2011 comprised 
$12,873 million of debt, partially offset by 
$11,732 million of cash and cash equivalents, 
and the current position of derivative  
liabilities related to net debt of $233 million. 
Net debt to total capital(1) at 31 December 
2011 was 3.1%, compared with 16.3% at  
31 December 2010.

At 31 December 2011, the Group had 
undrawn committed bank facilities of  
$8.4 billion. 

The Group’s forecasts and projections, taking 
account of reasonably possible changes in 
trading performance, indicate the Group’s 
ability to operate within the level of its current 
facilities for the foreseeable future.

Corporate Activities and  
Unallocated Costs
Following a reassessment of our estimate  
of the likely outcome of existing insurance 
claims and a low number of new claims 
received, liabilities in the insurance captive 
have reduced in 2011. This reduction, 
combined with an increase in insurance 
premium income, has more than offset the 
unallocated corporate costs in 2011, resulting 
in an operating profit recorded within 
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs.

Dividends
Anglo American’s dividend policy will provide 
a base dividend that will be maintained or 
increased through the cycle. The Group has 
maintained this policy and recommended a 
final dividend of 46 US cents per share, giving 
a total dividend for the year of 74 US cents 
per share, subject to shareholder approval  
at the Annual General Meeting to be held on  
19 April 2012. As previously stated, taking 
into account the Group’s substantial 
investment programme for future growth, 
future earnings potential and the continuing 
need for a robust balance sheet, any surplus 
cash will be returned to shareholders. 

Analysis of dividends
US cents per share

Interim dividend 

Recommended  
final dividend

Total dividends

2011

28

46

74

2010

25

40

65

(1)  Net debt to total capital is 

calculated as net debt divided 
by total capital. Total capital is 
net assets excluding net debt.

46 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

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Sensitivity analysis in respect of currency and commodity prices

Set out below is the impact on underlying earnings of a 10% fluctuation in certain of  
the Group’s commodity prices and exchange rates

Commodity

Platinum(2)
Metallurgical Coal(3)

Thermal Coal(4)
Copper(5)
Nickel(5)
Iron Ore(6)
Palladium(2)
ZAR/USD

AUD/USD

CLP/USD

Average price(1)

2011

2010

$1,725/oz

$1,610/oz

$251/t

$114/t

400c/lb

1,035c/lb

$158/t

$736/oz

7.26

0.97

484

$177/t

$82/t

342c/lb

989/lb

$125/t

$527/oz

7.32

1.09

510

10%(7)

sensitivity
US$ million

205

218

239

350

54

223

48

472

179

54

(1)  

‘oz’ denotes ounces, ‘t’ denotes tonnes, ‘c’ denotes cents, ‘lb’ denotes pounds.

(2)   Source: Johnson Matthey Plc.
(3)   Average realised FOB price of export metallurgical coal.
(4)   Average realised FOB price of export thermal coal (South Africa).
(5)   Being the average LME price.
(6)   Average price represents average iron ore (South Africa) export price achieved.
(7)   Excludes the effect of any hedging activities. Stated after tax at marginal rate. Sensitivities are the average of the positive 
and negative and the impact of a 10% change in the average prices received and exchange rates during 2011. Increases in 
commodity prices increase underlying earnings and vice versa. A strengthening of the South African rand, Australian dollar 
and Chilean peso relative to the US dollar reduces underlying earnings and vice versa.

Related party transactions
Related party transactions are disclosed in 
note 36 to the financial statements.

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 
2011, 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 finance 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 2011 

47

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW RISK

EFFECTIVE RISK 
MANAGEMENT

“Understanding our key risks and developing 
appropriate responses is critical to our future success. 
We are committed to a robust system of risk 
identification and an effective response to such risks.”

HOW DO WE MANAGE RISK?

The management of risk is critical to the success of Anglo American. The Group is 
exposed to a variety of risks which can have a financial, operational or reputational 
impact. Effective management of risk supports the delivery of the Group’s objectives 
and achievement of sustainable growth.

David Challen 
Chairman, Audit Committee

1. Identifying risks
A consistently applied methodology  
is used to identify key risks at Group 
business units, operations and 
projects. The risk management 
process is undertaken through a 
series of risk workshops at least 
annually at business units, sites and  
at key stages in projects. An update  
is performed every six months.

4. Reporting and monitoring
Management is responsible for 
monitoring progress of actions to 
mitigate key risks and is supported 
through the Group’s internal audit 
programme, which evaluates the 
design and effectiveness of controls 
to mitigate key risks.

The results of the key risk 
management process are  
reported to the Audit Committee 
every six months.

Identifying risks

Analysing risks  
and controls  
to manage 
 identified risks

2

2. Analysing risks and controls  
to manage identified risks
Once identified, the process will 
evaluate identified risks to establish 
financial and non-financial impacts, 
likelihood of occurrence and root 
causes. Consideration of current 
controls to mitigate the risks is also 
undertaken to enable a prioritised 
register of risks to be created.

1

ANGLO AMERICAN  
ASSESSMENT  
OF STRATEGIC,  
OPERATIONAL AND  
PROJECT RISKS

3

3. Determining management 
actions required
If additional controls are required 
these will be identified and 
responsibilities assigned.

4

Reporting  
and monitoring

Determining 
management  
actions required

48 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Commodity prices

Commodity prices  
for all products that 
Anglo American 
produces are subject  
to wide fluctuation.

Liquidity risk

The Group is exposed  
to liquidity risk in terms  
of being able to fund 
operations and growth.

Counterparty risk

The Group is exposed  
to counterparty risk  
from customers, certain 
suppliers and holders  
of cash.

Currency risk

The Group is exposed  
to currency risk where 
transactions are not 
conducted in US dollars.

Inflation

Impact: Commodity price volatility can result  
in material and adverse movement in the Group’s 
operating results, asset values, revenues and  
cash flows.

Falling commodity prices could prevent the Group 
from completing certain transactions that are 
important to its business and which may have an 
adverse affect on its financial position – e.g. inability  
to sell assets at values or within timelines expected. 

Root cause: Commodity prices are determined 
primarily by international markets and global supply 
and demand. The demand for commodities will  
largely be determined by the strength of the global 
economic environment.

Mitigation: The diversified nature of the 
commodities that Anglo American produces provides 
some protection to this risk, and the policy of the 
Group is not to engage in commodity price hedging.

If commodity prices remain weak for a sustained 
period, the ability of the Group to deliver growth  
in future years may be adversely affected as growth 
projects may not be viable at lower prices.

The Group constantly monitors the markets in  
which it operates and reviews capital expenditure 
programmes to ensure supply of product reflects 
forecast market conditions.

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Impact: If the Group is unable to obtain sufficient  
credit due to capital market conditions, it may not be 
able to raise sufficient funds to develop new projects, 
fund acquisitions or meet its ongoing financing needs. 
As a result, revenues, operating results, cash flows or 
financial position may be adversely affected.

Root cause: Liquidity risk arises from uncertainty  
or volatility in the capital or credit markets due to 
perceived weaknesses of the global economic 
environment or possibly as a response to shock 
events. Liquidity risk also arises when lenders are 
insecure about the long term cash generative capacity 
of the Group.

Mitigation: The Group has an experienced  
Treasury team who are responsible for ensuring that 
there are sufficient committed loan facilities in place  
to meet short term business requirements after taking 
into account cash flows from operations and holdings 
of cash, as well as any Group distribution restrictions 
which exist. The Group limits exposure on liquid funds 
through a policy of minimum counterparty credit 
ratings, daily counterparty settlement limits and 
exposure diversification. 

Impact: Financial losses may arise should those 
counterparties become unable to meet their 
obligations to the Group.

Root cause: Severe economic conditions or shock 
events as experienced in recent years can have a 
major impact on the ability of financial institutions  
and other counterparties that the Group has 
relationships with to meet their obligations.

Mitigation: The Group Treasury team is responsible 
for managing counterparty risk with banks where  
Anglo American places cash deposits. However, the 
Treasury operations of joint ventures and associates 
are independently managed and may expose the 
Group to financial risks.

For other counterparty risks the Group’s businesses 
have in place credit management procedures.

Impact: 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, and pound 
sterling) may adversely affect financial results to a 
material extent.

Root cause: The global nature of the Group’s 
businesses exposes the Group to currency risk.

Mitigation: Given the diversified nature of the Group, 
the Group’s policy is generally not to hedge currency 
risk. Mitigation in the form of foreign exchange 
hedging is limited to debt instruments and capital 
expenditure on major projects.

The Group is exposed to 
potentially higher rates of 
inflation in the countries  
in which it operates. 

Impact: Higher rates of inflation may increase  
future operational costs if there is no concurrent 
depreciation of the local currency against the  
US dollar, or an increase in the dollar price of the 
applicable commodity.

This may have a negative impact on profit margins  
and financial results.

Root cause: Cost inflation in the mining sector is 
more apparent during periods of high commodity 
prices as demand for input goods and services can 
exceed supply.

Mitigation: The Group manages costs very closely 
through its asset optimisation and supply chain 
initiatives and, where necessary, through making 
efficiencies in employee and contractor numbers.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

49

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW RISK

Health and safety

Failure to maintain the 
high levels of safety 
management can result  
in harm to the Group’s 
employees, contractors, 
communities near our 
operations and damage 
to the environment.

Occupational health  
risks to employees  
and contractors  
include noise-induced 
hearing loss, occupational 
lung diseases and 
tuberculosis.

HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan 
Africa in particular is a 
threat to economic 
growth and development. 

Environment

Certain of the Group’s 
operations create 
environmental risk in  
the form of dust, noise  
or leakage of polluting 
substances from site 
operations and 
uncontrolled breaches  
of tailings dam facilities, 
generating harm to the 
Group’s employees, 
contractors, the 
communities near the 
Group’s operations, air 
quality, water purity and 
land contamination.

Exploration

Exploration and 
development are costly 
activities, with no 
guarantee of success,  
but are necessary for 
future growth.

Impact: In addition to injury, health and environmental 
damage, impacts could include fines and penalties, 
liability to employees or third parties, impairment of 
the Group’s reputation, industrial action or inability to 
attract and retain skilled employees. Government 
authorities may force closure of mines on a temporary 
or permanent basis or refuse mining right applications. 

The recruitment and retention of skilled people 
required to meet growth aspirations can be impacted 
by high rates of HIV/AIDS.

Root cause: Mining is a hazardous industry and 
working conditions such as weather, altitude and 
temperature can add to the inherent dangers of 
mining, whether underground or in open pit mines.

Mitigation: Anglo American sets a very high  
priority on safety and health matters. A safety risk 
management process, global standards and a safety 
and environment assurance programme form part of 
a consistently applied robust approach to mitigating 
safety risk.

Anglo American provides anti-retroviral therapy to 
employees with HIV/AIDS and undertakes education 
and awareness programmes to help prevent infection 
or spread of infection.

Impact: Potential impacts include fines and penalties, 
statutory liability for environmental remediation and 
other financial consequences that may be significant.

Governments may force closure of mines on a 
temporary or permanent basis or refuse future mining 
right applications.

Root cause: The mining process, including blasting 
and processing orebodies, can generate dust and 
noise and will require the storage of waste materials  
in liquid form.

Mitigation: The Group implements a number  
of initiatives to monitor and limit the impact of its 
operations on the environment.

Impact: Failure to discover new Mineral Resources  
of sufficient magnitude could adversely affect future 
results and the Group’s financial condition.

Root cause: Exploration and development are 
speculative activities and often take place in 
challenging or remote locations from a climate, 
altitude or political perspective.

Mitigation: The Group invests considerable sums 
each year in focused exploration programmes to 
enable resource discovery and development to 
reserves. This investment includes the use of leading 
technology in exploration activity.

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.

Impact: Potential impacts include restrictions  
on the export of currency, expropriation of assets, 
imposition of royalties or other taxes targeted  
at mining companies, and requirements for local 
ownership or beneficiation. Political instability  
can also result in civil unrest, nullification of existing 
agreements, mining permits or leases. 

Any of these may adversely affect the Group’s 
operations or results of those operations.

Root cause: The Group has no control over  
local political acts or changes in local tax rates.  
It recognises that its licence to operate through 
mining rights is dependent on a number of factors, 
including compliance with regulations.

Mitigation: The Group actively monitors regulatory 
and political developments on a continuous basis.

50 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Climate change

The Group’s operations 
are exposed to changes  
in climate and the need  
to comply with changes  
in the regulatory 
environment aimed at 
reducing the effects of 
climate change.

Supply risk

The inability to obtain  
key consumables, raw 
materials, mining and 
processing equipment  
in a timely manner.

Impact: Potential impacts from climate change  
are difficult to assess and will depend on the 
circumstances at individual sites, but could include 
increased rainfall, flooding, water shortages and 
higher average temperatures. These may increase 
costs, reduce production levels or impact the results 
of operations.

Policy developments at an international, national  
and sub-national level, including those related to the 
1997 Kyoto Protocol and subsequent international 
agreements and emissions trading schemes, could 
adversely affect the profitability of the Group. 
Regulatory measures may affect energy prices, 
demand or the margins achieved for carbon intensive 
products such as coal.

Impact: Any interruption to the Group’s supplies  
or increases in costs adversely affects the Group’s 
financial position and future performance.

Root cause: During strong commodity cycles, 
increased demand can be experienced for such 
supplies, resulting in periods when supplies are  
not always available to meet demand.

Anglo American has limited influence over 
manufacturers and suppliers.

Root cause: The Group is a significant user of energy 
and one of the key commodities it produces is coal.

Mitigation: In addition to the initiatives to monitor  
and limit the impact of operations on the environment, 
the Group continuously seeks to reduce energy  
input levels into its operations. The asset optimisation 
programme seeks to make operations more  
energy efficient. 

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Mitigation: The Group takes a proactive approach  
to developing relationships with critical suppliers  
and improving the effectiveness of the Group’s  
purchasing leverage.

Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources

The Group’s Ore 
Reserves and Mineral 
Resources estimates 
are subject to a number  
of assumptions which  
may be incorrect.

Impact: Deviations from the estimated price of 
commodities, production costs and mining and 
processing recovery rates may have an impact on  
the financial condition and prospects of the Group.

Root cause: All assumptions related to Ore Reserves  
and Mineral Resources are long term in nature and are  
subject to volatility owing to economic, regulatory  
or political influences.

Mitigation: The Group is experienced in managing 
Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources and has robust 
procedures in place to reduce the likelihood of 
significant variation. All factors are consistently 
monitored by management.

The Group’s procedure on reporting of Ore Reserves 
and Mineral Resource estimates is summarised on 
page 177.

Operational performance and project delivery

Failure to meet 
production targets  
or project delivery 
timetables and budgets.

Impact: Increased unit costs may arise from failure  
to meet production targets affecting the results of 
operations and financial performance. Failure to meet 
project delivery timetables and budgets may affect 
operational performance, delay cash inflows, increase 
capital costs and reduce profitability, as well as have  
a negative impact on the Group’s reputation.

Root cause: Increasing regulatory, environmental,  
access and social approvals can increase construction 
costs and introduce delays.

Operational performance can be affected by technical 
and engineering factors as well as events or 
circumstances impacting other critical inputs to the 
mining and processing of minerals.

Mitigation: Management oversight of operating 
performance and project delivery through regular 
executive management briefings, a continuous focus 
on improvement of operations through the asset 
optimisation programme, and consistent application 
of the Group’s methodology for new projects are key 
to managing this risk.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

51

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW RISK

Event risk

Damage to physical 
assets from fire, 
explosion, natural 
catastrophe or 
breakdown of critical 
machinery.

Impact: The direct costs of repair or replacement 
combined with business interruption losses can result 
in financial losses.

Root cause: Some of the Group’s operations are 
located in areas exposed to natural catastrophe such  
as earthquake/extreme weather conditions. The  
impact of climate change may intensify the severity  
of weather events. 

The nature of the Group’s operations exposes it to 
failure of mining pit slopes and tailings dam walls, fire, 
explosion and breakdown of critical machinery, with 
long lead times for replacement.

Mitigation: 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.

Contingency plans are developed within the Group  
to respond to significant events and recover normal 
levels of business activity.

The Group purchases insurance to protect itself 
against the financial consequences of an event, 
subject to availability and cost.

Employees

The ability to recruit, 
develop and retain 
appropriate skills for  
the Group.

Impact: 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 risk of strike or other 
industrial relations 
disputes may occur.

Industrial disputes may have an adverse effect on 
production levels, costs and the results of operations.

Root cause: The Group is subject to global 
competition for skilled labour. The location of the 
Group’s assets and development projects can be 
remote or in countries where it is challenging to 
recruit suitably skilled employees.

Employees in the key countries where the Group 
operates are unionised. Negotiations over wage 
levels or working conditions can sometimes fail to 
result in agreement.

Contractors

Inability to employ the 
services of contractors to 
meet business needs or 
at expected cost levels.

Impact: Disruption of operations or increased costs 
may arise if key contractors are not available to meet 
production needs. Delays in start-up of new projects 
may also occur.

Mitigation: Anglo American’s objective is to  
be the Employer of Choice in the mining sector.  
A comprehensive Human Resources strategy has  
been devised to support that objective, focused  
on the attraction, retention and development of 
talented employees and the effective deployment  
of talent across the Group. The Group seeks 
constructive relationships and dialogue with trade 
unions and employees in all its businesses.

Root cause: Mining contractors are used at a 
number of the Group’s operations to develop mining 
projects, mine and deliver ore to processing plants.  
In periods of high commodity prices, demand for 
contractors may exceed supply.

Mitigation: Effective planning and establishment of 
effective working relationships with key contractors 
are utilised to mitigate this risk.

Business integrity

Failure to prevent acts of 
fraud, bribery, corruption 
or anti-competitive 
behaviour.

Impact: Potential impacts include prosecution,  
fines, penalties and reputation damage.

The Group may suffer financial loss if it is the victim of 
a fraudulent act.

Root cause: In certain countries where the Group 
operates the risk of corruption is high, as indicated by 
indices prepared by independent non-governmental 
organisations (NGOs).

Mitigation: The Group has very clear principles on 
the manner in which it conducts its business and 
expects all employees to act in accordance with its 
values. Policies and awareness programmes are in 
place to ensure consistent understanding of the 
Group’s expectations.

The Group’s internal control environment is designed 
to prevent fraud and is regularly reviewed by an 
internal audit team to provide assurance that controls 
are designed and operating effectively.

52 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Joint ventures

Failure to achieve 
expected standards  
of health, safety  
and environment 
performance in  
joint ventures.

Impact: If similar standards are not implemented in 
joint ventures, higher costs or lower production may 
result and have a bearing on operational results, asset 
values or the Group’s reputation.

Acquisitions and divestments

Root cause: 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.

Mitigation: The Group seeks to mitigate this risk  
by way of a thorough evaluation process before 
commitment to any joint venture and implementation 
of ongoing governance processes in existing joint 
ventures.

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Failure to achieve 
expected benefits  
from any acquisition  
or value from assets  
or businesses sold.

Infrastructure

Inability to obtain 
adequate supporting 
facilities, services and 
installations (water, 
power, road, rail and  
port, etc.).

Impact: Failing to deliver expected acquisitions  
can result in adverse financial performance, lower 
production volumes or problems with product quality. 
The Group could find itself liable for past acts or 
omissions of the acquired business without any 
adequate right of redress. 

Failure to achieve expected values from the sale of 
assets or delivery beyond expected receipt of funds 
may result in higher debt levels, underperformance of 
those businesses and possible loss of key personnel.

Root cause: Benefits may not be achieved as a result 
of changing or incorrect assumptions or materially 
different market conditions or deficiencies in the due 
diligence process.

Delays in the sale of assets or reductions in value may 
arise due to changing market conditions.

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

Impact: Failure to obtain supporting facilities may 
affect the sustainability and growth of the business, 
leading to loss of competitiveness, market share  
and reputation.

Failure of rail or port facilities may result in delays  
and increased costs as well as lost revenue and 
reputation with customers. Failure to procure  
shipping costs at competitive market rates may  
reduce profit margins.

Root cause: The potential disruption of ongoing 
generation and supply of power is a risk faced by the 
Group in a number of countries in which it operates. 
The Group’s operations and projects can be located  
in countries or regions where power and water 
supplies are not certain and may be affected by 
population growth, the effects of climate change  
or lack of investment by owners of infrastructure.

The Group relies upon effective rail and port facilities 
for its products and will be expected to provide 
shipment of product in some circumstances to 
customers’ premises. The Group relies on third parties 
to provide these services.

Mitigation: The Group seeks to work closely with 
suppliers of infrastructure to mitigate the risk of failure 
and has established contingency arrangements.  
Long term agreements with suppliers are sought 
where appropriate.

Community relations

Disputes with 
communities may arise 
from time to time.

Impact: Failure to manage relationships with  
local communities, government and NGOs may 
disrupt operations and adversely affect the Group’s 
reputation as well as its ability to bring projects  
into production.

Mitigation: The Group has developed 
comprehensive processes to enable its business  
units to effectively manage relationships with 
communities and actively seeks engagement with  
all communities impacted by the Group’s operations.

Root cause: 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.

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.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

53

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW IRON ORE AND MANGANESE

IRON ORE AND 
MANGANESE

Financial highlights

$ million (unless otherwise stated)

Operating profit

Kumba Iron Ore

Iron Ore Brazil

Samancor

EBITDA

Net operating assets

Capital expenditure

Share of Group operating profit

Share of Group net operating assets

2011

4,520

4,397

(42)

165

2010

3,681

3,396

(97)

382

4,733

3,856

13,069

11,701

1,732

41%

30%

1,195

38%

27%

Chris Griffith 
CEO – Kumba

Paulo  
Castellari-Porchia 
CEO – Iron Ore Brazil

OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: $3,681m)

 $4,520 m

SHARE OF GROUP 
OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: 38%)

 41%

EBITDA
(2010: $3,856 m)

$4,733 m

01

GROUP STRATEGY ACTIONS 

Investing – in world class assets in the most 
attractive commodities 
At our Minas-Rio iron ore project in Brazil, more 
than 200 km of pipeline that will transport iron ore 
slurry from the mine in the state of Minas Gerais to 
the port of Açu has been installed.

Organising – efficiently and effectively 
In our manganese businesses, a change in 
product mix, to focus on less energy intensive 
FeMn production, has helped offset the high cost 
environment experienced in the year.

Operating – safely,  
sustainably and responsibly 
Kumba had an outstanding safety performance  
in the year, ending 2011 fatality-free and with an 
LTIFR 33% below 2010.

Employing – the best people 
Envision, Kumba’s broad-based employee share 
participation scheme, which includes over 6,000 
permanent employee members, reached its first 
maturity in 2011. At the conclusion of its first five 
year phase it was valued at $319 million.

01   Construction of a pump station 
at the mine site of Minas-Rio 
iron ore project in Minas Gerais 
state, Brazil.

54 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Our Iron Ore portfolio principally comprises  
a 65.2% shareholding in Kumba Iron Ore 
Limited (Kumba), a leading supplier of 
seaborne iron ore, and Iron Ore Brazil’s  
100% interest in Anglo Ferrous Minas-Rio 
Mineração S.A., a 49% shareholding 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 (together, the Minas-Rio 
project), and a 70% interest in the Amapá 
iron ore system.

Kumba, listed on the Johannesburg Stock 
Exchange, produces a leading quality  
lump ore. Export ore is transported via the 
Sishen-Saldanha Iron Ore Export Channel to 
Saldanha Port. The rail and port operations 
are owned and operated by the South African 
parastatal Transnet. Kumba is well positioned 
to supply the high growth Asia-Pacific and 
Middle East markets and European steel 
markets in light of an expected decline in 
lump ore supplies from other sources.

Kumba operates three mines – Sishen mine 
in the Northern Cape, which produced  
38.9 Mt of iron ore in 2011, Thabazimbi mine 
in Limpopo, with an output of 0.9 Mt, and 
Kolomela mine, also in the Northern Cape, 
which was brought into production during 
2011 and produced 1.5 Mt during the year.  
In 2011, Kumba exported more than 85%  
of its total iron ore sales volumes of 43.6 Mt, 
with 68% of these exports destined for China 
and the remainder for Europe, Japan, South 
Korea and the Middle East.

Our Minas-Rio iron ore project is located  
in the states of Minas Gerais and Rio de 
Janeiro and will include open pit mines and a 
beneficiation plant in Minas Gerais producing 
high grade pellet feed. On completion of 
Phase 1, ore will be transported through a 
525 kilometre slurry pipeline to the port of 
Açu in Rio de Janeiro state. Amapá, in Amapá 
state in northern Brazil, continues to ramp up 
its pellet feed and sinter feed production, 
which reached 4.8 Mt in 2011, and is 
expected to produce 5.5 Mt in 2012.

Our Manganese interests consist of a  
40% shareholding in Samancor Holdings, 
which owns Hotazel Manganese Mines  
and Metalloys, both in South Africa, and a 
40% shareholding in each of the Australian-
based operations Groote Eylandt Mining 
Company (GEMCO) and Tasmanian Electro 
Metallurgical Company (TEMCO), with  
BHP Billiton owning 60% and having 
management control. Samancor is the 
world’s largest producer of seaborne 
manganese ore and is among the top  

three global producers of manganese alloy. 
Its operations produce a combination of ores, 
alloys and metal from sites in South Africa 
and Australia.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Demand for iron ore globally is linked 
primarily to the state of the global steel 
industry and, more specifically, to the  
steel manufacturing sector in China.  
The country is the largest steel producer  
and consumer in the world and accounts  
for more than two-thirds of global seaborne  
iron ore imports.

In 2011, global steel production increased 6% 
to 1.5 billion tonnes (2010: 1.4 billion tonnes), 
of which 685 Mt were produced in China 
(2010: 627 Mt), an increase of 9% (2010: 10%). 
China’s seaborne iron ore imports rose by 
11% to 684 Mt (2010: 619 Mt). The balance  
of China’s iron ore needs was met by 
domestic iron ore production, which rose  
by approximately 7% to 305 Mt. 

STRATEGY AND GROWTH

Anglo American’s core strategy is to grow  
our position in iron ore and to supply premium 
iron ore products against a background of 
declining quality global iron ore supplies.  
We have a unique iron ore resource profile, 
with extensive, high quality resource bases  
in South Africa and Brazil. Significant  
future growth will come from Minas-Rio 
(including expansion potential) and 
expansion at Kolomela.

Kumba seeks to sustainably maximise total 
shareholder value by enhancing the value  
of its current operations through the 
implementation of its asset optimisation 
programmes, capturing value across the 
value chain through its commercial and 
logistics strategy, executing its growth 
projects and ensuring that it has the 
organisational resources and capabilities  
to execute its strategy. 

Kumba plans to grow its business organically 
in order to achieve production of 80 to 
90 Mtpa of iron ore by 2020, 70 Mtpa from 
South Africa and the remainder from other 
countries in Africa. 

Minas-Rio will capture a significant part of  
the high growth pellet feed market with its 
premium product featuring high iron content 
and low contaminants. Phase 1 of the 
Minas-Rio project will produce 26.5 Mtpa, 
with first production scheduled after 
completion and commissioning of the 
project, which is anticipated in the second  
half of 2013. During the year, civil works 

2011 Iron ore 
production(1) 
Total 1,825 Mt

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Western Europe  1.5%
Other Europe and CIS  10.6%
North America  5.9%
South America  19.4%
Africa  4.0%
Asia  32.9%
Oceania  25.7%

Source: CRU

(1)  Apparent production of iron ore pellets, 

sinter fines and lump.

2011 Iron ore 
consumption(1) 
Total 1,825 Mt

Unaccounted imports/stock changes  2.6%
Western Europe  6.7%
Other Europe and CIS  9.1%
North America  4.2%
South America  3.5%
Africa  0.8%
Asia  72.5%
Oceania  0.6%

Source: CRU

(1)  Apparent consumption of iron ore pellets, 

sinter fines and lump.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

55

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW IRON ORE AND MANGANESE

Kolomela, which was 
brought into commercial 
production during 
December 2011, is 
expected to produce  
at design capacity  
9 Mtpa of iron ore.

Iron ore price (FOB Australia)

200

180

160

t
/
$

140

120

100

Jan 11

Mar 11

May 11

Jul 11

Sep 11

Nov 11

Jan 12

Spot

QAMOM(1)

(1) QAMOM is a pricing mechanism based on average quarter in arrears minus one month.

Source: Anglo American Commodity Research

commenced at the beneficiation plant, 
tailings dam earthworks progressed in  
line with the project schedule, while  
good progress was made in installing the  
525 kilometre slurry pipeline. Further 
expansion potential is supported by the 2011 
resource estimate of 5.8 billion tonnes 
(Measured, Indicated and Inferred), and 
further resource potential is considered to 
exist. While focus has been on Phase 1 
construction, studies for the expansion of the 
project, including consideration of the optimal 
production profile, continue to be evaluated.

Kolomela, which was brought into 
commercial production during December 
2011, is expected to produce at design 
capacity 9 Mtpa of iron ore. With initial 
production of 1.5 Mt during 2011, the mine  
is on track to produce between 4 and 5 Mt  
in its ramping-up phase in 2012, before 
producing at full design capacity in 2013.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Operating profit before special items and 
remeasurements increased by 23% from 
$3,681 million to $4,520 million, principally 
owing to stronger export prices, a year-on-
year weighted average price increase of  
26% in export iron ore for Kumba and an 
increase of 3% in export sales volumes.

Markets
Global steel demand growth continued to  
be driven by ongoing urbanisation and 
industrialisation in China. China is now the 
biggest steel producing country, accounting 
for approximately 45% of the global steel 
market. In early 2011, steel production in 
China reached record levels. However, the 
tightening in monetary policy to manage the 
inflationary pressures experienced in China 
since October 2010, led to credit liquidity 
constraints and a slower GDP growth rate in 
the second half of the year. This, coupled  

with margin compression as a result of higher 
raw material input costs and lower steel 
prices, led to a reduction in steel production 
rates and downstream steel destocking by 
end-users. 

Steel demand and pricing in Europe has  
been subdued since April 2011, following 
concerns around the European sovereign 
debt crisis. Japanese steel production and 
prices were initially impacted by the 
earthquake and tsunami during the first 
quarter but recovered during the third 
quarter. However, as macro-economic 
uncertainty increased, this also weighed 
heavily on steel prices and demand in Japan 
towards the end of the year. As a result, 
European and Japanese steel producers 
started to implement production slowdowns 
in an attempt to stabilise steel markets. 
Consequently, iron ore offtake in these 
regions has slowed and China has been the 
target of diverted contractual tonnages from 
a number of suppliers. The combination of 
higher seaborne ore supplies and lower 
crude steel production during the second  
half of 2011, resulted in a sharp fall in index 
prices in the fourth quarter. Steel producers 
resumed sourcing of iron ore during 
November 2011, following a period of 
destocking, particularly in China. Index and 
spot iron ore pricing has now reached a 
support level provided by high cost Chinese 
domestic iron ore production. 

Underpinned by global steel production, 
prices for manganese ores have been under 
considerable pressure, particularly in the 
second half of 2011 on the back of a general 
oversupply in the market and a build-up of 
port inventories in China. Alloy conversion 
capacity continued to grow through the year, 
placing additional pressure on margins for all 
alloys, with some higher cost producers 
eventually idling capacity so as to cut losses.

56 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

 
Operating performance
Kumba Iron Ore
The total material mined at Sishen mine 
increased by 8% from 153.2 Mt in 2010 to 
165.0 Mt, of which waste mined was 119.0 Mt, 
an increase of 17% from 2010. This planned 
increase in mining activity was negatively 
affected by wet pit conditions resulting from 
excessive rainfall during the first half of 2011. 
As a consequence, the availability of 
run-of-mine material supplied to the dense 
media separation (DMS) plant reduced, 
causing total production at Sishen mine to 
decrease by 6% from 41.3 Mt in 2010 to  
38.9 Mt. The jig plant achieved a run rate in 
excess of design capacity, producing 13.5 Mt 
for the year (2010: 13.3 Mt) as a result of an 
improved yield brought about by moderating 
the quality of the ore produced by the plant. 
Kolomela was brought into production ahead 
of schedule. Waste material stripped in the 
year amounted to 30.3 Mt (2010: 18.6 Mt) as 
two open pits were developed at a cost of 
$131 million (2010: $108 million), all of which 
was capitalised. The plant was successfully 
commissioned during 2011, delivering 1.5 Mt 
of production in the year.

Kumba’s total sales volumes increased  
by 0.4 Mt to 43.5 Mt in 2011 (2010: 43.1 Mt). 
Total export sales volumes increased by  
1.0 Mt to a record 37.1 Mt. Export sales 
volumes to China increased to 68% of total 
export volumes for the year, compared with 
61% in 2010. The company’s traditional 
markets accounted for about 22% of export 
sales, while Kumba sold a small portion of its 
total exports into the Middle East and North 
Africa, and South America. Approximately 
73% of exports were sold to long term and 
annual contractual customers and 27% at 
prices derived from index.

Iron Ore Brazil
Iron Ore Brazil generated an operating  
loss of $42 million, largely reflecting the  
pre-operational state of the Minas-Rio 
project. 

The Amapá operation contributed an 
operating profit of $120 million for the  
year, compared with an operating profit  
of $16 million in 2010, reflecting a strong 
production performance and continued  
cost containment during a period of elevated 
prices. Production in 2011 totalled 4.8 Mt,  
a 20% increase over the previous year.

Samancor
Operating profit declined by 57% to 
$165 million (2010: $382 million), driven 
mainly by lower prices and stronger  
average local currencies in South Africa  
and Australia. 

01    Minas-Rio’s pump station  
No. 2 under construction.

02     The iron ore export port of 

Açu in Rio de Janeiro state is 
currently under construction 
and is planned to open in the 
second half of 2012. 

03   Safety technician Daniel 

Cardoso Espindola (left) and 
security technician Wagno 
Luis Oliverira Assis, inspect  
a section of the Minas-Rio 
pipeline. At the end of 2011, 
more than 200 km of the  
525 km pipeline that will carry 
iron ore to the port at Açu had 
been installed. 

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02

03

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

57

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW IRON ORE AND MANGANESE

Production was lower at the South African 
mines owing to safety related downtime, 
issues concerning sinter plants and higher 
stripping ratios. In addition, production  
was lower at GEMCO in Australia as a  
result of concentrator downtime and 
unusually heavy rainfall in early and late  
2011. Anglo American’s share of ore 
production at 2.8 Mt was 6% lower than  
in the prior year, while alloy production of 
300,500 tonnes was only marginally lower. 

Manganese ore sales prices softened by  
19% in 2011, due to an oversupplied market 
and a build-up of port inventories in China. 

Projects
Excellent progress was made at Kolomela 
mine, which was delivered five months ahead 
of schedule and within budget. Kolomela is 
ramping up well and is on track to produce 
between 4 Mt and 5 Mt in 2012, before 
producing at full design capacity of 9 Mtpa  
in 2013.

Kumba’s stated South African growth target 
of producing 70 Mtpa by 2019 is intact:

 (cid:228) 9 Mtpa will come from Kolomela in 2013

 (cid:228) 15 Mtpa to be delivered from other projects 

in the Northern Cape Province

 (cid:228) 5 Mtpa potential from projects in the 

Limpopo Province. 

The Minas-Rio iron ore project in Brazil is 
expected to produce 26.5 Mtpa of iron ore in 
its first phase and has made good progress 
during the year. Minas-Rio secured a number 
of major licences and permits during the year; 
the offshore and onshore works at the port 
are on schedule; more than 90% of land 
access has been secured along the 525 km 
pipeline route and more than 200 km of pipe 
has been installed; and the civil works at the 
beneficiation plant are well under way. As with 
other complex greenfield mining projects, a 
number of unexpected issues, such as the 
discovery of caves at the beneficiation plant 
site which require specialised assessment, 
continue to cause delays to the work 
scheduling, in addition to outstanding  
land access and an evolving permitting 
environment. Minas-Rio is assessing various 
options to manage these challenges in a high 
inflationary Brazilian mining environment, 
including acceleration activities within the 
previously announced 15% capital increase, 
to target first ore on ship in the second half  
of 2013.

58 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Pre-feasibility studies for the second phase 
of the Minas-Rio iron ore project commenced 
during 2011 and, although still under way,  
the studies, together with the 2010 resource 
statement (total resource volume (Measured, 
Indicated and Inferred)) of 5.8 billion tonnes, 
support the expansion of the project. 

The second expansion of the GEMCO 
operation in the Northern Territory of 
Australia (GEEP2 project) was approved  
in May 2011. This follows the successful 
completion of the GEMCO Expansion  
Phase 1 (GEEP1) project in January 2010. 

The first phase expansion confirmed 
GEMCO’s status as the world’s largest  
and lowest cost producer of manganese  
ore. This second expansion, which is  
expected to be completed in late 2013,  
will further enhance GEMCO’s competitive  
advantages and create additional options  
for growth. The $280 million GEEP2 project  
(Anglo American’s 40% share: $112 million) 
will increase GEMCO’s beneficiated product 
capacity from 4.2 Mtpa to 4.8 Mtpa through 
the introduction of a dense media circuit 
by-pass facility. The expansion will also 
address infrastructure constraints by 
increasing road and port capacity to 5.9 Mtpa, 
creating 1.1 Mtpa of latent capacity for  
future expansions. 

Outlook
Continuing macro-economic uncertainty  
has undermined the short term outlook for 
the global seaborne iron ore market. 
Monetary tightening to control inflation  
in emerging economies such as China has 
restrained economic growth. In addition,  
an uncertain policy response to tackle the 
European sovereign debt crisis has also 
weakened economic activity. Despite the 
short term uncertainty, medium to long term 
prospects for iron ore demand remain  
robust as China’s living standards continue  
to ‘catch up’ with those in developed 
economies. Nevertheless, as China  
shifts from an investment intensive to a 
consumption driven economy, the rate of 
growth for steel materials is expected to 
moderate to a more sustainable level.

While demand is a key driver for pricing, 
supply constraints also play a crucial role. In 
the short term, iron ore supply is anticipated 
to remain tight amid seasonal weather 
impacts in Brazil and Western Australia, and 
the government’s moves in India to control 
exports of iron ore. The ongoing challenges 
faced by producers to deliver new supply is 
expected to lead to increased capital intensity 

and will, therefore, underpin the long term 
pricing outlook. Anglo American’s ability  
to supply iron ore to the market will be 
enhanced by the ramping up of Kolomela 
during 2012 and the delivery of the Minas-Rio 
project in the second half of 2013.

A general state of oversupply in the global 
manganese ore market and high port stocks 
in China have pushed prices to lower levels  
of approximately $4.80/mtu CIF China. 
Demand is expected to slow even further 
owing to stock rebuilds, and short term 
macro-economic uncertainty.

Alloy prices have also been affected by 
ongoing macro-economic uncertainty  
and steel producers minimising stock in the 
pipeline. This trend is expected to continue  
in 2012. Prices of manganese ore and alloy 
are expected to decline further from current 
levels, with a recovery anticipated towards 
the latter part of 2012. 

Kumba Iron Ore update
Sishen supply agreement arbitration
Sishen Iron Ore Company (SIOC) notified 
ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited 
(ArcelorMittal) on 5 February 2010 that it was 
no longer entitled to receive 6.25 Mtpa of iron 
ore contract mined by SIOC at cost plus 3% 
from Sishen mine, as a result of the fact that 
ArcelorMittal had failed to convert its old 
order mining rights. This contract mining 
agreement, concluded in 2001, was premised 
on ArcelorMittal owning an undivided 21.4% 
interest in the mineral rights of Sishen mine. 
As a result of ArcelorMittal’s failure to convert 
its old order mining right, the contract mining 
agreement automatically lapsed and became 
inoperative in its entirety as of 1 May 2009.

As a result, a dispute arose between SIOC 
and ArcelorMittal, which SIOC has referred  
to arbitration. During 2011, three arbitrators 
were appointed and May 2012 was set as  
the date for the arbitration to begin. On  
9 December 2011, SIOC and ArcelorMittal 
agreed to postpone the arbitration until the 
final resolution of the mining right dispute. 

SIOC and ArcelorMittal reached an interim 
pricing arrangement in respect of the supply 
of iron ore to ArcelorMittal from the Sishen 
mine. This interim arrangement endured until 
31 July 2011. SIOC and ArcelorMittal agreed 
to an addendum to the interim supply 
agreement which extended the terms and 
conditions of the current interim agreement. 
The new interim pricing agreement,  
which is on the same terms and conditions  
as the first interim pricing agreement, 
commenced on 1 August 2011 and will 
endure to 31 July 2012.

01   Flotation plant at the  

Amapá iron ore system in 
north-east Brazil.

02   Looking out from Kolomela’s 
primary crusher over the rest 
of the plant, with the blending 
beds on the left.

01

02

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21.4% undivided share of the Sishen  
mine mineral rights
After ArcelorMittal failed to convert its  
old order rights, SIOC applied for the  
residual 21.4% mining right previously  
held by ArcelorMittal and its application  
was accepted by the Department of  
Mineral Resources (DMR) on 4 May 2009.  
A competing application for a prospecting 
right over the same area was also accepted 
by the DMR. SIOC objected to this 
acceptance. Notwithstanding this objection,  
a prospecting right over the 21.4% interest 
was granted by the DMR to Imperial Crown 
Trading 289 (Pty) Limited (ICT). SIOC 
initiated a review application in the North 
Gauteng High Court on 21 May 2010 in 
relation to the decision of the DMR to grant  
a prospecting right to ICT.

The High Court Review, in which SIOC 
challenged the award of the 21.4% 
prospecting right over Sishen mine by the 
DMR to ICT, was presided over by Judge 
Raymond Zondo in the North Gauteng  
High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, from  
15 to 18 August 2011.

On 21 December 2011, judgement was 
delivered in the High Court regarding the 
status of the mining rights at Sishen mine. 
The High Court held that, upon the 
conversion of SIOC’s old order mining right 
relating to the Sishen mine properties in 
2008, SIOC became the exclusive holder  
of a converted mining right for iron ore and 
quartzite in respect of the Sishen mine 
properties. The High Court held further that 
as a consequence, any decision taken by the 
DMR after such conversion in 2008 to accept 
or grant any further rights to iron ore at the 
Sishen mine properties was void. Finally,  
the High Court reviewed and set aside the 
decision of the Minister of Mineral Resources 
or her delegate to grant a prospecting right  
to ICT relating to iron ore as to a 21.4% share 
in respect of the Sishen mine properties.  
On 3 February 2012, both the DMR and ICT 
submitted applications for leave to appeal 
against the High Court judgment. 

The High Court order does not affect  
the interim supply agreement between 
ArcelorMittal and SIOC, which will endure 
until 31 July 2012 as indicated above. 

SIOC will continue to take the necessary 
steps to protect its shareholders’ interests  
in this regard.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

59

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW METALLURGICAL COAL

METALLURGICAL COAL

Financial highlights

$ million (unless otherwise stated)

Operating profit

EBITDA

Net operating assets

Capital expenditure

Share of Group operating profit

Share of Group net operating assets

2011

1,189

1,577

4,692

695

11%

11%

2010(1)

780

1,134

4,332

235

8%

10%

(1)  Following a strategic review during the year, Peace River Coal is now managed as part of the Metallurgical Coal business 
unit and accordingly is presented as part of the Metallurgical Coal segment. It was previously reported within the Other 
Mining and Industrial reporting segment. Comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation.

Seamus 
French 
CEO

OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: $780 m)

 $1,189 m

SHARE OF GROUP 
OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: 8%)

 11%

EBITDA
(2010: $1,134 m)

$1,577 m

01

GROUP STRATEGY ACTIONS 

Investing – in world class assets in the most 
attractive commodities 
In December 2011, we took an important step  
in our investment programme to triple our hard 
coking production by 2020 by approving the  
$1.7 billion, 5 Mtpa Grosvenor Phase 1 project.

Organising – efficiently and effectively 
Successful mitigation actions to recover from  
lost volumes following exceptional heavy rain  
in late 2010 and early 2011, combined with  
asset optimisation improvements, led to record 
run-of-mine production at the open cut operations.

Operating – safely,  
sustainably and responsibly 
In 2011, Metallurgical Coal recorded a 24% fall in 
its lost time injury frequency rate, and there were 
no deaths at any of its operations.

Employing – the best people 
Initiatives such as our employees’ passionate 
commitment to rebuilding the local community’s 
infrastructure following the floods, working with 
government to bring fresh talent into the business, 
and developing sector leading operations 
management systems are examples of a company 
that is really making a difference. 

01  Looking over the thickener at 

Moranbah North’s coal handling 
preparation plant (CHPP). The 
thickener separates the fine tailings 
(solids) from the water, enabling the 
process water to be recycled back 
through the CHPP.

60 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

 
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OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW THERMAL COAL

THERMAL COAL

Financial highlights

$ million (unless otherwise stated)

Operating profit

South Africa

Colombia

Projects and corporate

EBITDA

Net operating assets

Capital expenditure

Share of Group operating profit

Share of Group net operating assets

2011

1,230

775

482

(27)

1,410

1,886

190

11%

4%

2010

710

426

309

(25)

872

2,111

274

7%

5%

Norman 
Mbazima 
CEO

OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: $710m)

 $1,230 m

SHARE OF GROUP 
OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: 7%)

 11%

EBITDA
(2010: $872 m)

$1,410 m

01

GROUP STRATEGY ACTIONS 

Investing – in world class assets in the most 
attractive commodities 
In South Africa our 6.6 Mtpa Zibulo mine reached 
commercial operating levels in the fourth quarter  
of 2011, ahead of schedule, while in Colombia the 
Cerrejón P500 Phase 1 expansion to increase 
production by 8 Mtpa (100% basis) has also been 
given the go-ahead.

Organising – efficiently and effectively 
Asset optimisation and supply chain initiatives 
yielded benefits well above budget, with an 80% 
increase in procurement from China.

Operating – safely,  
sustainably and responsibly 
In 2011, Thermal Coal experienced two deaths 
across its operations, though its lost-time injury 
rate reached a record low. The business also won  
a Green award for its methane flaring project.

Employing – the best people 
Thermal Coal is continuing with its drive to  
make the workplace a more diverse one. It 
continues to steadily grow the number of 
‘historically disadvantaged South Africans’  
in its management ranks.

01   In South Africa, Greenside 
colliery supplies thermal  
coal to both the domestic  
and export markets. In 2011, 
the mine produced 2.85 Mt  
of coal.

64 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Thermal Coal operates in South Africa and  
is a joint partner in Cerrejón, Colombia. In 
South Africa, Thermal Coal wholly owns and 
operates nine mines and has a 50% interest 
in the Mafube colliery and Phola washing 
plant. Six of the mines collectively supply  
22 Mtpa of thermal coal to both export and 
local markets. New Vaal, New Denmark and 
Kriel collieries are domestic product 
operations supplying 30 Mtpa of thermal  
coal to Eskom, the state-owned power utility. 
Isibonelo mine produces 5 Mtpa of  
thermal coal for Sasol Synthetic Fuels, the 
coal-to-liquids producer, under a 20 year 
supply contract.

Anglo American Inyosi Coal, a broad-based 
black economic empowerment (BEE) 
company valued at approximately $1 billion,  
is 73% held by Anglo American; the 
remaining 27% is held by Inyosi, a BEE 
consortium led by the Pamodzi and  
Lithemba consortia (66%), with the  
Women’s Development Bank and a 
community trust holding the remaining 
equity. Anglo American Inyosi Coal, in turn,  
owns Kriel colliery, the new Zibulo multi-
product colliery and the greenfield projects  
of Elders, New Largo and Heidelberg. 

Thermal Coal’s South African operations 
currently route all export thermal coal 
through the Richards Bay Coal Terminal 
(RBCT), in which it has a 24.17% 
shareholding, to customers throughout the 
Med-Atlantic and Asia-Pacific regions. Within 
South Africa, 62% of total sales tonnes are 
made to the Eskom power utility, of which the 
majority are on long term (i.e. life of mine) 
cost-plus contracts. A further 8% is sold to 
Sasol and 2% supplied to industrial sector 
consumers. The remaining 28% is exported 
through RBCT.

In South America, Anglo American,  
BHP Billiton and Xstrata each own a 
one-third shareholding in Cerrejón, 
Colombia’s largest thermal coal exporter. 
This opencast operation currently has a  
32 Mtpa production capacity (10.7 Mtpa 
attributable). In 2011, an expansion was 
approved to increase this capacity to 40 Mtpa 
(13.3 Mtpa attributable). Cerrejón owns and 
operates its own rail and deep water port 
facilities and sells into the export thermal and 
pulverised coal injection (PCI) coal markets.

Coal is the most abundant source of fossil 
fuel energy in the world, considerably 
exceeding known reserves of oil and gas.  
The bulk of all coal produced worldwide is 
thermal coal, which is used as a fuel for power 
generation and other industries, notably the 
cement sector. In 2011, seaborne thermal 
coal demand accounted for approximately 
790 Mt and was supplied from many 
countries, with coal producers operating in  
a highly competitive global marketplace.

Thermal coal usage is driven by the demand 
for electricity and is influenced by the price of 
competing fuels, such as oil and gas and, 
increasingly, the cost of carbon. Global 
thermal coal demand is also affected by  
the availability of alternative generating 
technologies, including gas, nuclear, 
hydro-electricity and renewables. The market 
for export thermal coal is further impacted  
by the varying degrees of privatisation and 
deregulation in electricity markets, with 
customers focused on securing the lowest 
cost fuel supply in order to produce power  
at a competitive price. This has resulted in a 
move away from longer term towards shorter 
term contracts priced against various coal 
price indices, which has given rise to the 
development of an increasingly active 
financial market for hedging and derivative 
instruments. The extent to which these 
pricing instruments are used, however,  
varies from region to region.

STRATEGY AND GROWTH

Thermal Coal is focused on supplying the 
electricity generation and industrial sectors 
from large, low cost coal basins, with a global 
growth strategy that targets participation in 
the most attractive export markets. We have  
a diverse, high quality asset portfolio in  
South Africa and Colombia and aim to 
continue being a long term, reliable supplier.  
We also actively participate in the pursuit of 
cleaner coal solutions for the world’s energy 
needs through the development of new 
technologies in areas such as clean coal, 
carbon capture and storage, algal 
sequestration and methane-drainage flaring. 

Thermal Coal is expanding its current 
position in the export market, while 
maintaining a significant position in the 
domestic market in South Africa. We plan  
to deliver on this ambition through our 
extensive portfolio of expansion projects, 
supported by targeted acquisitions. 

2011 Thermal coal supply(1) 
Total 790.5 Mt

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Western Europe  0.4%
Other Europe and CIS  12.8%
North America  5.3%
South America  10.6%
Africa and Middle East  8.4%
Asia  41.9%
Oceania  20.6%

Source: Wood Mackenzie

(1) Seaborne, traded.

2011 Thermal coal demand(1) 
Total 790.5 Mt

Western Europe  19.5%
Other Europe and CIS  0.3%
North America  2.4%
South America  1.5%
Africa and Middle East  2.7%
Asia  73.5%
Oceania  0.1%

Source: Wood Mackenzie

(1) Seaborne, traded.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

65

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW THERMAL COAL

Anglo American has approved investment 
into the expansion at Cerrejón Phase 1 to 
increase the port and logistics chain capacity 
to reach 40 Mtpa (100% basis). Phase 2 of 
this expansion project has the potential to 
increase production to 50 to 60 Mtpa, which 
may require a river diversion in order to 
access additional reserves. Thermal Coal is 
currently completing its feasibility study on 
New Largo, identified by Eskom as a primary 
coal supplier to its Kusile power station, now 
under construction. 

In 2010, there was a marked swing from the 
Med-Atlantic to the Asia-Pacific market, 
resulting in India boosting its status as a 
substantial and growing market for  
South Africa-sourced coal. Close to 70% of 
South Africa’s coal exports were destined for 
the Asia-Pacific market in 2011. In the longer 
term, growth in global thermal coal demand is 
expected to outpace growth in world energy 
demand. According to BP’s 2011 Statistical 
Review of World Energy, thermal coal’s share 
of the global energy mix rose to 29.6% in 
2010, up from 25.6% in 2001 and the highest 
since 1970. 

In October 2010, Anglo American announced 
that it planned to dispose of its Kleinkopje 
colliery in Mpumalanga, South Africa. 
Thermal Coal then conducted a rigorous and 
competitive disposal process, which took 
more than 10 months to complete. Despite 
significant initial interest in the asset, this did 
not translate into any acceptable offers being 
received by the closing date of June 2011.  
As a result, in August 2011, Anglo American 
announced its decision to terminate the sale 
process, and established a high-level project 
team to optimise the configuration of the 
mine to ensure its continued operation and 
improve performance.

In addition to developing operations in its 
existing geographies, Thermal Coal is 
constantly evaluating potential opportunities 
in new regions which are well placed to 
service its growing markets.

66 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Thermal Coal generated an operating profit 
of $1,230 million, representing a 73% 
increase on 2010, driven by stronger average 
export thermal coal prices. This was in part 
offset by industry-wide cost pressures, 
primarily in labour, fuel and power. 

Markets
Anglo American weighted 
average achieved FOB price 
($/tonne)

RSA export thermal coal
RSA domestic thermal 
coal
Colombian export  
thermal coal

Attributable sales volumes 
(‘000 tonnes)

RSA export thermal coal
RSA domestic thermal 
coal
Colombian export  
thermal coal

2011

114.27

2010

82.49

21.36

18.42

101.01

72.69

2011

16,532

2010

16,347

40,136

41,323

10,685

10,461

The Asia-Pacific region started the year with 
severe weather interruptions in Australia and 
Indonesia, disrupting coal exports and driving 
Newcastle thermal coal FOB(1) prices to a 
post-2008 high of $136/t during January and 
averaging $121/t for the year (2010: $99/t). 
The earthquake and tsunami which struck 
Japan in March 2011 damaged the country’s 
Pacific coast coal-fired power plants and 
transmission infrastructure. Although this 
event immediately reduced Japan’s thermal 
coal requirements, India and China imported 
significantly more thermal coal during 2011, 
some 25% and 15% respectively above 2010 
volumes, which increased overall demand in 
the Asia-Pacific region by approximately 8%. 
During the final quarter of 2011, the market 
weakened, as the earlier upsurge in 
international thermal coal prices and 
increased exports from Indonesia softened 
demand. Australian FOB prices subsequently 
stabilised in December at $110/t. 

The Med-Atlantic region was impacted by the 
political upheaval and ensuing geo-political 
tensions that affected several North African 
and Middle Eastern countries, which led to  
an increase in global energy prices and 
improved thermal coal’s competitiveness 
compared with gas-powered electricity 
generation. This was a contributing factor  
to a forecast 8% increase in thermal coal 
imports into the Atlantic region during 2011 
and added support to South African FOB(2)  
export prices, which averaged $116/t in  
the year (2010: $92/t).

A warm start to the northern hemisphere 
winter, continued economic uncertainty 
within Europe and increased exports  
from the US, Colombia and South Africa  
adversely affected market sentiment during 
the fourth quarter. This placed pressure on 
seaborne thermal coal prices, which for 
South African exports settled at $104/t 
(FOB) during December.

Operating performance

Attributable production 
(‘000)

RSA thermal coal
RSA Eskom coal
Colombian export  
thermal coal

2011

21,388
35,296

2010

21,612
36,403

10,752

10,060

South Africa
Operating profit from South African 
operations increased by 82% to $775 million, 
driven by higher export thermal coal prices, 
although partly offset by the impact of the 
stronger rand, particularly in the first half of 
the year. Costs were impacted by industry-
wide increases in labour, power and fuel, as 
well as additional stock management costs 
following train derailments during the first 
quarter. These were compounded by a 20 day 
extended maintenance stoppage during May 
and June 2011 on the railway line to RBCT. 
Export sales volumes were also similarly 
affected in the first half. However, export sales 
recovered during the second half of the year 
as optimised load out efficiencies on the 
operations complemented improved Transnet 
Freight Rail performance. 

Production for the year decreased by 2%  
to 57 Mt. Zibulo moved from project to 
operational phase during the fourth quarter  
of 2011 as a result of some sections opening 
ahead of schedule. These gains were offset, 
however, by heavy rainfall in the first quarter 
that hampered the opencast operations  
as well as geological issues at certain 
underground operations. In addition, 
production was impacted by industrial action 
in the third quarter. 

Colombia
At Cerrejón, operating profit of $482 million 
was 56% higher, primarily due to higher 
thermal coal prices and production offsetting 
the impact of above inflation cost increases 
and a strong local currency. Record 
production was achieved despite the 
continuation of the rain-related stoppages 
associated with the La Niña weather 
phenomenon. Although rain related 
stoppages were approximately double the 

(1) 

(2) 

 GlobalCoal’s NEWC index price.
 Argus/McCloskey API4 Index.

forecast, there was an improvement on 2010. 
This improvement, in combination with mining 
efficiencies and scheduling, enabled Cerrejón 
to exceed its theoretical production capacity 
of 32 Mtpa for the first time, resulting in a 7% 
increase in production year-on-year.

Projects 
The 6.6 Mtpa Zibulo mine in South Africa 
reached commercial operating levels in the 
fourth quarter of 2011, ahead of schedule.

Also in South Africa, the New Largo project, 
currently at feasibility stage, has two main 
elements: a new opencast mine and a 
conveyor which will run from an existing  
coal plant to an Eskom power station. The 
operation plans to mine domestic thermal 
coal and Thermal Coal is currently negotiating 
a coal supply agreement with Eskom for 
delivery into its Kusile power station. Initial 
coal from the mine is expected in 2015. 

In Colombia, Phase 1 of the Cerrejón P500 
expansion project, to increase production  
by 8 Mtpa, was approved by Cerrejón’s three 
shareholders in the third quarter of 2011.  
First coal is targeted during the fourth quarter 
of 2013, with the project expected to achieve 
full production at the end of 2015. As at the 
end of 2011, the project was on schedule and 
on budget.

Outlook
The international seaborne thermal coal 
market is expected to remain in balance 
during 2012, as increased supply from  
the main exporting countries of Australia, 
Indonesia and Colombia is consumed by  
the developing Asia-Pacific economies,  
aided by Japan’s recovery from the recent 
natural disasters. Growth in thermal coal 
consumption is expected to continue in both 
China and India, reflecting rising energy 
demand as their economies grow strongly. 

In Europe, demand for thermal coal is 
expected to be consistent with 2011, with 
minimal demand growth in line with forecast 
weak GDP growth in the region. 

The Atlantic market is expected to continue  
to see the impact of strong US thermal coal 
exports in reaction to the increasing supply  
of US domestic gas and low US gas prices.

01   The incline conveyor  

and 6,000 tonne silo at  

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01

02

03

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

67

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW COPPER

COPPER

Financial highlights

$ million (unless otherwise stated)

Operating profit

EBITDA

Net operating assets

Capital expenditure

Share of Group operating profit

Share of Group net operating assets

2011

2,461

2,750

7,643

1,570

22%

17%

2010

2,817

3,086

6,291

1,530

29%

14%

John 
MacKenzie 
CEO

OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: $2,817 m)

 $2,461 m

SHARE OF GROUP 
OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: 29%)

 22%

EBITDA
(2010: $3,086 m)

$2,750 m

01

GROUP STRATEGY ACTIONS 

Investing – in world class assets in the most 
attractive commodities 
A key focus in 2012 will be in progressing the 
Quellaveco project in Peru to the approval stage, 
while a pre-feasibility study is under way to 
examine options for expansion at our 44% owned 
Collahuasi mine in Chile. 

Organising – efficiently and effectively 
Significant steps were taken during the year  
to upgrade the business’ risk management  
profile: this included more comprehensive risk 
management training, as well as the progressive 
implementation of risk standards and of a new set 
of leading risk indicators. 

Operating – safely,  
sustainably and responsibly 
Copper’s managed operations resumed a 
downward trend in lost time injuries, though one 
death was recorded at Los Bronces. The business 
continues to assess its safety performance and 
has set new and more demanding targets around 
risk management improvement.

Employing – the best people 
Our Copper team aims to raise the bar in terms  
of both its commitment to the business and its 
wider community outreach, as exemplified in its 
multi-stakeholder dialogue and financing 
initiatives around its new projects.

01  SAG mill under construction 
in the new Confluencia 
grinding plant that forms part 
of the Los Bronces expansion 
project in Chile.

68 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

electricity infrastructure. The key growth  
area will continue to be the developing  
world, led by China and, in the longer  
term, India, where industrialisation and 
urbanisation on a huge scale continue to 
propel copper demand growth, and where 
copper consumption per capita is still well  
below that of the advanced economies.

What has really distinguished copper in 
recent times – as reflected in its strong  
price performance – has been its 
underperformance on the supply side,  
which is supporting more robust 
fundamentals for the metal. Copper mine 
output has suffered disproportionately from  
a range of constraints on output, including  
a long term decline in ore grades, slow 
ramp-ups at new projects, strikes, technical 
failures and adverse weather.

Constraints on the supply side are likely  
to prove a structural feature of the market, 
driven by continuing declines in ore grades  
at maturing existing operations and new 
projects, a lack of capital investment and 
under-exploration in the industry, as  
well as political and environmental  
challenges in many current and prospective 
copper areas. 

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. 
This, combined with the need to develop 
infrastructure in new geographies, requires 
greater economies of scale in order to be 
commercially viable. Scarcity of water  
in some countries, for example in Chile  
and Peru, is also necessitating the 
construction of capital and energy  
intensive desalination plants.

During the period 2000–2008, China 
increased its share of first-use refined metal 
consumption from 12% to an estimated  
28% and grew further to approximately  
37% in 2009 and 2010. Growth in Chinese 
consumption continued in 2011, while 
demand elsewhere fell sharply. 

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

We have interests in six copper operations in 
Chile. The Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde 
mines are wholly owned and we hold a  
75.5% interest in Anglo American Sur  
(AA Sur), which includes the Los Bronces  
and El Soldado mines and the Chagres 
smelter. We have a 44% shareholding in the 
Collahuasi mine (the other shareholders are 
Xstrata, with 44%, and a Mitsui consortium, 
holding the balance of 12%). The mines also 
produce associated by-products such as 
molybdenum and silver.

In addition, we have a controlling interest in 
the Quellaveco and Michiquillay projects in 
Peru and a 50% interest in the Pebble project 
in Alaska, with Northern Dynasty Minerals 
holding the balance.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Copper’s principal use is in the wire and  
cable markets because of the metal’s 
electrical conductivity and corrosion 
resistance. Applications that make use of 
copper’s electrical conductivity, such as wire 
(including the wiring used in buildings), 
cables and electrical connectors, make up 
approximately 60% of total demand. 
Copper’s corrosion-resistant qualities find 
numerous applications, particularly plumbing 
pipe and roof sheeting, in the construction 
industry, which accounts for a further 20% of 
demand. Copper’s thermal conductivity also 
makes it suitable for use in heat transfer 
applications such as air conditioning and 
refrigeration, which constitute some 10% of 
total demand. Other applications include 
structural and aesthetic uses.

Copper mining is an attractive industry,  
with a moderate concentration of customers 
and suppliers, and relatively good average 
profitability over the long term. Producers  
are price-takers; hence, opportunities for 
product differentiation are limited, either  
at the concentrate or metal level. Access  
to quality orebodies, located in regions 
providing stable political, social and 
regulatory support for responsible, 
sustainable mining, should continue to be the 
key factor distinguishing project returns and 
mine profitability. With no fundamental 
technological shifts expected in the short to 
medium term, forecast long term demand  
is likely to be underpinned by robust growth  
in copper’s electrical uses, particularly wire 
and cable in construction, automobiles and 

O
p
e
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t
i
n
g
a
n
d
fi
n
a
n
c
a

i

l

r
e
v
e
w

i

Leading copper consumers
(2011 estimated refined copper consumption)
2011 estimated World total: 19,931kt
Kt

7,780

3,994

3,280

China

Europe

Rest of world

N. America

1,957

Japan

1,038

South Korea
863

India

610

Brazil

409

Source: 
Brook Hunt – a Wood Mackenzie company

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

69

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW COPPER

01   In the Confluencia area of 
Los Bronces, this overland 
conveyor transports new 
coarse ore to a stockpile, 
from where the ore is fed to 
the SAG mill.

02   Taking topographical 
measurements at 
Confluencia, with the  
new stockpile building  
in the background.

01

02

Copper stocks and price

1,000

)
t
k
(
s
k
c
o
t
s
r
e
p
p
o
C

750

500

250

0

Jan 08

Jan 09

Jan 10

Jan 11

Shanghai Stocks 
LME Stocks 

Comex Stocks 
Copper price (c/lb) 

Source: Anglo American Commodity Research

70 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

C
o
p
p
e
r
p
r
i
c
e
(
c
/
b
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l

500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

STRATEGY AND GROWTH

The Los Bronces expansion project 
successfully delivered first production in  
the fourth quarter of 2011. Following the 
forecast 12 month ramp-up, the Group’s 
copper production, including the attributable 
share of the Collahuasi joint venture, will 
increase to more than 900,000 tpa. 
Additional growth in the medium term will 
come from the Quellaveco project, and from 
Collahuasi, where a pre-feasibility study into 
further expansion continues. We are also 
continuing to evaluate development options 
for the Michiquillay resource and Pebble, with 
concept and pre-feasibility studies under  
way at both projects.

In Chile, we are conducting extensive 
exploration in the prospective Los Bronces 
district and at the West Wall project in the 
Valparaíso region, in which Anglo American 
and Xstrata each has a 50% interest.

In November 2011, entirely in accordance 
with its rights, Anglo American announced 
the completion of the sale of a 24.5% stake  
in AA Sur, comprising a number of the 
Group’s copper assets in Chile, to Mitsubishi 
Corporation LLC (Mitsubishi) for $5.39 billion 
in cash. This transaction highlighted the 
inherent value of AA Sur as a world class, tier 
one copper business with extensive reserves 
and resources and significant further growth 
options from its exploration discoveries, 
valuing AA Sur at $22 billion on a 100% basis. 

There is continuing litigation between  
Anglo American and Codelco in respect  
of the option agreement between them 
relating to AA Sur (described fully in note 34 
to the financial statements). Anglo American 
will continue to defend its rights vigorously,  
while remaining open to working with 
Codelco to reach a settlement that 
recognises the strength of Anglo American’s 
legal position and protects the interests of 
Anglo American’s shareholders.

The sale demonstrated our commitment  
to delivering value for shareholders.  
Anglo American remains fully committed  
to its major inward investment programme  
in its Chilean business and to continuing its 
significant social and community investment 
programme in Chile. 

As announced in September 2011, we are 
participating in a sales process to dispose of 
our effective 16.8% interest in Palabora 
Mining Company. A review of this investment 
in the second half of 2011 concluded that the 
asset was no longer of sufficient scale to suit 
the Group’s investment strategy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW NICKEL

Our Nickel business’ 
promising unapproved 
projects in Brazil, Jacaré 
and Morro Sem Boné, have 
the potential to increase 
production by more than 
66,000 tpa, with further 
upside potential.

Nickel stocks and prices

)
t
k
(
s
k
c
o
t
s

l

e
k
c
N

i

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Jan 07

Jan 08

Jan 09

Jan 10

Jan 11

i

N
c
k
e

l

p
r
i
c
e
(
$
/
b
)

l

25

20

15

10

5

0

LME Stocks 

LME Price

Source: Anglo American Commodity Research

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Nickel generated an operating profit of 
$57 million which was net of $31 million 
project evaluation operating costs. The 
financial performance of Loma de Níquel  
and Codemin was similar to that of the 
previous year. 

Markets

China continued to be a key consumer  
of nickel in 2011, contributing more than  
40% of global stainless steel production  
in the year. Nickel consumption growth in 
China is expected to outpace other markets 
in 2012, although the North American  
market may surprise on the upside, while 
demand in Europe and the rest of Asia is 
expected to decrease.

Average nickel price (c/lb)

2011

2010

Operating performance

Average market price  
(LME, cash)
Average realised price  
(c/lb)

1,035

1,015

989

986

Attributable production 
(tonnes)

Nickel

2011

29,100

2010

20,200

The average market nickel price was 5% 
higher than in 2010. During the first half of  
the year the nickel price was supported by 
demand growth from the stainless steel 
industry and a supply gap owing to mine 
disruptions and delays to a number of 
projects. The price peaked in February  
above 1,310c/lb. However, prices softened 
considerably in the second half, reflecting 
ongoing concern around uncertainty over the 
near term outlook for the global economy, 
softer summer demand in the northern 
hemisphere, higher supply from new  
projects (including Barro Alto) and higher 
NPI production. As a consequence, the  
nickel price fell to a low of under 770c/lb  
in November, before closing the year at  
829c/lb.

The market was broadly in balance in 2011; 
global nickel consumption increased by 
around 7%, while supply increased by  
around 12%.

Nickel production in 2011 increased by  
44% to 29,100 tonnes as a result of delivery 
of the Barro Alto project and higher output at 
Loma de Níquel and Codemin. Barro Alto was 
commissioned in March 2011 and produced 
6,200 tonnes.

Loma de Níquel produced 13,400 tonnes,  
an increase of 15% over the prior year,  
mainly due to an additional two months  
of production from the electric furnace 2, 
which was restarted in March 2010. The loss 
of production in 2010 from general power 
rationing did not recur in 2011; power 
rationing, however, continues to pose a  
threat and stand-by on-site generators have 
been installed to mitigate production risks.

Owing to ongoing uncertainty over the 
renewal of three concessions, which  
expire in 2012, and over the renewal of  
13 concessions that have been cancelled,  
an accelerated depreciation charge of  
$84 million (2010: $73 million) has been 

74 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
recorded in relation to Loma de Níquel 
assets. This has been recognised as an 
operating special item. Refer to note 5  
of the financial statements. 

A range of scenarios is being considered  
in respect of the conditions for renewal  
of Loma de Níquel’s three remaining 
concessions, due in November 2012, and  
for access to the cancelled concessions.

Codemin’s production of 9,500 tonnes  
was 12% higher than in 2010, when the 
operation was impacted by the planned 
relining of a furnace. The impact of lower 
grades in 2011 was more than offset by 
process improvements that increased 
throughput capacity.

Projects
The Barro Alto project delivered first metal  
on schedule in March 2011 and is expected  
to reach full capacity rates at the beginning  
of 2013.

Our Nickel business’ promising unapproved 
projects in Brazil, Jacaré and Morro Sem 
Boné, have the potential to increase 
production by more than 66,000 tpa, with 
further upside potential, which would 
leverage the Group’s considerable nickel 
laterite technical expertise. Jacaré, with 
mineral resources of 3.9 Mt (of which 2.6 Mt 
are in Inferred Resources) of contained 
nickel, will enter the pre-feasibility study 
phase in 2012 and has the potential to 
significantly strengthen Anglo American’s 
position in the worldwide nickel market.

Outlook
Nickel production from the Nickel business 
unit is expected to be significantly higher in 
2012 as a result of the ramp-up of Barro Alto. 

The nickel market is expected to be in surplus 
in 2012, with increasing supply coming on line 
from new projects. However, there is a 
possibility that the surplus could be mitigated 
by supply falling short of expectations, mainly 
from projects using new technologies, such as 
high pressure acid leaching. The nickel price 
in 2012 is expected to be heavily influenced  
by the delivery of these new projects and  
by how the European economic situation 
develops. High cost NPI supply will continue 
to support a price ceiling or floor.

The long term outlook for nickel is positive, 
underpinned by stainless steel demand 
driven by economic growth and urbanisation 
in emerging economies.

01   Ladles awaiting installation  
in the refinery at Barro Alto, 
which in its first nine months 
of operation since being 
commissioned at the end 
of March 2011 produced 
6,200 tonnes of nickel.

02   At Barro Alto, ore is heated  
at very high temperatures  
in these two 185 metre  
rotary kilns in a process 
known as calcining, which 
removes moisture and water 
crystals from the nickel 
bearing ore and starts the 
metallurgical process.

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02

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

75

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW PLATINUM

PLATINUM

Financial highlights

$ million (unless otherwise stated)

Operating profit

EBITDA

Net operating assets

Capital expenditure

Share of Group operating profit

Share of Group net operating assets

2011

890

2010

837

1,672

1,624

11,191

13,478

970

8%

25%

1,011

9%

31%

Neville Nicolau 
CEO –  
Anglo American 
Platinum Limited

OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: $837 m)

 $890 m

SHARE OF GROUP 
OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: 9%)

 8%

EBITDA
(2010: $1,624 m)

$1,672 m

01

GROUP STRATEGY ACTIONS 

Investing – in world class assets in the most 
attractive commodities 
Platinum has a variety of new and stay-in-
business projects designed to keep the company 
at the forefront of world primary platinum 
production. In December 2011, approval was 
given to Phase 5 of the Bathopele project, while 
during 2012, Phase 4 should reach its nameplate 
capacity of 65 kozpa of refined platinum. In 
Zimbawe, Unki is on track to produce 70 kozpa  
by the second quarter of 2013, about a year  
ahead of schedule.

Organising – efficiently and effectively 
Comprehensive risk management, standards and 
mechanised mining reviews are being conducted 
across all of Platinum’s managed operations in 
pursuit of the goal of ‘safe profitable platinum’.

Operating – safely,  
sustainably and responsibly 
Against a disappointing safety performance in 
2011, we are redoubling our own efforts in the 
safety field, as well as continuing to work closely 
with the government and the trade unions, in the 
pursuit of zero harm. 

Employing – the best people 
Complementing the renewed thrust on safety 
training, Platinum is providing training to ensure 
that all project staff and contractors are steeped  
in the company’s Projects Way of working.

01   (Left to right) At the Bathopele 
mine, miner Sydney Mabale 
explains the safety marking system 
to LHD operator Phillemon Molemi, 
sweeper Kenneth Xhantini, and 
LHD operators Petrick Semalkhe  
and Annanias Makgala.

76 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Our Platinum business, based in South Africa, 
is the world’s leading primary producer of 
platinum, and accounts for approximately 
40% of the world’s newly mined production 
of the metal. Platinum mines, processes and 
refines the entire range of platinum group 
metals (PGMs): platinum, palladium, 
rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium. 
Base metals such as nickel, copper and 
cobalt sulphate are important secondary 
products and are significant contributors  
to earnings. 

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. 
Access to an excellent portfolio of ore 
reserves ensures Platinum is well placed to 
be the world’s major platinum producer for 
many years to come. 

Platinum wholly owns 10 mining operations 
currently in production, a tailings  
re-treatment facility, three smelters, a  
base metals refinery and a precious metals 
refinery. Concentrating, smelting and  
refining of the output are undertaken at 
Rustenburg Platinum Mines’ (RPM) 
metallurgical facilities. 

Platinum’s 100% owned mining operations 
now consist of the five mines at Rustenburg 
Section – Khomanani, Bathopele, 
Siphumelele, Thembelani and Khuseleka; 
Amandelbult Section’s two mines, Tumela 
and Dishaba; as well as Mogalakwena and 
Twickenham mines. Union Mine is 85% held, 
with a black economic empowerment (BEE) 
partner, the Bakgatla-Ba-Kgafela traditional 
community, holding the remainder. The Unki 
mine in Zimbabwe is currently wholly owned 
pending the outcome of negotiations with the 
Zimbabwean government in respect of Unki’s 
compliance with the Indigenisation and 
Economic Empowerment Act.

Platinum also has 50:50 joint ventures with  
a BEE consortium, led by African Rainbow 
Minerals, at Modikwa platinum mine; and  
with XK Platinum Partnership in respect of 
the Mototolo mine. In addition, Platinum  
has 50:50 pooling and sharing agreements 
with Aquarius Platinum covering the shallow 
reserves of the Kroondal and Marikana 
mines. Platinum is in partnership with Royal 
Bafokeng Resources, and has a 33% 
shareholding in the combined Bafokeng-
Rasimone platinum mine (BRPM) and 
Styldrift properties. Platinum, through RPM, 
holds 12.6% of RB Plats’ issued share capital. 

During 2011, Platinum announced a 
R3.5 billion ($430 million) community 
empowerment transaction aimed at  
providing equity ownership to mine host 
communities that had not previously 
benefited from other broad-based BEE 
transactions.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

PGMs have a wide range of industrial and 
high technology applications. Demand for 
platinum is driven primarily by its use in 
autocatalysts to control emissions from  
both gasoline and diesel engine vehicles,  
and in jewellery. These uses are responsible 
for 70% of total net platinum consumption. 
PGMs, however, have a wide range of  
other applications, predominantly in the 
chemical, electronic, medical, glass and 
petroleum industries.

The platinum jewellery market requires 
constant promotion and development. Our 
Platinum business is the major funder and 
supporter of the Platinum Guild International 
(PGI), which plays a key role in encouraging 
demand for platinum and in establishing new 
platinum jewellery markets. Since 2000, 
China has been the leading platinum 
jewellery market, followed by Europe,  
Japan and North America.

Industrial applications for platinum are  
driven by technology and, especially in the 
case of autocatalysts, by legislation. With  
the rapid spread of exhaust emissions 
legislation, more than 94% of new vehicles 
now have autocatalysts fitted. The 
intensifying stringency of emissions 
legislation will drive growth in PGM demand.

Palladium’s principal application, accounting 
for about 45% of demand, is in autocatalysts. 
The metal is also used in electronic 
components, dental alloys and, more 
recently, has become an emerging jewellery 
metal in markets such as China. Palladium 
demand is expected to continue to increase 
in 2012, particularly given the volume of 
gasoline vehicles being produced by 
emerging market countries such as China, 
India and Brazil.

Rhodium is an important metal in 
autocatalytic activity, which accounts for 
nearly 80% of net demand. Increased stocks 
of rhodium in the autocatalyst sector, coupled 
with increased supplies from South Africa, 
are likely to keep the market in surplus in the 
short to medium term.

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Platinum supply by country
’000 oz

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

0

3,500

7,000

South Africa
Russia
North America
Zimbabwe
Others

Source: Johnson Matthey Interim Review 2011

Gross platinum demand 
by application
’000 oz

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

0

4,500

9,000

Autocatalyst
Chemical
Electrical
Glass
Investment

Jewellery
Medical and 
Biomedical
Petroleum
Other

Source: Johnson Matthey Interim Review 2011

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

77

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW PLATINUM

Platinum’s strategic plan, 
based on our current view 
that the market will be 
adequately supplied, 
should improve the 
company’s cost position, 
taking it from the upper 
half to the lower half of 
the cost curve.

Platinum price

2,000

1,750

)
z
o
(
$

1,500

1,250

1,000

FY 2010 achieved price: $1,611/oz  
FY 2010 achieved basket price: R18,159/oz

H1 2011 achieved 
price: $1,782/oz  
H1 2011 achieved 
basket price: R20,194/oz

H2 2011 achieved 
price: $1,640/oz  
H2 2011 achieved 
basket price: R19,061/oz

25,000

20,000

15,000

R
a
n
d
(
o
z
)

10,000

5,000

0

Jan 10
Rand PGM basket

Platinum

Jan 11

Jul 11

Jan 12

Source: Anglo American Commodity Research

Project capital spend is now directly related 
to long term ounce requirements. This has 
led to a reduction in the rate of spend, and  
all previously deferred projects have been 
reviewed and are now incorporated into the 
business’s growth for value strategy. Platinum 
aims to spend R8.8 billion ($1.1 billion) of 
capital in 2012, excluding capitalised interest.

Platinum is involved in developing mining 
activity for PGMs on the Great Dyke of 
Zimbabwe, the second largest repository  
of platinum after the Bushveld Complex.  
We are focusing exploration work in 
Zimbabwe on new projects in the Great Dyke, 
as well as establishing extensions to the Unki 
resource base for potential future projects.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Platinum recorded an operating profit of 
$890 million, a 6% increase, mainly due to an 
8% rise in the average realised basket price. 
This was offset by above inflation labour and 
power costs.

Sales volumes of refined platinum were 3% 
higher than 2010 at 2.6 million ounces. 

Markets
The average dollar realised price for platinum 
was $1,707/oz in 2011, a 6% increase 
compared with $1,611/oz in the prior year. 
The average realised prices for palladium and 
rhodium sales were $735/oz (2010: $507) 
and $2,015/oz (2010: $2,424), respectively. 
The average realised price on nickel sales 
was $10.50/lb (2010: $9.70). The overall 
average realised dollar basket price was 8.3% 
higher at $2,698 per platinum ounce sold.

The global platinum market displayed 
resilience in 2011, with muted growth in 
autocatalyst and jewellery demand, a  
strong increase in industrial demand and 
significantly lower investment demand. Gross 
platinum demand remained unchanged in 
2011, while a small increase in recycling and  
a 5% increase in mined supply resulted in the 
platinum market remaining in balance.

The palladium market in 2011, however, saw a 
19% supply surplus in the year, as significant 
declines in jewellery and investment demand 
were only partly offset by the solid increases 
in demand for palladium in autocatalysis and 
industrial applications. The rhodium market 
saw its fourth consecutive surplus as recycle 
volumes remained high.

Platinum continued to work with industry 
partners and stakeholders to develop the 
platinum markets to maintain existing and 
develop new industrial applications and, 
through the PGI, maintain the health of 
jewellery markets.

Autocatalysts
Demand for light vehicles increased by 1%  
in 2011 to 75 million units. Vehicle production 
was constrained by the earthquake and 
tsunami in Japan and by flooding in Thailand. 
Vehicle production in Europe increased by 
3%, buoyed by Germany and export markets. 
Gross autocatalyst demand for platinum 
increased by 2% to 3.15 million ounces and 
for palladium by 5% to 5.8 million ounces. 
Autocatalyst demand for rhodium was slightly 
lower year-on-year at 705,000 ounces. 

STRATEGY AND GROWTH

Our objective is to maintain Platinum’s 
position as the leading primary producer  
of platinum. We are doing so in two  
principal ways: first, through managing  
costs as a priority, by improving productivity,  
increasing efficiency and through the 
effective management of supply chain  
and procurement costs; secondly, through 
continuing to develop the market for  
PGMs and to expand production into  
that growth opportunity.

During 2011, unit cost management  
proved to be challenging, though costs  
were contained at R13,552 per equivalent 
refined platinum ounce. Unit costs are 
expected to increase with inflation in 2012. 
Productivity is expected to increase from 
2011 levels of 6.32m2 to an average of 6.8m2.

Platinum’s strategic plan, based on our 
current view that the market will be 
adequately supplied, should improve the 
company’s cost position, taking it from the 
upper half to the lower half of the cost curve. 
Platinum is steadily improving the reliability  
of its production capability and continues to 
entrench cost management throughout the 
business as a long term and sustainable 
culture. This will help ensure that Platinum is 
well positioned to extract optimal value from 
its assets as the market recovery continues. 
At the same time, there will continue to be an 
unremitting focus on safety as Platinum 
pursues its zero harm objective.

78 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

 
 
 
 
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Industrial
Gross industrial demand for platinum 
reached a new record high of 1.96 million 
ounces, largely due to growth in the glass  
and petroleum industry. Wider application  
of process catalysts in the chemical  
industry saw platinum demand increase 
proportionately higher than the 
corresponding increase in chemical demand. 
High growth in fuel cell units continued in 
2011, driven by stationary applications. 
Palladium process catalyst use for plastic 
bottle feedstock increased as new capacity 
increased. Rhodium content in rhodium/
platinum catalysts for glass manufacturing 
increased owing to low rhodium price levels. 

Jewellery
Platinum jewellery demand increased 2% in 
2011, despite higher average prices during 
the year. Platinum and gold price volatility 
increased in the last quarter of 2011, and the 
platinum price fell below that of gold. This 
resulted in consumers preferring platinum 
over gold, and in China the increased 
platinum demand improved retail profits, 
leading to an increase in the number of new 
retail stores that, in turn, led to increased 
platinum stockholdings and sales.

Investment
Ongoing macro-economic uncertainty 
continues to dampen investment sentiment 
and in the last quarter of 2011, platinum and 
gold suffered the consequences of the risk 
averse trades by global investment and hedge 
funds. Although there was little change in 
physical demand for platinum, the increased 
platinum trading liquidity greatly exaggerated 
the consequent fall in the platinum price.  
Since then, reduced investor participation, 
particularly by gold investors who previously 
held both metals, continues to keep the 
platinum price at depressed levels, with the 
rand basket price currently below the incentive 
price of the majority of production. Trade  
in non-visible or over-the-counter metal 
continues to have a material impact on  
short term prices while higher levels of  
price volatility are expected in 2012, with  
a bias to higher prices if investment  
sentiment improves.

Operating performance
Safety
Twelve employees lost their lives during  
the year, a very disappointing performance. 
We extend our sincere condolences to their 
families, friends and colleagues. Platinum 
had 81 Section 54 Department of Mineral 
Resources safety stoppages in 2011, 
compared with 36 in 2010. Platinum is 
continuing to work with government and 
labour departments towards zero harm.

Production
Equivalent refined platinum production 
(equivalent ounces are mined ounces 
expressed as refined ounces) from the mines 
managed by Platinum and its joint venture 
partners totalled 2.41 million ounces, a 
decrease of 3% compared with 2010.

Wholly owned mines (including Union and 
Western Limb Tailings Re-treatment)
produced 1,601,600 equivalent refined 
platinum ounces, in line with the prior year.  
A strong performance from Mogalakwena 
and Unki was offset by lower volumes from 
the Rustenburg, Tumela and Dishaba mines. 
Unki was delivered successfully, on schedule 
and within budget, in January 2011 and 
contributed 51,600 additional equivalent 
refined platinum ounces. In addition, 
Mogalakwena, a low cost open pit mine, 
continued to perform strongly. Mogalakwena 
mine increased production by 18% owing to a 
12% improvement in 4E built-up head grade, 
a 4% increase in tonnes milled and a 16% 
improvement in recoveries at the North 
concentrator during the second half of 2011.

Refined platinum production of 2.53 million 
ounces for 2011, was 2% lower than in the  
prior year.

Projects
Capital expenditure for 2011 was 
$970 million, of which $451 million  
was spent on projects, $443 million on  
stay-in-business capital and $76 million  
on waste stripping at Mogalakwena. 

Project capital expenditure for the year  
related mainly to the Twickenham project 
($95 million), Mortimer furnace upgrade  
($58 million), Thembelani 2 shaft 
replacement project ($57 million),  
Unki ($40 million), the Base Metals Refinery  
33,000 tpa nickel expansion project  
($34 million), and the Khuseleka ore 
replacement project ($25 million). 

The Unki platinum mine project was  
handed over to operations in January 2011, 
and had reached steady state production  
of 120,000 tonnes milled per month during  
the fourth quarter of 2011, a year ahead  
of schedule. The Base Metal Refinery  
33,000 tpa nickel expansion project has 
produced its first metal in line with 
expectations and reached steady state 
production during the fourth quarter of  
2011 as planned. 

Outlook
Growth in platinum demand is expected  
to be driven by increased global vehicle 
production, ongoing tightening of emissions 
legislation and strengthening jewellery 
demand. Primary supply challenges are 
expected to escalate during 2012, with 
increased risk of supply disruptions from 
power shortages, industrial actions and 
safety stoppages in South Africa. The 
ongoing constraint on capital investment 
posed by low prices continues to limit  
South African output growth and 2012 may 
exhibit the compounding effects of similar 
capital constraints in recent years.

Consequently, Platinum expects the platinum 
market to remain in balance in 2012. We 
believe the expected growth in demand for 
platinum and the ongoing challenges faced 
by platinum miners will be key drivers of the 
recovery in the price in 2012. Platinum plans 
to refine and sell between 2.5 and 2.6 million 
ounces of platinum in 2012, subject to market 
conditions. In 2011, Platinum had forecast 
growth to 2.7 million ounces in 2012; 
however, given the current circumstances, 
the forecast has been reduced. Although  
the 2012 sales volume target is unchanged 
from that achieved in 2011, Platinum  
believes this is an appropriate level to  
meet forecast demand.

Platinum maintains a relentless focus on 
mitigating industry-wide cost pressures, 
primarily through an increase in production 
volume from our underground mines, and an 
increase in utilisation of smelting and refining 
capacity through the introduction of some 
secondary material. This will be assisted by 
reducing the labour complement through 
mechanisms that avoid retrenchment, 
adjustment of overhead and shared services 
labour to the needs of the business, freezing 
of all recruitment in non-production jobs and 
the continued focus on asset optimisation 
and supply chain management, benefiting 
from Anglo American’s global initiatives.

Platinum’s project ranking and prioritisation 
to focus on less capital intensive projects in 
the near term is expected to reduce capital 
expenditure for 2012 from $1.16 billion to up 
to $1.10 billion, excluding capitalised interest.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

79

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW DIAMONDS

DIAMONDS

Financial highlights

$ million (unless otherwise stated)

Share of associate’s operating profit

EBITDA

Share of Group operating profit

2011

659

794

6%

2010

495

666

5%

Philippe Mellier 
CEO – De Beers

Group’s associate investment in De Beers(1)

2,230

1,936

(1)    Excludes outstanding loans owed by De Beers, including accrued interest, of $301 million (2010: $355 million).

OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: $495 m)

 $659 m

SHARE OF GROUP 
OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: 5%)

 6%

EBITDA
(2010: $666 m)

$794 m

01  The Debmar Atlantic,  

moored 35 kilometres off  
the Namibian coastline.

80 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

01

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Anglo American’s diamond interests are 
represented by our 45% shareholding in 
De Beers. The other shareholders in 
De Beers are Central Holdings Ltd 
(representing the Oppenheimer family 
interests), which beneficially owns 40%, and 
the Government of the Republic of Botswana 
(GRB) with a 15% beneficial interest.

De Beers is the world’s leading diamond 
company and, with its joint venture partners, 
employs approximately 16,000 people 
around the world. The company produces 
approximately 35%, by value, of the world’s 
rough diamonds from its mines in Botswana, 
Canada, Namibia and South Africa.

De Beers is a 50/50 partner with the GRB  
in the Debswana Diamond Company, and  
a 50/50 partner with the Government of  
the Republic of Namibia (GRN) in Namdeb 
Holdings. Namdeb Holdings owns 100% 
each of Namdeb (land mining) and  
De Beers Marine Namibia (marine mining).

In addition, De Beers has a 74% shareholding 
in South Africa-based De Beers Consolidated 
Mines Limited (DBCM), with a broad based 
black economic empowerment (BEE)
consortium (Ponahalo) holding the balance.

De Beers owns 100% of De Beers Canada, 
which operates the company’s first two 
diamond mines outside the African continent.

De Beers owns 100% of The Diamond 
Trading Company (DTC) – a division of 
De Beers UK, the rough diamond distribution 
arm of De Beers. It also has a 50% interest in 
both DTC Botswana and Namibia DTC, with 
the GRB and GRN holding matching 
respective shareholdings.

Diamdel, wholly owned by De Beers, is  
the market leader in the sale of rough,  
uncut diamonds using innovative online 
auction techniques, to small, mid-tier  
and large manufacturing, retailing and  
trading businesses 

De Beers, through 100% owned Element  
Six Technologies, is the world’s leading  
supplier of industrial super-materials. 
Element Six operates internationally, with  
10 manufacturing sites worldwide and a 
global sales network. It is a leading player  
in the markets in which it operates.

At the consumer end of the value chain, 
De Beers’ proprietary diamond brand 
Forevermark, offers a differentiated 
proposition for consumers based on quality 
and integrity. Forevermark diamonds are 
available in select jewellers in markets 
including China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, 
South Africa and the US.

De Beers and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis 
Vuitton are 50/50 partners in the high-end 
retailer De Beers Diamond Jewellers (DBDJ). 
DBDJ has stores in the most fashionable 
areas of some of the world’s great cities, 
including New York, Beijing, Hong Kong, 
London, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Up to two-thirds of the world’s diamonds, by 
value, originate from 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 is 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 or industrial quality, 
with gem being overwhelmingly (>99%)  
the larger of the two markets by value. The 
primary world market for gem diamonds is  
in retail jewellery, where aspects such as 
carat, colour, cut and clarity have a large 
impact on valuation. 

De Beers, and its partner DTCs in Botswana 
and Namibia, supplies its customers – known 
as ‘Sightholders’ – with parcels of rough 
diamonds that are specifically aligned to their 
respective cutting and polishing needs.

STRATEGY AND GROWTH

De Beers is focused on:

 (cid:228) Capturing price growth

 (cid:228) Driving cost efficiencies

 (cid:228) Delivering upstream mining projects

 (cid:228) Capturing consumer demand.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Anglo American’s share of operating profit 
from De Beers totalled $659 million, an 
increase of 33%, reflecting De Beers’  
focus on fulfilling Sightholder demand  
and capturing the full benefit of significant 
price growth in 2011.

In May, Nicky Oppenheimer, chairman of the 
De Beers board, announced that, with effect 
from July 2011, Philippe Mellier had been 
appointed chief executive officer.

On 4 November, Anglo American announced 
its intention to acquire CHL’s entire 40% 
interest in De Beers for $5.1 billion cash. 
Under the terms of the existing shareholders’ 
agreement between Anglo American, CHL 
and the GRB, the GRB has a pre-emption 
right in respect of a pro rata portion of the 
CHL’s interest in De Beers, enabling it to 
participate in the transaction and to increase 
its interest in De Beers, on a pro rata basis,  
to up to 25%. In the event that the GRB 
exercises its pre-emption rights in full, under 
the proposed transaction, Anglo American 
would acquire an incremental 30% interest in 
De Beers, taking its total interest to 75%, and 
the consideration payable by Anglo American 
to CHL would be proportionately reduced. 

Markets
In 2011, the DTC achieved its second  
highest ever level of sales ($6.5 billion),  
a 27% increase over the prior year  
(2010: $5.1 billion). The first half of the  
year saw exceptional consumer demand 
growth which, when coupled with lower  
than historical levels of global diamond 
production, resulted in very strong polished 
and rough diamond price growth. While 
reflecting the robust market fundamentals, 
rough diamond prices in this period included 
an element of speculative buying in the 
trading centres. 

During the second half of the year, both  
retail and cutting centre sentiment was 
impacted by the challenging macro-
economic environment, restricted liquidity  
in the cutting centres and a slowdown in the 
rate of growth of consumer demand at retail. 
As a result, De Beers experienced lower 
levels of demand for its rough diamonds and 
prices receded slightly from the highs seen  
in the middle of the year. However, in total, 
2011 was a very strong year on the demand 
side, with record levels of consumer  
demand growth estimated at between  
11% and 13% over the full year, and DTC 
price growth of 29%. 

Consumer demand forecasts 
$ Polished wholesale prices

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2011
Forecast

USA   38%
Japan   10%
India  10%
China/Hong Kong   13%
Taiwan   2%
Gulf  7%
Turkey  2%
Rest of world  18%

Source: De Beers

2016
Forecast

USA   34%
Japan   8%
India  15%
China/Hong Kong   18%
Taiwan   2%
Gulf  6%
Turkey  2%
Rest of world  15%

Source: De Beers

Note: These figures provide estimates 
and forecasts of the size and growth of main
diamond consumer markets based on pipeline
and consumer research commissioned by 
De Beers. 2011 results are preliminary.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

81

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW DIAMONDS

The De Beers Family of Companies

Shareholders and corporate structure

Anglo American Group – 45%

Central Holdings Group – 40%

Government of the Republic of Botswana –15% 

DB Investments (Lux) – 100%

De Beers sa (Lux) – 100%

De Beers (UK) – 100%

De Beers Group Services (RSA) – 100%

The Diamond Pipeline

Exploration

Production

Global
Exploration1

Diamond mining

De Beers
Canada
De Beers sa – 
100% 

De Beers
Consolidated
Mines (DBCM)
De Beers sa – 
74% 

Debswana
Diamond
Company
De Beers sa –
50% 

Namdeb
Holdings
De Beers UK – 
50% 

Supermaterials

Element Six (E6)
Technologies –
100%
Abrasives –
60%
De Beers sa

Namdeb
Diamond
Corporation

De Beers
Marine Namibia
(Debmarine 
Namibia)

Rough Diamond Sales

Brands

Diamdel
De Beers sa – 
100% 

Forevermark
De Beers sa –
100% 

De Beers
Diamond
Jewellers 
(DBDJ)
De Beers sa – 
50% 

Diamond
Trading Company
(DTC)
Division of 
De Beers UK

DTC South Africa
Division of 
De Beers Group 
Services

DTC Botswana
(DTCB)
De Beers UK – 
50% 

Namibia DTC
(NDTC)
De Beers UK –
50% 

De Beers sa and shareholders
Owned and controlled subsidiaries and divisions
Joint ventures and independently managed subsidiaries

(1) Exploration is undertaken through a number of wholly
  owned and joint venture subsidiaries of De Beers sa

DBDJ reported good growth in sales across 
all regions, with Greater China particularly 
strong. The China opportunity is a priority for 
De Beers, with further 2012 expansion plans 
following the opening of stores in Beijing, 
Tianjin, Dalian and a second Hong Kong  
store in 2011. Forevermark continued its  
expansion both in its existing markets of 
China, Hong Kong and Japan, and in the 
second half of the year launched in India  
and the US. Forevermark is now available  
in 658 retail stores across nine markets,  
an increase of 89% compared with 2010. 

Operating performance
De Beers reported an LTIFR of 0.15  
(2010: 0.24) but, regrettably, there were 
seven loss of life incidents in the year. 
Comprehensive safety reviews are being 
carried out at all De Beers operations. 

De Beers’ production was 5% lower  
than the prior year at 31.3 million carats  
(2010: 33.0 million carats). During the  
first half of the year, in spite of a number  
of challenges, including heavy rainfall in 
southern Africa, maintenance backlogs, poor 
contractor performance, skills shortages,  
and protracted labour negotiations, De Beers 
produced 15.5 million carats, in line with  
the first half of 2010 (15.4 million carats). 
During the second half of the year, De Beers 
produced another 15.8 million carats despite 
a shift in its operational focus, in light of 
prevailing rough diamond market trends in 

the fourth quarter. De Beers utilised this 
period to address maintenance and waste 
stripping backlogs in order to better position 
the mines to increase their rate of production 
as demand from Sightholders increases.  
This is likely to continue for several months 
into 2012.

In 2011, De Beers Exploration spent 
$40 million (2010: $43 million) on work 
programmes focused on 11,347 km2 of 
ground holdings in Angola, Canada, India, 
Botswana and South Africa, supported by 
laboratory and technical services centralised 
in South Africa.

A new $2 billion multi-currency international 
credit facility was concluded in October, 
comprising an $800 million term loan and  
a $1.2 billion revolving credit facility with 
tenors of March 2015 and October  
2016 respectively.

Projects and restructuring
Debswana’s Jwaneng Mine Cut-8 extension 
project is progressing satisfactorily, largely  
on schedule and on budget. More than 
40 million tonnes of waste has been stripped 
to date, and infrastructure construction is 
over 90% complete, with the remaining work 
forecast to be completed during 2012.

The underground feasibility study to extend 
the life of Venetia Mine in South Africa is 
under way, and scheduled for consideration 
by the DBCM board in 2012.

De Beers Canada completed an  
Optimisation Study at Snap Lake mine in 
mid-2011, securing a mining solution to 
economically access this promising long  
life but challenging orebody, and thereby 
achieve its forecast 20 year life of mine. 

Per the NI 43-101 Technical Report issued  
by Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. in 2010, 
Gahcho Kué is identified as commencing in 
2013 with production from 2015. The Gahcho 
Kué Environmental Impact Statement has 
been submitted and the review process is 
currently under way and ultimately the final 
project schedule will be dependent on 
progress in obtaining environmental permits 
and regulatory approvals. 

In September, DBCM completed the  
sale of Finsch mine, as a going concern,  
to a Petra Diamonds-led consortium for a 
consideration of R1.425 billion ($210 million), 
plus assumption of rehabilitation liabilities.  
In May, DBCM announced that it had  
entered into an agreement to sell 
Namaqualand Mines to Trans Hex in  
a transaction valued at R225 million  
($33.5 million), subject to the fulfilment  
of a number of conditions precedent.

In September, a new 10 year contract for  
the sorting, valuing and sales of Debswana’s 
diamond production was announced by 
De Beers and its joint venture partner, the 
GRB. As part of the agreement, De Beers will 
transfer its London-based rough diamond 

82 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

aggregation and sales activity to Botswana  
by the end of 2013. From its new base in 
Botswana, the DTC will aggregate production 
from De Beers’ mines and its joint venture 
operations worldwide, and sell to local and 
international Sightholders.

In November, De Beers and the GRN finalised 
an agreement to increase the GRN’s effective 
shareholding in De Beers Marine Namibia 
from 15% to 50% through the establishment 
of a new 50:50 joint venture holding 
company. This will not change current 
marketing arrangements and all diamond 
production from Namdeb will continue to be 
sorted, valued and marketed exclusively by 
the DTC together with Namibia DTC.

In December, the DTC announced the 
provisional qualification of 72 Sightholder 
applicants for the upcoming Supplier of 
Choice sales contract period, which  
begins on 31 March 2012 and runs to  
30 March 2015.

Outlook
In spite of uncertainty, and barring a global 
economic shock, continued growth in global 
diamond jewellery sales is expected, albeit  
at lower levels than the growth experienced  
in 2011. This will be driven by the overall 
strength of the luxury goods market, 
improving sentiment in the US (the largest 
diamond jewellery market), continuing 
growth in China, and the positive impact  
of the 2011 polished price growth on retail 
jewellery prices.

On the production front, De Beers will 
continue to prioritise waste stripping and 
maintenance backlogs, and we therefore  
do not expect a material increase in carat 
production in 2012. This focus, which began 
in the second half of 2011 and will continue 
during the first quarter of 2012, will position 
De Beers to ramp up profitable carat 
production as Sightholder demand dictates. 
In the medium to longer term, the industry 
fundamentals remain positive, with consumer 
demand, fuelled by the emerging markets of 
China and India, outpacing what will likely be 
level carat production.

01   The Cut-8 extension will 
transform Jwaneng into a 
‘superpit’ and extend the 
life of this pre-eminent 
diamond mine until at  
least 2025.

02   Sorting rough diamonds  
at DTC Botswana’s 
purpose-built facility  
in Gaborone.

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83

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW OTHER MINING AND INDUSTRIAL

OTHER MINING 
AND INDUSTRIAL

Brian 
Beamish 
Group Director 
of Mining and 
Technology, 
currently 
managing 
Other Mining 
and Industrial 
– Copebrás 
and Catalão

Duncan 
Wanblad 
Group Director 
Other Mining 
and Industrial 
– Tarmac and 
Scaw Metals

Financial highlights

$ million (unless otherwise stated)

Operating profit

Copebrás

Catalão

Tarmac

Scaw Metals

Zinc

Other

EBITDA

Net operating assets

Capital expenditure

Share of Group operating profit

Share of Group net operating assets

2011

195

136

54

(35)

40

20

(20)

393

2010

664

81

67

48

170

321

(23)

894

3,201

3,393

152

2%

7%

206

7%

8%

Note: Catalão and Copebrás, reported in the Other Mining and Industrial segment, are now considered core to the Group. Tarmac and 
Scaw Metals, which were identified for divestment as part of the restructuring programme announced in October 2009, remain non-core 
to the Group. The non-core businesses are not considered to be individually significant to the Group and are therefore also presented in 
the Other Mining and Industrial reporting segment. Until February 2011, this reporting segment also included the zinc operations. 

OPERATING PROFIT
(2010: $664 m)

 $195 m

SHARE OF GROUP 
OPERATING PROFIT
(2010:7%)

 2%

EBITDA
(2010: $894 m)

$393 m

01  Copebrás is the second largest 
integrated phosphate fertilizer 
producer in Brazil and is an 
important supplier of a wide 
variety of products to the 
country’s agriculture sector.

01

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

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OTHER MINING  
AND INDUSTRIAL
COPEBRÁS

Business overview
Copebrás is the second largest integrated 
phosphate fertilizer producer in Brazil. 
Copebrás’ operations are vertically 
integrated, covering mining of its own 
phosphate ore, beneficiation of the ore to 
produce P2O5 concentrate and processing 
into intermediate and final products.

Copebrás’ mine in Ouvidor (in the state of 
Goiás) currently produces up to 5.9 Mt of  
ore per annum (dry basis) and is a prime 
phosphate deposit in Brazil with one of  
the highest grades of ore available in the 
country (approximately 13% P2O5). The 
company has approximately 15% of current 
Brazilian phosphate mineral resources and 
has a remaining mine life of 41 years at 
current production rates (excluding the  
Goiás II brownfield expansion).

The phosphate ore (run of mine) is treated  
at the co-located beneficiation facility, 
producing approximately 1.35 Mt of final 
phosphate concentrate per annum at an 
average (dry) grade of around 37% P2O5. 
Copebrás operates two chemical processing 
complexes located in Catalão in the state  
of Goiás, and Cubatão in the state of 
São Paulo. Copebrás produces a wide  
variety of products for the Brazilian 
agriculture sector, including low analysis 
(<20% P2O5 content) and high analysis 
(>40% P2O5 content) phosphate fertilizers, 
dicalcium phosphate (DCP) for the animal 
feed industry, as well as phosphoric and  
sulphuric acids. 

Financial overview
Market 
Phosphate sales increased by 24% in 2011, 
as a result of strong domestic demand early 
in the year due to the ‘mini crop’ (a smaller 
secondary crop, mainly corn, grown in the 
first half of the year), demand for fertilizers  
by sugar cane farmers and farmers 
purchasing fertilizer ahead of the summer 
crop as a result of competitive fertilizer prices 
relative to grain prices.

The balance between supply and demand  
for phosphates tightened further through the 
year owing to reduced supplies from China 
and Saudi Arabia; this contributed to the 
average phosphates price for the year 
increasing to $700/t (2010: $510/t). From 
October, however, grain prices started 

declining from their peak on the back of 
continuing global economic uncertainty, 
taking fertilizer prices with them, which led  
to lower demand for both.

For the year as a whole, fertilizer sales  
totalled 955,700 tonnes, 4.2% below 2010. 
DCP sales were 124,500 tonnes, in line with 
2010, while phosphoric acid sales were 4.8% 
higher at 100,200 tonnes.

Operating performance
Copebrás generated an operating profit of 
$136 million, representing a 68% increase on 
the previous year. This performance reflected 
higher international and local market prices, 
coupled with operational gains from asset 
optimisation initiatives in particular.

The strong performance was partially  
offset by increased input costs, particularly 
sulphur and ammonia, combined with the 
strengthening of the Brazilian currency.

Projects
A debottlenecking project, designed  
to increase capacity of Granulated  
Mono-Ammonium Phosphate by  
60,000 tonnes and of DCP by 25,000 tonnes 
by 2015, is under review. The project is 
estimated to increase annual EBITDA by 
more than $35 million, through increased 
capacity and cost savings.

Given the phosphate market’s sound 
fundamentals, the original Goiás 2 expansion 
project undertaken in 2008 and designed to 
increase phosphate production by more than 
100%, may be re-assessed from a different 
product-mix perspective.

Outlook
Prices for agricultural commodities in Brazil 
remain at healthy levels, resulting in good 
margins for farmers. Although international 
fertilizer prices softened towards the end  
of the year owing to the global economic 
uncertainty, they remain relatively high. 

Nonetheless, the uncertain global economic 
outlook affected demand in the Brazilian 
market late in the year, as farmers decided  
to postpone purchasing fertilizer. Prospects 
are, however, positive and the current higher 
inventories of imported fertilizers may 
preclude further imports early in 2012, 
improving the overall dynamics for domestic 
fertilizers later in the year.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

85

 
 
 
 
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW OTHER MINING AND INDUSTRIAL

CATALÃO

Business overview
Catalão Mining (Mineração Catalão), which  
is located in the cities of Catalão and Ouvidor, 
in Goiás state, Brazil, is one of the world’s 
three largest niobium producers.

As an alloying agent, niobium brings unique 
properties to steels, such as increased 
formability, corrosion resistance, weldability 
and strength under tough working 
environments, including extreme high or  
low temperatures. Such steels are known  
as high strength low alloy steels. 

Around 90% of total global niobium 
consumption is used as an alloying element, 
in the form of ferro-niobium (FeNb) in high 
strength steels, such steels being used  
in the manufacture of automobiles, ships, 
high pressure pipelines, as well as in the 
petroleum and construction industries. The 
product is exported to the main steel plants  
in Europe, the US and Asia.

Financial overview
Markets
Niobium demand and prices have remained 
generally stable, notwithstanding volatility 
across world markets and uncertainty  
around the global economy, particularly the 
sovereign debt situation in Europe and the 
lacklustre pace of economic recovery in  
the US. 

In 2011, world crude steel production rose  
by 6.8% to reach a record 1,527 Mt. Total 
demand for niobium rose in tandem to  
more than 70,000 tonnes of Nb content  
in FeNb form for 2011, which eclipsed the 
previous record figure of 65,800 tonnes 
achieved in 2008.

Operating performance
Catalão’s operating profit declined by 19%  
to $54 million. The company’s financial 
performance was negatively affected by 
lower production and sales volumes, higher 
costs related to Catalão’s reintegration into 
the Anglo American Group, local inflationary 
pressures, and the impact of the Brazilian 
currency’s appreciation against the dollar.

Production for the year of 3,900 tonnes 
represented a 3% decline (2010: 4,000 
tonnes) following a significant change of 
production profile as the mine advanced 
further into the transition ore between 
weathered material and unoxidised ore, 
resulting in lower Nb recoveries. Set against 
this, improvements in the concentration and 
metallurgy processes at the Boa Vista plant 
led to higher recoveries. This, combined with 
higher average grades, and the inclusion of 
the Copebrás tailing from Mine 2, with its 
higher contained Nb grade, allowed Catalão 
to offset the impact of the transition ore. 

Projects
The Boa Vista Fresh Rock project was 
approved in October 2011. The existing  
plant will be adapted to process new rock 
instead of oxidised ore, leading to an increase 
in production capacity to approximately  
6,500 tonnes of Nb per year from the  
current 3,800 tonnes. 

Outlook
Despite the record levels of sales and prices 
in 2011, growth rates for niobium are likely to 
remain capped worldwide in the near term. 
The European sovereign debt crisis is likely to 
have a significant negative bearing on sales  
to Europe.

In the short term, additional niobium sales  
are likely to be diverted on a spot basis  
to China and, to a lesser extent, the US.  
Prices are expected to come under pressure 
from a stronger Brazilian real and the 
uncertain economic outlook in Europe and 
the US.

86 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

TARMAC 

Tarmac reported an operating loss of 
$35 million, compared to a profit of 
$48 million in 2010. On a directly comparable 
basis, however, taking into consideration the 
impact of European businesses that were 
sold in 2010, Tarmac’s operating profit 
showed a reduction of $55 million. Tarmac’s 
directly comparable EBITDA performance 
was 32% lower. 

Quarry materials
Asphalt volumes benefited from carry-over  
of demand resulting from the severe weather 
at the end of 2010, as well as some continuing 
government infrastructure investment, 
particularly in respect of local authority  
road maintenance. In comparison to 2010, 
concrete volumes decreased, reflecting a 
reduction in demand from major projects 
such as the Olympic Village and Gatwick 
Airport, and reduced housing and other 
building expenditure. Cement production 
levels improved over 2010 as a result of the 
ongoing efficiency programme. Management 
efforts continue to be focused on mitigating 
the significant impact of rising input costs, in 
particular hydrocarbons, through initiatives 
such as increasing the use of recycled asphalt 
materials to recapture bitumen.

The outlook for the year ahead remains 
uncertain and dependent to a large extent 
upon the UK government’s response to weak 
domestic growth and wider economic 
uncertainty across the euro zone. Against this 
background, volume declines are anticipated 
across major product categories in 2012, 
reflecting announced reductions in public 
sector spending, exacerbated by declining 
private sector spending. 

The UK joint venture discussions with 
Lafarge are proceeding through the required 
regulatory processes. 

Building products
Performance was severely impacted by  
the closure of the Precast business, one-off 
non-recurring separation costs and the 
continuing decline in housing, retail and 
commercial markets, which affected all 
products. Volumes suffered as a 
consequence of both the general market 
decline and a competitive pricing 
environment, where customers and 
competitors remain more focused on  
price and less on other value drivers. 

Cost-reduction initiatives remain a high 
priority. Several key projects are also  
under way to enhance quality and improve 
customer service. 

The underlying market outlook continues  
to remain challenging in the short term.

SCAW METALS

Scaw Metals generated an operating profit  
of $40 million, a 76% decrease compared 
with 2010, largely as a result of the sale of 
Moly-Cop and AltaSteel that was concluded 
in December 2010. On a directly comparable 
basis, however, taking into consideration the 
impact of the sale of Moly-Cop and AltaSteel 
in 2010, Scaw Metals’ operating profit 
showed a reduction of $23 million. Scaw 
Metals’ directly comparable EBITDA 
performance was 24% lower.

A strong performance was recorded by 
Grinding Media in spite of margin pressure 
owing to the strong rand. At Wire Rod 
Products, performance improved on the  
back of strong demand for offshore and 
mining products and improved business 
efficiencies. At Rolled Products, performance 
was affected by weak demand from the 
construction sector and selling prices not fully 
recovering rising input costs, resulting in 
reduced margins.

At Cast Products, a number of foundries 
suffered from a lack of demand for larger 
castings in the year, as well as a strong rand, 
significantly impacting the business’ results. 
The situation improved towards the end of 
the year as the demand for railway, power 
generation and general engineering 
components saw the securing of important 
orders for the forthcoming year. 

A strong focus by management on cost-
saving initiatives in all operations and sales  
to downstream businesses has mitigated  
the effects of weak margins. In addition, the 
closure of lossmaking operations and a focus 
on pursuing new markets with higher margins 
has enabled Scaw Metals to lessen the 
impact of weak economic conditions.

Total production of steel products at Scaw 
South Africa was 677,400 tonnes, a decrease 
of 5% over the prior year. 

01   A Tarmac National Contracting team 

during a major night time road 
resurfacing operation in the UK.

02   Catalão’s niobium plant in Goiás state, 
Brazil. The existing plant is being 
adapted to process new rock instead 
of oxidised ore, which will raise annual 
niobium production capacity from 
3,800 tonnes to 6,500 tonnes.

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

87

 
 
 
 
GOVERNANCE INTRODUCTION

GOOD GOVERNANCE: 
LEADERSHIP AND OPENNESS

“ Good governance is not merely following  
a set of rules, but ensuring that the highest 
standards of behaviour begin at board level  
and flow throughout the organisation.”

CHAIRMAN’S 
INTRODUCTION
The UK Corporate Governance Code (the 
Code) states that the purpose of corporate 
governance is to, ‘facilitate effective, 
entrepreneurial and prudent management 
that can deliver the long term success of the 
company’. For us, this means not merely 
following a set of rules, but ensuring that the 
highest standards of behaviour begin at 
board level and flow throughout the 
organisation. Good governance takes 
different forms; whether it be adopting  
best practices early – such as the annual 
re-election of all directors in 2011, or 
committing to building a diverse board.

Two key developments in the corporate 
governance field during 2011 were the 
publication of the report from Lord Davies  
on the representation of women in the 
boardroom and the implementation of the 
guidance on ‘adequate procedures’ under  
the Bribery Act. 

We believe that diversity in the boardroom,  
in terms of background, skills and experience, 
encourages independent and challenging 
debate and leads to better decision  
making. I was privileged to have served on 
Lord Davies’ steering group and therefore 
welcomed his ‘Women on Boards’ report, 
published in February 2011, which states that 
‘evidence suggests that companies with a 
strong female representation at board and 
top management level perform better than 
those without and that gender diverse boards 
have a positive impact on performance’. In 
our 2010 annual report, we already 
announced our intention to increase the 
representation of women on the Board from 
20% to about 30% (excluding the chairman) 
by 2013. The Group is also committed to 
increasing the pipeline of diverse talent within 
the organisation and specifically increasing 
gender diversity overall and within the 
management population. At a Group and 
business unit level we have established 
internal targets through to 2014, progress 
against which is tracked regularly, with  
Group assisting the spread of best practice  
in this area.

During the year, Nicky Oppenheimer  
retired from the Board and in April,  
we welcomed Phuthuma Nhleko as a  
non executive director (NED) who has an 
excellent international business track record. 
These changes continue our comprehensive 
refreshment programme. 

In 2011, we intensified our Business Integrity 
training, that commenced in 2009, to ensure 
that our workforce is fully equipped to 
manage potential scenarios relating to 
bribery and corruption – more detail about 
this is included on page 102.

New to this section on pages 98 to 100  
as part of our commitment to disclosure  
and openness, are detailed reports on  
items discussed by our Committees during 
the year. 

We are pleased to confirm that we complied 
with the Code for the period under review. 
For more information on this, please see the 
checklist on our website.

For more information visit 
www.angloamerican.com

BOARD EFFECTIVENESS

As chairman, I manage the Board and 
oversee the operation of its Committees. 
My aim is to ensure that they should  
operate effectively via directors with the 
relevant range of skill sets and experience  
to ensure they are fit for purpose. In this 
report I will explain how we cultivate a 
talented and diverse board whose 
performance is regularly reviewed and 
continuously improved. 

An external evaluation of the Board by a 
facilitator with no prior relationship with the 
Anglo American Group, commenced towards 
the end of 2011. This involved interviews with 
the Board members on an individual basis 
and attendance at a Board meeting by the 
external facilitator. The results of this review 
are being analysed as this report is finalised 
and therefore an update on the results of this 
externally facilitated assessment will be 
disclosed in next year’s report. 

Sir John Parker 

IN THIS SECTION 

88  Chairman’s 
introduction

88  Board effectiveness 

90 

 The Board

92  Executive Management

93  Role and composition  

of the Board 

93  Excellence in the  
board room 

95  Board in action

96 

Investor 
communication

98  Board Committees 

101  Audit Committee report

102   Effectiveness of 

internal control and risk 
management

88 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Achievements against 2010 board effectiveness action plan

Action plan resulting from 2010 board effectiveness review

Action plan update 2011

Relationship between 
Board and management

 Increase contact between directors and management 
during intervals between board meetings

Introduce more ‘free flowing’ informal discussions 
outside board meetings – the pre-board meeting 
dinners will be more ‘structured’ whilst retaining an 
informal style

Improving Board meeting 
effectiveness

 Enhance the information flow to NEDs between 
board meetings to allow for a more focused board 
agenda

The flow of management information to the Board 
was enhanced and the frequency of dissemination  
of this was improved

Structured board dinners took place during the year 
where matters such as strategy and the HR talent 
review were discussed

Items disseminated such as economics reports

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Introduction of iPads to ensure timely provision  
of board materials

Successful implementation with a high percentage 
choosing electronic over paper copies

 Management to consider the optimum level of detail 
in presentations to the Board

Ongoing – items such as company risks, operational 
safety and performance will be provided in such detail 
as is appropriate

Committees

S&SD Committee – outside stakeholders to be 
invited to address some committee meetings

Implemented during the year – for more information 
see page 98 relating to the S&SD Committee

Nomination Committee – talent strategy

Detailed talent strategy presented to NEDs in February

Remuneration Committee – the Committee will allot 
more time for ‘members only’ discussions

More time allocated accordingly

Key focus points 
highlighted by NEDs 

Political and regulatory uncertainty; business 
integrity processes – Bribery Act 2010

Please see detailed report on page 102

Safety and the environment

Strategy

Project execution

Talent development and management succession

Performance of NEDs

Site visits

Induction of board

Board papers were amended to show more detail on 
these issues

Two day strategy meeting held in June

Detailed quarterly project ‘dashboards’ reviewed by 
the Board

Presentations from the chief executive in February 
and June – see detail on succession on page 99

The number of visits was increased in 2011 including 
a special visit to Moranbah in Australia – see page 95

A half day exploration seminar took place in February 
and a full day mining seminar took place at the July 
board meeting

The achievements against the action plan 
flowing from the 2010 board effectiveness 
review are detailed in the table above. As 
chairman I interviewed each director to 
review those issues raised during the board 
evaluation process and on any other issue  
of concern to them as individual directors. 
This process also provides an opportunity  
to review the personal performance of a 
director on a one-to-one basis. Following  
that I am happy to confirm that each board 
member’s performance is effective and  
they each continue to demonstrate full 
commitment to the role. 

In relation to NEDs’ involvement in 
developing the strategy of the Company,  
we held a two day strategy meeting in  
June 2011, in which the entire Board and 
senior management participated. Six key 
focus areas were agreed upon. The  
proposed increase in the Company’s share  
in the De Beers Group is but one example  
of the agreed strategic priorities that are 
being implemented. 

As I said last year, corporate governance  
is a much abused term – to us, it is much 
more than simply following a set of 
guidelines. My aim in this report is to illustrate 
our commitment to creating value with the 
right people making the right decisions within 
a board and committee environment that 
promotes challenge and debate.

Sir John Parker
Chairman

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

89

 
GOVERNANCE THE BOARD

THE BOARD

Sir John Parker

Cynthia Carroll

René Médori

David Challen

Sir CK Chow

Sir Philip Hampton

Ray O’Rourke

Mamphela Ramphele

Peter Woicke

In accordance with 
the UK Corporate 
Governance Code, 
Anglo American will 
continue to propose 
the re-election of all 
its directors on an 
annual basis.

Phuthuma Nhleko

Jack Thompson

90 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

CHAIRMAN

Sir John Parker 
FREng DSc (Eng), ScD (Hon),  
DSc (Hon), DUniv (Hon), FRINA 

69, joined the Board as a non executive 
director on 9 July 2009 and became  
chairman of Anglo American plc on 1 August 
2009. Sir John is also chairman of the 
Nomination Committee and is a member  
of the Safety and Sustainable Development 
(S&SD) Committee. 

Sir John is recognised as a highly experienced 
and independent chairman, has chaired five 
FTSE 100 companies and brings a broad 
range of leadership experience across a 
variety of industries in many countries. 

He is a non executive director of Carnival 
Corporation, EADS and deputy chairman of 
DP World. Sir John is President of the Royal 
Academy of Engineering, and a Visiting Fellow 
of the University of Oxford. 

Sir John recently stepped down as chairman 
of National Grid plc and as chancellor of the 
University of Southampton. He was previously 
senior non executive director and chair of the 
Court of the Bank of England and joint chair of 
Mondi and chair of BVT and P&O plc.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Cynthia Carroll
BSc, MSc, MBA

55, was appointed chief executive on 1 March 
2007, having joined the Board on 15 January 
2007. Cynthia Carroll chairs the Group 
Management Committee (GMC) and the 
Executive Committee (ExCo) and sits on the 
S&SD Committee. She is a non executive 
director of BP plc and De Beers and chairs 
Anglo American Platinum. 

Key achievements:
 (cid:228) comprehensive internal reorganisation, new 

asset optimisation and supply  
chain initiatives, while sustaining the  
project pipeline during the downturn,  
and laying the foundation for a record 
financial performance in 2011

 (cid:228) changed the composition of the  

projects team and introduced greater 
systematisation into the project evaluation 
process. In 2011, three major projects  
were successfully delivered – on, or ahead  
of schedule

 (cid:228) continues to drive our sustainable 

development agenda, including leading  
our corporate participation at the 2011 
COP17 Summit.

Cynthia Carroll is the former president and 
CEO of Alcan’s Primary Metals Group and a 
former director of AngloGold Ashanti Ltd  
and Sara Lee Corporation.

G
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FINANCE DIRECTOR

René Médori 
Doctorate in Economics

54, was appointed to the Board on 1 June 
2005, becoming finance director on 
1 September 2005. René Médori is a member 
of GMC and ExCo and chairman of the 
Investment Committee. He is a non executive 
director of SSE plc (formerly Scottish and 
Southern Energy plc) until 25 June 2012,  
De Beers and Anglo American Platinum. 
René Médori recently joined the board of 
Petrofac Limited as a non executive director.

Key achievements:
 (cid:228) has maintained a robust balance sheet, 

which is well positioned for market volatility

 (cid:228) led the negotiations with Lafarge on the 
combination of the cement, aggregate, 
ready mixed concrete, asphalt and 
contracting businesses in the UK of  
Lafarge and Tarmac

 (cid:228) ensured funding of De Beers deal without 

recourse to acquisition financing.

He is a former finance director of The BOC 
Group plc.

SENIOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

David Challen 
MA, MBA 

68, 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 Nomination and 
Remuneration Committees. David Challen  
is currently chairman of the EMEA 
governance committee at Citigroup and 
senior non executive director of Smiths Group 
plc. He is currently a deputy chairman of the 
UK’s Takeover Panel. David Challen continues  
to demonstrate his independence by 
challenging and questioning management.

Previously he was chairman of J. Henry 
Schroder & Co. Limited, where he spent most 
of his professional career.

NON EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Sir CK Chow 
DEng (Hon), CEng, FREng, HonFHKIE, FIChemE

61, was appointed to the Board on 15 April 
2008 and is a member of the Nomination  
and Remuneration Committees. He is 
currently a non executive director of AIA 
Group Company Limited. Sir CK was knighted 
in 2000 for his services to industry.

Sir CK recently retired as chief executive 
officer of the MTR Corporation in Hong Kong, 
a position he held between 2003 and 2011. 
He was formerly chief executive of Brambles 
Industries, GKN PLC and non executive 
chairman of Standard Chartered Bank  
(Hong Kong) Limited. Prior to joining GKN 
PLC he worked for The BOC Group plc for  
20 years, joining its board in 1993.

Sir Philip Hampton 
MA, ACA, MBA

58, joined the Board on 9 November  
2009. He is chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee and a member of the Audit 
Committee. Sir Philip is chairman of  
The Royal Bank of Scotland and brings  
to Anglo American significant financial, 
strategic and boardroom experience across  
a number of industries. 

His previous appointments include chairman 
of J Sainsbury plc, finance director of Lloyds 
TSB Group plc, BT Group plc, BG Group plc, 
British Gas plc, British Steel plc, an executive 
director of Lazards and a non executive 
director of RMC Group plc and Belgacom SA.

Ray O’Rourke 
HONFREng, CEng, FICE, FIEI

65, joined the Board on 11 December 2009. 
He is a member of the Audit and S&SD 
Committees. Ray O’Rourke has a proven  
track record in delivering complex and large 
scale projects around the world, mobilising 
large numbers of people with great success 
and applying leading project management 
practices. As a member of the S&SD 
Committee, he has a keen interest in safety.

He founded the O’Rourke Group in 1977, 
having begun his career at Kier and J Murphy 
& Sons. In 2001, the O’Rourke Group acquired 
John Laing, to form Laing O’Rourke, now 
Europe’s largest privately owned construction 
company, of which Ray O’Rourke is chairman 
and chief executive.

Phuthuma Nhleko 
BSc, MBA

51, joined the Board on 9 March 2011 and is  
a member of the Audit Committee. Phuthuma 
Nhleko is a non executive director of BP plc 
and an executive director of Pembani Group 
(Pty) Limited. Phuthuma Nhleko’s extensive 
international business experience has lent 
further strength to our Board. 

In his former position as President and CEO of 
MTN, Phuthuma Nhleko showed impressive 
leadership and vision in transforming MTN 
from a highly successful South African mobile 
operator into a considerable force in mobile 
telecommunications services in emerging 
markets. He previously served as a director on 
a number of boards in South Africa, including 
Nedbank Group, Alexander Forbes, Bidvest 
and Old Mutual (SA).

Mamphela Ramphele 
PhD, BComm, MB Ch B

64, joined the Board on 25 April 2006. She  
is a member of the Nomination and S&SD 
Committees. Mamphela Ramphele is the 
founder of Letsema Circle, a specialist 
transformation advisory company and the 
chair of Gold Fields Limited and the 
Technology & Innovation Agency of South 
Africa. She is a non executive director of 
Mediclinic and Remgro, a trustee of the 
Nelson Mandela Foundation, and an adviser  
to the Veolia Institute. She is the chair of 
Eduloan. Her experience in international 
financial institutions and of South African 
social issues is of great value to the Company.

Mamphela Ramphele 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. She was also the chair of Circle 
Capital Ventures, a Black Economic 
Empowerment Company.

Jack Thompson 
BSc, PhD

61, joined the Board on 16 November  
2009 and is a member of the Remuneration 
and S&SD Committees. He is currently a  
non executive director of Molycorp Inc.  
and Tidewater Inc. Jack Thompson brings 
experience gained at all levels of the mining 
industry and has received wide recognition  
as a mining executive. He also has extensive 
boardroom experience in both executive  
and non executive roles.

Jack Thompson was previously chairman  
and CEO of Homestake Mining Co., vice 
chairman of Barrick Gold Corp. and has 
served on the boards of Centerra Gold Inc., 
Century Aluminum Co., Phelps Dodge Corp., 
Rinker Group Ltd and Stillwater Mining.

Peter Woicke 
MBA

69, joined the Board on 1 January 2006, 
chairs the S&SD Committee and is a member 
of the Nomination and Remuneration 
Committees.

He is currently chair of the trustees of the 
Ashesi University Foundation and a member 
of the boards of Saudi Aramco, the Institute 
for Human Rights and Business and the 
Chesapeake Bay Foundation. 

From 1999 to 2005, Peter Woicke was 
Executive Vice President of the International 
Finance Corporation (IFC) and under his 
leadership, the IFC expanded the provision 
of environmental and social know how to its 
clients through its Sustainability Initiative. 
Prior to joining the IFC, Peter Woicke held 
numerous positions over nearly 30 years 
with J.P. Morgan and he was also a managing 
director of the World Bank.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

91

 
GOVERNANCE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

EXECUTIVE 
MANAGEMENT

The Company has two principal executive 
committees. The Group Management 
Committee (GMC) (which meets 
fortnightly) is responsible for formulating 
strategy for discussion and approval by  
the Board, monitoring performance and 
managing the Group’s portfolio. The 
Executive Committee (ExCo) (which meets 
at least every two months for a two day 
session) is responsible for developing and 
implementing Group wide policies and 
programmes and for the adoption of best 
practice standards across the Group.

GMC AND EXCO MEMBERS

Cynthia Carroll
See page 90 for biographical details.

René Médori
See page 91 for biographical details.

Brian Beamish
BSc (Mechanical Engineering)
55, is Group director of mining and 
technology. He was chief executive  
of Base Metals between 2007 and 

2009 and has more than 30 years of mining  
industry experience in various commodities and 
geographies. He spent 20 years at Anglo American 
Platinum, including four years as executive director 
of operations between 1996 and 1999.

Mervyn Walker
MA
52, is Group director of human 
resources and corporate affairs. He  
is a solicitor by training and joined 

Anglo American in 2008 from Mondi, where he was 
group HR and legal director. Mervyn Walker held a 
series of senior roles at British Airways, including  
HR director, legal director, director of purchasing 
and director of UK airports. He is also non executive 
chairman of pension schemes for AMEC plc.

David Weston
MBA, BSc (Eng)
53, is Group director of business 
performance and projects. He  
spent 25 years with Shell and was 

president of Shell Canada Products before joining 
the Anglo American Group in 2006 as chief 
executive of Industrial Minerals (Tarmac).  
David Weston served as the Group’s technical 
director between April and October 2009. He is also 
a non executive director of International Power plc 
and Kumba Iron Ore Ltd.

92 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Peter Whitcutt
BCom (Hons), CA (SA), MBA
46, is Group director of strategy and 
business development. He joined 
Anglo American in 1990 within the 

corporate finance division. He worked on the 
merger of Minorco, the listing of Anglo American  
in 1999 and the subsequent unwinding of the  
cross holding with De Beers. He was appointed 
group head of finance in 2003, CFO of Base Metals 
in August 2008 and to his present position in 
October 2009.

EXCO MEMBERS

Paulo Castellari-Porchia
BCom, MBA
41, is CEO of Iron Ore Brazil. He was 
previously CEO of Anglo American’s 
Phosphates and Niobium businesses 

in Brazil and served in Anglo American’s former 
Base Metals division. His 18 year career with the 
Group included positions at AngloGold Ashanti and 
Minorco in a number of corporate finance and 
capital project roles.

Walter De Simoni
BSc (Mining Eng)
56, is CEO of Nickel. Walter De Simoni 
joined the Anglo American Group in 
1978. He was appointed president  
of Anglo Base Metals Brazil in 2005. He became  
Anglo American Brazil CEO in 2006 and CEO of 
Nickel in October 2009.

Seamus French
BEng (Chemical)
49, is CEO of Metallurgical Coal and 
joined the Group as regional CEO of 
Anglo Coal Australia in 2007. He was 

previously on the BHP Billiton Executive Committee 
as global vice president of business excellence  
from 2005.

Godfrey Gomwe
BAcc, CA (Z), MBL
56, is executive director,  
Anglo American South Africa. He is 
chairman of Anglo American Zimele, 
Anglo American’s Transformation Committee and 
Tshikululu Social Investments. He is a non executive 
director of Anglo American Platinum, Kumba Iron 
Ore and Thebe Investment Corporation (Pty) Ltd. 
He was previously finance director and COO of 
Anglo American South Africa and chairman and 
chief executive of Anglo American Zimbabwe.

Chris Griffith
B Eng (Mining) Hons, Pr Eng
46, is CEO of Kumba Iron Ore.  
He has been with Anglo American  
for almost two decades. He was  

Anglo American Platinum’s head of operations  
for joint ventures before being appointed CEO  
of Kumba Iron Ore in 2008.

John MacKenzie
MSc Eng, MBL
43, is CEO of Copper. He joined the 
Anglo American Gold and Uranium 
Division in 1990 and was promoted  

to vice president of Anglo Coal, South American 
Operations in 1999. In 2004, he became general 
manager of the Minera Loma de Níquel operation  
in Venezuela. John MacKenzie was appointed CEO 
of Base Metals’ Zinc operations in 2006, becoming 
CEO of Copper in 2009.

Norman Mbazima
FCCA, FZICA
53, is CEO of Thermal Coal. He joined 
the Anglo American Group in 2001  
at Konkola Copper Mines PLC. He  

was global CFO for Anglo Coal and became 
executive director of finance at Anglo American 
Platinum in June 2006, and later stepped in as joint 
acting CEO. He was appointed CEO of Scaw Metals 
in 2008 and was appointed CEO of Thermal Coal in 
October 2009.

Neville Nicolau
BT (Mining Engineering), MBA
52, is CEO of Platinum. He joined the 
Anglo American Group in January 
1979, subsequently working in the 

Gold and Uranium Division at different managerial 
levels in all the major operating areas in South Africa. 
In 2000-2001, he was the technical director of 
AngloGold’s South American operations, based in 
Brazil. He became COO (Africa) of AngloGold 
Ashanti in 2004 and was appointed CEO of  
Anglo American Platinum in 2008.

Duncan Wanblad
BSc (Eng) Mech, GDE (Eng Management)
45, is Group director of Other Mining 
and Industrial. He began his career at 
Johannesburg Consolidated 

Investment Company Limited in 1990. He was 
appointed to the board of Anglo American Platinum 
and various of its subsidiaries in 2004 – becoming 
the executive director in charge of projects and 
engineering. He was appointed joint acting CEO of 
Anglo American Platinum in 2007, before taking 
over as CEO copper operations of Anglo American 
in 2008. He became Group director of Other Mining 
and Industrial in October 2009.

GOVERNANCE ROLE OF THE BOARD

WHAT IS THE ROLE 
OF THE BOARD?
The Board of directors has a duty to  
promote the long term success of the 
Company for its shareholders. 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, budgets and 
material expenditure). For the full list,  
please see the Company’s website. 

For more information visit 
www.angloamerican.com

Every year the Board holds a two day  
strategy meeting at which the non executive 
directors (NEDs) contribute their expertise 
and independent perspective in developing 
the strategy of the Company. 

HOW IS THE BOARD COMPOSED?

Role of the chairman
The Board is chaired by Sir John Parker.  
The chairman is responsible for leading the 
Board and for its effectiveness. 

Role of the chief executive
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 Group Management 
Committee (GMC) and the Executive 
Committee (ExCo), both of which she chairs. 
The functions and membership of GMC and 
ExCo are set out on page 92. 

The Company has adopted the  
Institute of Chartered Secretaries and  
Administrators Statement of Division  
of Responsibilities between the Chairman 
and the Chief Executive. 

Role of the senior independent director 
(SID)
David Challen is the senior independent  
non executive director. He is available to 
shareholders, acts as a sounding board and 
confidant for the chairman and is available  
as an intermediary for the other directors  
if necessary.

Board and Committee meetings – frequency and attendance

Sir John Parker

Cynthia Carroll

René Médori

David Challen

Sir CK Chow

Sir Philip Hampton

Phuthuma Nhleko
Nicky Oppenheimer(1)
Ray O’Rourke

Mamphela Ramphele

Jack Thompson

Peter Woicke

Independent  

n/a

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Board
(six 
meetings)
All

Audit
(three 
meetings)
–

All

All

All

All

All

All

All

All

4 

All

All

–

–

All

–

All

All

–

All

–

–

–

S&SD
(four 
meetings)
3

All

–

–

–

–

–

–

All

2

All

All

(1)  Meetings attended prior to retirement.

Remuneration 
(three 
meetings)
–

Nomination
(three 
meetings)
All

–

–

All

All

All

–

–

–

–

All

All

–

–

All

All

–

–

–

–

2

–

All

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Independence of directors
The Board has a strong independent element 
and currently comprises, in addition to  
the chairman, two executive and eight  
non executive directors, all of whom are 
independent according to the definition 
contained in the UK Corporate Governance 
Code (the Code). The independent directors 
are indicated within the table above, and full 
biographical details for each director are 
given on pages 90 and 91. The letters of 
appointment of the NEDs (as well as the 
executives’ service contracts) are available 
for inspection at the registered office of  
the Company.

None of the NEDs has served concurrently 
with an executive director for more than nine 
years. David Challen and Peter Woicke have 
both been on the Board for over six years  
now and their re-appointments are subject  
to particularly rigorous review. The Board 
believes that both of them continue to display 
all of the qualities of independence pursuant 
to the criteria set out in the Code.

HOW DO WE PROMOTE EXCELLENCE  
IN THE BOARDROOM?

Board effectiveness
As a direct result of the last external board 
evaluation, changes were made in strategy 
planning and improving communication with 
major shareholders as well as in the areas of 
committee composition, talent management 
and succession planning.

The action plan and resulting achievements 
from the internally facilitated 2010 board 
effectiveness review may be found on 
page 89. As previously noted, an external 
evaluation of the Board took place in 
2011/2012 in accordance with the 
recommendations made in the Code and we 
will report on this next year. 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. 
The chairman has held individual discussions 
with each director to ensure that the 
necessary board and committee processes 
are functioning properly. 

Since his appointment, Sir John has 
introduced a rolling agenda for the Board  
and instigated regular informal meetings  
of the NEDs prior to each board meeting. In 
order to facilitate openness and constructive 
debate between our executives and NEDs, 
we hold board dinners before board meetings 
where directors are encouraged to raise 
issues in an informal setting. These meetings 
provide an opportunity, inter alia, to discuss 
the performance of management and to  
air subjects outside the confines of the 
boardroom in an informal and constructive  
manner. At every board meeting, time is set 
aside for a NEDs only discussion and the 
Board also receives a governance update 
from the company secretary highlighting 
developments in company law, corporate 
governance and best practice. Board papers 
are circulated one week before meetings. 
Messrs Beamish, Walker, Weston and 
Whitcutt attend all board meetings.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

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GOVERNANCE ROLE OF THE BOARD

HOW DOES THE BOARD DEAL  
WITH CONFLICTS OF INTEREST?

If directors become aware that they have  
a direct or indirect interest in an existing or 
proposed transaction with Anglo American, 
they notify the Board at the next board 
meeting or by a written declaration. Directors 
have a continuing duty to update any  
changes in these interests. During 2011, 
Nicky Oppenheimer recused himself from 
any discussion regarding the potential 
increase in the Company’s interest in  
De Beers and David Challen recused  
himself from a discussion on a banking  
facility in which Citigroup was a participant.  
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. During the year under review, 
the conflicts register was updated and the 
conflict management procedures were 
adhered to and operated effectively. 

IPADS FOR REVIEW OF BOARD 
MATERIALS

As part of our commitment to best practice 
and innovation, iPads were introduced in 
2010 for the review of board papers, ensuring 
fast and timely provision of information to 
directors whilst at the same time reducing the 
environmental and financial impacts of board 
meetings. The majority of the directors use 
the iPads for reviewing their board papers.

HOW ARE DIRECTORS TRAINED?

Anglo American’s directors have a wide  
range of expertise as well as significant 
experience in strategic, financial, commercial 
and mining activities. 

Upon appointment, directors are provided 
with recent board materials and a reference 
manual containing information on legal 
obligations and other matters of which  
they should be aware. Guidance is provided 
on Market Conduct under the FSA, the 
Company’s Articles, the UK Corporate 
Governance Code and the Model Code.  
The manual also includes items such as 
board and committee terms of reference, 
relevant company information and guidance 
on where to obtain independent advice.  
The manual is updated periodically when 
appropriate. 

As part of the directors’ formal induction 
process, meetings are arranged with  
senior executives in order to develop a full 
understanding of the complex nature of  
the Anglo American Group. Training and 
briefings are also available to directors on 
appointment and throughout their tenure,  
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 2011. Regular presentations 
are made to the Board by business 
management on the activities of operations. 

The company secretary facilitates board 
training and during the year, directors 
attended courses on inter alia: investment, 
director professionalism and other general 
matters of interest to directors. 

The directors are given the opportunity to 
discuss their development needs with the 
chairman in individual feedback meetings.

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Images on opposite page
01   Jack Thompson and John 
MacKenzie at the Mantos 
Blancos mine in May 2011.

02/03/04/05  Directors visiting
the Moranbah North Coal

  Mine, Australia in October 2011.

 
GOVERNANCE BOARD IN ACTION

01

02

03

“The Chile visit allowed me to  
gain better knowledge about  
the ore bodies and plants but 
importantly it exposed me to  
the staff and people of the  
Copper business unit. Days  
of travel and talk over dinners 
provided ample opportunity  
to get to know the team.”

Jack Thompson 
Non Executive Director

BOARD IN ACTION
Directors undertake regular visits to 
operations and projects and, in 2011, 
operations and projects in Australia, Brazil, 
Chile, China, South Africa, Mozambique, 
Peru, USA and Botswana were visited. 

BOARD VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

In October 2011, the Anglo American plc 
Board met in Brisbane. Directors took the 
opportunity to meet with Queensland’s 
Deputy Premier, the Minister for Finance  
and Natural Resources, the Minister for 
Environment and other state politicians. 
During the course of the visit, the Board 
received detailed presentations from the 
management of the metallurgical coal 
operations on the strategy of the business 
unit, its resource base and infrastructure  
and the market outlook for metallurgical coal. 
In addition, a detailed presentation of the 
Grosvenor Project was delivered, followed by 
a visit to Anglo American Metallurgical Coal 
Australia’s Benchmark Performance Centre. 

Directors then made an operational visit  
to the Moranbah North Mine, touring both  
the surface facilities (including the coal 
handling and preparation plant and the  
waste coal mine gas power station) and  
the underground mining operations.

In addition, certain board members visited 
the MBD Energy algal synthesis facility at 
James Cook University in Townsville and 
received a detailed briefing on the operations 
of MBD (in which Anglo American holds a 
19.3% interest).

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04

05

NEDS’ ‘FACT FINDING’ TRIPS TO  
SOUTH AMERICA

In March 2011, Peter Woicke visited  
Anglo American’s sites and operations in 
South America accompanied by Brian 
Beamish, David Weston and senior managers 
from our Safety and Sustainability team.  
Sites visited were: Amapá (Brazil) and 
Quellaveco (Peru). 

Jack Thompson visited Chile accompanied  
by John MacKenzie in May 2011. The purpose 
of the trip was to familiarise him with our 
Copper business unit and to visit the large 
construction project at Los Bronces. Upon 
arrival in Chile, Jack Thompson received a 

copper business and strategy overview then 
visited the Chagres Smelter, Los Bronces,  
the El Soldado and Mantos Blancos mines. 
He also received a briefing on the Quellaveco 
and Michiquillay projects in Peru.

In April 2011 Ray O’Rourke visited  
Los Bronces accompanied by John 
MacKenzie, Barro Alto (Nickel Brazil) with 
Walter De Simoni and Minas-Rio (Iron Ore 
Brazil) with Stephan Weber.

During 2011 Sir John Parker also visited  
Chile and Brazil accompanied by John 
MacKenzie to familiarise himself further  
with the Los Bronces, Chagres Smelter  
and Barro Alto operations.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

95

 
GOVERNANCE BOARD IN ACTION

Geographical analysis 
of investors 

 “We place a great deal of importance on maintaining an 
active dialogue with our investor base around the world. 
We plan to increase our interaction in 2012 by further 
exposing our operating management to investors.”

René Médori Finance Director

UK  35%
North America  18%
Europe (ex-UK)  11%
Asia  6%
Africa 28%
Other 2%

Source: Anglo American Investor Relations

Shareholder structure 

Institutions – UK  30%
Institutions – ROW  50%
Employees  2%
Retail investors  3%
Other  15%

Source: Anglo American Investor Relations

HOW DO WE COMMUNICATE WITH  
OUR INVESTORS?

We place a great deal of importance on 
maintaining an active dialogue with our 
investor base around the world. We plan  
to increase our interaction in 2012 by  
further exposing our operating management 
to investors.

The Company maintains an active 
engagement with its key financial audiences, 
including institutional shareholders and  
sell side analysts as well as potential 
shareholders. The Investor Relations 
department manages the interaction 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 of communication with 
potential shareholders is also maintained.

Board oversight
Any significant concerns raised by a 
shareholder in relation to the Company  
and its affairs are communicated to the 
Board. The Board is briefed on a regular  
basis by the Investor Relations department 
and analysts’ reports are circulated to the 
directors. Feedback from meetings held 
between executive management, or the 
Investor Relations Department, and 
institutional shareholders is also 
communicated to the Board.

Institutional investors
During the year there were regular 
presentations to, and meetings with, 
institutional investors in the UK, South Africa, 
continental Europe, the US and Asia Pacific 
to communicate the strategy and 
performance of Anglo American. Executive 
directors, as well as key executives, including 
business unit heads, host such presentations, 
including seminars for investors and analysts, 
and one-on-one meetings. Throughout the 
year, executive management also presents  
at industry conferences, which are mainly 
organised by investment banks for their 
institutional investor base. In late 2010, 
Sir John Parker met with a number of key 
investors to discuss ‘Strategy, The Board, 
Board Changes & Operating Performance’. 
David Challen in his capacity as the SID  
works closely with Sir John to maintain his 
understanding of the issues and concerns  
of major shareholders. David Challen 
attended the Australian site visit dinner with 
analysts and investors. The chairman, SID 
and other non executive directors are also 
available to shareholders to discuss any 
matter they wish to raise. We look forward  
to increased communication with investors 
following the recent introduction of the 
Stewardship Code.

The Company’s website provides  
the latest news and historical financial 
information, details about forthcoming  
events for shareholders and analysts, and 
other information on Anglo American.

For more information visit 
www.angloamerican.com

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Investor relations activities timeline 2011

18 February
Webcast

February

18 February
Financial results

w/c 21 February
Roadshow: CFO – London, 
Johannesburg, Cape Town & Edinburgh

09 March
Broker salesforce presentation: 
CEO

22–23 March
Roadshow: CEO – Europe

w/c 09 May
Broker conference: CEO – Europe

24 May
Broker salesforce presentation: 
CEO

09 June
Broker conference: CFO – Paris

March

April

May

June

July

18 February
Analyst roundtable

w/c 28 February
Broker conference: 
CEO – US

10 March
Broker conference: 
CFO – London

29 April
Roadshow: CFO – Paris

05 May
Broker dinner: CFO

18 May
Roadshow: Copper, CEO – London

23–24 May
Roadshow: CEO – London

14 June
Informal gathering: Board & GMC

29 July
Webcast

29 July
Financial results

w/c 01 August
Roadshow: CFO – London

August

29 July
Analyst roundtable

w/c 08 August
Roadshow: CFO – Johannesburg & 
Cape Town

08 September
Roadshow: CEO – Johannesburg

September

12 September
Roadshow: CFO – US

12 September
Roadshow: CEO – London

w/c 03 October
Roadshow: CFO – US East Coast

October

07 October
Roadshow: CFO – Europe

w/c 24 October
Australia site visit: Analyst – Investor

02 November
Broker conference: CEO – London

November

04 November
Analyst Roundtable

w/c 07 November
Roadshow: CEO – US

w/c 14 November
Roadshow: CFO – London

December

13 December
Informal gathering: Chairman & GMC 

10 November
Teleconference: CEO – Analyst and 
Investor briefing

15 November
Broker conference: CEO – London

w/c 05 December
Roadshow: CFO – Johannesburg 
& Cape Town

16 December
Roadshow: CFO – Paris

The Company maintains  
an active dialogue with its 
key financial audiences, 
including institutional 
shareholders and sell side 
analysts as well as 
potential shareholders.

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GOVERNANCE BOARD IN ACTION

WHAT ARE THE COMMITTEES OF THE 
BOARD AND WHAT DO THEY DO?

Subject to those matters reserved for its 
decision, the Board delegates certain 
responsibilities to a number of standing 
committees – the Safety and Sustainable 
Development, Remuneration, Nomination 
and Audit 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.

The Committees’ Terms of Reference may  
be found on the Company’s website, visit 
www.angloamerican.com

The S&SD Committee’s remit spans 
across the environmental, social and 
workplace risks and opportunities 
faced by Anglo American. Increasingly, 
we seek out investments to effect 
positive change in more than one of 
these areas. For example, a new 
enterprise development fund in  
South Africa has been established  
to help create jobs while delivering 
environmental benefits. The Zimele 
Green Fund will target investment 
opportunities that mitigate carbon 
emissions, reduce energy and water 
consumption, and improve waste and 
emissions management. Created in 
November 2011, the Fund is already 
reviewing potential investments to 
assess their commercial and 
technical viability and degree of 
alignment with Anglo American’s 
environmental objectives, such as  
the retrofitting of low income 
government provided housing in 
South Africa with solar water heaters.

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

SAFETY & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

“To be successful, sustainability 
considerations need to be integral  
to our thinking in all areas of our 
business, such as in the design and 
evaluation of our projects, mine 
planning and decommissioning, and 
the ways in which capital is allocated 
to fund our projects.”

  Peter Woicke Chairman, Safety and 
Sustainable Development Committee

Composition
 (cid:228) Peter Woicke – chairman 

 (cid:228) Cynthia Carroll 

 (cid:228) Sir John Parker

 (cid:228) Ray O’Rourke

 (cid:228) Mamphela Ramphele

 (cid:228) Jack Thompson 

 (cid:228) Brian Beamish 

 (cid:228) David Weston

Roles and responsibilities
 (cid:228) Reviewing the development  
of framework policies and 
guidelines for the management 
of sustainable development 
(SD) issues including safety, 
health and environment.

 (cid:228) Reviewing the performance  

of the Company and the 
progressive implementation  
of its safety and sustainable 
development (S&SD) policies. 

 (cid:228) Receiving reports covering 
matters relating to material 
S&SD risks and liabilities.

 (cid:228) Monitoring key indicators and 
learning on incidents and, 
where appropriate, ensuring 
they are communicated 
throughout the Group.

led by the Group chief executive, 
Cynthia Carroll. Safety remains a 
critical focus area and receives 
significant attention at each 
meeting. Key themes such as 
occupational health, HIV and 
AIDS, energy, climate change, 
water, social performance and 
SD within our supply chain were 
reviewed at each meeting. Other 
topics, such as gender diversity, 
received periodic focus.

What did the Committee 
discuss in 2011?
 (cid:228) A detailed account of every 
fatal incident that occurred  
in the period under review  
by the relevant BU CEO,  
along with the related 
management response.

 (cid:228) Oversight of risk, including 

major risks such as methane 
explosion; technical risks such 
as waste containment facilities 
and shaft infrastructure; an 
annual review of legal risk 
across the Group; and 
significant outcomes of 
external assurance work.

 (cid:228) Presentations by BU CEOs  
on a rotational basis on  
that respective business’  
SD performance.

 (cid:228) Considering material  

 (cid:228) Presentations by NGOs  

national and international 
regulatory and technical 
developments in the fields  
of S&SD management.

Besides the regular S&SD 
Committee members, the 
meetings were well attended by 
other Group directors and 
business unit (BU) CEOs. At each 
meeting the Committee received 
a functional performance review 

on issues important to the 
business. For example,  
the Committee received 
presentations by the Institute 
for Human Rights on the links 
between business, human 
rights and water.

 (cid:228) Reports on projects of  

strategic interest such as the 
value of S&SD.

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REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

 “The Committee seeks to  
ensure that directors who deliver 
significant value for the Company’s 
shareholders are appropriately 
remunerated and that our world  
class talent is retained.”

Sir Philip Hampton Chairman,  
Remuneration Committee

 “The Nomination Committee’s  
aim is to build on the existing 
diversity of the board by  
identifying and nominating  
suitably qualified candidates.”

Sir John Parker Chairman,  
Nomination Committee

Composition
In compliance with the Code,  
the Committee comprises only 
independent non executive 
directors: 

 (cid:228) Sir Philip Hampton – chairman 

 (cid:228) David Challen 

 (cid:228) Sir CK Chow 

 (cid:228) Jack Thompson 

 (cid:228) Peter Woicke 

Roles and responsibilities
 (cid:228) Establishing and developing 
the Group’s general policy  
on executive and senior 
management remuneration. 

 (cid:228) Determining specific 

remuneration packages  
for the chairman and  
executive directors.

 (cid:228) Designing the Company’s 
share incentive schemes.

What did the Committee 
discuss in 2011? 
In February 2011, the 
Committee: 
 (cid:228) reviewed executive director 
personal KPIs for 2011 and 
Company financial targets  
to ensure alignment with 
Company strategy

 (cid:228) discussed with the  

Company chairman and  
chief executive respectively,  
the chief executive’s and 
finance director’s performance 
in 2010 to adjudicate on  
bonus outcomes

 (cid:228) discussed the new Long Term 
Incentive Plan (LTIP) which 
was subsequently approved by 
shareholders at the 2011 AGM. 
The Committee chairman had 

previously discussed. 
amendments to the LTIP with 
external investors. The new 
LTIP included a clawback 
provision should there be a 
material misstatement of the 
Company’s results during the 
performance period

Composition
Compliant with the Code: 

 (cid:228) Sir John Parker – chairman 

 (cid:228) David Challen

 (cid:228) Sir CK Chow

 (cid:228) Mamphela Ramphele

 (cid:228) discussed and set the asset 

 (cid:228) Peter Woicke 

optimisation and supply chain 
targets for the 2011 LTIP award

 (cid:228) approved amendments to the 
Bonus Share Plan rules to 
include clawback provisions

 (cid:228) reviewed executive directors’ 
shareholdings in the Company 
prior to 2011 share awards 
being made. 

In April 2011, the Committee:
 (cid:228) discussed investor feedback on 
executive remuneration prior to 
the vote on the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report. 

In December 2011, the 
Committee: 
 (cid:228) reviewed directors’ salaries, 

taking into account the general 
salary review for the broader 
employee population

 (cid:228) considered GMC and Exco 

remuneration and performance 
contracts for 2012

 (cid:228) reviewed its Terms  

of Reference.

General
The Committee regularly  
reviews developments in 
corporate governance and 
executive pay in all meetings.

Roles and responsibilities
 (cid:228) Setting guidelines (with the 

approval of the Board) for the 
types of skills, experience  
and diversity being sought 
when making a search for  
new directors and, with  
the assistance of external 
consultants, identifying and 
reviewing in detail each 
potential candidate available  
in the market. The Committee 
then agrees a ‘long list’  
of candidates for each 
directorship and, following 
further discussion and 
research, decides upon  
a shortlist of candidates  
for interview. Shortlisted 
candidates are each 
interviewed by the  
Committee members who  
will then convene to discuss 
their impressions and  
conclusions, culminating in a 
recommendation to the Board.

 (cid:228) Making recommendations as  

to the composition of the Board 
and its Committees and the 
balance between executive  
and non executive directors 
(NEDs), with the aim of 
cultivating a board with the 
appropriate mix of skills, 
experience, independence and 
knowledge of the Company.

 (cid:228) Ensuring that the Human 
Resources function of the 
Group regularly reviews  
and updates the succession 
plans of directors and  
senior managers.

Diversity policy
To increase the representation  
of women on the Board 
(excluding the chairman) from 
20% to about 30% by 2013.

What did the Committee 
discuss in 2011?
 (cid:228) Following extensive research 

into potential candidates, 
Phuthuma Nhleko was 
appointed in March 2011.

 (cid:228) The Committee maintained  
a continuing review of board 
succession needs. During 2011 
the Committee focused in 
particular on developing plans 
to ensure the achievement  
of the Company’s diversity 
policy (above).

 (cid:228) In addition to the meetings  

of the Committee, the  
chairman and NEDs as a  
group met twice with the chief 
executive and the director of 
HR and corporate affairs for an 
in depth discussion on human 
resources issues. In February, 
the chairman and NEDs 
received and discussed a 
comprehensive presentation 
on the Company’s HR strategy, 
with a particular focus on long 
term talent needs, and  
in June there was a detailed 
review of succession plans for 
the directors and the other 
roles on the Company’s 
Executive Committee.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

99

 
GOVERNANCE BOARD IN ACTION

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 “The Audit Committee plays a pivotal role in ensuring  
high standards of corporate governance and provides 
assurance to the Board on its reports to shareholders.”

David Challen Chairman, Audit Committee

At the November 2011 meeting 
the Committee:
 (cid:228) received a paper on the likely 

accounting issues for the 2011 
year end

 (cid:228) approved the external auditors’ 
terms of engagement, scope of 
work, the process for the 
annual audit and the applicable 
levels of materiality

 (cid:228) approved the internal audit plan 

for 2012

 (cid:228) received a paper on fraud  

risk and how this is controlled  
in the Company

 (cid:228) reviewed the Audit 

Committee’s Terms  
of Reference 

 (cid:228) received a paper on progress 

with the transformation agenda 
in South Africa.

Composition
Compliant with the Code and 
comprises only independent  
non executive directors:

 (cid:228) David Challen – chairman

 (cid:228) Sir Philip Hampton

 (cid:228) Phuthuma Nhleko

 (cid:228) Ray O’Rourke

Roles and responsibilities
 (cid:228) Monitoring the integrity  
of the annual and interim 
financial statements, the 
accompanying reports to 
shareholders and corporate 
governance statements.

 (cid:228) Making recommendations  
to the Board concerning  
the adoption of the annual  
and interim financial 
statements.

 (cid:228) Overseeing the Group’s 

relations with the external 
auditors.

 (cid:228) Making recommendations to 

the Board on the appointment, 
retention and removal of the 
external auditors.

 (cid:228) Reviewing and monitoring  
the effectiveness of the  
Group’s internal control and  
risk management systems 
including reviewing the process 
for identifying, assessing and 
reporting all key risks.

 (cid:228) Approving the terms of 

reference and plans of the 
internal audit function.

 (cid:228) Approving the internal  

audit plan and reviewing 
regular reports from the  
head of internal audit on 
effectiveness of the internal 
control system.

 (cid:228) Receiving reports from 

management on the key risks  
of the Group and management 
of those risks.

What did the Audit 
Committee discuss in 2011?
At the February 2011 meeting, 
the 2010 year end results and 
press release were reviewed and 
the external auditors presented 
the findings of their work. The 
Committee also reviewed the 
Ore Reserves and Mineral 
Resources estimates report and 
the internal audit report for 2010.

At the July 2011 meeting the 
Committee:
 (cid:228) reviewed the interim results 
and press announcement

 (cid:228) received a report on the 
Company’s measures to 
mitigate the risk of bribery  
and assessed the key risks  
of bribery occurring in each  
of the business units

 (cid:228) reviewed the risk profile  

of each business unit and  
the Company as a whole

 (cid:228) reviewed a paper  
on the strategy for  
purchasing insurance.

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GOVERNANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

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AUDIT COMMITTEE 
REPORT

HOW DO WE ENSURE INDEPENDENCE 
OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITORS?

Anglo American’s policy on auditors’ 
independence, is consistent with the  
ethical standards published by the Audit 
Practices Board.

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:

 (cid:228) results in the auditors acting as a manager 

or employee of the Group

 (cid:228) puts the auditors in the role of advocate  

for the Group; or

 (cid:228) creates a mutuality of interest between  

the auditors and the Group.

Anglo American addresses this issue  
through three primary measures, namely:

 (cid:228) disclosure of the extent and nature of  

non audit services

 (cid:228) the prohibition of selected services –  

this includes the undertaking of internal 
audit services

 (cid:228) prior approval by the Audit Committee 

chairman of non audit services where the 
cost of the proposed assignment is likely  
to exceed $50,000.

Anglo American’s policy on the provision  
of non audit services is regularly reviewed. 
The definition of prohibited non audit  
services corresponds with the European 
Commission’s recommendations on auditors’ 
independence and with the Ethical Standards 
issued by the Audit Practices Board in the UK.

What other safeguards exist?
 (cid:228) 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 partner, seven 
years. The audit engagement partner  
was appointed in 2010 in accordance  
with this requirement.

 (cid:228) Any partner designated as a key audit 
partner 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.

 (cid:228) The external auditors are required to assess 
periodically, in their professional judgement, 
whether they are independent of the Group.

 (cid:228) The Audit Committee ensures that the 

scope of the auditors’ work is sufficient and 
that the auditors are fairly remunerated.

 (cid:228) The Audit Committee has primary 

responsibility for making recommendations 
to the Board on the appointment,  
re-appointment and removal of the  
external auditors.

 (cid:228) 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.

 (cid:228) An annual assessment is undertaken of  

the auditors’ performance, independence 
and objectivity. The results are shared with 
the Audit Committee.

What did the Audit Committee 
conclude for 2011?
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 information 
pertaining to the balance between fees for 
audit and non audit work for the Group in 
2011 and concluded that the nature and 
extent of the non audit fees do not present a 
threat to the external auditors’ independence. 
Details of fees paid are provided on page 140.

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 held meetings with the 
external auditors without the presence of 
management on two occasions and the 
chairman of the Audit Committee held 
regular meetings with the audit engagement 
partner during the year. 

What will the Audit Committee do  
in 2012?
During 2012 the Audit Committee will 
continue its role in monitoring the integrity  
of the financial statements and reviewing  
the effectiveness of the Company’s internal 
control and risk management systems. An 
item of key interest to the Audit Committee  
will be to understand how the risk and audit 
processes operate in De Beers and how 
these will be integrated into Anglo American 
at the appropriate time.

How is the appointment of the external 
auditors considered?
The appointment of Deloitte LLP as the 
Group’s external auditors (incumbents since 
the listing in 1999) is kept under annual 
review, and if satisfactory, the Committee  
will recommend the re-appointment of the 
audit firm. The appointment of Deloitte LLP 
followed a detailed evaluation, at the time of 
the listing, of the predecessor audit firms and, 
rather than adopting a policy on tendering 
frequency, an annual review of the 
effectiveness of the external audit is 
supplemented by a periodic, comprehensive 
reassessment by the Committee. 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 LLP as auditors  
until the conclusion of the AGM in 2013. 
Resolutions to authorise the Board to 
re-appoint and determine their remuneration 
will be proposed at the AGM on 19 April 2012.

What is the role of 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 and following up on the findings of 
this internal audit work to local management 
and the Audit Committee on a regular basis. 
Internal audit teams operated in all the 
Group’s principal divisions in the period under 
review, reporting findings to local senior 
management. The internal audit function’s 
mandate and annual audit coverage plans 
were approved by the Audit Committee.

The internal audit activities are performed  
by teams of appropriate, qualified and 
experienced employees, supplemented  
if necessary 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 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

101

 
GOVERNANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

Group and external audit reporting. 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 
executive management and the Board on  
the effectiveness of the risk management 
process throughout the Group.

Anglo American seeks to have a sound 
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.

Assurance regarding the accuracy and 
reliability of Mineral Resources and Ore 
Reserves disclosure is provided through a 
combination of internal technically proficient 
staff and independent third parties.

Whistleblowing programme
The Group has had in place for a number of 
years a whistleblowing programme in all its 
managed operations. The programme, which 
is monitored by the Audit Committee, is 
designed to enable 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:

 (cid:228) actions that may result in danger to the 

health and/or safety of people or damage  
to the environment

 (cid:228) unethical practice in accounting, internal 

accounting controls, financial reporting and 
auditing matters

 (cid:228) criminal offences, including money 

laundering, fraud, bribery and corruption

 (cid:228) failure to comply with any legal obligation

 (cid:228) miscarriage of justice

 (cid:228) any conduct contrary to the ethical 

principles embraced in our Business 
Principles or any similar policy

 (cid:228) any other legal or ethical concern

 (cid:228) concealment of any of the above.

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.

During 2011, over 420 audit projects were 
completed covering a variety of financial, 
operational, strategic and compliance related 
business processes across all business units 
and functions. In addition, the internal audit 
department responded to a number of 
management requests to investigate alleged 
breaches of our business principles.

HOW IS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF 
INTERNAL CONTROL AND RISK 
MANAGEMENT ASSESSED?

The GMC, as mandated by the Board, 
maintains 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. Please 
see pages 48 to 53 for further information  
on the key risk factors Anglo American is 
exposed to. Where appropriate, necessary 
action has been or is being taken to remedy 
any failings or weakness identified from 
review of the effectiveness of the internal 
control system.

How is assurance obtained on the 
internal control environment?
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. The chief financial officers of the 
Group’s business units 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 audit reports  
on risk and internal control throughout the 

102 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

BUSINESS INTEGRITY

During 2011 we continued 
to implement the 
necessary procedures to 
ensure that our Business 
Integrity policy operates 
effectively across the 
Group, and minimises the 
risk of bribery as far as 
possible. We have now 
trained over 2,000 
managers through 
workshops in the business 
units and developed 
supplementary online 
training. During the year 
we developed enhanced 
guidelines regarding 
acceptance and provision 
of gifts and entertainment 
and provided specific 
guidance on due  
diligence procedures for 
transactions where risks 
are considered higher. We 
conducted an assessment 
of the risks of bribery and 
corruption in each of our 
businesses taking into 
consideration external  
and internal factors and 
identified those areas 
where additional measures 
are necessary. We applied 
a risk assessment process 
in individual transactions 
to identify necessary 
actions that mitigate risk 
of bribery in those 
arrangements.

For 2012 we will continue 
to develop our procedures 
and obtain assurance  
that they are being 
implemented as we expect 
across the Group.

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 
Sustainable Development Report 2011.

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 122, 124 and 
125. As referred to in the Directors’ report,  
the directors have expressed their view  
that Anglo American’s business is a  
going concern.

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The programme makes available a selection 
of telephonic, email, 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 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 2011, 299 reports were received via 
the global ‘Speakup’ facility, covering a broad 
spectrum of concerns, including:

 (cid:228) ethical

 (cid:228) criminal

 (cid:228) supplier relationships

 (cid:228) health and safety

 (cid:228) 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. The reports are 
analysed and monitored to ensure the 
process is effective.

How does risk management work at 
Anglo American?
The Board’s policy on risk management 
encompasses all significant business risks  
to the Group, including:

 (cid:228) financial risk

 (cid:228) operational, including safety, technical, 

fraud and corruption risk

 (cid:228) 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 through 
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. Support through 
facilitated risk assessments is provided by 

a central team responsible for ensuring 
a robust process is implemented for risk 
management. During 2011, over 149 
separate risk assessment workshops were 
conducted reviewing:

 (cid:228) risk in business unit strategies

 (cid:228) risks to achieving mine plans

 (cid:228) risks in capital projects

 (cid:228) risks to key change programmes.

The results of these risk assessments were 
reported to senior management and the 
Audit Committee. The process of risk 
management is designed to identify internal 
and external threats to the business and to 
assist management in prioritising their 
response to those risks. 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 48 to 53, are:

 (cid:228) commodity price risk

 (cid:228) political risk

 (cid:228) counterparty risk

 (cid:228) 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 
supports the Board in achieving its risk 
management objectives.

During the course of the year the Board 
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 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

103

 
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

REMUNERATION REPORT
OF THE DIRECTORS

“It is important to ensure that levels of reward  
are commensurate with performance and  
that the Company’s reward policy creates a 
strong alignment between its shareholders  
and executives.”

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 2011.

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:

 (cid:228) The Company’s general policy on executive 

and senior management remuneration.

 (cid:228) 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. 

 (cid:228) The remuneration of the chairman.

 (cid:228) 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 
and copies are available on request.

The Committee met three times during 2011 
and dealt with ad hoc items between formal 
meetings by ‘round robin’ resolutions.

For more information visit 
www.angloamerican.com

1.2 Membership of the Committee
The Committee comprised the following 
non-executive directors during the year 
ended 31 December 2011:

 (cid:228) Sir Philip Hampton (Chairman)

 (cid:228) David Challen

 (cid:228) Sir CK Chow 

 (cid:228) Jack Thompson 

 (cid:228) Peter Woicke 

The Company’s chief executive attends  
the Committee meetings by invitation and 
assists the Committee in its deliberations, 
except when issues relating to her own 
compensation are discussed. No directors 
are involved in deciding their own 
remuneration. In 2011, the Committee was 
advised by the Company’s Human Resources 
and Finance functions and, specifically, by 
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 related services from 
Deloitte’s and PwC’s worldwide member 
firms and non-audit related services from 
Mercer’s worldwide member firms.

A summary of the letter from Mercer Limited 
containing the conclusions of their review  
of the Committee’s executive remuneration 
processes for 2011 can be found on page 116. 

Sir Philip Hampton 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

IN THIS SECTION

104  Remuneration 
Committee

105  Policy on executive 

director remuneration

105  Elements of executive 
director remuneration

110  Executive shareholding 

targets

111  External appointments

111  Policy on non-executive 

director remuneration

111  Chairman’s fees

111  Directors’ service 

contracts

111  Historical comparative 
TSR performance 
graphs

112  Remuneration 

outcomes during 2011

115  Sums paid to third 

parties in respect of  
a director’s services

115  Directors’ share 

interests

116  Independent 

remuneration  
report review

104 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Figure 1: External advice provided to the Committee

Advisers

PricewaterhouseCoopers  
LLP (PwC)

Linklaters LLP  
(Linklaters)

Mercer Limited  
(Mercer)

Appointed by the Company, with the  
agreement of the Committee, to provide  
specialist valuation services and market 
remuneration data

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

Other services provided to the Company

Investment advisers, actuaries and auditors  
for various pension schemes; advisers on  
internal audit projects; 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  
undertake an audit of sections 10 and 11 of  
the remuneration report annually. However,  
they provide no advice to the Committee

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Deloitte LLP 
(Deloitte)

–

2.  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. The Committee 
intends that this policy will continue to apply 
for 2012 and subsequent years, subject to 
ongoing review as appropriate. The policy is 
framed around the following key principles: 

 (cid:228) Total rewards will be set at levels that are 
sufficiently competitive to enable the 
recruitment and retention of high-calibre 
executives.

 (cid:228) Incentive-based rewards will be earned 
through the achievement of demanding 
performance conditions consistent with 
shareholder interests.

 (cid:228) Incentive plans, performance measures  
and targets will be structured to operate 
soundly throughout the business cycle.

 (cid:228) The design of long-term incentives will be 
prudent and will not expose shareholders  
to unreasonable financial risk.

 (cid:228) In considering the market positioning  
of reward elements, account will be  
taken of the performance of the Company 
and of the individual executive director.

 (cid:228) Reward practice will conform to best 

practice standards as far as reasonably 
practicable.

Incentive levels are set taking account of  
the median expected value of long-term 
incentives relative to other companies of  
a similar size. 

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 
mining companies in particular, has 
continued to be very competitive in recent 
years 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.

Basic salary increases for executive  
directors with effect from January 2012  
were limited to an inflation adjustment in  
line with the general salary review for the 
broader employee population.

Representatives of the Company’s principal 
investors are consulted on material changes 
to remuneration policy. The Committee 
Chairman consulted with this group of 
investors on the LTIP changes and the 
Chairman’s share award in the first quarter  
of 2011.

3.  ELEMENTS OF EXECUTIVE 
DIRECTOR REMUNERATION

3.1 Remuneration mix
Each executive director’s total remuneration 
consists of basic 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 2011, 78% of the chief executive’s 
and 76% of the finance director’s 
remuneration on an expected-value basis 
was performance-related as shown in  
Figure 2 on page 106.

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 on  
pages 106 to 109.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

105

 
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

3.3 Bonus Share Plan (BSP)
The BSP was first operated in 2004 and all 
executive directors are normally eligible to 
participate in it.

targets. Bonus parameters are set on an 
individual basis and the level of bonus 
payable is reduced if certain overall safety 
improvement targets are not met.

Figure 2: 
CEO – Expected values

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:

 (cid:228) A performance-related cash element.

 (cid:228) Bonus Shares as a conditional  

award, normally to a value equal to  
the cash element.

 (cid:228) An additional performance-related element 

in the form of Enhancement Shares.

The award and matching levels are 
summarised in Figure 4. The BSP operates  
as follows: 

 (cid:228) The value of the bonus is calculated by 

reference to achievement against annual 
performance targets which include 
measures of corporate (and, if 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 13 of the financial 
statements). The key individual objectives 
are designed to support the Company’s 
strategic priorities and in 2011 included cost 
and asset optimisation, project execution, 
portfolio restructuring, strategic initiatives, 
organisational structure and capabilities, 
CSR initiatives and safety improvements.

 (cid:228) The Committee reviews these measures 

annually to ensure that they remain 
appropriate and sufficiently stretching in  
the context of the broader macro-economic 
outlook and more specific performance 
expectations for the Company and its 
operating businesses.

 (cid:228) In 2011, 50% of each annual bonus was 

based on the corporate financial measure 
and the remaining 50% on key personal 
performance measures. This split is 
designed to reflect the importance of  
the ongoing projects and strategic 
repositioning of the Group as well as the 
volatile nature of commodity prices with  
the implications of this on setting earnings 

 (cid:228) In 2011 the maximum cash element was 
87.5% of basic salary in the case of both 
Cynthia Carroll and René Médori. Normally, 
half of any bonus earned is payable in cash 
and the other half is deferred into shares. 
The maximum bonus is payable only for 
meeting targets which, in the opinion of  
the Committee, represent an exceptional 
performance for the Group in the light of 
prevailing market conditions. The part of  
the bonus that is deferred is delivered in  
the form of a conditional award 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’). To increase the alignment 
with shareholders’ interests, the Committee 
allows executive directors to elect to defer 
75% of the total bonus.

 (cid:228) The Committee is able to apply a clawback 
of deferred Bonus Shares in the event that, 
during the relevant deferral period, the 
Committee becomes aware of a material 
error in the Company’s results for the 
relevant bonus performance period.

 (cid:228) Executive directors also receive a 

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. 
Awards of Enhancement Shares made in 
2011 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 as shown in Figure 3. 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. There is no retesting of 
this performance condition. Enhancement 
Shares will be subject to the same clawback 
provisions mentioned previously.

The BSP 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. 

106 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

3

1

2

1 Fixed 22%
2 Performance-related annual bonus 31%
3 Performance-related long-term incentive 47%

FD – Expected values

3

1

2

1 Fixed 24%
2 Performance-related annual bonus 32%
3 Performance-related long-term incentive 44%

Figure 3: Vesting of 
Enhancement Shares

d
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S
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l

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75%

33%

0%

RPI
+0%

RPI
+3%

RPI
+6%

RPI
+9%

RPI
+12%

RPI
+15%

RPI
+18%

Real EPS growth over three years

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
The level of performance achieved and the 
proportion of awards vesting in respect of 
each performance period will be published  
in the subsequent remuneration report.

3.4 Share options and all-employee 
share schemes
No share options were granted in 2011 to 
executive directors under the Company’s 
Discretionary Option Plan (DOP) and there  
is no intention to make future grants under 
the unapproved part of the DOP to executive 
directors. However, the DOP is retained for 
use in special circumstances relating to the 
recruitment or retention of key executives. 

UK-based 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. 

3.5 Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 
At the AGM in April 2011, shareholders 
approved a new LTIP to replace the previous 
LTIP, which expired in mid-2011 and the main 
features are summarised in Figure 5.

Award levels
Conditional LTIP awards are granted annually 
to executive directors. The normal maximum 
award level under the LTIP is 350% and 
300% of basic salary respectively for the 
chief executive and finance director, with an 
overall scheme maximum of 350% of basic 
salary. It is anticipated that, in 2012, awards 
under the LTIP will be made at this level. The 
Committee is satisfied that the performance 
conditions that need to be met for these 
awards to vest in full are sufficiently stretching 
in the context of the award levels. 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 2011 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 
operational measure, an Asset Optimisation 
and Supply Chain (AOSC) efficiency 
measure. The measures are described in 
greater detail on the following page.

Figure 4: Bonus Share Plan Summary

Performance measures

Maximum bonus  
(cash plus Bonus Shares)

Delivery ratio

Cash

Bonus Shares

Maximum Enhancement  
Share potential

(1)  Subject to executive director election.

Figure 5: Long Term Incentive Plan Summary

50% corporate financial measure  
50% key personal performance measure

175% of basic salary

25%/50%(1)

75%/50%(1)

75% of Bonus Shares, subject to  
a performance condition (EPS)

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Maximum award level (% of basic salary)

Actual award level (% of basic salary)

Performance measures 

TSR – Sector Index

TSR – FTSE 100

AOSC

Maximum vesting of each element

TSR – Sector Index

TSR – FTSE 100

AOSC

Figure 6: LTIP – Sector Index

Category weighting

Comparator companies

350%

350% (CEO)

300% (FD)

25% of award

25% of award

50% of award

100%

100%

100%

Mining

94%

BHP Billiton plc

Industrial Minerals

6%

CRH plc

Rio Tinto plc 

Holcim Limited

Teck Cominco Limited 

Lafarge

Vale 

Heidelberg Cement

Vedanta Resources plc 

Xstrata plc

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

107

 
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

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.

The Committee is able to apply a clawback  
of conditional LTIP awards in the event that, 
during the relevant performance period, the 
Committee becomes aware of a material 
error in the Company’s results for the relevant 
performance period.

At the end of each performance period,  
the levels of TSR and AOSC performance 
achieved and the level of award earned will  
be published in the subsequent remuneration 
report. There is no retesting of the 
performance conditions.

The LTIP is intended closely to align the 
interests of shareholders and executive 
directors by rewarding superior shareholder 
returns and financial performance and by 
encouraging executives to build up a 
shareholding in the Company.

Total Shareholder Return 
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.

50% of the proportion of each award that  
is based on TSR is measured against the 
Sector Index and 50% is measured against 

Figure 7: LTIP – Sector Index comparison

The Company’s relative TSR compared with the Sector Index

Below Target

Target (matching the weighted  
median of the Sector Index)

Target plus 5% per annum (or above)

Figure 8: LTIP – FTSE 100 comparison

The Company’s relative TSR compared with the FTSE 100

Below the median TSR of the FTSE 100

Equal to the median TSR of the FTSE 100

Equal to or above the 80th percentile TSR of the FTSE 100

Figure 9: LTIP – AOSC targets

Minimum AOSC Target

Maximum AOSC Target

% proportion  
of total TSR element vesting

0

15

50

% proportion 
of total TSR element vesting

0

15

50

Value delivered $ bn

7.90

9.66

The Minimum and Maximum AOSC Targets are the additional operating profit and capital expenditure savings to be realised 
cumulatively over the three year LTIP performance period, over and above the performance expected had the programmes  
not been initiated. These benefits are valued employing 2010 commodity prices and exchange rates.

Figure 10: LTIP – AOSC vesting

Below or equal to the Minimum AOSC Target

Equal to or greater than the Maximum AOSC Target

% proportion of AOSC element vesting

0

100

108 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

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 in the 
following section) 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  
mining 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 2011, the companies 
constituting the Sector Index were as shown 
in Figure 6 on page 107. 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.

Target performance for the Sector Index is 
assessed by calculating the median TSR 
performance within each sub-sector 
category, and then weighting these medians 
by the category weightings shown in Figure 6 
on page 107. For 2011 that part of any award 
that is contingent upon the Sector Index 
element of the TSR performance will vest  
as shown in Figure 7. Shares will vest on a 
straight-line basis for performance between 
the levels shown in Figure 7. 

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 8 for awards in 2011. 
Shares will vest on a straight-line basis for 
performance between the levels shown  
in Figure 8.

The targets were calibrated such that for  
the TSR elements of the award there is 
approximately a 15% chance of achieving full 
vesting and a 25% chance of three-quarters 
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 using these proposed 
targets is 60% of the face value.

G
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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 2007 to  
31 December 2011 can be found in Figure 13 
on page 110.

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: 

Asset Optimisation and Supply Chain
AOSC is the second performance measure 
for LTIP awards and was introduced in 2010. 
The Company’s AOSC programmes strive  
to unlock value from the Company’s assets  
in a sustainable way through structured 
Group-wide programmes aimed at reducing 
costs, increasing volumes and improving 
overall operational efficiencies. In 2011,  
the Group’s AOSC programmes delivered 
$3.2 billion of benefits from the core 
businesses, excluding benefits from the 
Niobium and Phosphates businesses that 
were not core when targets were set 
($3.5 billion from the total Group). This 
represents the additional operating profit  
and capital expenditure savings realised in 
the year, over and above the performance 
expected had the programmes not been 
initiated. The above benefits are valued 
employing 2011 commodity prices and 
exchange rates. The Committee further 
refined the target by determining that, for the 
2011 award onwards, the effect of changes in 
both commodity prices and exchange rates 
should be stripped out of the AOSC targets 
and results so that only directly attributable 
management actions would be recognised.

Tying the AOSC measure directly to a 
meaningful portion of executives’ incentive 
pay reflects the importance of the AOSC 
initiative in delivering increased value to 
shareholders, as evidenced by the very 
significant and stretching level of the targets. 
The adjudication of targets will be reviewed 
by internal audit and reported at the end of 
each performance period.

The proportion of shares vesting based on 
AOSC will vary according to the aggregate 
AOSC value delivered over the performance 
period. Unless a certain minimum value 
target is met, no shares will vest under this 
performance measure. The maximum  
AOSC target is based on a stretching level  
of value delivered.

The targets for the AOSC element of the 2011 
conditional award, with the effect of changes 
in commodity prices and exchange rates 
stripped out, are shown in Figure 9.

The AOSC element of the award vests as 
shown in Figure 10.

Shares will vest on a straight-line basis for 
performance between the Minimum AOSC 
Target and the Maximum AOSC Target.

 (cid:228) 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.

 (cid:228) The Bonus Shares awarded under the  

BSP will be released and the Enhancement 
Shares awarded under the BSP will only 
vest to the extent that the performance 
condition has been met at the time of the 
change of control.

 (cid:228) Share options granted under the DOP or 
under the Company’s legacy Executive 
Share Option Scheme (ESOS) may be 
exercised irrespective of whether the 
applicable performance conditions have 
been met.

 (cid:228) SAYE options may be exercised (to the 
extent of savings at the date of exercise).

 (cid:228) Participants in the SIP may direct the SIP 
trustee as to how to deal with their shares.

In the event that an executive director’s 
employment is terminated, vesting of any 
outstanding share options under the DOP  
or under the ESOS is dependent upon the 
reasons for termination. 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 awards, the Committee 
would normally exercise its discretion when  
an executive director’s employment ceases 
as follows: if the 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 on leaving is 
based on the normal performance criteria at 
the time of leaving and then pro rated for the 
proportion of the performance period for 
which the director served. 

In the case of the BSP, if an executive 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 Shares 
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. 
Enhancement Shares will vest only to the 
extent that the performance condition has 
been met and, if vesting is accelerated to the 
time of leaving, will be pro rated for the 
proportion of the performance period for 
which the director served.

3.7 Employee Share Ownership Trust 
and policy on provision of shares  
for incentive schemes
The Group has hitherto used an Employee 
Share Ownership Trust (the Trust) to acquire 
and hold shares for use in the operation of its 
share schemes. As at 31 December 2011,  
the Trust held 985 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. It is the Company’s current 
policy to meet the requirements of share 
incentive schemes by using a mix of Treasury 
Shares, shares from the Trust or by market 
purchases, as appropriate. The Company 
also has the necessary authorities to utilise 
newly issued shares if required.

3.8 Pensions
Details of individual pension arrangements 
are set out on pages 112 and 115.

Prior to 6 April 2011, executive directors (and 
UK employees more generally) had the 
option of all or part of their employer-funded 
defined-contribution pension contributions 
being paid into an unregistered retirement 
benefits scheme (an EFRBS). Since 6 April 
2011, executive directors (and UK employees 
more generally) have the option of all or part 
of their employer-funded defined-
contribution pension contributions being 
treated as being paid to an unregistered 
unfunded retirement benefits scheme. 

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 (as is the 
case for London-based employees more 
generally) 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 value as the defined-contribution 
benefits forgone.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

109

 
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Figure 11: Executive directors(1)

Cynthia Carroll (Chief Executive)

15 January 2007

April 2012

René Médori (Finance Director)

01 June 2005

April 2012

Date of  
appointment

Next AGM re-election  
or election

(1)   At each AGM all directors shall retire from office.

Figure 12: Non-executive directors(1)(2)

Sir John Parker (Chairman, AA plc  
and Nomination Committee)

David Challen (SID and Chairman,  
Audit Committee)

Sir CK Chow

Sir Philip Hampton (Chairman,  
Remuneration Committee)

Date of  
appointment

Next AGM re-election  
or election

09 July 2009

April 2012

09 September 2002

April 2012

15 April 2008

April 2012

09 November 2009

April 2012

Phuthuma Nhleko

09 March 2011

April 2012

Nicky Oppenheimer (retired 2011)

18 March 1999

n/a

Ray O’Rourke

Mamphela Ramphele

Jack Thompson

Peter Woicke (Chairman,  
S&SD Committee)

11 December 2009

April 2012

25 April 2006

April 2012

16 November 2009

April 2012

01 January 2006

April 2012

Figure 13: Historical 
comparative TSR 
performance graphs

200
200

150
150

100
100

50
50

0
0

2006 2007
Anglo American

2008 2009 2010 2011

FTSE 100 Index
Source: Thomson Datastream

200

150

100

50

0

(1)   At each AGM all directors shall retire from office.
(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.

2006 2007
Anglo American

2008 2009 2010 2011

LTIP Sector Index
Source: Thomson Datastream

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 and a half times basic 
salary in the case of any other executive 
director. At the date of this report these 
shareholding targets had been exceeded.

The Committee takes into consideration 
achievement against these targets when 
making grants under the Company’s various 
long-term incentive plans.

Similarly, the Committee is prepared to 
consider requests from executive directors 
(as is the case for London-based employees 
more generally) that their contracts be 
altered for future service, so that 
supplementary pension contributions are 
made, or treated as being made, into their 
defined-contribution pension arrangements, 
in return for equivalent reductions in their 
future basic salaries and/or other elements  
of their remuneration.

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.

110 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

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 2011, Cynthia Carroll and  
René Médori each retained fees amounting 
to £78,000 and £68,000 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: 

 (cid:228) Remuneration should be: 

 – sufficient to attract and retain world class 

non-executive talent

 – 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

 – set by reference to the responsibilities 

taken on by the non-executives in chairing 
the Board and its Committees

 (cid:228) 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 2012 and subsequent years, 
subject to ongoing review as appropriate.

The Board reviews non-executive directors’ 
fees periodically to ensure that they remain 
market-competitive. 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. Non-executive directors’ 
fees were last reviewed in 2009 and were 
therefore again reviewed in December 2011. 
It was decided that no increase would be 
made to the basic fees for a non-executive 
director, although the fees for committee 

chairmen and the SID would be increased 
with effect from January 2012 as follows:

9.  HISTORICAL COMPARATIVE TSR 

PERFORMANCE GRAPHS

G
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The graphs shown in Figure 13 represent  
the comparative TSR performance of  
the Company from 1 January 2007 to  
31 December 2011. 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 which includes 
companies of a comparable size and 
complexity to Anglo American. This graph 
has been produced in accordance with the 
Large and Medium Sized Companies  
and Groups (Accounts and Reports) 
Regulations 2008.

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 2009. 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.

 (cid:228) Chairmen of the Audit Committee, Safety 
and Sustainable Development Committee 
and Remuneration Committee to £25,000 
per annum.

 (cid:228) Chairman of the Nomination Committee to 

£12,500 per annum.

 (cid:228) Senior Independent Director to £25,000  

per annum.

These fees will next be reviewed in 
December 2013.

7. CHAIRMAN’S FEES

The chairman’s fees are reviewed periodically 
(on a different cycle from the review of  
other 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 will 
take external advice on market comparators. 

The chairman’s fees will be reviewed  
during 2012.

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. Should Cynthia Carroll 
not be required to work her full notice, AAS  
is able to discharge its liability for the 
unexpired portion of her notice period by 
making a payment in lieu of her salary and 
other contractual benefits; in the case of 
René Médori, whose contract dates from 
2005, the payment would also include a 
pro-rated bonus.

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.

All non-executive directors have letters  
of appointment with the Company for an 
initial period of three years from their date  
of each appointment, subject to annual 
reappointment at the AGM as shown  
in Figure 12.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

111

 
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

10.  REMUNERATION OUTCOMES  

DURINg 2011

The information set out in this section  
and section 11 has been subject to audit.

10.1 Directors’ emoluments 
Executive directors
Figure 14 sets out an analysis of the pre-tax 
remuneration during the years ended 
31 December 2011 and 2010, including 
bonuses but excluding pensions,  
for individual directors who held office  
in the Company during the year ended 
31 December 2011.

10.5 Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
During the year, Cynthia Carroll and René 
Médori each purchased 53 shares under the 
SIP, in addition to the shares held by them at 
1 January 2011. 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, and in common with other 
participants in the SIP, Cynthia Carroll and 
René Médori were each awarded 91 free 
shares under the SIP in March 2011. 
Participants in the SIP are entitled to receive 
dividends on their shares. 

Non-executive directors
Figure 15 sets out the fees and other 
emoluments paid to non-executive directors 
during the year ended 31 December 2011 
which amounted to £1,367,000  
(2010: £1,489,000).

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 is open  
to inspection.

10.2 Bonus Share Plan
Details of shares awarded under the BSP  
to executive directors during 2011 and their 
current holdings are shown in Figure 16.

10.3 Long Term Incentive Plan 
Conditional awards of shares were made  
in 2011 to executive directors under the  
LTIP as shown in Figure 17.

10.4 Directors’ share options
No executive share options have been 
granted to any director since 2003. Options 
granted under SAYE are shown in Figure 18.

The highest and lowest mid-market prices  
of the Company’s shares during the period 
1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011 were 
£34.37 and £21.39 respectively. The 
mid-market price of the Company’s shares  
at 31 December 2011 was £23.79.

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 2011, normal contributions  
were payable on their behalf at the rate of 
30% of their basic salaries payable under 
these contracts.

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 19 on page 114.

10.6.3 Defined benefit pension schemes 
No director was eligible in 2011 for 
membership of any defined benefit  
pension scheme.

Figure 14: Executive directors’ emoluments(1)

Figure 15: Non-executive directors’ 
emoluments(1)(2)

Sir John Parker

David Challen

Sir CK Chow

Sir Philip Hampton

Phuthuma Nhleko

Nicky Oppenheimer(3)

Ray O’Rourke(4)

Mamphela Ramphele

Jack Thompson

Peter Woicke

2011 
£000

650

115

80

95

65

27

80

80

80

95

Total

2010 
£000

650

115

80

90

–

88

80

80

80

90

(1)  Each non-executive director, with the exception of  
Sir John Parker, was paid a fee of £80,000 (2010: 
£80,000) 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 
(2010: £15,000) per annum. The chairman of the 
Nomination Committee was paid an additional sum  
of £7,500 (2010: £7,500) per annum. The senior 
independent director (SID) received additional fees  
of £20,000 per annum. 
In addition to the fees reported above for 2010, Chris Fay, 
who retired on 22 April 2010, received fees in 2010 of 
£30,000, Sir Rob Margetts, who retired on 22 April 2010, 
received fees in 2010 of £30,000 and Fred Phaswana, 
who retired on 1 January 2010, received fees in 2010  
of £76,000. 

(2) 

(3)  Nicky Oppenheimer received fees for his services as  

a non-executive director of Anglo American South Africa 
Limited amounting to £3,000 (2010: £8,000), which are 
included in the above table.

(4)  Ray O’Rourke has instructed the Company that his net 

fees be donated to charity.

Cynthia Carroll

René Médori

Total basic salary(2)

Annual performance 
bonus – cash element(3)

Benefits in kind(4)

2011 
£000

1,170

736

2010 
£000

1,125

707

2011 
£000

962

600

2010 
£000

411

253

2011 
£000

42

33

2010 
£000

37

29

2011 
£000

2,174

1,369

Total

2010 
£000

1,573

989

(1)   In 2011, Cynthia Carroll and René Médori held non-executive directorships of Anglo American Platinum Limited and René Médori held a non-executive directorship of Anglo American South 

Africa Limited. The fees for these directorships were ceded to their employer, AAS.

(2)   AAS agreed with the executive directors that supplementary pension contributions be made into their defined-contribution pension arrangements in return for equivalent reductions in their 

basic salaries and in the cash elements payable under the BSP. The figures shown include these supplementary contributions.

(3)   The split between the cash and share elements of the Bonus Share Plan is set out on page 106 and in Figure 4 on page 107; the above figures represent the elections made in 2012 by each 

executive director to defer 50% of their total bonus into shares, compared to 75% in 2011.

(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.

112 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Figure 16: Bonus Share Plan

BSP interests(1)

Cynthia Carroll

René Médori

Total  
interest at  
1 January 
2011

203,640

130,766

Number of  
Bonus Shares  
conditionally  
awarded 
during 2011

Number of 
Enhancement 
Shares 
conditionally 
awarded 
during 2011

Number of 
Bonus Shares 
vested  
during 2011

Number of 
Enhancement 
Shares  
vested 
during 2011

Number of 
Enhancement 
Shares  
lapsed  
during 2011

Total  
interest at
31 December
2011

Market price 
at date of  
2011 award
£

Date  
of vesting of 
Bonus Shares 
awarded  
during 2011

End date of 
performance 
period for 
Enhancement 
Shares  
awarded  
during 2011

38,422

23,650

28,816

17,737

(13,410)

(8,515)

–

–

(17,048)

240,420

32.08 01/01/2014 31/12/2013

(10,826)

152,812

32.08 01/01/2014 31/12/2013

(1)  The performance period applicable to each award is three years. Cynthia Carroll and René Médori were awarded BSP shares in 2008, which vested in 2011.

Shares vested  
(2008 BSP Award)

Cynthia Carroll

René Médori

Number of  
shares vested

13,410

8,515

Dates of  
conditional award

29/02/2008

29/02/2008

 Market price  
at date of award £

Market price  
at date of vesting £

Value  
at date of vesting £

28.21

28.21

33.16

33.16

444,676

282,357

In the case of the BSP awards granted in 2008, the determinant for the vesting of Enhancement Shares was real EPS growth, based on earnings per share growth against growth in the UK Retail Price 
Index (RPI) over the performance period. 44% of the Enhancement Shares would vest if EPS growth was RPI+9%, and 100% would vest if EPS growth was RPI+15%. As the EPS growth was below the 
threshold target over the period, the Enhancement Shares did not vest.

G
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Figure 17: Long Term Incentive Plan

LTIP interests(1)(2)

Cynthia Carroll

René Médori

Total beneficial 
interest in LTIP at 
1 January 2011

Number of shares 
conditionally 
awarded during 
2011

276,969

174,083

128,008

69,021

Notional  
number of  
shares vested 
during 2011(2)

(33,492)

(21,052)

Number  
of shares  
lapsed  
during 2011

(33,493)

(21,053)

Total beneficial 
interest in LTIP at 
31 December 2011

337,992

200,999

Latest  
performance  
period end date

31/12/2013

31/12/2013

(1)  The LTIP awards made in 2011 are conditional on two performance conditions as outlined on pages 107 to 109: the first is based on the Company’s TSR relative to a weighted group of 

international mining companies and to the constituents of the FTSE 100; the second is based on the value delivered from AOSC initiatives during the medium term. Further details on the 
structure of the LTIP, the required level of performance for the 2011 award and how performance against targets is measured can be found on pages 107 to 109. The market price of the  
shares at the date of award was £31.99.

(2)  The performance period applicable to each award is three years. The performance period relating to the LTIP awards in 2008 (which were granted on 17 March) ended on 31 December  
2010. Vesting was subject to two performance conditions: the first based on the Company’s TSR relative to a weighted group of international mining companies and the FTSE 100; 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. Cynthia Carroll and René Médori contractually agreed with AAS that supplementary pension contributions would be made in return for their surrendering the 
potential right to receive shares in the Company, pursuant to an award granted in 2008 under the LTIP. Had Cynthia Carroll and René Médori not surrendered this right, vesting of the 2008 
LTIP would have been:

Notional shares vested

Cynthia Carroll

René Médori

Notional number of 
shares vested

Dates of  
conditional award

33,492

21,052

17/03/2008

17/03/2008

Market price  
at date of  
award £

31.35

31.35

Market price  
at date of  
vesting £

32.57

32.57

Notional value  
at date of  
vesting £

1,090,834

685,664

In the case of the LTIP awards granted in 2008, 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), 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 2008 LTIP was 39.67% and the upper blended target 41.67%. The ROCE achieved was 
51.85% 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 -17% which generated a nil 
vesting in terms of the 2008 Sector Index Comparator Group (against a median target of -2%) and a nil vesting against the FTSE 100 (being lower than the 50th percentile). The overall vesting 
level for those directors with a 50% Group ROCE, 25% Sectoral TSR and 25% FTSE 100 TSR split would therefore have been 50%.

Figure 18: Directors’ share options (SAYE)

Anglo American options

René Médori

Beneficial 
holding at 
1 January

2011(1)

951

Granted

Exercised

Lapsed

Beneficial 
holding at  
31 December 
2011

 Weighted 
average 
option price £

Earliest date from 
which exercisable

Latest  
expiry date

636

–

–

1,587

20.98

01/09/2013

28/02/2019

(1)   Beneficial holdings comprise SAYE options held in respect of shares by René Médori of 951 options with an option price of £17.97 and 636 options with an option price of £25.47. 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.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

113

 
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

Figure 19: Defined contribution pension schemes

Cynthia Carroll(1)
René Médori

Normal contributions(2)(3)

2011 
£000

351

221

2010 
£000

338

212

(1)   The contributions payable into pension arrangements for Cynthia Carroll amounted in 2011 to £343,000 (2010: £199,000), the balance, in both years, being payable in the form of a cash allowance 
to an equivalent cost to the employer. The cost of this allowance is included in the pension figures above. The allowance does not form part of basic salary disclosed in the directors’ emoluments 
table on page 112 nor is it included in determining awards under the BSP. In addition, supplementary contributions of £74,000 were paid, or treated as paid, into a defined contribution pension 
scheme as compensation for costs incurred as a result of the Company’s implementation of the transition to new pension arrangements to reflect changes in pensions regulation.

(2)   Cynthia Carroll and René Médori contractually agreed with AAS that supplementary pension contributions should be made into their respective defined-contribution pension arrangements  

in return for reductions in their future basic salaries; these supplementary contributions of £340,000 (2010: £187,000) and £611,000 (2010: £450,000) respectively, are included in the ‘Total 
basic salary’ amounts disclosed in the executive directors’ emoluments table on page 112. In addition, Cynthia Carroll and René Médori contractually agreed with AAS that supplementary 
pension contributions should be made into their respective defined-contribution pension arrangements in return for reductions in the cash elements payable under the BSP for performance  
in 2010; these supplementary contributions of £411,000 (2010: £nil) and £253,000 (2010: £nil) respectively are included in the ‘Annual performance bonus – cash element’ amounts for 2010 
disclosed in the executive directors’ emoluments table on page 112.

(3)   Cynthia Carroll and René Médori contractually agreed with AAS that supplementary pension contributions should be made into their respective defined-contribution pension arrangements  
in return for surrendering the potential right to receive shares, pursuant to an award granted in 2008 under the Long Term Incentive Plan; these supplementary contributions amounted to 
£1,095,000 (2010: £nil) and £689,000 (2010: £nil) respectively and reflected the notional value of the shares at the date of vesting plus the notional value of dividends that would have accrued  
on the notional net number of shares between the date of vesting and when the contributions were paid.

Figure 20: Shares in Anglo American plc 
As at 31 December 2011 and 1 January 2012

Directors

Cynthia Carroll
René Médori(1)
Sir John Parker(2)
David Challen

Sir CK Chow

Sir Philip Hampton
Phuthuma Nhleko(3)
Ray O’Rourke(4)
Mamphela Ramphele
Jack Thompson(4)
Peter Woicke(4)

Beneficial

65,315

54,444

26,909

1,820

5,500

2,085

0

76,965

4,788

6,100

17,677

Footnotes are below Figure 22.

Figure 21: Shares in Anglo American plc 
As at 1 January 2011 (or, if later, date of appointment)

Directors

Cynthia Carroll
René Médori(1)
Sir John Parker(2)
David Challen

Sir CK Chow

Sir Philip Hampton
Phuthuma Nhleko(3)
Ray O’Rourke(4)
Mamphela Ramphele
Jack Thompson(4)
Peter Woicke(4)

Beneficial

51,787

89,811

11,655

1,820

5,500

1,200

0

34,500

3,520

5,000

10,177

Footnotes are below Figure 22.

114 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

SIP

786

785

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

SIP

707

706

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

LTIP

337,992

200,999

BSP 
Bonus Shares

BSP Enhancement 
Shares

114,673

72,710

125,747

80,102

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

LTIP

276,969

174,083

BSP 
Bonus Shares

BSP Enhancement 
Shares

89,661

57,575

113,979

73,191

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Conditional

Other

–

–

38,552

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Conditional

Other

–

–

31,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Figure 22: Shares in Anglo American plc  
As at 16 February 2012

Directors

Cynthia Carroll
René Médori(1)
Sir John Parker(2)
David Challen

Sir CK Chow

Sir Philip Hampton
Phuthuma Nhleko(3)
Ray O’Rourke(4)
Mamphela Ramphele
Jack Thompson(4)
Peter Woicke(4)

Beneficial

65,341

54,471

26,909

1,820

5,500

2,331

597

76,965

5,386

6,100

17,677

SIP

778

778

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

LTIP

337,992

200,999

BSP 
Bonus Shares

BSP Enhancement 
Shares

114,673

72,710

125,747

80,102

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Conditional

Other

–

–

38,552

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 –

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(1)  René Médori’s beneficial interest in 53,946 of the shares held at the date of this report arises as a result of his wife’s interest in these shares.
(2)  Following his appointment as chairman of the Company on 1 August 2009, Sir John Parker was awarded 31,000 ordinary shares in the Company which will be released in full on the third 

anniversary of his appointment, subject to his continued chairmanship. As set out in last year’s report, Sir John Parker was awarded a further 7,552 shares in the Company on 28 February 2011, 
which will be released in full on the third anniversary of the award date, subject to his continued chairmanship.

(3)  Phuthuma Nhleko was appointed to the Board on 9 March 2011, although he was prevented from acquiring shares for most of 2011 due to various restricted periods in the year.
(4) 

Included in the interests of Messrs O’Rourke, Thompson and Woicke are unsponsored ADRs representing 0.5 ordinary shares of $0.54945 each.

10.6.4 Excess retirement benefits
No person who served as a director of the 
Company during or before 2011 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 2011.

12. DIRECTORS’ SHARE INTERESTS 

The interests of directors who held  
office during the period 1 January 2011  
to 31 December 2011 in Ordinary Shares 
(Shares) of the Company and its subsidiaries 
were as shown in Figures 20 and 21.

Figure 22 outlines the changes in the above 
interests which occurred between 1 January 
2012 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 Philip Hampton 
Chairman, Remuneration Committee 

16 February 2012

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

115

 
GOVERNANCE INDEPENDENT REMUNERATION REPORT REVIEW

INDEPENDENT REMUNERATION
REPORT REVIEW

This letter contains the findings and 
conclusions from our review of the  
processes followed by Anglo American’s 
Remuneration Committee (the Committee) 
during 2011. 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 2011 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:

 (cid:228) A review of the Committee’s terms  

of reference

 (cid:228) A review of the minutes of the Committee 

covering the period from January to 
December 2011

 (cid:228) A review of any briefing materials prepared 

for the Committee during the year

 (cid:228) An interview with Chris Corrin in his 

capacity as Secretary to the Committee 

 (cid:228) An interview with the Chairman of the 

Committee

FINDINGS

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 of Executive Remuneration 
stated in Anglo American’s Annual Report.

Yours sincerely

Mark Hoble
Partner 
Mercer Limited 
Tower Place 
London EC3R 5BU

1 February 2012

The Committee comprises entirely of 
independent non-executive directors. It  
met formally on three occasions in 2011. 

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 note that the Committee received a 
report from an outside consultant which 
verified this market position.

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. Furthermore 
we note that the Committee undertook 
shareholder consultation during the year  
in relation to changes to the Long Term 
Incentive Plan.

116 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REPORT

DIRECTORS’ 
REPORT

The directors have pleasure in submitting  
the statutory financial statements of the  
Group for the year ended 31 December 2011.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND  
BUSINESS REVIEW

Anglo American is one of the world’s  
largest mining companies, is headquartered 
in the UK and listed on the London  
and Johannesburg stock exchanges.  
Anglo American’s portfolio of mining 
businesses spans bulk commodities –  
iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal 
and thermal coal; base metals – copper and 
nickel; and precious metals and minerals –  
in which it is a global leader in both  
platinum and diamonds. Anglo American  
is committed to the highest standards of 
safety and responsibility across all its 
businesses and geographies and to making  
a sustainable difference in the development 
of the communities around its operations. 
The Company’s mining operations, extensive 
pipeline of growth projects and exploration 
activities span southern Africa, South 
America, Australia, North America, Asia  
and Europe. 

More detailed information about the  
Group’s businesses, activities and financial 
performance is incorporated in this report by 
reference and can be found in the Chairman’s 
and Chief Executive’s statements on pages 4 
to 5 and 12 to 13 respectively and the 
Operating and financial review on pages 14 to 
87. The Corporate governance statement is 
on pages 88 to 122 and is incorporated in this 
Directors’ report by reference.

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GOING CONCERN

DIVIDENDS

The financial position of the Group, its cash 
flows, liquidity position and borrowing 
facilities are set out in the Group financial 
performance review on pages 42 to 47. 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 48 to 53, with details of our policy on 
capital risk management being set out in note 
25 to the financial statements. The Group’s 
net debt at 31 December 2011 was 
$1.4 billion (2010: $7.4 billion), representing 
a gearing level of 3.1% (2010: 16.3%). Details 
of borrowings and facilities are set out in 
notes 24 and 25 and net debt is set out in 
note 31.

The directors have considered the Group’s 
cash flow forecasts for the period to the end 
of March 2013. The Board is satisfied that the 
Group’s forecasts and projections, taking 
account of reasonably possible changes in 
trading performance 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 in preparing its 
financial statements.

An interim dividend of 28 US cents per 
ordinary share was paid on 15 September 
2011. The directors are recommending that  
a final dividend of 46 US cents per ordinary 
share be paid on 26 April 2012 to ordinary 
shareholders on the register on 30 March 
2012, subject to shareholder approval at the 
Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held  
on 19 April 2012. This would bring the total 
dividend in respect of 2011 to 74 US cents 
per ordinary share. In accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS), the final dividend will be accounted for 
in the financial statements for the year ended 
31 December 2012.

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:

 (cid:228) Greenwood Nominees Limited $669.80

 (cid:228) Security Nominees Limited $1,263,111.36

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

117

 
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REPORT

SHARE CAPITAL

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER POLICIES

The Company’s issued share capital as at 
31 December 2011, together with details  
of share allotments during the year, is set  
out in note 29 on pages 164 to 167.

The Company was authorised by 
shareholders at the AGM held on 21 April 
2011 to purchase its own shares in the market 
up to a maximum of 14.99% of the issued 
share capital. No shares were purchased 
under this authority during 2011. This 
authority will expire at the 2012 AGM and in 
accordance with usual practice a resolution 
to renew it for another year will be proposed.

MATERIAL SHAREHOLDINGS

As at 16 February 2012, the Company  
was aware of the following interests in  
3% or more of the Company’s ordinary  
share capital:

Company 

Number  
of shares

Percentage of 
common stocks

BlackRock, Inc.

78,986,629

5.97%

Epoch Two 
Investment 
Holdings Limited(1)

42,166,686

Legal & General plc

53,328,155

3.19%

4.03%

Public Investment 
Corporation (PIC) 

Tarl Investment 
Holdings Limited(1)

77,592,603

5.86%

47,275,613

3.57%

(1)  Epoch Two Investment Holdings Ltd (Epoch 2) and  

Tarl Investment Holdings Limited (Tarl) are two of the 
independent companies which have purchased shares 
as part of Anglo American’s share buy back programme. 
Epoch 2 and Tarl have waived their right to vote all the 
shares they hold or will hold in Anglo American plc.

DIRECTORS

Biographical details of the directors  
currently serving on the Board are given  
on pages 90 and 91. Details of directors’ 
interests in shares and share options of the 
Company can be found in the Remuneration 
report on pages 104 to 116.

Phuthuma Nhleko joined the Board on  
9 March 2011. Nicky Oppenheimer retired 
from the Board after the conclusion of the 
AGM on 21 April 2011. 

The Sustainable Development report 2011 
will be available in April 2012. This report 
focuses on the safety, sustainable 
development, health and environmental 
performance of the Group’s managed 
operations, its performance with regard to 
the Company’s Good Citizenship: Our 
Business Principles, and the operational 
dimensions of its 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 
38 to the financial statements on page 173.

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.

The Group’s key operating businesses are 
empowered to manage, within the context  
of 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:

 (cid:228) adherence to national legal standards  
on employment and workplace rights  
at all times

 (cid:228) adoption of fair labour practices

 (cid:228) prohibition of child labour

 (cid:228) prohibition of inhumane treatment of 

employees and any form of forced labour, 
physical punishment or other abuse

 (cid:228) continual promotion of safe and healthy 

working practices

 (cid:228) promotion of workplace equality  

and elimination of all forms of unfair 
discrimination

 (cid:228) provision of opportunities for  

employees to enhance their work related 
skills and capabilities

 (cid:228) recognition of the right of our employees  

to freedom of association

 (cid:228) adoption of fair and appropriate  

procedures for determining terms  
and conditions of employment.

It is our policy that people with disabilities 
should have full and fair consideration for all 
vacancies. Employment of disabled people 
is considered on merit and with regard only 
to the ability of any applicant to carry out  
the role. We endeavour to retain the 
employment of, and arrange suitable 
retraining for, any employees in the 
workforce who become disabled during 
their employment. Where possible we will 
adjust a person’s working environment to 
enable them to stay in our employment.

118 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

In accordance with best practice, 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.

A General Meeting took place on 6 January 
2012, where shareholders passed an 
ordinary resolution, by a 99.94%  
majority, in relation to the proposed 
acquisition of a further interest of up to  
40% in DB Investments and De Beers sa.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

Since the implementation of the electronic 
communications provisions in the Companies 
Act 2006, the Company has substantially 
reduced the cost of 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.

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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.

The Business Principles are supplemented 
by four Anglo American ‘Way’ documents, 
covering the safety, environmental, 
occupational health and social aspects  
of sustainable development. These set  
out specific standards for each of these 
subject areas. 

Copies of the Good Citizenship: Our  
Business Principles and the Anglo American 
‘Way’ documents are available from the 
Company and may be accessed on the 
Company’s website.

The Business Integrity Policy and 
Performance Standards set out how Group 
employees, business partners and major 
suppliers must act to ensure that our zero 
tolerance of corruption is upheld. All senior 
employees, and employees in high risk 
functions such as procurement, are trained  
to embed knowledge of the policy as well as 
the UK Bribery Act and how to behave in 
corruption risk situations. This training is 
ongoing and mandatory for all senior levels 
and others where it is deemed appropriate. 

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 
OurWorld, which contain items of news, 
current affairs and information relevant to 
Group employees.

For more information visit 
www.angloamerican.com

CHARITABLE DONATIONS

During the year, Anglo American, its 
subsidiaries and the Anglo American Group 
Foundation made donations for charitable 
purposes or wider social investments 
amounting to $122 million (1.27% of 
operating profit from subsidiaries and joint 
ventures). Charitable donations of $1 million 
were made in the UK, of which the main 
categories were: education and training 
(42%) and health and welfare (12%). 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 Sustainable Development Report 2011.

POLITICAL DONATIONS

No political donations were made during 2011. 
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.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The AGM will be held on 19 April 2012  
when shareholders will have the opportunity 
to put questions to the Board, including  
the chairmen of the various committees.  
A separate booklet enclosed with this report 
contains the notice convening the meeting 
together with a description of the business  
to be conducted.

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.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

119

 
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REPORT

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 2006 (the Companies Act)) 
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 Act should be 
consulted if further information is required.

Dividends and distributions
Subject to the provisions of the Companies 
Act, 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 Act.

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 shareholder meetings.

120 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

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 Act, 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 
meeting as a corporate representative.  
The debate around s323 of the Companies 
Act has been resolved so that where a 
shareholder appoints more than one 
corporate representative in respect of its 
shareholding, but in respect of different 
shares, those corporate representatives  
can act independently of each other, and 
validly vote in different ways.

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 Act.

Issue of shares
Subject to the provisions of the Companies 
Act relating to authority and pre-emption 
rights and of any resolution of the Company 
in a UK 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 so held and 
transferred. Subject to the provisions of the 
Companies Act, 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 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 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, a 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 10 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 Act 
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 and replacement  
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.

The Articles provide that 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. 
However, in accordance with the UK 
Corporate Governance Code, all directors  
will be subject to annual re-election.

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Significant agreements: Change  
of control
At 31 December 2011, Anglo American  
had committed bilateral and syndicated 
borrowing facilities totalling $11.1 billion  
with a number of relationship banks which 
contain change of control clauses. The rand 
20 billion South African Medium Term Note 
Programme and $7.2 billion of the Group’s 
bond issues also contain change of control 
provisions. In aggregate, this financing is 
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. 

Purchases of own shares
At the AGM held on 21 April 2011, authority 
was given for the Company to purchase, in 
the market, up to 197.9 million Ordinary 
Shares of 5486/91 US cents each. The 
Company did not purchase any of its own 
shares during 2011.

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. Copies of these indemnities are  
open for inspection at the Company’s 
registered office.

By order of the Board

Nicholas Jordan
Company Secretary

16 February 2012

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

121

 
GOVERNANCE STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

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. Under that law the directors  
are required to prepare the Group financial 
statements in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as 
adopted by the European Union and Article  
4 of the IAS Regulation and 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). Under 
company law the directors must not approve 
the accounts unless they are satisfied that 
they give a true and fair view of the state of 
affairs of the company and of the profit or loss 
of the company for that period. 

In preparing the parent company financial 
statements, the directors are required to:

 (cid:228) select suitable accounting policies and  

then apply them consistently

 (cid:228) make judgements and accounting 

estimates that are reasonable and prudent

 (cid:228) state whether applicable UK Accounting 
Standards have been followed, subject  
to any material departures disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements

 (cid:228) prepare the financial statements on  
the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the  
company will continue in business.

In preparing the Group financial statements, 
International Accounting Standard 1 requires 
that directors:

 (cid:228) properly select and apply accounting 

policies

 (cid:228) present information, including accounting 

policies, in a manner that provides relevant, 
reliable, comparable and understandable 
information

 (cid:228) provide additional disclosures when 

compliance with the specific requirements 
in IFRSs is insufficient to enable users to 
understand the impact of particular 
transactions, other events and conditions 
on the entity’s financial position and 
financial performance

 (cid:228)  make an assessment of the Company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern.

The directors are responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable 
accuracy at any time the financial position  
of the Company and enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements comply with  
the Companies Act 2006. 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.

122 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTENTS 

Responsibility statement 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of Anglo American plc 

Principal statements
Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated balance sheet 
Consolidated cash flow statement 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

124
125

126
126
127
128
129

Earnings per share 
Intangible assets 

Accounting policies 
Segmental information 
Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint ventures
Operating profit and underlying earnings by segment
Special items and remeasurements 
EBITDA 
Exploration expenditure
Employee numbers and costs
Net finance income/(costs) 
Financial instrument gains and losses 
Income tax expense

Notes to the financial statements
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 Dividends 
13
14
15 Property, plant and equipment
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 Provisions for liabilities and charges 
27 Deferred tax 
28 Retirement benefits 
29 Called-up share capital and share-based payments 
30 Consolidated equity analysis 
31 Consolidated cash flow analysis 
32 Disposals of subsidiaries and joint ventures
33 Disposal groups and non-current assets held for sale 
34 Contingent liabilities 
35 Commitments
36 Related party transactions 
37 Group companies 
38 Events occurring after end of year 
39

130
136
139
140
141
142
143
143
144
144
144
146
146
147
148
149
Environmental rehabilitation trusts 
149
Investments in associates 
150
Joint ventures 
150
Financial asset investments 
151
Inventories 
151
Trade and other receivables 
151
Trade and other payables 
152
Financial assets 
Financial liabilities 
153
Financial risk management and derivative financial assets/liabilities  154
159
160
161
164
167
167
168
169
169
171
171
172
173
174

Financial statements of the parent company 

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

123

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
for the year ended 31 December 2011

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

124 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT  
TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO AMERICAN PLC

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following:

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion:
 (cid:228) adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or 

returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not 
visited by us; or

 (cid:228) the Company financial statements and the part of the Remuneration  

report to be audited are not in agreement with the accounting records  
and returns; or

 (cid:228) certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not  

made; or

 (cid:228) we have not received all the information and explanations we require for  

our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review:
 (cid:228) the directors’ statement contained within the Directors’ report in relation  

to going concern; 

 (cid:228) the part of the Corporate governance section relating to the Company’s 
compliance with the nine provisions of the UK Corporate Governance  
Code specified for our review; and

 (cid:228) certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on directors’ 

remuneration.

Carl D. Hughes (Senior Statutory Auditor)  
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 
London, United Kingdom

16 February 2012

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We have audited the financial statements of Anglo American plc for the  
year ended 31 December 2011 which comprise the Consolidated income 
statement, the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the 
Consolidated balance sheet, the Consolidated cash flow statement, the 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity, the accounting policies, the 
related notes 2 to 38 and the balance sheet of the Company and related 
information in note 39. The financial reporting framework that has been 
applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law 
and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in 
the preparation of the Company financial statements is applicable law and 
United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. 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 auditor’s 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 auditor
As explained more fully in the Statement of directors’ responsibilities, the 
directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and 
for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to 
audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). 
Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s 
(APB’s) Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in 
the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the 
financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused  
by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting 
policies are appropriate to the Group’s and the Company’s circumstances and 
have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness 
of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall 
presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial 
and non-financial information in the annual report to identify material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial statements. If we become aware  
of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the 
implications for our report.

Opinion on financial statements
In our opinion:
 (cid:228) the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s 
and of the Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2011 and of the Group’s 
and the Company’s profit for the year then ended;

 (cid:228) the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance 

with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union;

 (cid:228) the Company financial statements have been properly prepared in 
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting  
Practice; and

 (cid:228) the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006; and, as regards the Group 
financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies  
Act 2006
In our opinion:
 (cid:228) the part of the Remuneration report to be audited has been properly 

prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006; and

 (cid:228) the information given in the Directors’ report for the financial year for which the 
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

125

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PRINCIPAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
for the year ended 31 December 2011

US$ million
Group revenue
Total operating costs
Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint 
ventures
Net profit on disposals
Share of net income from associates
Total profit from operations and associates

Investment income
Interest expense
Other financing gains/(losses)

Net finance income/(costs)
Profit before tax
Income tax expense
Profit for the financial year 
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests
Equity shareholders of the Company

Earnings per share (US$)
Basic
Diluted

Note
2

2, 3
5
2, 17

9

11a

13
13

Before special 
items and 
remeasurements
30,580
(20,912)

Special items and 
remeasurements 
(note 5)
–
(229)

9,668
–
978
10,646
668
(695)
7
(20)
10,626
(2,741)
7,885

1,765
6,120

5.06
4.85

(229)
183
(1)
(47)
–
–
203
203
156
(119)
37

(12)
49

0.04
0.04

2011

Total
30,580
(21,141)

9,439
183
977
10,599
668
(695)
210
183
10,782
(2,860)
7,922

1,753
6,169

5.10
4.89

Before special 
items and 
remeasurements
27,960
(19,452)

Special items and 
remeasurements 
(note 5)
–
158

2010

Total
27,960
(19,294)

8,666
1,579
822
11,067
568
(801)
94
(139)
10,928
(2,809)
8,119

1,575
6,544

158
1,579
(23)
1,714
–
–
105
105
1,819
(110)
1,709

141
1,568

1.30
1.22

5.43
5.18

8,508
–
845
9,353
568
(801)
(11)
(244)
9,109
(2,699)
6,410

1,434
4,976

4.13
3.96

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 31 December 2011

US$ million
Profit for the financial year
Net gain on revaluation of available for sale investments
Net loss on cash flow hedges
Net exchange difference on translation of foreign operations (including associates)
Actuarial net (loss)/gain on post employment benefit schemes
Share of associates’ expense recognised directly in equity, net of tax
Tax on items recognised directly in equity
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: net exchange difference on disposal of foreign operations
Share of associates’ expense transferred from equity, net of tax
Tax on items transferred from equity
Total transferred from equity
Total comprehensive income for the financial year
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests
Equity shareholders of the Company

Note

11c

11c

2011
7,922
115
(94)
(4,060)
(214)
(32)
24
(4,261)
(10)
5
54
45
–
(14)
80
3,741

1,142
2,599

2010
8,119
316
(14)
2,431
131
(50)
(149)
2,665
–
4
20
(40)
(8)
1
(23)
10,761

1,885
8,876

126 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
as at 31 December 2011

US$ million
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
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 financial assets (derivatives)
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Assets classified as held for sale
Total assets
Trade and other payables
Short term borrowings
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Current tax liabilities
Other financial liabilities (derivatives)
Total current liabilities
Medium and long term borrowings
Retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax liabilities
Other financial liabilities (derivatives)
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
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

Note
14
15
16
17
19
21
27
25

20
21

25
31b

33

22
24, 31b
26

25

24, 31b
28
27
25
26

33

29

2011
2,322
40,549
360
5,240
2,896
437
530
668
138
53,140
3,517
3,674
207
172
11,732
19,302
–
72,442
(5,098)
(1,018)
(372)
(1,528)
(162)
(8,178)
(11,855)
(639)
(5,730)
(950)
(1,830)
(71)
(21,075)
–
(29,253)
43,189

738
2,714
283
35,357
39,092
4,097
43,189

2010
2,316
39,810
379
4,900
3,220
321
389
465
178
51,978
3,604
3,731
235
377
6,401
14,348
330
66,656
(4,950)
(1,535)
(446)
(871)
(80)
(7,882)
(11,904)
(591)
(5,641)
(755)
(1,666)
(104)
(20,661)
(142)
(28,685)
37,971

738
2,713
3,642
27,146
34,239
3,732
37,971

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The financial statements of Anglo American plc, registered number 3564138, were approved by the Board of directors on 16 February 2012 and signed on its 
behalf by:

Cynthia Carroll 
Chief Executive 

René Médori
Finance Director

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

127

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PRINCIPAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the year ended 31 December 2011

US$ million
Cash flows from operations
Dividends from associates
Dividends from financial asset investments
Income tax paid
Net cash inflows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Cash flows from derivatives related to capital expenditure
Investment in associates
Purchase of financial asset investments
Net repayment of loans granted
Interest received and other investment income
Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash and cash equivalents disposed
Sale of interests in joint ventures
Repayment of capitalised loans by associates
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Other investing activities
Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Interest paid
Cash flows from derivatives related to financing activities
Dividends paid to Company shareholders
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests
Repayment of short term borrowings
Net receipt of medium and long term borrowings
Movements in non-controlling interests
Sale of shares under employee share schemes
Purchase of shares by subsidiaries for employee share schemes (1)
Other financing activities
Net cash inflows from/(used in) financing activities
Net 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 purchase of Kumba Iron Ore Limited and Anglo American Platinum Limited shares for their respective employee share schemes. 

Note
31a

2
2

32
32

31c

31c

2011
11,498
344
59
(2,539)
9,362

(6,203)
439
(47)
(16)
22
350
514
19
4
77
(12)
(4,853)

(807)
226
(818)
(1,404)
(1,261)
964
4,964
20
(367)
(43)
1,474
5,983

6,460
5,983
(711)
11,732

2010
9,924
255
30
(2,482)
7,727

(5,280)
286
(519)
(134)
18
235
2,539
256
33
64
32
(2,470)

(837)
217
(302)
(617)
(2,338)
1,194
356
42
(106)
(9)
(2,400)
2,857

3,319
2,857
284
6,460

128 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 31 December 2011

US$ million
Balance at 1 January 2010
Total comprehensive income
Dividends payable to Company shareholders 
Dividends payable to non-controlling interests
Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries
Issue of shares to non-controlling interests
Consolidation by De Beers of non-controlling interest
Equity settled share-based payment schemes
Other
Balance at 1 January 2011
Total comprehensive income
Dividends payable to Company shareholders 
Dividends payable to non-controlling interests
Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries
Issue of shares to non-controlling interests
Equity settled share-based payment schemes
IFRS 2 charges on black economic empowerment 
transactions
Other
Balance at 31 December 2011

Total share

capital(1)
3,451
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3,451
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
1
3,452

Retained 
earnings
21,291
6,595
(302)
–
(471)
90
(128)
64
7
27,146
5,928
(834)
–
3,027
–
(19)

102
7
35,357

Share-based 
payment 
reserve
401
–
–
–
–
–
–
86
(11)
476
–
–
–
–
–
(18)

Cumulative 
translation 
adjustment 
reserve
(551)
2,004
–
–
21
–
–
–
–
1,474
(3,404)
–
–
–
–
–

Fair value and 
other reserves 
(note 30)
1,529
277
–
–
(107)
–
–
–
(7)
1,692
75
–
–
–
–
–

Total equity 
attributable  
to equity 
shareholders 
of the 
Company
26,121
8,876
(302)
–
(557)
90
(128)
150
(11)
34,239
2,599
(834)
–
3,027
–
(37)

Non-
controlling 
interests
1,948
1,885
–
(617)
(112)
572
–
13
43
3,732
1,142
–
(1,401)
788
16
(167)

Total equity
28,069
10,761
(302)
(617)
(669)
662
(128)
163
32
37,971
3,741
(834)
(1,401)
3,815
16
(204)

–
(5)
453

–
–
(1,930)

–
(7)
1,760

102
(4)
39,092

29
(42)
4,097

131
(46)
43,189

(1)  Total share capital comprises called-up share capital of $738 million (2010: $738 million) and the share premium account of $2,714 million (2010: $2,713 million).

Dividends

Proposed ordinary dividend per share (US cents)
Proposed ordinary dividend (US$ million)

Ordinary dividends payable during the year per share (US cents)
Ordinary dividends payable during the year (US$ million)

Note
12
12

12
12

2011
46
557

68
834

2010
40
483

25
302

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

129

 
 
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 IFRS Interpretations Committee 
(IFRIC) interpretations as adopted for use by the European Union, with those 
parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under 
IFRS and with the requirements of the 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 revaluation 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 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.

Going concern
The directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, a 
reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate 
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 
Thus the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial 
statements continues to be adopted. Further details are contained in the 
Directors’ report on page 117.

Changes in accounting policies and disclosures
A number of amendments to accounting standards and new interpretations 
issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) were 
applicable from 1 January 2011. They have not had a material impact on  
the accounting policies, methods of computation or presentation applied  
by the Group.

Basis of consolidation
The financial statements incorporate a consolidation of the financial 
statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (its 
subsidiaries). 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 income statement from the effective date of acquisition or  
up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

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 or loss for the 
financial year and net assets or liabilities is attributed to the non-controlling 
interests as shown in the income statement and balance sheet.

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.

investment. The carrying values of associates are reviewed on a regular basis 
and if an impairment in value has occurred, the carrying value is impaired in 
the period in which the relevant 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.

Unrealised gains arising from transactions with associates are eliminated 
against the investment to the extent of the Group’s interest in the investee. 
Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way, but only to the extent that 
there is no evidence of impairment.

Jointly controlled entities
A jointly controlled entity is an entity in which the Group holds a long term 
interest and shares joint control over 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.

Jointly controlled 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 
recognised 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.

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. Goodwill is the fair 
value of the consideration transferred (including contingent consideration 
and previously held non-controlling interests) less the fair value of the 
Group’s share of identifiable net assets on acquisition. Transaction costs 
incurred in connection with the business combination are expensed. 
Provisional fair values are finalised within 12 months of the acquisition date.

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.

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. 

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 

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 recognised directly in the income statement in the period of acquisition.

130 

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1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
For non-wholly owned subsidiaries, non-controlling interests are initially 
recorded at the non-controlling interest’s proportion of the fair values of  
net assets recognised at acquisition.

Property, plant and equipment
Mining properties and leases include the cost of acquiring and developing 
mining properties and mineral rights.

Mining properties are depreciated to their residual values using the unit  
of production method based on proven and probable ore reserves and,  
in certain limited circumstances, other mineral resources. Mineral resources  
are included in depreciation calculations where there is a high degree of 
confidence that they will be extracted in an economic manner. 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, an impairment loss is recognised in 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, costs associated with this process are deferred 
and charged to operating costs using the expected average stripping ratio 
over the 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 mine life, 
per tonne of ore expected to be mined. The cost of stripping in any period 
will therefore be reflective of the average stripping ratio for the orebody as 
a whole applied to the actual stripping costs incurred. However, where the pit 
profile is such that the actual stripping ratio is cumulatively below the average, 
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 mine life stripping ratio is recalculated annually in light of additional 
knowledge and changes in estimates. Changes in the mine life stripping ratio 
are accounted for prospectively as a change in estimate.

Properties in the course of construction are measured at cost less any 
recognised impairment. Depreciation commences when the assets are ready 
for their intended use. Buildings and plant and equipment are depreciated to 
their residual values at varying rates on a straight line basis over their 
estimated useful lives or the mine life, 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. Land is not depreciated.

When parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful 
lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components).

Depreciation methods, 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.

Gains or losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment are determined 
by comparing the proceeds from disposal with the carrying amount. The gain 
or loss is recognised in the income statement.

Non-mining licences and other intangibles
Non-mining licences and other intangibles are measured at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Estimated 
useful lives are usually between three and five years. Amortisation methods, 
residual values and estimated useful lives are reviewed at least annually.

Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible 
assets excluding goodwill
At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its 
property, plant and equipment and intangible assets to determine whether 
there is any indication that those assets are impaired. If such an indication 
exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine 
the extent of any impairment. 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 loss is recognised in the income 
statement as a special item.

Where an impairment loss 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. A reversal of an impairment loss is 
recognised in the income statement as a special item.

Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill arising on business combinations is allocated to the group of CGUs 
that is expected to benefit from 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. 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 loss is recognised immediately in the income statement. 
Impairment of goodwill is not subsequently reversed.

Exploration, evaluation and development expenditure
Exploration and evaluation expenditure is expensed in the year in which it is 
incurred. When a decision is taken that a mining property is economically 
feasible, all subsequent evaluation expenditure is capitalised within property, 
plant and equipment including, where applicable, directly attributable  
pre-production development expenditure. Capitalisation of such expenditure 
ceases when the mining property is capable of commercial production.

Exploration properties acquired are recognised in the balance sheet at cost 
less any accumulated impairment losses. Such properties and capitalised 
evaluation and pre-production development expenditure prior to commercial 
production are assessed for impairment in accordance with the Group’s 
accounting policy stated above.

Inventory
Inventory and work in progress are measured 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:
 (cid:228) Raw materials and consumables are measured at cost on a first in, first out 

(FIFO) basis or a weighted average cost basis.

 (cid:228) Finished products are measured at raw material cost, labour cost and 

a proportion of manufacturing overhead expenses.

 (cid:228) Metal and coal stocks are included within finished products and are 

measured at average cost.

At precious metals operations that produce ‘joint products’, cost is allocated 
amongst products according to the ratio of contribution of these metals to 
gross sales revenues.

Retirement benefits
The Group operates both defined benefit and defined contribution pension 
plans for its employees as well as post employment medical plans. For 
defined contribution plans the amount recognised in the income statement is 
the contributions paid or payable during the year.

For defined benefit pension and post employment 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, is based on government bonds. Pension plan assets are measured 
using year end market values.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

131

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
Actuarial gains and losses, which can arise from differences between expected 
and actual outcomes or changes in actuarial assumptions, are recognised 
immediately in the statement of comprehensive income. 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 respectively.

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 vest.

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 plan 
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 includes the current tax and deferred tax charge recognised 
in the income statement.

Current tax 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 reporting date.

Deferred tax is recognised in respect of temporary differences between the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and  
the amounts used for taxation purposes. 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 taxable 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 reporting 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, based on the laws 
that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date. 
Deferred tax is charged or credited to 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.

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 recognised in the income statement 
in equal annual amounts over the lease term.

Finance lease assets 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 discounted at the interest rate implicit in the lease. The interest 
element of the rental is recognised in the income statement 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 below.

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 a sale is 
highly probable within one year from the date of classification, management 
is committed to the sale and the asset (or disposal group) is available for 
immediate sale in its present condition.

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 loss is 
recognised in the income statement as a special item. On classification as 
held for sale the assets are no longer depreciated. Comparative amounts  
are not adjusted.

A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business that has 
been sold or is classified as held for sale and is part of a single coordinated 
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. 
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.

Environmental restoration and decommissioning obligations
An obligation to incur environmental restoration, rehabilitation and 
decommissioning costs arises when 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 recognised in the income statement 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 recognised in the income statement 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 above.

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 disclosed separately on the balance sheet as non-
current assets. The trusts’ assets are measured based on the nature of the 
underlying assets in accordance with accounting policies for similar assets.

Foreign currency transactions and translation
Foreign currency transactions by Group companies are recognised in the 
functional currencies of the companies at the exchange rate ruling on the date  
of transaction. At each reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities that are 
denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on  
the reporting date. Gains and losses arising on retranslation are included in  
the income statement for the period and are classified as either operating or 
financing depending on the nature of the monetary item giving rise to them.

Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical  
cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date  
of the transaction.

132 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
On consolidation, the assets and liabilities of the Group’s foreign operations  
are translated into the presentation currency of the Group at exchange rates 
prevailing on the reporting 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. Any exchange differences arising are classified 
within the statement of comprehensive income 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 in the foreseeable future 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 recycled from equity and recognised  
as income or expense on disposal of the operation to which they relate.

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’s results are presented in US 
dollars, the currency in which its business is primarily 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.

Financial instruments
Financial assets
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 shown within short term borrowings in 
current liabilities on the balance sheet. Cash and cash equivalents in the cash 
flow statement are shown net of overdrafts. Cash and cash equivalents are 
measured at amortised cost.

Trade receivables
Trade receivables do not incur any interest, are short term in nature and are 
measured 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.

Investments
Investments, other than investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associates, are financial asset investments and are initially recognised 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 
losses. 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 financial assets. 
Both categories are subsequently measured 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 of or impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or 
loss previously recognised in equity is included in the income statement.

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.

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 measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest 
method. Debt securities that are not intended to be held to maturity are 
recorded at the lower of cost and market value.

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
Shares held by the employee benefit trust are recorded as treasury shares,  
and the carrying value is shown as a reduction in retained earnings within 
shareholders’ equity.

Impairment of financial assets (including receivables)
A financial asset not measured at fair value through profit or loss is assessed 
at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence 
that it is impaired. A financial asset is impaired if objective evidence indicates 
that a loss event has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset.

An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset measured at amortised cost 
is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present 
value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective 
interest rate. Losses are recognised in the income statement. When a 
subsequent event causes the amount of impairment loss to decrease, the 
decrease in impairment loss is reversed through the income statement.

Impairment losses relating to available for sale investments are recognised 
when the decline in fair value is considered significant or prolonged. These 
impairment losses are recognised by transferring the cumulative loss that has 
been recognised in the statement of comprehensive income to the income 
statement. The loss recognised in the income statement is the difference 
between the acquisition cost and the current fair value.

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.

Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds 
received, net of direct issue costs.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
Trade payables
Trade payables are not interest bearing and are measured 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.

The gain or loss on hedging instruments relating to the effective portion 
of a net investment hedge is recognised in equity (part of the cumulative 
translation adjustment reserve). The ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in the income statement. Gains or losses accumulated in the 
cumulative translation adjustment reserve are included in the income 
statement on disposal of the foreign operations to which they relate.

Convertible debt
Convertible bonds are classified as compound instruments, consisting of 
a liability and an equity component. At the date of issue, the fair value of the 
liability component is estimated using the prevailing market interest rate for 
similar non-convertible debt and is recognised within borrowings and carried 
at amortised cost. The difference between the proceeds of issue of the 
convertible bond and the fair value assigned to the liability component, 
representing the embedded option to convert the liability into equity of the 
Group, is included in equity.

Issue costs are apportioned between the liability and equity components  
of the convertible bonds where appropriate based on their relative carrying 
amounts at the date of issue. The portion relating to the equity component 
is charged directly against equity.

The interest expense on the liability component is calculated by applying  
the effective interest rate for similar non-convertible debt to the liability 
component of the instrument. The difference between this amount and  
the interest paid is added to the carrying amount of the liability.

Bank borrowings
Interest bearing bank loans and overdrafts are initially recognised at fair 
value, net of directly attributable transaction costs. Finance charges, 
including premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue 
costs are recognised in 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.

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 Financial Instruments: 
Recognition and Measurement 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) except if they are 
linked to settlement and delivery of an unquoted equity instrument and the 
fair value cannot be measured reliably, in which case they are carried at cost. 
A derivative cannot be measured reliably where the range of reasonable fair 
value estimates is significant and the probabilities of various estimates cannot 
be reasonably assessed.

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are 
designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows (cash flow hedges) 
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 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 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 the income statement. Gains or 
losses from remeasuring the associated derivative are recognised in the 
income statement.

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 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.

Changes in the fair value of any derivative instruments that are not designated  
in a hedge relationship 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 to which the derivative relates.

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 financial liabilities
Financial assets are derecognised when the right to receive cash flows from  
the asset has 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.

New IFRS accounting standards and interpretations  
not yet adopted
The following new or amended IFRS accounting standards not yet adopted 
are expected to have a significant impact on the Group:

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments – Classification and Measurement reflects the 
first phase of the IASB’s three stage project to replace IAS 39. The first phase 
deals with the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial 
liabilities. The standard applies to annual periods beginning on or after 
1 January 2015.

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements replaces the portion of IAS 27 
Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements that addresses accounting 
for consolidated financial statements and SIC-12 Consolidation – Special 
Purpose Entities. IFRS 10 provides a single basis for consolidation with a new 
definition of control. The standard applies to annual periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2013.

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements replaces IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures  
and SIC-13 Jointly-controlled Entities – Non-monetary Contributions by 
Venturers. Under IFRS 11 a joint arrangement is classified as either a joint 
operation or a joint venture, and the option to proportionately consolidate 
joint ventures has been removed. Interests in joint ventures must be equity 
accounted. This standard applies to annual periods beginning on or after 
1 January 2013.

IFRS 12 Disclosures of Interests in Other Entities will accompany IFRS 10  
and IFRS 11. This standard combines the disclosure requirements previously 
covered by IAS 27, related to consolidated financial statements, IAS 31 and 
IAS 28 Investments in Associates, as well as including additional disclosure 
requirements. This standard applies to annual periods beginning on or after 
1 January 2013. 

IFRIC 20 Stripping Costs in the Production Phase of a Surface Mine provides 
a model for accounting for costs associated with the removal of waste  
during the production phase of a surface mine, including guidance on the 
apportionment of the costs incurred for obtaining a current and future benefit 
and how capitalised costs are depreciated. This interpretation applies to 
annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013.

134 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
The following new, amended or revised IFRS accounting standards and 
interpretations not yet adopted are not expected to have a significant impact 
on the Group:

For property, plant and equipment depreciated on a straight line basis over  
its useful economic life, management reviews the appropriateness of useful 
economic life at least annually and any changes could affect prospective 
depreciation rates and asset carrying values.

Impairment of assets
In making assessments for impairment, 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 calculation of recoverable amount. Factors which could 
impact underlying cash flows include:

 (cid:228) commodity prices and exchange rates
 (cid:228) timelines of granting of licences and permits
 (cid:228) capital and operating expenditure
 (cid:228) available reserves and resources.

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.

Restoration, rehabilitation and environmental costs
Costs for restoration of site damage, rehabilitation and 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 employment benefits 
under defined benefit arrangements relating to employee service during the 
period are determined based on financial and actuarial assumptions.

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 Group’s 
other comprehensive income going forward.

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit and loss
The fair value of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities held at fair value 
though profit and loss represents the market value of quoted investments and 
other traded instruments where available. For financial assets and liabilities 
held at fair value through profit and loss for which market prices are not 
readily available, fair value is determined using discounted cash flows or  
other valuation techniques using assumptions considered to be reasonable 
and consistent with those that would be used by a market participant.  
The assessment of assumptions used in applying valuation techniques is 
inherently subjective and the use of inaccurate assumptions could result  
in a significant impact on financial results.

Contingent liabilities
On an ongoing basis the Group is a party to various legal disputes, the 
outcomes of which cannot be assessed with a high degree of certainty. 
A liability is recognised where, based on the Group’s legal views and advice, 
it is considered probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle 
a present obligation that can be measured reliably. Disclosure of other 
contingent liabilities is made in note 34 unless the possibility of a loss arising 
is considered remote.

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IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement provides a single framework for all fair  
value measurements and applies to annual periods beginning on or after 
1 January 2013. 

The amendment to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements requires items 
to be grouped in other comprehensive income based on whether those items 
are subsequently reclassified to profit or loss. The amendment is to be applied 
for annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2012.

The amendment to IAS 12 Income taxes is to be applied for annual periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2012.

The amendment to IAS 19 Employee Benefits is to be applied retrospectively 
for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013.

Amendments have been made to IAS 27 and it has been reissued as IAS 27 
Separate Financial Statements. The revised standard prescribes the 
accounting and disclosure requirements for investments in subsidiaries,  
joint ventures and associates when an entity prepares separate financial 
statements. The accounting and disclosure requirements for investments in 
subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates in consolidated financial statements 
are prescribed by IFRS 10, IFRS 11 and IFRS 12. The revised standard is to be 
applied for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013.

Amendments have been made to IAS 28 and it has been reissued as IAS 28 
Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures. The revised standard 
prescribes the application of the equity method when accounting for 
investments in associates and joint ventures. The revised standard is to be 
applied for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. 

The amendment to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures is effective for 
annual periods beginning on or after 1 July 2011.

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  
ore reserves and useful economic lives of assets and impairment of assets, 
restoration, rehabilitation and environmental costs, retirement benefits, 
financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit and loss and 
contingent liabilities. 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.

Ore Reserve estimates and useful economic lives of assets
When determining Ore Reserves, which may be used to calculate depreciation 
on the Group’s mining properties, 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 unit of production 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:
 (cid:228) Changes to Proved and Probable Reserves
 (cid:228) The grade of Ore Reserves varying significantly from time to time
 (cid:228) Differences between actual commodity prices and commodity price 

assumptions used in the estimation of mineral reserves

 (cid:228) Renewal of mining licences
 (cid:228) Unforeseen operational issues at mine sites
 (cid:228) Adverse changes in capital, operating, mining, processing and reclamation 

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

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

135

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION
The Group’s segments are aligned to the structure of business units based around core commodities. Each business unit has a management team that is 
accountable to the Chief Executive. The Kumba Iron Ore, Iron Ore Brazil and Samancor business units have been aggregated as the Iron Ore and Manganese 
segment on the basis of the ultimate product produced (ferrous metals). 

Following a strategic review during the year, Peace River Coal is now managed as part of the Metallurgical Coal business unit, and accordingly is presented as 
part of the Metallurgical Coal segment. It was previously reported within the Other Mining and Industrial reporting segment. Comparatives have been 
reclassified to align with current year presentation.

Catalão and Copebrás, reported in the Other Mining and Industrial segment, are now considered core to the Group. Tarmac and Scaw, which were identified 
for divestment as part of the restructuring programme announced in October 2009, are not considered to be individually significant to the Group and are 
therefore also presented in the Other Mining and Industrial reporting segment. Until February 2011, this reporting segment also included the zinc operations.

The Group’s Executive Committee evaluates the financial performance of the Group and its segments principally with reference to operating profit before 
special items and remeasurements which includes the Group’s attributable share of associates’ operating profit before special items and remeasurements.

Segments predominantly derive revenue as follows – Iron Ore and Manganese: iron ore, manganese ore and alloys; Metallurgical Coal: metallurgical coal; 
Thermal Coal: thermal coal; Copper and Nickel: base metals; Platinum: platinum group metals; Diamonds: rough and polished diamonds and diamond jewellery; 
and Other Mining and Industrial: phosphates, niobium, heavy building materials, steel products and, until February 2011, zinc.

The Exploration segment includes the cost of the Group’s exploration activities across all segments, excluding Diamonds.

The segment results are stated after elimination of inter-segment transactions and include an allocation of corporate costs.

Analysis by segment
Revenue and operating profit by segment

US$ million
Iron Ore and Manganese
Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum
Diamonds
Other Mining and Industrial
Exploration
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs
Segment measure
Reconciliation:
Less: associates
Operating special items and remeasurements
Statutory measure

Revenue(1)

Operating profit/(loss)(2)

2011
8,124
4,347
3,722
5,144
488
7,359
3,320
4,039
–
5
36,548

2010
6,612
3,522
2,866
4,877
426
6,602
2,644
5,375
–
5
32,929

(5,968)
–
30,580

(4,969)
–
27,960

2011
4,520
1,189
1,230
2,461
57
890
659
195
(121)
15
11,095

(1,427)
(229)
9,439

2010
3,681
780
710
2,817
96
837
495
664
(136)
(181)
9,763

(1,255)
158
8,666

(1)  Segment revenue includes the Group’s attributable share of associates’ revenue. This is reconciled to Group revenue from subsidiaries and joint ventures as presented in the Consolidated 

income statement.

(2)  Segment operating profit is revenue less operating costs before special items and remeasurements, and includes the Group’s attributable share of associates’ operating profit before special 

items and remeasurements. This is reconciled to operating profit from subsidiaries and joint ventures after special items and remeasurements as presented in the Consolidated income statement.

Associates’ revenue and operating profit

US$ million
Iron Ore and Manganese
Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
Platinum
Diamonds
Other Mining and Industrial

Reconciliation:
Associates’ net finance costs
Associates’ income tax expense
Associates’ non-controlling interests
Share of net income from associates (before special items and remeasurements)
Associates’ special items and remeasurements
Associates’ special items and remeasurements tax
Associates’ non-controlling interests on special items and remeasurements
Share of net income from associates

Associates’ revenue

operating profit/(loss)(1)

Associates’

2011
926
372
1,080
269
3,320
1
5,968

2010
983
258
761
237
2,644
86
4,969

2011
165
207
482
(86)
659
–
1,427

(48)
(385)
(16)
978
(5)
1
3
977

2010
382
122
308
(59)
495
7
1,255

(88)
(313)
(9)
845
(22)
(2)
1
822

(1)  Associates’ operating profit is the Group’s attributable share of associates’ revenue less operating costs before special items and remeasurements.

136 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

2. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION continued
Non-cash items
Significant non-cash items included within operating profit before special items and remeasurements are as follows:

US$ million
Iron Ore and Manganese
Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum
Other Mining and Industrial
Exploration
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs

Depreciation and amortisation(1) 

Other non-cash expenses(2)

2011
180
375
128
289
27
729
198
–
41
1,967

(3)

2010
142
343
113
269
26
750
230
–
46
1,919

(3)

2011
127
104
30
124
10
76
51
3
54
579

2010
90
76
40
97
23
57
15
4
61
463

(1) 

In addition the Group’s attributable share of depreciation and amortisation in associates is $286 million (2010: $301 million). This is split by segment as follows: Iron Ore and Manganese 
$33 million (2010: $33 million), Metallurgical Coal $13 million (2010: $11 million), Thermal Coal $52 million (2010: $49 million), Platinum $53 million (2010: $37 million) and Diamonds $135 million  
(2010: $171 million).

(2)  Other non-cash expenses include equity settled share-based payment charges and amounts included in operating costs in respect of provisions, excluding amounts recorded within special items. 
(3) 
In addition $84 million (2010: $97 million) of accelerated depreciation has been recorded within operating special items (see note 5) and $39 million (2010: nil) of pre-commercial production 
depreciation has been capitalised.

Capital expenditure and net debt

US$ million
Iron Ore and Manganese
Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum
Other Mining and Industrial
Exploration
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs

Reconciliation:
Remove: cash flows from derivatives relating to capital expenditure
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Interest capitalised
Non-cash movements(3)
Net debt in disposal groups

Property, plant and equipment additions in disposal groups(4) 
Property, plant and equipment additions(5)

Capital expenditure(1)

Net debt(2)

2011
1,211
(211)
81
(781)
603
20
338
(6)
119
1,374

2010
89
(635)
(50)
(243)
561
(65)
385
(2)
7,403
7,443

2011
1,732
695
190
1,570
398
970
152
1
56
5,764

439
6,203
321
27

2010
1,195
235
274
1,530
525
1,011
206
–
18
4,994

286
5,280
247
305

6,551
(2)
6,549

5,832
(46)
5,786

–
1,374

(59)
7,384

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(1)  Capital expenditure is segmented on a cash basis and is reconciled to balance sheet additions. Cash capital expenditure includes cash flows on related derivatives.
(2)  Segment net debt includes related hedges and excludes net debt in disposal groups. For a reconciliation of net debt to the balance sheet see note 31b.
(3) 

Includes movements on capital expenditure accruals, movements relating to deferred stripping and the impact of realised cash flow hedges.

(4)  Relates to additions in businesses held in disposal groups, prior to their sale.
(5)  Capital expenditure on an accruals basis is split by segment as follows: Iron Ore and Manganese $2,125 million (2010: $1,536 million), Metallurgical Coal $681 million (2010: $314 million), 

Thermal Coal $231 million (2010: $297 million), Copper $1,877 million (2010: $1,820 million), Nickel $405 million (2010: $602 million), Platinum $1,014 million (2010: $1,043 million), Other 
Mining and Industrial $159 million (2010: $153 million), Exploration $1 million (2010: $1 million) and Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs $56 million (2010: $20 million).

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

137

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION continued
Segment assets and liabilities
The following balance sheet segment measures are provided for information:

US$ million
Iron Ore and Manganese
Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum
Other Mining and Industrial
Exploration
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs

Other assets and liabilities
Investments in associates (3)
Financial asset investments
Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
Other financial assets/(liabilities) – derivatives
Cash and cash equivalents
Other non-operating assets/(liabilities)
Borrowings
Other provisions for liabilities and charges
Net assets

Segment assets(1)

Segment liabilities(2) Net segment assets/(liabilities)

2011
13,646
5,660
2,650
8,767
2,655
12,288
3,923
2
375
49,966

5,240
2,896
530
840
11,732
1,238
–
–
72,442

2010 
12,333
5,159
2,897
7,300
2,443
14,701
4,148
3
402
49,386

4,900
3,220
389
842
6,401
1,518
–
–
66,656

2011
(577)
(968)
(764)
(1,124)
(120)
(1,097)
(722)
(3)
(584)
(5,959)

–
–
(5,730)
(1,112)
–
(2,715)
(12,873)
(864)
(29,253)

2010
(632)
(827)
(786)
(1,009)
(109)
(1,223)
(755)
(12)
(377)
(5,730)

–
–
(5,641)
(835)
–
(2,233)
(13,439)
(807)
(28,685)

2011
13,069
4,692
1,886
7,643
2,535
11,191
3,201
(1)
(209)
44,007

5,240
2,896
(5,200)
(272)
11,732
(1,477)
(12,873)
(864)
43,189

2010
11,701
4,332
2,111
6,291
2,334
13,478
3,393
(9)
25
43,656

4,900
3,220
(5,252)
7
6,401
(715)
(13,439)
(807)
37,971

(1)  Segment assets at 31 December 2011 are operating assets and consist of intangible assets of $2,322 million (2010: $2,316 million), property, plant and equipment of $40,549 million  

(2010: $39,810 million), biological assets of $17 million (2010: $2 million), environmental rehabilitation trusts of $360 million (2010: $379 million), retirement benefit assets of $70 million  
(2010: $112 million), inventories of $3,517 million (2010: $3,604 million) and operating receivables of $3,131 million (2010: $3,163 million).

(2)  Segment liabilities at 31 December 2011 are operating liabilities and consist of non-interest bearing current liabilities of $3,982 million (2010: $3,834 million), environmental restoration and 

decommissioning provisions of $1,338 million (2010: $1,305 million) and retirement benefit obligations of $639 million (2010: $591 million).

(3)  See note 17 for a split of investments in associates by segment.

Revenue by product
The Group’s analysis of segment revenue by product (including attributable share of revenue from associates) is as follows:

US$ million
Iron ore
Manganese ore and alloys
Metallurgical coal
Thermal coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum
Palladium
Rhodium
Diamonds
Phosphates
Heavy building materials
Steel products
Other

2011
6,830
926
3,444
4,621
5,023
948
4,578
1,076
703
3,320
571
2,347
931
1,230
36,548

2010
5,234
983
2,711
3,707
4,782
824
4,053
697
782
2,644
461
2,376
1,568
2,107
32,929

Geographical analysis
Revenue by destination and non-current segment assets by location
The Group’s geographical analysis of segment revenue (including attributable share of revenue from associates) allocated based on the country in which the 
customer is located, and non-current segment assets, allocated based on the country in which the assets are located, is as follows:

US$ million
South Africa
Other Africa
Brazil
Chile
Other South America
North America
Australia
China
India
Japan
Other Asia
United Kingdom (Anglo American plc’s country of domicile)
Other Europe

(1)  Non-current segment assets are non-current operating assets and consist of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.

138 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Revenue

Non-current segment assets(1)

2011
3,589
618
1,177
2,030
50
1,861
312
6,446
2,343
4,925
3,487
3,962
5,748
36,548

2010
3,307
502
1,135
1,940
207
1,805
474
5,075
2,021
4,198
2,818
3,980
5,467
32,929

2011
15,215
357
12,622
7,001
655
685
4,170
–
–
–
47
2,117
2
42,871

2010
17,389
373
11,159
5,628
589
540
4,022
5
–
–
42
2,331
48
42,126

2. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION continued
Revenue and operating profit by origin
Segment revenue and operating profit before special items and remeasurements by origin (including attributable share of revenue and operating profit from 
associates) are provided for information:

US$ million
South Africa
Other Africa
Brazil
Chile
Other South America
North America
Australia and Asia
Europe

2011
17,855
2,763
1,404
5,170
1,364
615
5,058
2,319
36,548

Revenue

2010
15,711
2,329
1,127
5,224
1,141
679
4,141
2,577
32,929

Operating profit/(loss)  
before special items  
and remeasurements

2011
6,059
501
152
2,581
512
256
1,318
(284)
11,095

2010
5,001
501
82
2,967
367
14
911
(80)
9,763

Segment assets and liabilities by location
The Group’s geographical analysis of segment assets and liabilities, allocated based on where assets and liabilities are located, is provided for information:

US$ million
South Africa
Other Africa
Brazil
Chile
Other South America
North America
Australia and Asia
Europe

Segment assets(1)

Segment liabilities

Net segment assets

2011
18,364
385
13,188
7,950
808
782
5,450
3,039
49,966

2010
21,294
377
11,576
6,727
679
611
4,849
3,273
49,386

2011
(2,620)
(20)
(303)
(1,101)
(48)
(107)
(953)
(807)
(5,959)

2010
(2,815)
(26)
(358)
(1,005)
(21)
(38)
(851)
(616)
(5,730)

2011
15,744
365
12,885
6,849
760
675
4,497
2,232
44,007

2010
18,479
351
11,218
5,722
658
573
3,998
2,657
43,656

(1) 

Investments in associates of $5,240 million (2010: $4,900 million) are not included in segment assets. The geographical distribution of these investments, based on the location of the 
underlying assets, is disclosed in note 17.

3. OPERATING PROFIT FROM SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES

US$ million
Group revenue
Cost of sales(1)
Gross profit
Selling and distribution costs
Administrative expenses
Other gains and losses (see below)
Exploration expenditure (see note 7)
Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint ventures

i

F
n
a
n
c

i

a

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

2011
30,580
(17,343)
13,237
(1,788)
(2,034)
145
(121)
9,439

2010
27,960
(15,949)
12,011
(1,740)
(1,815)
346
(136)
8,666

(1) 

Includes operating special item charges of $164 million (2010: $228 million), see note 5. Operating remeasurements are included in Other gains and losses (see below).

US$ million
Operating profit is stated after charging:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (see note 15)(1)
Amortisation of intangible assets (see note 14)
Rentals under operating leases
Research and development expenditure
Operating special items (see note 5)
Employee costs (see note 8)
Adjustment due to provisional pricing(2)
Royalties(3)

Other gains and losses comprise:
Operating remeasurements (see note 5)
Other fair value (losses)/gains on derivatives – realised
Foreign exchange gains/(losses) on other monetary items
Gains on initial recognition of biological assets
Total other gains and losses

2011

2010

1,947
20
128
38
164
4,707
286
742

(65)
(57)
256
11
145

1,888
31
121
29
228
4,367
(168)
586

386
84
(124)
–
346

(1) 

In addition $84 million (2010: $97 million) of accelerated depreciation has been recorded within operating special items (see note 5) and $39 million (2010: nil) of pre-commercial production 
depreciation has been capitalised.

(2)  Provisionally priced contracts resulted in a total (realised and unrealised) loss in revenue of $283 million (2010: gain of $199 million) and total (realised and unrealised) loss in operating costs of 

$3 million (2010: $31 million).

(3)  Excludes those royalties which meet the definition of income tax on profit and accordingly have been accounted for as taxes.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

139

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. OPERATING PROFIT FROM SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES continued

US$ million
Auditors’ remuneration
Audit

United Kingdom
Overseas

Other services provided by Deloitte(1)

United Kingdom
Overseas

2011

2010

2.4
7.5

1.1
2.6

2.6
7.9

1.3
1.7

(1) 

Includes $0.2 million (2010: $0.1 million) for services required to be undertaken by Deloitte in their capacity as auditors.

A more detailed analysis of auditors’ remuneration is provided below:

US$ million
Statutory audit services
Paid to the Company’s auditor

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
Other
Total

Paid/payable to Deloitte

2011

Paid/payable 
to auditor (if 
not Deloitte)

Paid/payable to Deloitte

2010

Paid/payable 
to auditor (if 
not Deloitte)

United 
Kingdom

Overseas

Total

Overseas

United 
Kingdom

Overseas

Total

Overseas

1.7

–

0.7
0.7
2.4

0.5
0.4
0.2
1.1

(2)

–

4.3

3.2
7.5
7.5

0.8
0.4
1.4
2.6

1.7

4.3

3.9
8.2
9.9

1.3
0.8
1.6
3.7

–

0.1

0.6
0.7
0.7

0.1
0.3
0.5
0.9

1.7

–

0.9
0.9
2.6

0.5
0.1
0.7
1.3

(2)

–

4.4

3.5
7.9
7.9

0.8
0.4
0.5
1.7

1.7

4.4

4.4
8.8
10.5

1.3
0.5
1.2
3.0

–

0.1

0.4
0.5
0.5

–
0.2
0.2
0.4

(1) 

(2) 

Includes $0.1 million (2010: $0.2 million) in respect of the audit of Group pension plans.
Includes $0.2 million (2010: $0.1 million) for services required to be undertaken by Deloitte in their capacity as auditors.

4. OPERATING PROFIT AND UNDERLYING EARNINGS BY SEGMENT 
The following table analyses operating profit (including attributable share of associates’ operating profit) by segment and reconciles it to underlying earnings 
by segment. In 2011 Peace River Coal has been reclassified from Other Mining and Industrial to Metallurgical Coal to align with internal management 
reporting. Comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation. 

Underlying earnings is an alternative earnings measure, which the directors consider to be a useful additional measure of the Group’s performance. Underlying 
earnings is profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company before special items and remeasurements and is therefore presented 
after net finance costs, income tax expense and non-controlling interests. For a reconciliation from ‘Profit for the financial year attributable to equity 
shareholders of the Company’ to ‘Underlying earnings for the financial year’, see note 13. 

Operating 
profit/(loss) 
before special  
items and 
remeasure-

ments(1)

Operating 
profit/(loss) 
after special 
items and 
remeasure-
ments

Operating 
special  
items and 
remeasure- 
ments 
(note 5)

Net finance 
costs, income 
tax expense 
and non- 
controlling 
interests

US$ million

Iron Ore and 
Manganese
Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum
Diamonds
Other Mining and 
Industrial
Exploration
Corporate Activities 
and Unallocated Costs
Total
Analysed as:

Core operations
Non-core 
operations(2)

4,520
1,189
1,230
2,461
57
890
659

195
(121)

4,441
1,189
1,231
2,460
(15)
884
641

125
(121)

15
11,095

13
10,848

11,088

10,911

7

(63)

79
–
(1)
1
72
6
18

70
–

2
247

177

70

2011

Underlying
earnings

1,525
844
902
1,610
23
410
443

107
(118)

374
6,120

Operating 
profit/(loss) 
before special 
items and 
remeasure-

ments(1)

Operating 
profit/(loss) 
after special 
items and 
remeasure-
ments

Operating 
special  
items and 
remeasure- 
ments 
(note 5)

Net finance 
costs, income 
tax expense 
and non- 
controlling 
interests

3,681
780
710
2,817
96
837
495

664
(136)

(181)
9,763

4,037
803
708
2,832
45
765
466

564
(136)

(192)
9,892

(356)
(23)
2
(15)
51
72
29

100
–

11
(129)

(2,258)
(194)
(198)
(1,096)
(21)
(412)
(193)

(143)
8

(280)
(4,787)

2010

Underlying
 earnings

1,423
586
512
1,721
75
425
302

521
(128)

(461)
4,976

(2,995)
(345)
(328)
(851)
(34)
(480)
(216)

(88)
3

359
(4,975)

(4,962)

6,126

9,245

9,460

(215)

(4,706)

4,539

(13)

(6)

518

432

86

(81)

437

(1)  Operating profit includes attributable share of associates’ operating profit which is reconciled to ‘Share of net income from associates’ in note 2.
(2)  Non-core operations relate to Tarmac and Scaw Metals and, until February 2011, the zinc operations.

140 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

4. OPERATING PROFIT AND UNDERLYING EARNINGS BY SEGMENT continued 
Underlying earnings by origin

US$ million
South Africa
Other Africa
South America
North America
Australia and Asia
Europe

2011
2,726
326
2,080
218
967
(197)
6,120

2010
2,218
350
2,154
(12)
668
(402)
4,976

5. 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 97. Special items that relate to the operating performance of the Group are classified as 
operating special items and principally include impairment charges and reversals and restructuring costs. Non-operating special items include profits and 
losses on disposals of investments and businesses as well as certain adjustments relating to business combinations.

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:

 (cid:228) unrealised gains and losses on ‘non-hedge’ derivative instruments open at the year end (in respect of future transactions) and the reversal of the historical 
marked to market value of such instruments settled in the year. Where the underlying transaction is recorded in the income statement, the 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 operating when the underlying exposure is in respect of the 
operating performance of the Group and otherwise as financing.

 (cid:228) 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.

US$ million

Impairment and related charges
Restructuring costs
Operating special items
Operating remeasurements
Operating special items and remeasurements
Disposal of Lisheen and Black Mountain
Platinum BEE transactions and related charges
Disposals of Tarmac businesses
Disposal of Moly-Cop and AltaSteel
Gain on Bafokeng-Rasimone Platinum mine transaction
Disposal of undeveloped coal assets
Disposal of Skorpion
Other

Net profit on disposals
Financing special items
Financing remeasurements
Total special items and remeasurements before tax and  
non-controlling interests
Special items and remeasurements tax
Non-controlling interests on special items and remeasurements
Net total special items and remeasurements attributable to equity 
shareholders of the Company

(1)  Relates to the Diamonds segment.

i

F
n
a
n
c

i

a

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Subsidiaries 
and joint 
ventures
(154)
(10)
(164)
(65)
(229)
397
(141)
(75)
–
–
–
–
2
183
–
203

157
(119)
12

50

Associates(1)

–
(9)
(9)
(9)
(18)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
20
20
(9)
2

(5)
1
3

(1)

2011

Total
(154)
(19)
(173)
(74)
(247)
397
(141)
(75)
–
–
–
–
22
203
(9)
205

152
(118)
15

49

Subsidiaries 
and joint 
ventures
(107)
(121)
(228)
386
158
–
–
(294)
555
546
505
244
23
1,579
–
105

1,842
(110)
(141)

1,591

Associates(1)
(15)
(10)
(25)
(4)
(29)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
19
19
(13)
1

(22)
(2)
1

(23)

2010

Total
(122)
(131)
(253)
382
129
–
–
(294)
555
546
505
244
42
1,598
(13)
106

1,820
(112)
(140)

1,568

Operating special items
Impairment and related charges were $154 million in the year ended 31 December 2011 (2010: $122 million). This principally comprises an impairment of 
Tarmac Building Products of $70 million (Other Mining and Industrial segment) and accelerated depreciation of $84 million (2010: $97 million), mainly arising 
at Loma de Níquel (Nickel segment). The accelerated depreciation charge at Loma de Níquel has arisen due to ongoing uncertainty over the renewal of three 
concessions that expire in 2012 and over the restoration of 13 concessions that have been cancelled. 

Restructuring costs principally relate to retrenchment and consultancy costs within the Platinum and Diamond segments (2010: Other Mining and Industrial, 
Platinum and Diamond segments).

Operating remeasurements
Operating remeasurements reflect a net loss of $74 million (2010: gain of $382 million) principally in respect of non-hedge derivatives of capital expenditure in 
Iron Ore Brazil. Derivatives which have been realised in the year had a cumulative net operating remeasurement gain since their inception of $383 million 
(2010: gain of $255 million).

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

141

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. SPECIAL ITEMS AND REMEASUREMENTS continued
Profits and losses on disposals
In February 2011 the Group completed the disposal of its 100% interest in the Lisheen operation (Lisheen) and its 74% interest in Black Mountain Mining 
(Proprietary) Limited (Black Mountain), which holds 100% of the Black Mountain mine and Gamsberg project, resulting in a net cash inflow of $499 million, 
generating a profit on disposal of $397 million. Lisheen and Black Mountain were included in the Other Mining and Industrial segment.

The charge for Platinum BEE transactions principally relates to an IFRS 2 charge of $131 million resulting from a community economic empowerment 
transaction involving certain of Platinum’s host communities, which completed in December 2011.

The Group sold Tarmac’s businesses in China, Turkey and Romania in July, October and November 2011 respectively. Tarmac is included in the Other Mining 
and Industrial segment.

Financing remeasurements
Financing remeasurements reflect a net gain of $205 million (2010: gain of $106 million) and relate to an embedded interest rate derivative, non-hedge 
derivatives of debt and other financing remeasurements.

Special items and remeasurements tax
Special items and remeasurements tax amounted to a charge of $118 million (2010: charge of $112 million). This relates to a credit for one-off tax items of 
$137 million (2010: nil), a tax remeasurement charge of $230 million (2010: credit of $122 million) and a tax charge on special items and remeasurements 
of $25 million (2010: charge of $234 million).

The total tax charge relating to subsidiaries and joint ventures of $119 million (2010: charge of $110 million), comprises a current tax charge of $12 million 
(2010: charge of $107 million) and a deferred tax charge of $107 million (2010: charge of $3 million).

The credit relating to one-off tax items of $137 million (2010: nil) principally relates to the recognition of deferred tax assets in Iron Ore Brazil which were 
originally written off as part of the impairment charges related to the Amapá iron ore system in 2009, and a capital gains tax refund related to a prior year disposal.

6. EBITDA
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is operating profit before special items and remeasurements, depreciation and 
amortisation in subsidiaries and joint ventures and includes attributable share of EBITDA of associates.

US$ million
Iron Ore and Manganese
Metallurgical Coal(1)
Thermal Coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum
Diamonds
Other Mining and Industrial(1)
Exploration
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs
EBITDA

2011
4,733
1,577
1,410
2,750
84
1,672
794
393
(121)
56
13,348

2010
3,856
1,134
872
3,086
122
1,624
666
894
(136)
(135)
11,983

(1) 

In 2011 Peace River Coal has been reclassified from Other Mining and Industrial to Metallurgical Coal to align with internal management reporting. Comparatives have been reclassified to align 
with current year presentation.

EBITDA is reconciled to operating profit, including attributable share of associates, before special items and remeasurements and to ‘Total profit from 
operations and associates’ as follows:

US$ million
Total profit from operations and associates
Operating special items and remeasurements 
Net profit on disposals 
Associates’ net special items and remeasurements
Share of associates’ net finance costs, tax and non-controlling interests
Operating profit, including associates, before special items and remeasurements
Depreciation and amortisation: subsidiaries and joint ventures
Depreciation and amortisation: associates
EBITDA

EBITDA is reconciled to ‘Cash flows from operations’ as follows:

US$ million
EBITDA
Share of operating profit of associates before special items and remeasurements
Cash element of operating special items
Share of associates’ depreciation and amortisation
Share-based payment charges
Provisions
Increase in inventories
Increase in operating receivables
Increase in operating payables
Deferred stripping
Other adjustments
Cash flows from operations

142 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

2011
10,599
229
(183)
1
449
11,095
1,967
286
13,348

2011
13,348
(1,427)
(59)
(286)
254
6
(352)
(264)
457
(171)
(8)
11,498

2010
11,067
(158)
(1,579)
23
410
9,763
1,919
301
11,983

2010
11,983
(1,255)
(94)
(301)
219
(37)
(309)
(587)
516
(196)
(15)
9,924

7. EXPLORATION EXPENDITURE

US$ million
By commodity
Iron ore
Metallurgical coal
Thermal coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum group metals
Zinc
Central exploration activities

2011

5
5
9
27
26
5
–
44
121

2010

14
3
21
19
27
11
3
38
136

8. EMPLOYEE NUMBERS AND COSTS
The average number of employees, excluding contractors and associates’ employees, and including a proportionate share of employees within joint venture  
entities, was:

Thousand
By segment
Iron Ore and Manganese
Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum
Other Mining and Industrial
Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs

The average number of employees by principal location of employment was:

Thousand
South Africa
Other Africa
South America
North America(1)
Australia and Asia
Europe

(1)  The average number of employees in North America during 2011 was less than 500, following the disposal of Moly-Cop and AltaSteel on 31 December 2010.

Payroll costs in respect of the employees included in the tables above were:

US$ million
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Post employment benefits(1)
Share-based payments (see note 29)
Total payroll costs
Reconciliation:
Less: employee costs capitalised
Less: employee costs included within operating special items
Employee costs included in operating costs

2011

8
3
9
5
2
55
16
2
100

2011
79
1
10
–
4
6
100

2010

8
3
9
4
2
52
20
2
100

2010
77
1
9
1
4
8
100

2011
4,201
142
343
260
4,946

(229)
(10)
4,707

2010
3,880
173
281
223
4,557

(132)
(58)
4,367

i

F
n
a
n
c

i

a

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

(1) 

Includes contributions to defined contribution pension and medical plans, current and past service costs related to defined benefit pension and medical schemes and other benefits provided to 
certain employees during retirement.

In accordance with IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures (Amended), key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for 
planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or indirectly, including any director (executive and non-executive) of the Group.

Compensation for key management was as follows:

US$ million
Salaries and short term employee benefits
Social security costs
Post employment benefits
Share-based payments

2011
23
2
8
22
55

2010
19
5
2
15
41

Key management comprises members of the Board and the Executive Committee. 

Disclosure of directors’ emoluments, pension entitlements, share options and long term incentive plan awards required by the Companies Act 2006 and those 
specified for audit by Regulation 11 and Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 are 
included in the Remuneration report.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

143

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

9. NET FINANCE INCOME/(COSTS)
Finance costs and exchange gains/(losses) are presented net of hedges for respective interest bearing and foreign currency borrowings.

The weighted average capitalisation rate applied to qualifying capital expenditure was 5.0% (2010: 4.8%).

US$ million
Investment income
Interest income from cash and cash equivalents
Other interest income
Expected return on defined benefit arrangements
Dividend income from financial asset investments

Less: interest income capitalised
Total investment income

Interest expense
Interest and other finance expense
Interest payable on convertible bond
Unwinding of discount on convertible bond
Interest cost on defined benefit arrangements
Unwinding of discount relating to provisions and other non-current liabilities

Less: interest expense capitalised
Total interest expense

Other financing gains/(losses)
Net foreign exchange (losses)/gains
Net fair value gains/(losses) on fair value hedges
Other net fair value gains/(losses)
Total other financing gains/(losses)
Net finance costs before remeasurements

Remeasurements (see note 5)
Net finance income/(costs) after remeasurements

10. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT GAINS AND LOSSES
The net gains and losses recorded in the Consolidated income statement in respect of financial instruments were as follows:

US$ million
At fair value through profit and loss

Cash flow hedge derivatives transferred from equity(1)
Fair value hedge derivatives
Fair value hedge underlying instruments
Foreign exchange (losses)/gains
Other fair value movements(2)

Loans and receivables

Foreign exchange gains/(losses)
Interest income at amortised cost(3)

Available for sale

Net gain transferred on sale from equity
Dividend income

Other financial liabilities

Foreign exchange gains
Interest expense at amortised cost(3)

(1)  These amounts are included in Group revenue.
(2) 

Includes the impact of provisional pricing, see note 3, and operating and financing remeasurements, see note 5.
Interest income and expense at amortised cost are shown net of amounts capitalised. Comparatives have been adjusted accordingly.

(3) 

11. INCOME TAX EXPENSE
a) Analysis of charge for the year

US$ million
United Kingdom corporation tax at 26.5% (2010: 28%)
South Africa tax
Other overseas tax
Prior year adjustments
Current tax(1) 
Deferred tax
Income tax expense before special items and remeasurements
Special items and remeasurements tax
Income tax expense

(1) 

Includes royalties which meet the definition of income tax and are in addition to royalties recorded in operating costs.

144 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

2011

2010

239
194
199
59
691
(23)
668

(615)
(68)
(71)
(205)
(80)
(1,039)
344
(695)

(16)
16
7
7
(20)

203
183

118
224
205
30
577
(9)
568

(632)
(68)
(65)
(219)
(73)
(1,057)
256
(801)

17
(7)
(21)
(11)
(244)

105
(139)

2011

2010

(5)
(263)
279
(9)
(198)

9
361

10
59

240
(345)

(4)
(112)
105
9
752

(292)
160

–
30

167
(376)

2011
16
1,307
1,067
(92)
2,298
443
2,741
119
2,860

2010
24
1,199
1,333
(7)
2,549
150
2,699
110
2,809

11. INCOME TAX EXPENSE continued

b) Factors affecting tax charge for the year
The effective tax rate for the year of 26.5% (2010: 25.7%) is the same as (2010: lower than) the applicable weighted average statutory rate of corporation tax in 
the United Kingdom of 26.5% (2010: 28%). The reconciling items, excluding the impact of associates, are:

US$ million
Profit before tax
Less: share of net income from associates
Profit before tax (excluding associates)
Tax on profit (excluding associates) calculated at United Kingdom corporation tax rate of 26.5% (2010: 28%)

Tax effects of:
Items not taxable/deductible for tax purposes
Exploration expenditure
Non-deductible/taxable net foreign exchange loss/(gain)
Non-taxable/deductible net interest (income)/expense
Other non-deductible expenses
Other non-taxable income

Temporary difference adjustments
Current year losses not recognised
Utilisation of losses not previously recognised
Recognition of losses not previously recognised
Enhanced tax depreciation
Other temporary differences

Special items and remeasurements

Other adjustments
Secondary tax on companies and dividend withholding taxes
Effect of differences between local and United Kingdom rates
Prior year adjustments to current tax
Other adjustments
Income tax expense

2011
10,782
(977)
9,805
2,598

2010
10,928
(822)
10,106
2,830

27
24
(20)
60
(57)

38
–
(103)
–
(57)

13
(3)
2
125
(40)

19
(8)
(61)
(41)
(69)

77

(406)

407
(61)
(92)
19
2,860

657
(218)
(7)
16
2,809

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 income tax expense. Associates’ tax included within Share of net income from associates for the year ended 31 December 2011 is $384 million 
(2010: $315 million). Excluding special items and remeasurements this becomes $385 million (2010: $313 million).

The effective rate of tax before special items and remeasurements including attributable share of associates’ tax for the year ended 31 December 2011 was 
28.3%. The decrease compared to the equivalent effective rate of 31.9% for the year ended 31 December 2010 is due to a number of non-recurring factors 
that include the recognition of previously unrecognised tax losses and the reassessment of certain withholding tax provisions across the Group. In future 
periods it is expected that the effective tax rate, including associates’ tax, will remain above the United Kingdom statutory tax rate.

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c) Tax amounts included in total comprehensive income
An analysis of tax by individual item presented in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income is presented below:

US$ million
Tax on items recognised directly in equity
Net gain on revaluation of available for sale investments
Net loss on cash flow hedges
Net exchange difference on translation of foreign operations
Actuarial net loss/(gain) on post employment benefit plans

Tax on items transferred from equity
Transferred to income statement: cash flow hedges
Transferred to initial carrying amount of hedged items: cash flow hedges

2011

2010

(26)
20
11
19
24

(2)
(12)
(14)

(46)
(2)
(82)
(19)
(149)

(1)
2
1

d) Tax amounts recognised directly in equity
Capital gains tax of $1,017 million relating to the profit on sale of a 24.5% share in Anglo American Sur SA (AA Sur) in November 2011, has been charged 
directly to equity. There were no other material current tax amounts charged directly to equity in 2011 or 2010. Deferred tax of $127 million has been charged 
(2010: $68 million credited) directly to equity. See note 27.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

145

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. DIVIDENDS
Dividends payable during the year are as follows:

US$ million
Final ordinary dividend for 2010 – 40 US cents per ordinary share (2009: nil)
Interim ordinary dividend for 2011 – 28 US cents per ordinary share (2010: 25 US cents per ordinary share)

(1)  Of this, $561 million (2010: $212 million) was recognised in the parent Company.

2011
495
339
834

(1)

2010
–
302
302

(1)

Total dividends paid during the year were $818 million (2010: $302 million). The difference to dividends payable arises due to movements in exchange rates 
between the date of recognition and the date of payment.

The directors are proposing a final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2011 of 46 US cents per share. Based on shares eligible for 
dividends at 31 December 2011, this will result in an estimated distribution of $557 million of shareholders’ funds, of which $350 million will be distributed by 
the parent Company. These financial statements do not reflect this dividend payable as it is still subject to shareholder approval.

As stated in note 29, the employee benefit trust has waived the right to receive dividends on the shares it holds.

13. EARNINGS PER SHARE

US$
Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Headline earnings for the financial year (1)
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Underlying earnings for the financial year (1)
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share

2011

5.10
4.89

4.89
4.69

5.06
4.85

2010

5.43
5.18

4.27
4.09

4.13
3.96

(1)  Basic and diluted earnings per share are also 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 basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

US$ million (unless otherwise stated)
Earnings
Basic earnings, being profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares

Interest payable on convertible bond (net of tax)
Unwinding of discount on convertible bond (net of tax)

Diluted earnings
Number of shares (million)
Basic number of ordinary shares outstanding(1)
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares(2)

Share options and awards
Convertible bond

Diluted number of ordinary shares outstanding(1)

2011

2010

6,169

50
52
6,271

1,210

10
62
1,282

6,544

49
47
6,640

1,206

14
61
1,281

(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 shares held by employee benefit 

trusts and Anglo American plc shares held by Group companies.

(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.

In the year ended 31 December 2011 there were 270,095 (2010: nil) share options which were potentially dilutive but were not included in the calculation of 
diluted earnings because they were anti-dilutive.

The Group has $1.7 billion of senior convertible notes in issue (see note 24). The impact of the potential conversion of these notes has been included in diluted 
earnings and the diluted number of ordinary shares outstanding.

146 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

13. EARNINGS PER SHARE continued
Underlying earnings is presented after non-controlling interests and excludes special items and remeasurements (see note 5). Underlying earnings is distinct 
from ‘Headline earnings’, which is a JSE Limited defined performance measure.

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share, based on headline and underlying earnings, uses the following earnings data:

US$ million
Profit for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders of the Company 
Operating special items
Operating special items – non-controlling interests
Net profit on disposals
Net profit on disposals – tax
Net profit on disposals – non-controlling interests
Financing special items
Tax special items
Headline earnings for the financial year 
Operating special items(1)
Operating remeasurements
Net loss on disposals(2)
Financing remeasurements
Special items and remeasurements tax(3)
Non-controlling interests on special items and remeasurements
Underlying earnings for the financial year 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Includes restructuring costs, accelerated depreciation and related charges.
Includes Platinum BEE transactions and related charges (2010: Anglo American Inyosi Coal BEE transaction).
Includes certain tax special items.

2011
6,169
70
–
(347)
36
–
9
(24)
5,913
103
74
144
(205)
106
(15)
6,120

2010
6,544
14
(3)
(1,684)
123
138
13
–
5,145
239
(382)
86
(106)
(11)
5
4,976

14. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

US$ million
Net book value
At 1 January
Additions
Disposals and transfer to assets held for sale
Amortisation charge for the year
Impairments
Adjustments relating to deferred and contingent consideration
Currency movements
At 31 December

Cost
Accumulated amortisation

Licences  
and other 
intangibles

Goodwill(1)

Total

Licences  
and other 
intangibles

Goodwill(1)

Total

2011

2010

85
26
–
(20)
–
–
(8)
83
182
(99)

2,231
–
(25)
–
(15)
81
(33)
2,239
2,239
–

2,316
26
(25)
(20)
(15)
81
(41)
2,322
2,421
(99)

82
43
(17)
(31)
–
–
8
85
168
(83)

2,694
–
(339)
–
–
(90)
(34)
2,231
2,231
–

2,776
43
(356)
(31)
–
(90)
(26)
2,316
2,399
(83)

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(1)  The goodwill balances provided are net of cumulative impairment charges of $337 million at 31 December 2011 (2010: $323 million).

Impairment tests for goodwill
Goodwill is allocated for impairment testing purposes to cash generating units (CGUs) or groups of CGUs which reflect how it is monitored for internal 
management purposes. This allocation largely represents the Group’s segments. Any goodwill associated with CGUs subsumed within these segments is not 
significant when compared to the goodwill of the Group, other than in Iron Ore and Manganese and Other Mining and Industrial where the material components 
of goodwill are split out. The allocation of goodwill to CGUs or groups of CGUs is as follows:

US$ million
Iron Ore and Manganese

Iron Ore Brazil

Thermal Coal
Copper
Nickel
Platinum
Other Mining and Industrial

Tarmac
Other

2011

2010

1,123
88
124
10
230

456
208
2,239

1,148
88
124
10
230

504
127
2,231

For the purposes of goodwill impairment testing, the recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on a fair value less costs to sell basis, with the 
exception of Tarmac which is determined on a value in use basis. 

Value in use is based on the present value of future cash flows expected to be derived from the CGU or reportable segment in its current state. Fair value less 
costs to sell is normally supported by observable market data (in the case of listed subsidiaries, market share price at 31 December of the respective entity) 
or discounted cash flow models taking account of assumptions that would be made by market participants. 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

147

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

14. INTANGIBLE ASSETS continued
Expected future cash flows are inherently uncertain and could materially change over time. They are significantly affected by a number of factors including ore 
reserves and production estimates, together with economic factors such as commodity prices, discount rates, exchange rates, estimates of costs to produce 
reserves and future capital expenditure. Management believes that any reasonably possible change in a key assumption on which the recoverable amounts 
are based would not cause the carrying amounts to exceed their recoverable amounts.

Cash flow projections are based on financial budgets and mine life plans or non-mine production plans, incorporating key assumptions as detailed below:

Reserves and resources
Ore reserves and, where considered appropriate, mineral resources are incorporated in projected cash flows, based on ore reserves and mineral resource 
statements and exploration and evaluation work undertaken by appropriately qualified persons. Mineral resources are included where management has a high 
degree of confidence in their economic extraction, despite additional evaluation still being required prior to meeting the requirements of reserve classification.  
For further information refer to the Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources section of the Annual Report.

Commodity prices
Commodity prices are based on latest internal forecasts for commodity prices, benchmarked with external sources of information, to ensure they are within 
the range of available analyst forecasts. Where existing sales contracts are in place, the effects of such contracts are taken into account in determining future 
cash flows.

Operating costs and capital expenditure
Operating costs and capital expenditure are based on financial budgets covering a three year period. Cash flow projections beyond three years are based on 
mine life plans or non-mine production plans as applicable, and internal management forecasts. Cost assumptions incorporate management experience and 
expectations, as well as the nature and location of the operation and the risks associated therewith. 

Non-commodity based businesses
For non-commodity based businesses, margin and revenue are based on financial budgets covering a three year period. Beyond the financial budget, revenue 
is forecast using a steady growth rate consistent with the markets in which those businesses operate, and for those periods five years or more from the balance 
sheet date, at a rate not exceeding the long term growth rate for the country of operation. Where existing sales contracts are in place, the effects of such 
contracts are taken into account in determining future cash flows.

Discount rates
Cash flow projections used in fair value less costs to sell impairment models are discounted based on a real post-tax discount rate of 6% (2010: 6%). The 
discount rate for Tarmac is a real pre-tax rate of 8% (2010: 8%). Adjustments to the rate are made for any risks that are not reflected in the underlying cash flows. 

Foreign exchange rates
Foreign exchange rates are based on latest internal forecasts for foreign exchange, benchmarked with external sources of information for relevant countries  
of operation.

15. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

US$ million
Net book value
At 1 January
Additions
Disposal of assets
Disposal of businesses
Depreciation charge 
for the year(3)
Net impairment 
(charge)/reversal
Reclassifications(4)
Reversal of contingent 
consideration(5)
Transfer to assets held  
for sale
Currency movements
At 31 December

Cost
Accumulated 
depreciation

2011

2010

Mining 
properties
 and leases(1)

15,376
352
(2)
(39)

Land and 
buildings

Plant and 
equipment

Other(2)

Total

2,004
76
(7)
(4)

10,839
287
(39)
(13)

11,591
5,834
(28)
(1)

39,810
6,549
(76)
(57)

Mining 
properties
and leases(1)

14,776
296
(5)
(260)

Land and 
buildings

Plant and 
equipment

1,807
48
(4)
(5)

10,003
237
(36)
(39)

Other(2)

Total

8,612
5,205
(4)
(110)

35,198
5,786
(49)
(414)

(414)

(113)

(1,501)

(42)

(2,070)

(465)

(89)

(1,392)

(39)

(1,985)

–
532

–

–
(1,162)
14,643
19,532

–
826

–

–
(162)
2,620
3,450

(61)
6,408

–
(7,929)

(61)
(163)

2
583

–

–

–

(293)

–
(1,098)
14,822
24,116

–
(961)
8,464
8,648

–
(3,383)
40,549
55,746

(84)
826
15,376
20,289

–
268

–

(125)
104
2,004
2,792

12
1,765

–

(491)
780
10,839
19,651

–
(2,616)

14
–

–

(293)

(24)
567
11,591
11,863

(724)
2,277
39,810
54,595

(4,889)

(830)

(9,294)

(184)

(15,197)

(4,913)

(788)

(8,812)

(272)

(14,785)

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

Includes amounts in relation to deferred stripping.
Includes $8,088 million (2010: $11,190 million) of assets in the course of construction, which are not depreciated.
Includes $1,947 million (2010: $1,888 million) of depreciation within operating profit, $84 million (2010: $97 million) of accelerated depreciation (see note 5) and $39 million (2010: nil) of 
pre-commercial production depreciation which has been capitalised. See note 2 for a split of depreciation, and amortisation for intangibles, by segment.

(4)  Relates mainly to amounts transferred from assets in the course of construction. The net amount of $163 million (2010: nil) relates to federal tax credits on qualifying capital projects in Brazil. 

These credits have been reclassified, as appropriate, to reflect the expected realisation.

(5)  Relates to Iron Ore Brazil.

Included in the additions above is $321 million (2010: $247 million) of net interest expense incurred on borrowings funding the construction of qualifying 
assets which has been capitalised during the year.

Assets held under finance leases relate to plant and equipment with a net book value of $25 million (2010: $18 million). Depreciation charges in the year 
amounted to $9 million (2010: $7 million).

148 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

15. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT continued
The net book value of land and buildings comprises:

US$ million
Freehold
Leasehold – long
Leasehold – short (less than 50 years)

2011
2,604
8
8
2,620

2010
1,989
6
9
2,004

16. ENVIRONMENTAL REHABILITATION TRUSTS
The Group makes contributions to controlled funds that were established to meet the cost of some of its restoration and environmental rehabilitation liabilities, 
primarily in South Africa. The funds comprise the following investments:

US$ million
Equity
Bonds
Cash

2011
146
130
84
360

2010
121
147
111
379

These assets are primarily rand denominated. Cash is held in short term fixed deposits or earns interest at floating inter-bank rates. Bonds earn interest at 
a weighted average fixed rate of 6% (2010: 6%) for an average period of four years (2010: six years). Equity investments are recorded at fair value through 
profit and loss whilst other assets are treated as loans and receivables.

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 provisions (see note 26).

17. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES

US$ million
At 1 January
Net income from associates
Dividends received
Transfer from subsidiary/joint venture(1)
Share of expense recognised directly in equity, net of tax
Other equity movements
Investment in equity and capitalised loans(2)
Interest on capitalised loans
Repayment of capitalised loans
Transfer to available for sale investments
Disposals and transfer to assets held for sale
Other movements
Currency movements
At 31 December(3)

2011
4,900
977
(344)
–
(32)
–
47
23
(4)
(66)
–
(1)
(260)
5,240

2010
3,312
822
(255)
643
(41)
(140)
632
16
(33)
(100)
(126)
19
151
4,900

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(1)  Year ended 31 December 2010 represents the transfer to investments in associates of Anglo American Platinum Limited’s retained 33% holding in Bafokeng-Rasimone Platinum mine.
(2)  Year ended 31 December 2010 includes $450 million to subscribe to the Group’s share of De Beers’ rights issue. 
(3)  The fair value of the Group’s investment in Anooraq Resources Corporation at 31 December 2011 was $51 million (2010: $179 million).

The Group’s total investments in associates comprise:

US$ million
Equity
Loans(1)

2011
4,593
647
5,240

2010
4,194
706
4,900

(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 attributable share of the summarised income statement information of associates is shown in note 2. Summarised balance sheet information of 
associates is as follows:

US$ million
Non-current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Group’s share of associates’ net assets

2011
6,111
2,188
(742)
(2,317)
5,240

2010
6,923
1,805
(738)
(3,090)
4,900

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

17. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES continued
Segmental information is provided as follows:

US$ million
By segment
Iron Ore and Manganese
Metallurgical Coal
Thermal Coal
Platinum
Diamonds
Other Mining and Industrial

US$ million
By geography
South Africa
Other Africa
South America
North America
Australia and Asia
Europe

Share of net income

Aggregate investment

2011

2010

2011

2010

142
141
317
(65)
442
–
977

287
84
220
(44)
270
5
822

936
294
932
848
2,230
–
5,240

880
223
749
1,112
1,936
–
4,900

Aggregate investment

2011

2010

1,950
996
917
343
794
240
5,240

2,334
1,220
729
376
698
(457)
4,900

The Group’s share of associates’ contingent liabilities incurred jointly by investors is $112 million (2010: $75 million).

Details of principal associates are set out in note 37.

18. JOINT VENTURES
The Group’s share of the summarised financial information of joint venture entities that are proportionately consolidated in the Group financial statements  
is as follows:

US$ million
Non-current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Group’s share of joint venture entities’ net assets
Revenue
Operating costs
Net finance costs
Income tax expense
Group’s share of joint venture entities’ profit for the financial year

2011
2,546
572
(434)
(703)
1,981
1,932
(944)
(44)
(230)
714

2010
2,308
872
(516)
(869)
1,795
2,014
(761)
(61)
(272)
920

The Group’s share of joint venture entities’ contingent liabilities incurred jointly with other venturers is $32 million (2010: $33 million) and its share of capital 
commitments is $74 million (2010: $12 million).

Within the Metallurgical Coal segment, the Group also holds interests in a number of proportionately consolidated jointly controlled operations. The Group’s 
share of net assets of such operations is $1,538 million (2010: $1,693 million) and its share of profit for the financial year is $615 million (2010: $593 million). 
The Group’s share of these operations’ contingent liabilities incurred jointly with other venturers is $19 million (2010: $19 million) and its share of capital 
commitments is $80 million (2010: $65 million).

Details of principal joint ventures are set out in note 37.

19. FINANCIAL ASSET INVESTMENTS

US$ million
At 1 January
Additions
Interest receivable
Net repayments
Disposals
Movements in fair value
Currency movements
At 31 December

Loans and 
receivables
1,920
4
76
(22)
–
(10)
(278)
1,690

Available  
for sale 
investments
1,300
84
–
–
(14)
115
(279)
1,206

2011

Total
3,220
88
76
(22)
(14)
105
(557)
2,896

Loans and 
receivables
1,595
124
84
(15)
–
(5)
137
1,920

Available  
for sale 
investments
1,131
187
–
–
(440)
316
106
1,300

2010

Total
2,726
311
84
(15)
(440)
311
243
3,220

No provision for impairment is recorded against financial assets classified as Loans and receivables (2010: nil).

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

20. INVENTORIES

US$ million
Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished products

2011
837
1,488
1,192
3,517

2010
823
1,520
1,261
3,604

The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales amounted to $16,146 million (2010: $14,262 million).

Inventories held at net realisable value amounted to $285 million (2010: $352 million).

Write-down of inventories (net of revaluation of provisionally priced purchases) amounted to $16 million (2010: $38 million).

There were no inventory write-downs reversed and recognised as a reduction in the inventory expense for the year (2010: $29 million).

21. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

US$ million
Trade receivables
Other receivables
Prepayments and accrued income

Due within 
one year
2,704
744
226
3,674

Due after  
one year
168
236
33
437

2011

Total
2,872
980
259
4,111

Due within 
one year
2,816
755
160
3,731

Due after  
one year
178
134
9
321

2010

Total
2,994
889
169
4,052

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 one month
Greater than one month, less than two months
Greater than two months, less than three months
Greater than three months

2011
137
16
7
19
179

2010
130
18
12
21
181

The overdue debtor ageing profile above is typical of the industry in which certain of the Group’s businesses operate. Given this, the 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:

US$ million
At 1 January
Charge for the year
Disposals and transfer to assets held for sale
Currency movements
At 31 December

22. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

US$ million
Trade payables
Amounts owed to related parties
Tax and social security
Other payables
Accruals and deferred income

2011
53
6
(3)
(2)
54

2011
3,001
–
177
939
981
5,098

2010
51
4
(2)
–
53

2010
2,748
59
162
954
1,027
4,950

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

23. FINANCIAL ASSETS
The carrying amounts and fair values of financial assets are as follows:

US$ million
At fair value through profit and loss
Trade and other receivables(1)
Other financial assets (derivatives)(2)

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

Estimated  
fair value

596
840

11,732
3,256
1,647

1,206
19,277

2011

Carrying  
value

596
840

11,732
3,256
1,690

1,206
19,320

Estimated  
fair value

777
842

6,401
3,106
1,871

2010

Carrying  
value

777
842

6,401
3,106
1,920

1,300
14,297

1,300
14,346

(1)  Trade and other receivables exclude prepayments and accrued income.
(2)  Derivative instruments are analysed between those which are ‘Held for trading’ and those designated into hedge relationships in note 25.

For financial assets which are traded on an active market, such as listed investments, fair value is determined by reference to market value. For non-traded 
financial assets, fair value is calculated using discounted cash flows, considered to be reasonable and consistent with those that would be used by a market 
participant, unless carrying value is considered to approximate fair value.

Fair value hierarchy
An analysis of financial assets carried at fair value is set out below:

US$ million
At fair value through profit and loss

Trade and other receivables
Other financial assets (derivatives)

Available for sale investments
Financial asset investments

Level 1(1)

Level 2(2)

Level 3(3)

–
–

1,142
1,142

596
677

10
1,283

–
163

54
217

2011

Total

596
840

1,206
2,642

Level 1(1)

Level 2(2)

Level 3(3)

–
–

1,223
1,223

777
801

22
1,600

–
41

55
96

2010

Total

777
842

1,300
2,919

(1)  Valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments. This category includes listed equity shares.
(2)  Valued using techniques based significantly on observable market data. Instruments in this category are valued using valuation techniques where all of the inputs that have a significant effect 

(3) 

on the valuation are directly or indirectly based on observable market data.
Instruments in this category have been valued using a valuation technique where at least one input (which could have a significant effect on the instrument’s valuation) is not based on 
observable market data. Where inputs can be observed from market data without undue cost and effort, the observed input is used. Otherwise, management determines a reasonable estimate 
for the input. Financial assets included within level 3 primarily consist of embedded derivatives, financial asset investments and certain cross currency swaps of Brazilian real denominated 
borrowings, whose valuation depends upon unobservable inputs.

There have been no significant transfers between levels in 2011 or 2010. The movements in the fair value of the level 3 financial assets are shown in the 
following table:

US$ million
At 1 January
Net gain/(loss) recorded in remeasurements
Net gain recorded in the statement of comprehensive income
Cash flow
Additions
Disposals and transfer to assets held for sale
Reclassification from/to level 3 financial liabilities
Currency movements
At 31 December 

2011
96
37
9
(29)
9
(12)
123
(16)
217

2010
71
(6)
10
–
3
(26)
41
3
96

For the level 3 financial assets, changing certain inputs to reasonably possible alternative assumptions may change the fair value significantly. Where 
significant, the effect of a change in these assumptions to a reasonably possible alternative assumption is outlined in the table below. These sensitivities have 
been calculated by amending the fair value of the level 3 financial assets at 31 December for a change in each individual assumption, as outlined below, whilst 
keeping all other assumptions consistent with those used to calculate the fair value recognised in the financial statements.

US$ million
Other financial assets (derivatives)

Financial asset investments

Change in assumption
Increase of 5% in dividend forecast
Decrease of 5% in dividend forecast
Shift of TJLP curve(1)
Decrease of 10% in liquidity discount percentage
Increase of 10% in liquidity discount percentage

2011

2010

Increase/(decrease)  
in fair value of assets
10
(10)
n/a
11
(11)

Increase/(decrease)  
in fair value of assets
11
(11)
38
14
(14)

(1)  TJLP is a Brazilian domestic interest rate. The sensitivities at 31 December 2011 are provided on the net liability position of such level 3 financial instruments and are disclosed in note 24.

Financial asset risk exposures are set out in note 25.

152 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

24. FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
The carrying amounts and fair values of financial liabilities are as follows:

US$ million
At fair value through profit and loss

Trade and other payables(1)
Other financial liabilities (derivatives)(2)

Designated into fair value hedge

Borrowings

Financial liabilities at amortised cost

Trade and other payables(1)
Borrowings(3)
Other non-current liabilities(4)

Total financial liabilities

Estimated  
fair value

262
1,112

2011

Carrying  
value

262
1,112

Estimated  
fair value

434
835

2010

Carrying  
value

434
835

8,867

8,074

8,815

8,192

4,637
5,526
55
20,459

4,637
4,799
55
18,939

4,317
7,216
87
21,704

4,317
5,247
87
19,112

(1)  Trade and other payables exclude tax and social security and deferred income.
(2)  Derivative instruments are analysed between those which are ‘Held for trading’ and those designated into hedge relationships in note 25.
(3)  The fair value of the convertible bond represents the quoted price of the debt and therefore includes the portion accounted for in equity.
(4)  Other non-current liabilities exclude non-current deferred income.

For financial liabilities which are traded on an active market, such as listed debt instruments, fair value is determined by reference to market value. For 
non-traded financial liabilities, fair value is calculated using discounted cash flows, considered to be reasonable and consistent with those that would be used 
by a market participant, unless carrying value is considered to approximate fair value.

Fair value hierarchy
An analysis of financial liabilities carried at fair value is set out below:

US$ million
At fair value through profit and loss

Trade and other payables
Other financial liabilities (derivatives)

Level 1(1)

Level 2(2)

Level 3(3)

–
–
–

262
924
1,186

–
188
188

2011

Total

262
1,112
1,374

Level 1(1)

Level 2(2)

Level 3(3)

–
–
–

434
775
1,209

–
60
60

2010

Total

434
835
1,269

(1)  Valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments.
(2)  Valued using techniques based significantly on observable market data. Instruments in this category are valued using valuation techniques where all of the inputs that have a significant effect 

(3) 

on the valuation are directly or indirectly based on observable market data.
Instruments in this category have been valued using a valuation technique where at least one input (which could have a significant effect on the instrument’s valuation) is not based on 
observable market data. Where inputs can be observed from market data without undue cost and effort, the observed input is used. Otherwise, management determines a reasonable estimate 
for the input. Financial instruments included within level 3 primarily consist of embedded derivatives and certain cross currency swaps of Brazilian real denominated borrowings, whose 
valuation depends upon unobservable inputs and commodity sales contracts which do not meet the conditions for the ‘own use’ exemption under IAS 39.

There have been no significant transfers between levels in 2011 or 2010. The movements in the fair value of the level 3 financial liabilities are shown in the 
following table:

i

F
n
a
n
c

i

a

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

US$ million
At 1 January
Net gain recorded in remeasurements
Cash flow
Reclassification to/from level 3 financial assets
Currency movements
At 31 December 

2011
60
(5)
15
123
(5)
188

2010
113
(121)
–
41
27
60

For the level 3 financial liabilities, changing certain inputs to reasonably possible alternative assumptions may change the fair value significantly. Where 
significant, the effect of a change in these assumptions to a reasonably possible alternative assumption is outlined in the table below. These sensitivities have 
been calculated by amending the fair value of the level 3 financial liabilities at 31 December for a change in each individual assumption, as outlined below, 
whilst keeping all other assumptions consistent with those used to calculate the fair value recognised in the financial statements.

US$ million
Other financial liabilities (derivatives)

Change in assumption
Shift of TJLP curve(1)

2011

2010

Increase in fair  
value of liabilities
21

Increase in fair  
value of liabilities
n/a

(1)  TJLP is a Brazilian domestic interest rate. The sensitivities at 31 December 2011 are provided on the net liability position of such level 3 financial instruments.

Financial liability risk exposures are set out in note 25.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

153

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

24. FINANCIAL LIABILITIES continued
Analysis of borrowings
An analysis of borrowings, as presented on the Consolidated balance sheet, is set out below:

US$ million
Secured
Bank loans and overdrafts(1)
Obligations under finance leases(2)

Unsecured
Bank loans and overdrafts
Bonds issued under EMTN programme
US bonds
Convertible bond(3)
Other loans

Total

Due within
one year

Due after  
one year

55
4
59

673
163
–
–
123
959
1,018

276
17
293

1,722
4,167
3,408
1,504
761
11,562
11,855

2011

Total

331
21
352

2,395
4,330
3,408
1,504
884
12,521
12,873

Due within
one year

Due after  
one year

57
5
62

1,276
62
–
–
135
1,473
1,535

404
5
409

1,536
4,346
3,249
1,434
930
11,495
11,904

2010

Total

461
10
471

2,812
4,408
3,249
1,434
1,065
12,968
13,439

(1)  Assets with a book value of $408 million (2010: $569 million) have been pledged as security, of which $170 million (2010: $212 million) are property, plant and equipment, $113 million (2010: 

$183 million) are financial assets and $125 million (2010: $174 million) are inventories. Related to these assets are borrowings of $331 million (2010: $461 million) in respect of project financing 
arrangements.

(2)  Details of assets held under finance leases are provided in note 15. 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

2011
4
12
13
29
(8)
21

2010
5
4
1
10
–
10

(3)  The debt component of the convertible bond includes cumulative unwinding of discount of $175 million (2010: $104 million) and the effect of conversions during the year of $1 million (2010: nil).

Net additional medium and long term borrowings were $964 million (2010: $1,194 million) and net repayments of short term borrowings were $1,261 million 
(2010: $2,338 million) as disclosed in the Consolidated cash flow statement. Additional borrowings during 2011 primarily comprised funding from the Banco 
Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES) for the Barro Alto and Minas-Rio projects in Brazil. 

During 2010 the Group raised $150 million through the issuance of notes under the Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) programme, R1 billion ($151 million) 
through the issuance of notes under the South African Domestic Medium Term Note programme and $1.25 billion through the issuance of senior notes 
(US bonds).

Convertible bond
During 2009 the Group issued $1.7 billion of 4% senior convertible notes (the Notes) which, at the holders’ election, could be exchanged for ordinary shares 
of Anglo American plc at a conversion price of £18.6370. The Group will have the option to call the Notes after three years from the date of issuance subject to 
certain conditions and, unless the Notes are redeemed, converted or cancelled, they will mature in 2014. Following the 2010 final dividend declaration and in 
accordance with the terms and conditions of the Notes, the conversion price was adjusted to £18.3600 with effect from 13 April 2011.

On issuance of the Notes, the fair values of the debt and equity conversion feature were $1,330 million and $355 million respectively. The equity conversion 
feature is presented in equity within Fair value and other reserves.

25. 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 cash, trade and other receivables and investments. The Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk primarily arises 
from these financial assets and is as follows:

US$ million
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables(1)
Financial asset investments(2)
Other financial assets (derivatives)
Financial guarantees(3)

2011
11,732
3,852
1,690
840
51
18,165

2010
6,401
3,883
1,920
842
92
13,138

(1)  Trade and other receivables exclude prepayments and accrued income.
(2)  Financial asset investments exclude available for sale investments.
(3)  Financial guarantees issued by the Group in respect of third party liabilities represent an exposure to credit risk in excess of the Group’s financial assets.

154 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

25. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL ASSETS/LIABILITIES continued
The Group limits exposure to credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments through adherence to a policy of, where possible:
 (cid:228) 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)

 (cid:228) daily counterparty settlement limits (which are not to exceed three times the credit limit for an individual bank)
 (cid:228) exposure diversification (the aggregate Group exposure to key financial 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 of 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. Details of the credit quality of trade receivables and the associated provision for impairment are disclosed 
in note 21.

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. 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
Financial liabilities 
(excluding derivatives)
Net settled derivatives(2)

US$ million
Financial liabilities 
(excluding derivatives)
Net settled derivatives(2)

Within one year

2011

One to two years

Within one year

2010

One to two years

Fixed  
interest

Floating 
interest

Capital 
repayment

Fixed  
interest

Floating 
interest

Capital 
repayment

Fixed  
interest

Floating 
interest

Capital 
repayment

Fixed  
interest

Floating 
interest

Capital 
repayment

(549)
470
(79)

(181)
(246)
(427)

(5,962)(1)

2
(5,960)

(549)
470
(79)

(127)
(250)
(377)

(2,433)
(140)
(2,573)

(566)
485
(81)

(148)
(303)
(451)

(6,356)(1)
13
(6,343)

(566)
486
(80)

(126)
(306)
(432)

(1,155)
3
(1,152)

Two to five years

Greater than five years

Two to five years

Greater than five years

Fixed  
interest

Floating 
interest

Capital 
repayment

Fixed  
interest

Floating 
interest

Capital 
repayment

Fixed  
interest

Floating 
interest

Capital 
repayment

Fixed  
interest

Floating 
interest

Capital 
repayment

2011

2010

(798)
761
(37)

(254)
(305)
(559)

(6,551)(3)
(468)
(7,019)

(354)
350
(4)

(104)
(127)
(231)

(3,952)
(219)
(4,171)

(1,197)
1,083
(114)

(137)
(619)
(756)

(7,504)(3)
(337)
(7,841)

(530)
530
–

(1,400)
(282)
(1,682)

(3,241)
(291)
(3,532)

(1)  Assumes maximum cash outflow in respect of third party guarantees issued by the Group and repayment of all short term borrowings with no refinancing.
(2)  The expected maturities are not materially different from the contracted maturities.
(3) 

Includes the full outstanding value of the convertible bond and assumes no further conversion.

The Group had the following undrawn committed borrowing facilities at 31 December:

i

F
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a
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t
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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

2011

2010

1,781
1,268
5,294
76
8,419

(2)

3,781
12
7,269
58
11,120

(1) 

(2) 

Includes undrawn rand facilities equivalent to $1.6 billion (2010: $1.7 billion) in respect of a series of facilities with 364 day maturities which roll automatically on a daily basis, unless notice 
is served.
In February 2011 the Group retired a $2.25 billion revolving credit facility maturing in June 2011.

Market risk
Market risk is the risk that financial instrument fair values will fluctuate due 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 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 Group Management Committee.

In addition, currency exposures exist in US dollar functional currency entities in respect of non-US dollar expenditure on approved capital projects and non-US 
dollar borrowings. The Group’s policy is that such exposures should be hedged subject to a review of the specific circumstances of the exposure.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

155

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

25. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL ASSETS/LIABILITIES continued
The exposure of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities (excluding intra-group loan balances) to currency risk is as follows:

US$ million
US dollar
Rand
Brazilian real
Sterling
Australian dollar
Euro
Other currencies
Total financial assets

US$ million
US dollar
Rand
Brazilian real
Sterling
Australian dollar
Euro
Other currencies
Total financial liabilities

Financial 
assets 
(excluding 
derivatives)
10,639
5,761
839
467
383
9
382
18,480

Financial 
liabilities 
(excluding 
derivatives)
(6,970)
(3,595)
(1,608)
(1,181)
(564)
(3,436)
(473)
(17,827)

Impact of 
currency
 derivatives(1)
(186)
186
–
–
–
–
–
–

Impact of 
currency
 derivatives(1)
(5,282)
(37)
1,138
740
–
3,428
13
–

2011

Total financial 
assets – 
exposure to 
currency risk
11,195
6,045
839
467
383
9
382
19,320

2011

Total financial 
liabilities – 
exposure to 
currency risk
(13,348)
(3,648)
(470)
(441)
(564)
(8)
(460)
(18,939)

Derivative 
assets
742
98
–
–
–
–
–
840

Derivative 
liabilities
(1,096)
(16)
–
–
–
–
–
(1,112)

Financial 
assets 
(excluding 
derivatives)
5,293
6,065
571
386
811
20
358
13,504

Financial 
liabilities 
(excluding 
derivatives)
(6,444)
(3,906)
(1,098)
(2,136)
(595)
(3,500)
(598)
(18,277)

Impact of 
currency
 derivatives(1)
(140)
140
–
–
–
–
–
–

Impact of 
currency
 derivatives(1)
(5,797)
(22)
462
1,796
–
3,486
75
–

2010

Total financial 
assets – 
exposure to 
currency risk
5,918
6,282
571
386
811
20
358
14,346

2010

Total financial 
liabilities – 
exposure to 
currency risk
(13,054)
(3,950)
(636)
(340)
(595)
(14)
(523)
(19,112)

Derivative 
assets
765
77
–
–
–
–
–
842

Derivative 
liabilities
(813)
(22)
–
–
–
–
–
(835)

(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.

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk arises due to fluctuations in interest rates which impact on the value of short term investments and financing activities. Exposure to interest 
rate risk relates principally to changes in US and South African interest rates.

The Group policy is to borrow funds at floating rates of interest as, over the longer term, this is considered by management to give somewhat of a natural hedge 
against commodity price movements, given the correlation with 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 contracts to manage its exposure to interest rate movements on a 
portion of its existing debt. Strategic hedging using fixed rate debt may also be undertaken from time to time if approved by the Group Management 
Committee.

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.

The exposure of the Group’s financial assets (excluding intra-group loan balances) to interest rate risk is as follows:

US$ million
Financial assets (excluding derivatives)(2)
Derivative assets
Financial asset exposure to interest  
rate risk

2011

2010

Interest bearing 
 financial assets

Non-interest  
bearing financial assets

Interest bearing 
 financial assets

Non-interest  
bearing financial assets

Floating 
rate
12,623
638

Fixed 
rate(1)
689
–

Equity 
investments
1,206
–

Other
Total
3,962 18,480
840

202

Floating  
rate
6,981
315

Fixed 
rate(1)

1,068
–

Equity 
investments
1,300
–

Total
Other 
4,155 13,504
842

527

13,261

689

1,206

4,164 19,320

7,296

1,068

1,300

4,682 14,346

(1) 

Includes $534 million (2010: $643 million) of preference shares in BEE entities.

(2)  At 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010 no interest rate swaps were held in respect of financial asset exposures.

Floating rate financial assets consist mainly of cash and bank term deposits. Interest on floating rate financial 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 12.7% (2010: 
11.7%) for an average period of three years (2010: three years). Equity investments have no maturity period and the majority are fully liquid.

The exposure of the Group’s financial liabilities (excluding intra-group loan balances) to interest rate risk is as follows:

US$ million
Financial liabilities (excluding derivatives)
Impact of interest rate swaps(1)
Derivative liabilities
Financial liability exposure to interest rate risk

Interest bearing  
financial liabilities

Floating  
rate
(3,254)
(8,074)
(158)
(11,486)

Fixed  
rate
(9,610)
8,074
–
(1,536)

Non-interest 
bearing 
financial 
liabilities
(4,963)
–
(954)
(5,917)

2011

Total
(17,827)
–
(1,112)
(18,939)

Interest bearing  
financial liabilities

Floating  
rate
(3,921)
(8,046)
(44)
(12,011)

Fixed  
rate
(9,507)
8,046
–
(1,461)

Non-interest 
bearing 
financial 
liabilities
(4,849)
–
(791)
(5,640)

2010

Total
(18,277)
–
(835)
(19,112)

(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.

156 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

25. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL ASSETS/LIABILITIES continued
Interest on floating rate financial liabilities is based on the relevant national inter-bank rates. Remaining fixed rate borrowings accrue interest at a weighted 
average interest rate of 9.3% (2010: 9.3%) for an average period of two years (2010: three years). Average maturity on non-interest bearing instruments is 
12 months (2010: 14 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 
and deferred contracts to hedge the price risk.

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
Total net financial instruments (excluding 
derivatives)
Commodity derivatives (net)
Non-commodity derivatives (net)
Total financial instrument exposure to 
commodity risk

Commodity price linked

Subject to 
price 
movements

352
(17)
–

335

Fixed
price(1)

945
–
–

945

Not  
linked to  
commodity 
price

(644)
–
(255)

(899)

2011

Total

653
(17)
(255)

381

Commodity price linked

Subject to 
price 
movements

(136)
(26)
–

Fixed
price(1)

1,322
–
–

Not  
linked to  
commodity 
price

(5,959)
–
33

2010

Total

(4,773)
(26)
33

(162)

1,322

(5,926)

(4,766)

(1) 

Includes receivables and payables for commodity sales and purchases not subject to price adjustment at the balance sheet date.

Derivatives
In accordance with IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation and IAS 39, the fair values of derivatives are separately recorded on the balance sheet within 
Other financial assets (derivatives) and Other financial liabilities (derivatives). Derivatives are classified as current or non-current depending on the expected 
maturity of the derivative.

The Group utilises derivative instruments to manage certain 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 for accounting purposes. Such derivatives that are 
not hedge accounted are classified as ‘non-hedges’ and fair value movements are recorded in the income statement.

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 foreign currency 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 Group’s policy) have been designated 
as fair value hedges. The carrying value of the hedged debt is adjusted at each balance sheet date to reflect the impact on its fair value of changes in market 
interest rates. Changes in the fair value of the hedged debt are offset against fair value changes in the interest rate swap and classified within net finance costs in 
the income statement.

Non-hedges
The Group may choose not to designate certain derivatives as hedges. This may occur where the Group is economically hedged but IAS 39 hedge accounting 
cannot be achieved or where gains and losses on both the derivative and hedged item naturally offset in the income statement, which for example may be the 
case for certain cross currency swaps of non-US dollar debt. 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.

i

F
n
a
n
c

i

a

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

157

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

25. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL ASSETS/LIABILITIES continued
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
Cash flow hedge

Forward foreign currency contracts

Fair value hedge

Interest rate swaps
Forward commodity contracts

Non-hedge (‘Held for trading’)

Forward foreign currency contracts
Cross currency swaps
Other

Asset

6

–
–

117
49
–
172

2011

Liability

(1)

–
(5)

(121)
–
(35)
(162)

Current

2010

Liability

–

–
–

(34)
–
(46)
(80)

Asset

50

–
–

307
20
–
377

2011

Asset

Liability

Asset

Non-current

2010

Liability

–

538
–

11
55
64
668

–

–
–

(33)
(908)
(9)
(950)

–

309
–

119
3
34
465

–

(44)
–

–
(676)
(35)
(755)

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 closing 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.

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 may also sell non-core assets to reduce debt.

The Group monitors capital on the basis of the ratio of net debt to total capital (gearing). Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less cash and cash 
equivalents (including derivatives which provide an economic hedge of debt and the net debt of disposal groups). Total capital is calculated as Net assets 
(as shown in the Consolidated balance sheet) excluding net debt. Total capital and gearing are as follows:

US$ million
Net assets
Net debt including hedges (see note 31c)
Total capital
Gearing

2011
43,189
1,374
44,563
3.1%

2010
37,971
7,384
45,355
16.3%

The decrease in gearing since 31 December 2010 reflects the 81% reduction in net debt in the year. Net assets at 31 December 2011 were 14% higher than at 
31 December 2010 due to retained profit for the year and other net gains in equity. A significant portion of these profits and gains were realised in cash, which 
is excluded from the calculation of total capital. Consequently, total capital remained broadly flat year on year.

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 (at 31 December) to changes in commodity 
prices, interest rates and foreign currencies.

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 at 31 December.

The following assumptions were made in calculating the sensitivity analysis:
 (cid:228) All income statement sensitivities also impact equity.
 (cid:228) For debt and other deposits carried at amortised cost, carrying value does not change as interest rates move.
 (cid:228) 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.
 (cid:228) 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.

 (cid:228) No sensitivity has been calculated on derivatives and related underlying instruments designated into fair value hedge relationships as these are assumed 

materially to offset one another.

 (cid:228) All hedge relationships are assumed to be fully effective on the grounds of materiality.
 (cid:228) Debt with a maturity of less than one year is floating rate, unless it is a long term fixed rate debt in its final year.
 (cid:228) Translation of foreign subsidiaries and operations into the Group’s presentation currency has been excluded from the sensitivity.

Using the above assumptions, the following table shows the illustrative effect on the income statement and equity that would result from reasonably possible 
changes in the relevant commodity price. The Group has determined that at 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010, based on the above assumptions 
there is no significant sensitivity to changes in market interest rates.

158 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

25. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT AND DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL ASSETS/LIABILITIES continued

US$ million
Foreign currency sensitivities(1)
+10% US dollar to rand
-10% US dollar to rand
+10% US dollar to Brazilian real(2)
-10% US dollar to Brazilian real(2)
+10% US dollar to Australian dollar
-10% US dollar to Australian dollar
+10% US dollar to Chilean peso(2)
-10% US dollar to Chilean peso(2)
Commodity price sensitivities
10% increase in the copper price
10% decrease in the copper price
10% increase in the platinum price
10% decrease in the platinum price

Income 
statement

(81)
81
402
(279)
36
(36)
15
(18)

37
(37)
(15)
15

2011

Equity

(77)
77
405
(282)
36
(36)
15
(18)

37
(37)
(15)
15

Income 
statement

(76)
76
456
(297)
23
(23)
38
(46)

59
(59)
(19)
19

2010

Equity

(76)
76
482
(302)
23
(23)
60
(73)

59
(59)
(19)
19

(1)  + represents strengthening of US dollar against the respective currency.
(2) 

Includes sensitivities for non-hedge derivatives related to capital expenditure.

The above sensitivities are calculated with reference to a single moment in time and are subject to change due to a number of factors including:
 (cid:228) fluctuating trade receivable and trade payable balances
 (cid:228) derivative instruments and borrowings settled throughout the year
 (cid:228) fluctuating cash balances
 (cid:228) changes in currency mix.

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, whilst in reality commodity prices, 
interest rates and foreign currencies do not move independently.

26. PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES

US$ million
At 1 January
Charged to the income statement
Capitalised
Unwinding of discount
Amounts applied
Unused amounts reversed
Disposal of businesses
Currency movements
At 31 December

Environmental

restoration(1) Decommissioning(1)

931
112
21
51
(9)
(12)
(1)
(104)
989

374
1
25
19
(1)
(27)
(1)
(41)
349

Employee 
benefits
262
121
–
1
(117)
–
–
(10)
257

Other
545
164
71
6
(153)
(25)
(1)
–
607

2011

Total
2,112
398
117
77
(280)
(64)
(3)
(155)
2,202

i

F
n
a
n
c

i

a

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

(1)  The Group makes contributions to controlled funds to meet the cost of some of its environmental restoration and decommissioning liabilities (see note 16).

Maturity analysis of total provisions:

US$ million
Current
Non-current

2011
372
1,830
2,202

2010
446
1,666
2,112

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.

Employee benefits
Provision is made for statutory or contractual employee entitlements including long service leave, annual leave, sickness pay obligations and cash settled 
share-based payment obligations. It is anticipated that these costs will be incurred when employees choose to take their benefits.

Other
Other provisions primarily relate to indemnities, warranties and legal claims. It is anticipated that these costs will be incurred over a five year period.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

159

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

27. DEFERRED TAX
The movement in deferred tax balances during the year is as follows:

US$ million
Deferred tax assets
At 1 January
Credited to the income statement
Credited/(charged) to the statement of comprehensive income 
(Charged)/credited directly to equity
Transfers
Disposal of businesses
Currency movements
At 31 December

US$ million
Deferred tax liabilities
At 1 January
Charged to the income statement
Charged to the statement of comprehensive income 
(Charged)/credited directly to equity
Acquired/released in respect of business combinations
Transfers
Disposal of businesses
Currency movements
At 31 December

The amount of deferred tax recognised in the balance sheet is as follows:

US$ million
Deferred tax assets
Tax losses
Post employment benefits
Share-based payments
Other temporary differences

Deferred tax liabilities
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation
Fair value adjustments
Tax losses
Derivatives
Provisions
Other temporary differences

The amount of deferred tax (charged)/credited to the income statement is as follows:

US$ million
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation
Fair value adjustments
Tax losses
Derivatives
Provisions
Other temporary differences

The current expectation regarding the maturity of deferred tax balances is as follows:

US$ million
Deferred tax assets
Recoverable within one year
Recoverable after one year

Deferred tax liabilities
Payable within one year
Payable after one year

160 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

2011

2010

389
207
15
(21)
–
(1)
(59)
530

288
69
(16)
51
(27)
–
24
389

2011

2010

(5,641)
(757)
(5)
(106)
–
–
6
773
(5,730)

2011

273
35
15
207
530

(3,334)
(1,806)
103
(167)
(435)
(91)
(5,730)

2011
(615)
(118)
167
36
82
(102)
(550)

2011

52
478
530

(5,192)
(222)
(76)
17
98
52
119
(437)
(5,641)

2010

105
45
55
184
389

(3,121)
(1,903)
103
(211)
(507)
(2)
(5,641)

2010
(162)
168
42
(105)
(44)
(52)
(153)

2010

49
340
389

(505)
(5,225)
(5,730)

(283)
(5,358)
(5,641)

27. DEFERRED TAX continued
The Group has the following balances in respect of which no deferred tax asset has been recognised:

US$ million
Expiry date
Within one year
Greater than one year, less than five years
Greater than five years
No expiry date

Tax  
losses – 
revenue

Tax  
losses – 
capital

Other 
temporary 
differences

–
–
111
3,082
3,193

–
–
–
1,067
1,067

–
–
–
403
403

2011

Total

–
–
111
4,552
4,663

Tax  
losses – 
revenue

Tax  
losses – 
capital

Other 
temporary 
differences

–
15
84
3,023
3,122

–
–
–
1,252
1,252

–
–
–
8
8

2010

Total

–
15
84
4,283
4,382

The Group also has unused tax credits of $18 million (2010: $84 million) for which no deferred tax asset is recognised in the balance sheet. None of these 
credits expire within five years.

No deferred tax 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 such investments in subsidiaries, branches and 
associates and interests in joint ventures is represented by the contribution of those investments to the Group’s retained earnings and amounted to 
$25,876 million (2010: $20,277 million).

28. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Group operates a number of defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans. It also operates post employment medical arrangements in 
southern Africa. 

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 2011 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 plans (net of amounts capitalised) 
was $254 million (2010: $216 million) and for defined contribution medical plans (net of amounts capitalised) was $57 million (2010: $23 million).

Defined benefit pension plans and post employment 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 employment 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 employment medical plan liability.

Independent qualified actuaries carry out full valuations every three years using the projected unit credit method. The actuaries have updated the valuations  
to 31 December 2011.

Actuarial assumptions
The principal assumptions used to determine the actuarial present value of benefit obligations and pension charges and credits under IAS 19 Employee 
Benefits are detailed below (shown as weighted averages):

i

F
n
a
n
c

i

a

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

%
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(3)
Post employment medical plans
Average discount rate for plan liabilities
Average rate of inflation
Expected average increase in healthcare costs

Southern 
Africa

The  
Americas

(1)

8.5
6.5
7.8
6.5
5.2

8.5
6.5
7.9

7.8
3.6
6.5
3.3
12.8

n/a
n/a
n/a

2011

Europe

(2)

4.8
2.7
n/a
3.0
5.0

n/a
n/a
n/a

Southern 
Africa

The 
Americas

8.5
5.8
7.0
5.8
9.1

8.5
5.8
7.2

8.5
3.8
6.8
3.6
12.4

n/a
n/a
n/a

2010

Europe

5.4
3.2
0.4
3.5
6.1

n/a
n/a
n/a

(1)  Plans in southern Africa have ceased future accrual of benefits but some benefits remain linked to salary increases.
(2)  European plans have ceased future accrual of benefits.
(3)  The long term expected return on plan assets has been set with reference to current market yields on government and corporate bonds, plus expected equity and corporate bond-

outperformance over government bonds in the relevant jurisdictions. The expected return on cash assets has been set with reference to current bank base rates. The overall long term expected 
rate of return for each asset class is weighted by the asset allocation to the asset class at the balance sheet date.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

161

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

28. RETIREMENT BENEFITS continued
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 (2010: PA90 tables) are used. The main plans in Europe use the SAPS tables (2010: SAPS tables). The main plans in the 
Americas use the RV2009 and AT2000 tables (2010: RV2004 and AT2000 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

2011
20.9
23.2
27.4

Male

2010
20.6
23.2
27.4

2011
25.8
27.2
30.0

Female

2010
25.5
27.2
30.0

Summary of plans by geography
The Group’s plans in respect of pension and post employment healthcare are summarised as follows:

US$ million
Assets(1)
Defined benefit pension plans in surplus

Liabilities
Defined benefit pension plans in deficit
Post employment medical plans in deficit

(1)  Amounts are included in Other non-current assets.

Five year summary of plan assets and liabilities

US$ million
Defined benefit pension plans
Fair value of plan assets
Present value of plan liabilities
Net (deficit)/surplus
Surplus restriction
Net deficit after surplus restriction

Actuarial (loss)/gain on plan assets(1)
Actuarial (loss)/gain on plan liabilities(2)

Post employment medical plans
Fair value of plan assets
Present value of plan liabilities
Net deficit

Actuarial gain on plan assets(3)
Actuarial (loss)/gain on plan liabilities(4)

Southern 
Africa

The  
Americas

Europe

70

–

–

–
(287)
(287)

(181)
–
(181)

(171)
–
(171)

2011

Total

70

(352)
(287)
(639)

Southern 
Africa

The  
Americas

Europe

112

–

–

–
(312)
(312)

(178)
–
(178)

(101)
–
(101)

2010

Total

112

(279)
(312)
(591)

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2,583
(2,792)
(209)
(73)
(282)

(32)
(135)

22
(309)
(287)

1
(22)

2,732
(2,840)
(108)
(59)
(167)

76
19

25
(337)
(312)

2
(13)

2,731
(2,975)
(244)
(106)
(350)

184
(361)

20
(322)
(302)

–
(10)

2,073
(2,157)
(84)
(61)
(145)

(392)
208

17
(241)
(224)

1
16

3,148
(3,095)
53
(136)
(83)

39
(48)

20
(329)
(309)

1
(29)

(1)  Net experience losses on pension plan assets were $32 million (2010: gains of $76 million; 2009: gains of $184 million; 2008: losses of $392 million; 2007: gains of $32 million).
(2)  Net experience losses on pension plan liabilities were $10 million (2010: gains of $38 million; 2009: losses of $17 million; 2008: losses of $29 million; 2007: losses of $112 million).
(3)  Net experience gains on medical plan assets were $1 million (2010: gains of $2 million; 2009: nil; 2008: gains of $1 million; 2007: losses of $1 million).
(4)  Net experience losses on medical plan liabilities were $1 million (2010: gains of $5 million; 2009: losses of $3 million; 2008: losses of $7 million; 2007: losses of $4 million).

The actuarial loss recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income of $214 million (2010: gain of $131 million) includes a charge for the 
increase in the surplus restriction of $26 million (2010: credit for the decrease of $57 million) and, in 2010, an actuarial loss of $10 million related to disposal 
groups. The movement in the surplus restriction in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income differs from that in the table above due to 
exchange differences. Cumulative net actuarial losses recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income are $592 million (2010: 
$378 million; 2009: $509 million; 2008: $292 million; 2007: $163 million).

Income statement
The amounts recognised in the income statement are as follows:

US$ million
Analysis of the amount charged to operating profit
Current service costs
Past service costs and effects of settlements and curtailments
Total within operating costs
Analysis of the amount charged to net finance costs
Expected return on plan assets(1)
Interest costs on plan liabilities(2)
Net charge to net finance costs
Total charge to the income statement

(1) 

(2) 

Included in Investment income. See note 9.
Included in Interest expense. See note 9.

162 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans

Pension  
plans

18
–
18

(197)
181
(16)
2

3
–
3

(2)
24
22
25

2011

Total 

21
–
21

(199)
205
6
27

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans

Pension 
plans

28
9
37

(203)
193
(10)
27

3
(6)
(3)

(2)
26
24
21

2010

Total 

31
3
34

(205)
219
14
48

28. RETIREMENT BENEFITS continued
Pension plan assets and liabilities by geography
The split of the present value of funded and unfunded obligations in defined benefit pension plans, the fair value of the pension assets and the long term 
expected rate of return at 31 December are as follows:

Southern Africa

The Americas

Equity
Bonds
Other
Fair value of pension plan 
assets(1)
Present value of funded 
obligations(1)
Present value of unfunded 
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  
%
7.5
4.1
2.9

Fair 
value 
US$ 
million
283
512
42

837

(718)

–

(718)

119

(49)

70

70
–
70

Rate of 
return  
%
14.6
12.6
11.8

Fair 
value 
US$ 
million
13
124
5

Rate of 
return  
%
7.0
3.7
1.4

142

(150)

(173)

(323)

(181)

–

(181)

–
(181)
(181)

Europe

Fair 
value 
US$ 
million
726
715
163

2011

Total

Fair 
value 
US$ 
million
1,022
1,351
210

1,604

2,583

(1,751)

(2,619)

–

(173)

(1,751)

(2,792)

(147)

(209)

(24)

(73)

(171)

(282)

–
(171)
(171)

70
(352)
(282)

Southern Africa

The Americas

Rate of 
return  
%
11.3
8.0
6.5

Fair 
value 
US$ 
million
359
597
62

1,018

(847)

–

(847)

171

(59)

112

112
–
112

Rate of 
return  
%
16.8
12.0
10.8

Fair 
value 
US$ 
million
13
128
6

147

(155)

(170)

(325)

(178)

–

(178)

–
(178)
(178)

Europe

Fair 
value 
US$ 
million
822
582
163

Rate of 
return  
%
7.7
4.7
3.0

2010

Total

Fair 
value 
US$ 
million
1,194
1,307
231

1,567

2,732

(1,667)

(2,669)

(1)

(171)

(1,668)

(2,840)

(101)

(108)

–

(59)

(101)

(167)

–
(101)
(101)

112
(279)
(167)

(1)  The fair value of assets was used to determine the funding level of the plans. The fair value of the assets of the funded plans was sufficient to cover 99% (2010: 102%) 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.

Movement analysis
The changes in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:

US$ million
At 1 January
Past service costs and effects of settlements and curtailments
Expected return
Actuarial (losses)/gains
Contributions paid by employer(2)
Benefits paid
Contributions paid by plan participants
Transfer to liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale
Currency movements
At 31 December

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
25
–
2
1
–
(1)
–
–
(5)
22

(1)

Pension  
plans
2,732
(31)
(1)
197
(32)
81
(136)
1
–
(229)
2,583

2011

Total 
2,757
(31)
199
(31)
81
(137)
1
–
(234)
2,605

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
20
–
2
2
–
(1)
–
–
2
25

Pension  
plans
2,731
(127)
203(1)
76(1)
53
(160)
2
(113)
67
2,732

(1)  The actual return on assets in respect of pension plans was $165 million (2010: $279 million).
(2) 

 The Group expects to contribute approximately $38 million to its pension plans and $16 million to its post employment medical plans in 2012.

The changes in the present value of defined benefit obligations are as follows:

US$ million
At 1 January
Current service costs
Past service costs and effects of settlements and curtailments
Interest costs
Actuarial (losses)/gains
Benefits paid
Contributions paid by plan participants
Transfer to liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale
Reclassification
Currency movements
At 31 December

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
(337)
(3)
–
(24)
(22)
16
–
–
–
61
(309)

Pension  
plans
(2,840)
(18)
31
(181)
(135)
136
(1)
–
–
216
(2,792)

2011

Total 
(3,177)
(21)
31
(205)
(157)
152
(1)
–
–
277
(3,101)

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
(322)
(3)
6
(26)
(13)
17
–
40
–
(36)
(337)

Pension  
plans
(2,975)
(28)
118
(193)
19
160
(2)
128
(8)
(59)
(2,840)

i

F
n
a
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c

i

a

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

2010

Total 
2,751
(127)
205
78
53
(161)
2
(113)
69
2,757

2010

Total 
(3,297)
(31)
124
(219)
6
177
(2)
168
(8)
(95)
(3,177)

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

163

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

28. RETIREMENT BENEFITS continued
Healthcare sensitivity analysis
Amounts recognised in the income statement in respect of post employment medical plans are sensitive to assumed healthcare cost trend rates. A 1% change 
in assumed healthcare cost trend rates would have the following effects:

US$ million
Effect on the sum of service costs and interest costs
Effect on defined benefit obligations

1% increase

1% decrease

2011
4
35

2010
3
37

2011
(3)
(28)

2010
(3)
(31)

29. CALLED-UP SHA RE CAPITAL AND SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
Called-up share capital

Called-up, allotted and fully paid:
5% cumulative preference shares of £1 each

Ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents each:
At 1 January
Allotted during the year
At 31 December

Number of shares

US$ million

Number of shares

US$ million

2011

2010

50,000

–

50,000

–

1,342,932,714
34,744
1,342,967,458

738
–
738

1,342,927,138
5,576
1,342,932,714

738
–
738

During 2011 5,487 ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents each were allotted to certain non-executive directors by subscription of their after tax directors’ fees 
(2010: 5,576 ordinary shares). In addition, 29,257 ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents each were allotted upon the conversion of Anglo American plc 
convertible bonds due 2014 (2010: nil), see note 24.

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 and carrying value of called-up, allotted and fully paid ordinary shares as at 31 December 2011 was 1,323,428,547 and $727 million (2010: 
1,320,052,246; $725 million).

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.

No ordinary shares were allotted on exercise of employee share option plans (2010: nil).

Treasury shares
At 31 December 2011 the Company held 19,538,911 ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents in treasury (2010: 22,880,468 ordinary shares). During 2011 
3,341,557 treasury shares (2010: 3,553,042 treasury shares) were transferred to employees in settlement of share awards.

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 Investment 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, provided all the funding 
required to acquire the Anglo American plc shares through the market. These payments by Tenon were 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 $6.69 per share to Epoch, $10.41 per 
share to Epoch Two and $8.64 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 on 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 2011 the Investment Companies together held 112,300,129 (2010: 112,300,129) Anglo American plc shares with a market value of 
$4,125 million (2010: $5,852 million) which represented 8.5% (2010: 8.5%) 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 continue to meet the accounting definition of a subsidiary in accordance with IAS 27. As a result, the Investment Companies are consolidated in 
accordance with the definitions of IAS 27 and the principles set out in SIC-12.

164 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

29. CALLED-UP SHA RE CAPITAL AND SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS continued
Employee benefit trust
The provision of shares to certain of the Company’s share option and share incentive schemes may be facilitated by an employee benefit trust or settled by the 
issue of treasury shares. During 2011 no shares (2010: 948,259 shares) from the trust were transferred to employees in settlement of share awards. 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.

The market value of the 985 shares (2010: 985 shares) held by the trust at 31 December 2011 was $36,000 (2010: $51,000).

The costs of operating the trust are borne by the Group but are not material.

Share-based payments
During the year ended 31 December 2011, the Group had share-based payment arrangements with employees relating to shares of the Company, the details 
of which are described in the Remuneration report. All of these Company schemes are equity settled, either by award of ordinary shares (BSP, LTIP and SIP) 
or award of options to acquire ordinary shares (ESOS and SAYE). The ESOS is now closed to new participants, having been replaced with the BSP. The DOP 
has since replaced the ESOS for use in special circumstances, relating to the recruitment or retention of key executives. No options have been granted under 
the DOP.

The total share-based payment charge relating to Anglo American plc shares for the year is split as follows:

US$ million
BSP
LTIP
Other schemes
Share-based payment charge relating to Anglo American plc shares(1)

2011
92
36
15
143

2010
69
41
16
126

(1)  There are equity settled employee share-based payment charges of $47 million (2010: $27 million) relating to Kumba Iron Ore Limited shares and $72 million (2010: $61 million) relating to 

Anglo American Platinum Limited shares. In addition business units had a net cash settled employee share-based payment credit of $2 million (2010: charge of $9 million). 

Schemes settled by award of ordinary shares
The fair value of ordinary shares awarded under the BSP, LTIP and LTIP – AOSC, 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 are set out below: 

Arrangement(1)
Date of grant
Number of instruments
Share price at the date of grant (£)
Contractual life (years)
Vesting conditions
Expected volatility
Risk free interest rate
Expected departures
Expected outcome of meeting performance 
criteria (at date of grant)
Fair value at date of grant (weighted  
average) (£)

BSP
04/03/11
3,364,610
32.08
3
(2)

LTIP LTIP – AOSC
04/03/11
267,407
31.99
3
(4)

04/03/11
879,630
31.99
3
(3)

40%
1.9%
5% pa

40%
1.9%
5% pa

40%
1.9%
5% pa

2011

LTIP – TSR
04/03/11
267,407
31.99
3
(5)

40%
1.9%
5% pa

BSP
19/03/10 
3,007,996 
23.80 
3 
(2) 
40% 
1.9% 
5% pa 

LTIP
12/03/10 
871,864 
25.69 
3 
(3) 
40% 
1.9% 
5% pa 

LTIP – AOSC
12/03/10 
220,369 
25.69 
3 
(4) 
40% 
1.9% 
5% pa 

2010

LTIP – TSR
12/03/10 
220,369 
25.69 
3 
(5) 
40% 
1.9% 
5% pa 

100%

100%

100%

n/a

100% 

100% 

100% 

n/a 

33.25

33.25

33.25

21.80

26.64 

27.08 

27.08 

23.56 

i

F
n
a
n
c

i

a

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

(1)  The number of instruments used in the fair value models may differ from the total number of instruments awarded in the year due to awards made subsequent to the fair value calculations. 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)   Three years of continuous employment with enhancement shares having variable vesting based on non-market based performance conditions. 
(3)   Three years of continuous employment. 
(4)   Variable vesting dependent on three years of continuous employment and Group AOSC target being achieved. 
(5)   Variable vesting dependent on three years of continuous employment and market based performance conditions being achieved.

The expected volatility is based on historic volatility over the last five years. The risk free interest rate is the yield on zero-coupon UK government bonds with 
a term similar to the expected life of the award. 

The charges arising in respect of the other Anglo American plc employee share schemes that the Group operated during the year are not considered material. 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

165

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

29. CALLED-UP SHA RE CAPITAL AND SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS continued

The movements in the number of shares for the more significant share-based payment arrangements are as follows:

Bonus Share Plan(1)
Ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents may be awarded under the terms of this scheme for no consideration. 

Outstanding at 1 January
Conditionally awarded in year
Vested in year
Forfeited in year
Outstanding at 31 December

2011
9,020,260
3,366,076
(1,052,193)
(1,227,770)
10,106,373

2010
8,589,412
3,009,494
(1,592,468)
(986,178)
9,020,260

(1)  The BSP was approved by shareholders in 2004 as a replacement for the ESOS. Further information in respect of the BSP, including performance conditions, is shown in the Remuneration report. 

Long Term Incentive Plan(1)(2)
Ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents may be awarded under the terms of this scheme for no consideration. 

Outstanding at 1 January
Conditionally awarded in year
Vested in year
Forfeited in year
Outstanding at 31 December

2011
4,012,568
1,414,444
(730,807)
(975,670)
3,720,535

2010
4,790,915
1,312,602
(1,195,667)
(895,282)
4,012,568

(1)  The early vesting of share awards is permitted at the discretion of the Company upon, inter alia, 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.

Share Incentive Plan
Ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents may be awarded under the terms of this scheme for no consideration.

Share Incentive Plan

Awards outstanding at  
31 December 2011
1,016,074

Awards outstanding at  
31 December 2010
915,652

Latest release date
7 December 2014

Schemes settled by award of options
The fair value of options granted under the SAYE scheme, being the only material option scheme, was calculated using a Black Scholes model. No ESOS 
awards were granted in 2011 or 2010. The assumptions used in these calculations for the current and prior years are set out in the table below: 

Arrangement(1)
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 (weighted average) 
Expected departures 
Fair value per option granted (weighted average) (£) 

2011 SAYE
20/04/11
115,026
25.47
31.85
3.5-7.5
3-7
40%
3.5-7.5
2.3%
5% pa
11.77

2010 SAYE
26/04/10 
172,650 
22.99 
28.74 
3.5-7.5 
3-7 
40% 
3.5-7.5 
2.7% 
5% pa 
13.29 

(1)  The number of instruments used in the fair value models may differ from the total number of instruments awarded in the year due to awards made subsequent to the fair value calculations. 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 of continuous employment. 

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 interest 
rate is the yield on zero-coupon UK government bonds with a term similar to the expected life of the option. 

A reconciliation of option movements for the more significant share-based payment arrangements over the year to 31 December 2011 and the prior year is 
shown below. All options outstanding at 31 December 2011 with an exercise date on or prior to 31 December 2011 are deemed exercisable. Options were 
exercised regularly during the year and the weighted average share price for the year ended 31 December 2011 was £27.96 (2010: £26.71). 

166 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

29. CALLED-UP SHA RE CAPITAL AND SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS continued
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:

Outstanding at 1 January
Exercised in year
Forfeited in year
Outstanding at 31 December

Number
3,488,329
(949,341)
(38,881)
2,500,107

(1)  The early exercise of share options is permitted at the discretion of the Company upon, inter alia, termination of employment, ill health or death.

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:

Outstanding at 1 January
Granted in year
Exercised in year
Forfeited in year
Outstanding at 31 December

Number
1,669,812
115,026
(125,333)
(138,828)
1,520,677

(1)  The early exercise of share options is permitted at the discretion of the Company upon, inter alia, termination of employment, ill health or death.

2011

Weighted 
average 
exercise  
price £
11.22
10.75
10.09
11.42

2011

Weighted 
average 
exercise  
price £
12.33
25.47
14.99
14.47
12.91

Number
4,774,568
(1,228,787)
(57,452)
3,488,329

Number
2,037,426
172,650
(330,368)
(209,896)
1,669,812

2010

Weighted 
average 
exercise  
price £
10.90
9.99
10.49
11.22

2010

Weighted 
average 
exercise  
price £
11.49
22.99
12.41
12.77
12.33

30. CONSOLIDATED EQUITY ANALYSIS
Fair value and other reserves comprise:

US$ million
Balance at 1 January 2010
Total comprehensive income
Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries
Other
Balance at 1 January 2011
Total comprehensive income
Other
Balance at 31 December 2011

Convertible 
debt 
reserve
355
–
–
–
355
–
–
355

Available  
for sale 
reserve
305
270
(107)
–
468
108
–
576

Cash  
flow hedge 
reserve
31
7
–
–
38
(33)
–
5

Total  
fair value  
and other 
reserves
1,529
277
(107)
(7)
1,692
75
(7)
1,760

Other
reserves(1)
838
–
–
(7)
831
–
(7)
824

i

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s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

(1)  Other reserves comprise a legal reserve of $675 million (2010: $682 million), a revaluation reserve of $34 million (2010: $34 million) and a capital redemption reserve of $115 million (2010: 

$115 million).

31. CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS
a) Reconciliation of profit before tax to cash flows from operations

US$ million
Profit before tax
Depreciation and amortisation
Share-based payment charges
Net profit on disposals
Operating and financing remeasurements
Non-cash element of operating special items
Net finance costs before remeasurements
Share of net income from associates
Provisions
Increase in inventories
Increase in operating receivables
Increase in operating payables
Deferred stripping
Other adjustments
Cash flows from operations

2011
10,782
1,967
254
(183)
(138)
105
20
(977)
6
(352)
(264)
457
(171)
(8)
11,498

2010
10,928
1,919
219
(1,579)
(491)
134
244
(822)
(37)
(309)
(587)
516
(196)
(15)
9,924

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

167

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31. CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS continued
b) Reconciliation to the balance sheet

US$ million
Balance sheet
Balance sheet – disposal groups(1)
Net debt classifications

Cash and cash equivalents

Short term borrowings

2011
11,732
–
11,732

2010
6,401
59
6,460

2011
(1,018)
–
(1,018)

2010
(1,535)
–
(1,535)

Medium and  
long term borrowings

2011
(11,855)
–
(11,855)

2010
(11,904)
–
(11,904)

(1)  Disposal group balances are shown within 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 2010
Cash flow
Unwinding of discount on convertible bond
Disposal of businesses
Reclassifications
Movement in fair value
Other non-cash movements
Currency movements
Balance at 1 January 2011
Cash flow
Unwinding of discount on convertible bond
Disposal of businesses
Reclassifications
Movement in fair value
Other non-cash movements
Currency movements
Balance at 31 December 2011

Cash 
and cash
equivalents(1)

3,319
2,857
–
–
–
–
–
284
6,460
5,983
–
–
–
–
–
(711)
11,732

Debt due 
within  
one year
(1,498)
2,338
–
1
(2,359)
(6)
–
(11)
(1,535)
1,261
–
5
(777)
–
(18)
46
(1,018)

Debt due  
after  
one year
(12,819)
(1,194)
(65)
2
2,359
(180)
(11)
4
(11,904)
(964)
(71)
–
777
(264)
(38)
609
(11,855)

Current 
financial asset 
investments
3
(7)
–
–
–
–
3
1
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Net debt 
excluding 
hedges
(10,995)
3,994
(65)
3
–
(186)
(8)
278
(6,979)
6,280
(71)
5
–
(264)
(56)
(56)
(1,141)

Net debt  
including 
hedges
(11,280)
3,777
(65)
3
–
(91)
(8)
280
(7,384)
6,054
(71)
5
–
140
(56)
(62)
(1,374)

Hedges(2)
(285)
(217)
–
–
–
95
–
2
(405)
(226)
–
–
–
404
–
(6)
(233)

(1)  The Group operates in certain countries where the existence of exchange controls may restrict the use of certain cash balances (principally South Africa and Venezuela). These restrictions are 

not expected to have a material effect on the Group’s ability to meet its ongoing obligations.

(2)  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 assets of $82 million (2010: $2 million) and net non-current derivative liabilities of $315 million (2010: $407 million) which are classified within Other financial assets 
(derivatives) and Other financial liabilities (derivatives) on the balance sheet.

32. DISPOSALS OF SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES

US$ million
Net assets disposed
Property, plant and equipment
Other non-current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets
Non-controlling interests
Group’s share of net assets immediately prior to disposal
Fair value adjustment to retained investments(1)
Less: retained investments
Net assets disposed
Cumulative translation differences recycled from reserves
Net gain/(loss) on disposals(1)
Net sale proceeds
Net cash and cash equivalents disposed
Non-cash/deferred consideration
Accrued transaction costs and similar items
Net cash inflow from disposals(2)

Lisheen and 
Black 
Mountain

Tarmac 
disposals

Other

Total

Total

2011

2010

110
53
431
(39)
(100)
455
(42)
413
–
–
413
42
397
852
(356)
–
3
499

54
25
15
(7)
(7)
80
–
80
–
–
80
5
(75)
10
(2)
–
–
8

3
1
15
(9)
(1)
9
–
9
–
–
9
(2)
15
22
–
–
–
22

167
79
461
(55)
(108)
544
(42)
502
–
–
502
45
337
884
(358)
–
3
529

1,443
658
852
(240)
(412)
2,301
(14)
2,287
440
(826)
1,901
(40)
1,246
3,107
(280)
(83)
51
2,795

(1) 

(2) 

Included in net profit on disposals, see note 5.
In addition, in the year ended 31 December 2011, there was a net cash inflow of $4 million in respect of disposals in 2010, resulting in a total net cash inflow from disposals of $533 million  
(2010: $2,795 million). Of this, a net cash inflow of $514 million (2010: $2,539 million) related to disposals of subsidiaries and $19 million (2010: $256 million) related to the sale of interests  
in joint ventures.

168 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

32. DISPOSALS OF SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES continued
Disposals in 2011
Disposals of subsidiaries during the year ended 31 December 2011 mainly related to the disposal of Lisheen and a 74% interest in Black Mountain (the Group’s 
remaining zinc operations) and disposals of Tarmac businesses (China, Turkey and Romania) in the Other Mining and Industrial segment.

Lisheen and Black Mountain
The Group announced the sale of its zinc portfolio to Vedanta Resources plc on 10 May 2010, for a total consideration of $1,338 million, on an attributable debt 
and cash free basis. The completion of the sale of Lisheen and Black Mountain took place in February 2011 for a combined net cash inflow of $499 million.

Disposals in 2010
Disposals of subsidiaries and joint ventures during 2010 mainly related to disposals in the Other Mining and Industrial, Platinum and Metallurgical Coal segments.

Disposals in the Other Mining and Industrial segment related to Moly-Cop and AltaSteel, the Skorpion zinc operation and Tarmac’s Polish and French and 
Belgian concrete products businesses and the majority of the European aggregates businesses. Disposals in the Platinum segment mainly related to the 
Bafokeng-Rasimone Platinum mine transaction and disposals in the Metallurgical Coal segment related to undeveloped coal assets.

33. DISPOSAL GROUPS AND NON-CURRENT ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
There were no assets or liabilities in disposal groups or non-current assets classified as held for sale at 31 December 2011.

US$ million
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
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
Total current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Other non-current liabilities
Total non-current liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets

2010(1)
4
117
49
170
26
75
59
160
330
(40)
(40)
(23)
(72)
(7)
(102)
(142)
188

(1)  Related to the Group’s portfolio of zinc operations for which disposal transactions had not completed at 31 December 2010 (Lisheen and a 74% interest in Black Mountain). Lisheen and Black 

Mountain were sold during 2011. See note 32.

34. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Contingent liabilities
The Group is subject to various claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, and as set out in the 2007 demerger agreement, 
Anglo American and the Mondi Group have agreed to indemnify each other, subject to certain limitations, against certain liabilities. Anglo American has also 
provided Mitsubishi Corporation LLC with indemnities against certain liabilities as part of the sale of a 24.5% interest in AA Sur. Having taken appropriate  
legal advice, the Group believes that a material liability arising from the indemnities provided is unlikely.

At 31 December 2011 the Group and its subsidiaries had provided aggregate amounts of $873 million (2010: $813 million) of loan and performance 
guarantees to banks and other third parties primarily in respect of environmental restoration and decommissioning obligations. For information relating to 
contingent liabilities in respect of associates and joint ventures, see notes 17 and 18 respectively.

No contingent liabilities were secured on the assets of the Group at 31 December 2011 or 31 December 2010.

Other
Anglo American Sur SA (AA Sur)
Anglo American and Enami, a wholly owned Chilean state controlled minerals company, amended an agreement Anglo American inherited when it acquired 
AA Sur in 2002. In 2008 the option under this agreement was transferred by Enami to Codelco, the Chilean state copper company. AA Sur is majority owned 
by the Group and owns the Los Bronces and El Soldado copper mines and the Chagres smelter. The agreement granted Codelco the right, subject to certain 
conditions and limitations, to acquire up to a 49% interest in AA Sur. The right to exercise the option was restricted to a window that occurred once every three 
years in the month of January until January 2027. The previous option exercise window was in January 2009. 

The calculations of the price at which Codelco could have exercised its rights take account of company profitability over a five year period, shareholder loans 
and undistributed earnings. Under IAS 39, the fair valuation of an option is required to be performed from the perspective of a market participant in an 
arm’s length transaction and does not take into account specific factors relevant to any individual counterparty. In particular, the IAS 39 valuation does not 
incorporate any capital gains tax payable by the Group on exercise of the option to Codelco’s shareholder, the Chilean government. The valuation also excludes 
any commercial or strategic benefit to Anglo American in extinguishing the option.

The option’s fair value is calculated as the difference between the estimated fair value of the underlying assets to which the option relates and the estimated 
option price. The estimated fair value of the underlying assets may vary based on a market participant’s assumptions at any point in time, including, inter alia, 
commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and discount rates. In addition, the option price cannot be finalised in advance of the option window and must be 
estimated based on assumptions about inputs that are subject to significant fluctuations.

Further, Anglo American had a right to sell up to 100% of its interest in AA Sur to a third party at any time prior to the exercise of the option, which would 
correspondingly reduce any value attributed to the option during the non-exercise period. 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

169

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

34. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES continued
Based on a range of scenarios for these key variables, it was concluded that the option had insufficient value to warrant recognition on the balance sheet at 
31 December 2010 and 30 June 2011.

In the fourth quarter of 2011 Anglo American entered into discussions with Mitsubishi to sell 24.5% of AA Sur, as it was entitled to do under the option 
agreement. This highlighted new information about the value of AA Sur from a third party which was not previously available. The fair value of a 24.5% equity 
interest in AA Sur, based on the consideration received by the Group from its disposal of a 24.5% equity interest in AA Sur to Mitsubishi in November 2011, was 
$5.4 billion. The option exercise price in the January 2012 option exercise window would have been $2.8 billion, representing a 24.5% equity interest in AA Sur 
for $2.5 billion, plus 24.5% of shareholder loans. 

On 22 December 2011 Anglo American filed a writ with the Court of Appeals in Santiago against Codelco for breach of contract. The breach consisted of 
Codelco’s premature attempt to exercise the option outside of a contractual exercise window and Codelco’s actions aimed at preventing Anglo American from 
exercising its contractual rights under the option agreement. The writ seeks to render ineffective the potential future exercise of the option by Codelco and 
also seeks damages. In accordance with Anglo American’s legal advice, as a result of Codelco’s breach of contract, it is no longer entitled to enforce the option 
to acquire shares of AA Sur and any attempt to do so is ineffective. The Group remains confident that this position will be upheld should the various claims and 
counter claims proceed to judgment. As a liability would only be recognised by the Group where a present obligation, that could be measured reliably, existed 
at the balance sheet date, no liability has been recognised as at 31 December 2011. If the option over 24.5% of AA Sur had been legally enforceable at 
31 December 2011 an option liability of $2.9 billion would have been recognised by the Group. Had the option been validly exercised in January 2012 this 
liability would have been reversed and, in addition, an accounting gain of approximately $1.0 billion would have been recognised in equity. The Group remains 
open to reaching a commercial settlement with Codelco but to date no settlement has been reached.

Kumba Iron Ore (Kumba)
Sishen Supply Agreement arbitration 
Sishen Iron Ore Company (SIOC) notified ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited (ArcelorMittal) on 5 February 2010 that it was no longer entitled to receive 
6.25 Mtpa of iron ore contract mined by SIOC at cost plus 3% from Sishen mine, as a result of the fact that ArcelorMittal had failed to convert its old order 
mining rights. This contract mining agreement, concluded in 2001, was premised on ArcelorMittal owning an undivided 21.4% interest in the mineral rights  
of Sishen mine. As a result of ArcelorMittal’s failure to convert its old order mining right, the contract mining agreement automatically lapsed and became 
inoperative in its entirety as of 1 May 2009.

As a result, a dispute arose between SIOC and ArcelorMittal, which SIOC has referred to arbitration. During 2011, three arbitrators were appointed and  
May 2012 was set as the date for the arbitration to begin. On 9 December 2011, SIOC and ArcelorMittal agreed to postpone the arbitration until the final 
resolution of the mining right dispute (see below). 

SIOC and ArcelorMittal reached an interim pricing arrangement in respect of the supply of iron ore to ArcelorMittal from the Sishen mine. This interim 
arrangement endured until 31 July 2011. SIOC and ArcelorMittal agreed to an addendum to the interim supply agreement which extended the terms and 
conditions of the current interim agreement. The new interim pricing agreement, which is on the same terms and conditions as the first interim pricing 
agreement, commenced on 1 August 2011 and will endure to 31 July 2012. 

21.4% undivided share of the Sishen mine mineral rights
After ArcelorMittal failed to convert its old order rights, SIOC applied for the residual 21.4% mining right previously held by ArcelorMittal and its application 
was accepted by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) on 4 May 2009. A competing application for a prospecting right over the same area was also 
accepted by the DMR. SIOC objected to this acceptance. Notwithstanding this objection, a prospecting right over the 21.4% interest was granted by the DMR 
to Imperial Crown Trading 289 (Pty) Limited (ICT). SIOC initiated a review application in the North Gauteng High Court on 21 May 2010 in relation to the 
decision of the DMR to grant a prospecting right to ICT.

The High Court Review, in which SIOC challenged the award of the 21.4% prospecting right over Sishen mine by the DMR to ICT, was presided over by 
Judge Raymond Zondo in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, from 15 to 18 August 2011.

On 21 December 2011 judgment was delivered in the High Court regarding the status of the mining rights at the Sishen mine. The High Court held that, upon 
the conversion of SIOC’s old order mining right relating to the Sishen mine properties in 2008, SIOC became the exclusive holder of a converted mining right 
for iron ore and quartzite in respect of the Sishen mine properties. The High Court held further that as a consequence, any decision taken by the DMR after 
such conversion in 2008, to accept or grant any further rights to iron ore at the Sishen mine properties was void. Finally, the High Court reviewed and set aside 
the decision of the Minister of Mineral Resources or her delegate to grant a prospecting right to ICT relating to iron ore as to a 21.4% share in respect of the 
Sishen mine properties. On 3 February 2012, both the DMR and ICT submitted applications for leave to appeal against the High Court judgment.

The High Court order does not affect the interim supply agreement between ArcelorMittal and SIOC, which will endure until 31 July 2012 as indicated above.

SIOC will continue to take the necessary steps to protect its shareholders’ interests in this regard.

Anglo American South Africa Limited (AASA)
AASA, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a defendant in 24 separate lawsuits in South Africa each one of them brought by a former mineworker 
(or his dependant) who allegedly contracted silicosis working for gold mining companies in which AASA was a shareholder and to which AASA provided 
various technical and administrative services. In addition, AASA is a defendant in one lawsuit filed in England on behalf of 19 former mineworkers, and a claim 
form for a second lawsuit has been filed in the High Court in London on behalf of 756 claimants and a ‘representative claim’ on behalf of all black underground 
miners in ‘Anglo gold mines’ seeking damages in relation to silicosis and related diseases, although this second claim has not yet been served.

The aggregate amount of the 24 South African claims is less than $5 million. No specific amount of damages has been specified in the claims filed in England. 
If these claims are determined adversely to AASA there are a substantial number of additional former mineworkers (or their dependants) who may seek to 
bring similar claims or whose claims could become part of the representative claim filed in England. The first trials of the South African claims are not expected 
before 2013. AASA is contesting the jurisdiction of the English courts to hear the claims filed against it in that jurisdiction.

170 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

35. COMMITMENTS
At 31 December the Group had the following outstanding capital commitments:

US$ million
Contracted but not provided

2011
2,131

2010
2,669

In addition, Kumba Iron Ore Limited had outstanding commitments under contracts relating to shipping services of $1,186 million (2010: $11 million).

At 31 December the Group had the following commitments under non-cancellable operating leases:

US$ million
Expiry date
Within one year
Greater than one year, less than two years
Greater than two years, less than five years
Greater than five years

Operating leases relate principally to land and buildings, vehicles and shipping vessels.

2011

161
112
185
347
805

2010

135
85
158
339
717

36. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Group has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates (see note 37).

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 to the Group than those 
arranged with third parties. These transactions are not considered to be significant.

Dividends received from associates during the year totalled $344 million (2010: $255 million), as disclosed in the Consolidated cash flow statement.

At 31 December 2011 the Group had provided loans to joint ventures of $263 million (2010: $319 million). These loans are included in Financial asset 
investments. No amounts were payable to joint ventures at 31 December 2011 (2010: $59 million).

In addition to Investments in associates as disclosed on the Consolidated balance sheet, the Group had provided loans to associates at 31 December 2011  
of $572 million (2010: $531 million). These are included in Financial asset investments.

At 31 December 2011 the directors of the Company and their immediate relatives controlled 0.1% (2010: 2.5%) of the voting shares of the Company.

Remuneration and benefits received by directors are disclosed in the Remuneration report. Remuneration and benefits of key management personnel 
including directors are disclosed in note 8.

Information relating to pension fund arrangements is disclosed in note 28.

Related party transactions with De Beers
The Group has in prior years entered into various transactions with DB Investments SA and De Beers SA (together De Beers) which were considered to 
be related party transactions for the purposes of the United Kingdom Listing Authority Listing Rules as a result of the interest in De Beers held by CHL Holdings 
Limited (CHL) and certain of its subsidiaries in which Mr N. F. Oppenheimer, a director of the Company at the time of these transactions, had a relevant interest 
for the purpose of the rules. The related party transactions entered into and which continue to be relevant in the current year are detailed below.

At 31 December 2011 the amount of outstanding loans owed by De Beers (and included in the loans to associates amount disclosed above) was $301 million 
(2010: $355 million), which includes accrued interest of $10 million (2010: net unamortised discount of $3 million). These loans are subordinated in favour of 
third party lenders and include:

 (cid:228) dividend reinvestment loans of $133 million (2010: $133 million) advanced during 2008 and 2009. These loans were interest free for two years from the date 

of advance and subsequently became interest bearing in line with market rates at the date of the initial reinvestment.

 (cid:228) a further shareholder loan of $158 million (2010: $225 million) advanced in 2009. This loan was interest free for two years after which it reverted to a rate of 
interest equal to LIBOR plus 700 basis points. From April 2016, provided all interest payments are up to date, the rate of interest reduces to LIBOR plus 300 
basis points. During 2011, De Beers repaid $67 million of this loan, along with accrued interest of $5 million.

On 4 November 2011 Anglo American announced it had entered into an agreement with CHL and Centhold International Limited (‘CHL Sellers’), together 
representing the Oppenheimer family interests in De Beers, to acquire their 40% interest in De Beers for a total cash consideration of $5.1 billion, subject to 
adjustment and conditions as provided for in the agreement (the ‘Transaction’). 

Under the terms of the existing shareholders’ agreement between Anglo American, CHL and the Government of the Republic of Botswana (GRB), the GRB  
has pre-emption rights in respect of the interests in De Beers to be sold, enabling it to participate in the Transaction and to increase its interest in De Beers,  
on a pro rata basis, to up to 25%. In the event that the GRB does not exercise pre-emption rights, in whole or in part, Anglo American’s interest in De Beers will, 
assuming satisfaction of the conditions to the Transaction, increase to 85%.

In the event that the GRB exercises its pre-emption rights in full, Anglo American, under the Transaction, would acquire an incremental 30% interest in De Beers, 
taking its total interest to 75%, and the consideration payable by Anglo American to the sellers would be reduced proportionately.

In view of the fact that the CHL Sellers are ultimately controlled through intermediary companies by trusts (the ‘Seller Trusts’) of which Mr N. F. Oppenheimer 
is a potential discretionary beneficiary and Mr N. F. Oppenheimer has been a director of Anglo American within the 12 months preceding agreement of the 
Transaction, the Transaction is categorised as a related party transaction. As a result, the Transaction required the approval of Anglo American shareholders 
(other than Mr N. F. Oppenheimer and his associates), which approval was obtained at a general meeting of the Company held on 6 January 2012. The 
Transaction remains conditional on the satisfaction or waiver of certain specified regulatory and government approvals. Further information in relation to the 
Transaction is set out in the circular posted to the Company’s shareholders in December 2011.

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

171

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

37. GROUP COMPANIES
The principal subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and proportionately consolidated joint arrangements of the Group at 31 December 2011, 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. As permitted by section 410 of the Companies Act 2006, the Group has restricted the information provided 
to its principal subsidiaries in order to avoid a statement of excessive length.

Subsidiary undertakings
Iron Ore and Manganese
Kumba Iron Ore Limited
Anglo Ferrous Brazil SA
Anglo Ferrous Minas-Rio Mineração SA
Anglo Ferrous Amapá Mineração Limitada

Metallurgical Coal
Anglo American Metallurgical Coal Holdings Limited
Peace River Coal Inc.(2)

Thermal Coal
Anglo Coal(3)

Copper
Anglo American Sur SA
Anglo American Norte SA
Minera Quellaveco SA

Nickel
Anglo American Brasil Limitada (Barro Alto)
Anglo American Brasil Limitada (Codemin)
Minera Loma de Níquel, CA

Platinum
Anglo American Platinum Limited(4)

Other Mining and Industrial
Copebrás Limitada
Mineração Catalão de Goiás Limitada
Tarmac Group Limited
Tarmac Building Products Limited
Anglo American Aggregates (Huzhou) Limited(5)
Tarmac Agrega Mining and Construction Industry and  
Trading Company Limited(5)
Tarmac SRL(5)
Lisheen(6)
Black Mountain Mining (Proprietary) Limited(7)
Gamsberg Zinc(7)
Scaw South Africa (Proprietary) Limited

See page 173 for footnotes.

Country of incorporation

Business

South Africa
Brazil
Brazil
Brazil

Australia
Canada

South Africa

Chile
Chile
Peru

Brazil
Brazil
Venezuela

Iron ore
Iron ore
Iron ore project
Iron ore system

Coal
Coal

Coal

Copper
Copper
Copper project

Nickel project
Nickel
Nickel

Percentage of equity owned(1)

2011

2010

65.2%
100%
100%
70%

65.3%
100%
100%
70%

100%
100%

100%
74.8%

100%

100%

75.5%
99.9%
81.9%

100%
100%
91.4%

100%
99.9%
81.9%

100%
100%
91.4%

South Africa

Platinum

79.8%

79.7%

Brazil
Brazil
UK
UK
China
Turkey

Romania
Ireland
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa

Fertilisers and acid
Niobium
Construction materials
Construction materials
Construction materials
Construction materials

Construction materials
Zinc and lead
Zinc, lead and copper
Zinc project
Steel, engineering works 
and grinding media

100%
100%
100%
100%
–

–
–
–
–
–

74%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
74%
74%

74%

172 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

37. GROUP COMPANIES continued

Joint ventures
LLX Minas-Rio Logística Comercial Exportadora SA
Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi SCM
AI Futtain Tarmac Quarry Products Limited
Midland Quarry Products Limited
Tarmac Oman Limited
Midmac Tarmac Qatar LLC

Country of incorporation
Brazil
Chile
Dubai
UK
Hong Kong
Qatar

Business
Port
Copper
Construction materials
Construction materials
Construction materials
Construction materials

Associates
Samancor Holdings (Pty) Limited(9)
Groote Eylandt Mining Company (Pty) Limited (GEMCO)(9)
Tasmanian Electro Metallurgical Company (Pty) Limited (TEMCO)(9)
Jellinbah Group (Pty) Limited(10)
Cerrejón Zona Norte SA
Carbones del Cerrejón LLC
DB Investments SA

Country of incorporation
South Africa
Australia
Australia
Australia
Colombia
Anguilla
Luxembourg

Business
Manganese
Manganese
Manganese
Coal
Coal
Coal
Diamonds

Proportionately consolidated jointly controlled operations(11)
Drayton
Moranbah North
German Creek(12)
Foxleigh
Dawson

Location
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Business
Coal
Coal
Coal
Coal
Coal

Percentage of equity owned(8)

2011
49%
44%
49%
50%
50%
50%

2010
49%
44%
49%
50%
50%
50%

Percentage of equity owned(8)

2011
40%
40%
40%
33.3%
33.3%
33.3%
45%

2010
40%
40%
40%
33.3%
33.3%
33.3%
45%

Percentage owned

2011
88.2%
88%
70%
70%
51%

2010
88.2%
88%
70%
70%
51%

(1)  The proportion of voting rights of subsidiaries held by the Group is the same as the proportion of equity owned.
(2)  During 2011 Peace River Coal Inc. purchased the non-controlling interests of the Peace River Coal Partnership which was subsequently dissolved. Peace River Coal Inc. is now the principal 

subsidiary for the Canadian coal operations.

(3)  A division of Anglo Operations Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary.
(4)  Anglo Platinum Limited changed its name to Anglo American Platinum Limited in 2011.
(5)  The Group sold Tarmac’s businesses in China, Turkey and Romania in July, October and November 2011 respectively.
(6)  The Group’s interest in Lisheen was held through Anglo American Lisheen Mining Limited, Killoran Lisheen Mining Limited and Lisheen Milling Limited. The Group owned 100% of the equity 

of each of these companies at 31 December 2010. Lisheen was sold in February 2011. See note 32.

(7)  Gamsberg Zinc was a division of Black Mountain Mining (Proprietary) Limited, which was sold in February 2011. See note 32.
(8)  All equity interests shown are ordinary shares.
(9)  These entities have a 30 June year end.
(10)  Queensland Coal Mine Management (Pty) Limited changed its name to Jellinbah Group (Pty) Limited during 2011. The Group’s effective interest in the Jellinbah operation is 23.3%.
(11)  The wholly owned subsidiary Anglo American Metallurgical Coal Holdings Limited holds the proportionately consolidated jointly controlled operations.
(12)  The German Creek operation includes both Capcoal Open Cut and Underground operations.

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Changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries
In September 2011 the Group completed the purchase of the non-controlling interests in the Peace River Coal Partnership for $166 million.

In November 2011 the Group sold a 24.5% interest in AA Sur to Mitsubishi Corporation LLC for proceeds of $5.39 billion. As disclosed in note 11d, capital gains 
tax of $1,017 million relating to the profit on sale has been charged directly to equity.

38. EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER END OF YEAR

On 6 January 2012 the Group’s shareholders approved, by way of resolution, the acquisition of an incremental interest in De Beers, to take the Group’s holding 
from 45% to up to 85%. The transaction remains subject to regulatory and government approvals.

With the exception of the above and the proposed final dividend for 2011, see note 12, there have been no material reportable events since  
31 December 2011.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

173

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

39. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY
a) Balance sheet of the Company, Anglo American plc, as at 31 December 2011

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
Amounts owed to subsidiaries
Amounts owed to other group undertakings
Other creditors

Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Liabilities due after more than one year
Convertible bond
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called-up share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Other reserves
Share-based payment reserve
Convertible debt reserve
Profit and loss account
Total shareholders’ funds (equity)

Note

39c

2011

2010

13,046

12,904

13,496
4
23
13,523

(236)
(159)
(12)
(407)
13,116
26,162

(1,504)
24,658

738
2,714
115
1,955
1
355
18,780
24,658

7,209
8
74
7,291

(190)
(25)
(14)
(229)
7,062
19,966

(1,434)
18,532

738
2,713
115
1,955
6
355
12,650
18,532

39b
39b
39b
39b
39b
39b
39b

The financial statements of Anglo American plc, registered number 3564138, were approved by the Board of directors on 16 February 2012 and signed on its 
behalf by:

Cynthia Carroll 

Chief Executive 

René Médori

Finance Director

174 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

39. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY continued
b) Reconciliation of movements in equity shareholders’ funds

US$ million
Balance at 1 January 2010
Profit for the financial year
Dividends paid(3)
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
Balance at 1 January 2011
Profit for the financial year
Dividends paid(3)
Issue of treasury shares under employee share 
schemes
Share-based payments
Capital contribution to Group undertakings
Shares issued on conversion of bond
Transfer between share-based payment reserve 
and profit and loss account
Balance at 31 December 2011

Called-up 
share capital
738
–
–

Share 
premium 
account
2,713
–
–

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
115
–
–

Other
 reserves(1)
1,955
–
–

Share-based 
payment 
reserve
15
–
–

Convertible 
debt reserve
355
–
–

–
–
–

–
738
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
2,713
–
–

–
–
–
1

–
–
–

–
115
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
1,955
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
738

–
2,714

–
115

–
1,955

–
3
–

(12)
6
–
–

–
1
–
–

(6)
1

Profit  
and loss
 account(2)
10,106
2,582
(212)

42
–
120

12
12,650
6,520
(561)

18
–
147
–

Total
15,997
2,582
(212)

42
3
120

–
18,532
6,520
(561)

18
1
147
1

–
–
–

–
355
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
355

6
18,780

–
24,658

(1)  At 31 December 2011 other reserves of $1,955 million (2010: $1,955 million) were not distributable under the Companies Act 2006.
(2)  At 31 December 2011 $2,685 million (2010: $385 million) of the Company profit and loss account of $18,780 million (2010: $12,650 million) was not distributable under the Companies Act 2006.
(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 directors are proposing a final dividend in respect of the year ended 
31 December 2011 of 46 US cents per share (see note 12).

The audit fee in respect of the parent company was $7,156 (2010: $7,000). 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 3.

c) Fixed asset investments

US$ million
Cost
At 1 January
Capital contributions(1)
Additions
At 31 December
Provisions for impairment
At 1 January
Impairment charge
At 31 December
Net book value

i

F
n
a
n
c

i

a

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

Investment in subsidiaries

2011

2010

13,232
140
2
13,374

(328)
–
(328)
13,046

13,112
120
–
13,232

(8)
(320)
(328)
12,904

(1)  This amount is net of $7 million (2010: nil) of intra-group recharges.

Impairment testing of fixed asset investments
As a result of the Group’s ongoing disposal of non-core operations during the year, the Company’s investment in Anglo American Finance (UK) plc (AA 
Finance) was tested for impairment at 31 December 2011 and 31 December 2010. The carrying value of the Company’s investment in AA Finance is supported 
by a number of businesses, including the Tarmac group. In 2010, consistent with the Group’s loss on disposal of certain Tarmac European businesses during 
the year, the Company recognised an impairment charge of $320 million.

A value in use model, using a discount rate of 6%, was utilised to determine the recoverable amount of the investment.

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. Actual results may differ 
from those estimated.

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, 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 $6,520 million (2010: $2,582 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.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

175

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

39. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY continued
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 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 a Monte Carlo model at the grant date. The fair value of share options issued with non-market vesting conditions 
has been calculated using a 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 29 to the consolidated financial statements of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2011.

Investments
Investments represent equity holdings in subsidiaries and are held at cost less provision for impairment.

Convertible debt
Convertible bonds are classified as compound instruments, consisting of a liability and an equity component. At the date of issue, the fair value of the liability 
component is estimated using the prevailing market interest rate for similar non-convertible debt and is recognised within borrowings and carried at amortised 
cost. The difference between the proceeds of issue of the convertible bond and the fair value assigned to the liability component, representing the embedded 
option to convert the liability into equity of the Company, is included in equity.

Issue costs are apportioned between the liability and equity components of the convertible bonds where appropriate based on their relative carrying amounts 
at the date of issue. The portion relating to the equity component is charged directly against equity.

The interest expense on the liability component is calculated by applying the effective interest rate for similar non-convertible debt to the liability component 
of the instrument. The difference between this amount and the interest paid is added to the carrying amount of the liability.

176 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES
ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

INTRODUCTION

The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates presented in this Annual 
Report are prepared in accordance with the Anglo American plc (AA plc) 
Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 
standard. This standard 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 Exploration Results, 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. 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 
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 
suitably qualified Competent Persons from within the Anglo American 
Group, or by independent consultants. The frequency and depth of the 
reviews is a function of the perceived 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 Reserves are 
dynamic and are more likely to be affected by fluctuations in the prices  
of commodities, uncertainties in production costs, processing costs and 
other mining, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors which 
may impact the financial condition and prospects of the Group. 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.

To accommodate the various factors that are important in the development 
of a classified Mineral Resource estimate, a scorecard approach can be 
used. Mineral Resource classification defines the confidence associated 
with different parts of the Mineral Resource. The confidence that is 
assigned refers collectively to the reliability of the Grade and Tonnage 
estimates. This reliability includes consideration for the fidelity of the base 
data, the geological continuity predicated by the level of understanding of 
the geology, the likely precision of the estimated grades and understanding 
of grade variability, as well as various other factors that may influence the 
confidence that can be placed on the Mineral Resource. Platinum, Nickel 
and Kumba Iron Ore have developed and applied their own scorecard 
approaches to the classification of Mineral Resources.

The estimates of Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources are stated as at 
31 December 2011. Unless otherwise stated, Mineral Resources are 
additional to those resources which have been modified to produce the  
Ore Reserves and are reported on a dry tonnes basis. 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.

It is accepted that mine design and planning may include a portion of 
Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Mineral Resources in the Life of Mine 
Plan (LOMP) are described as ‘Inferred (in LOMP)’ separately from the 
remaining Inferred Mineral Resources described as ‘Inferred (ex. LOMP)’, 
as required. These resources are declared without application of any 
modifying factors.

The direct legal ownership that Anglo American holds in each operation 
and project is presented as the Attributable Percentage beside the name  
of each entity. Operations and projects which fall below the internal 
threshold for reporting (25% attributable interest) are excluded from the 
Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources estimates. A number of assets were 
disposed of during 2011 hence the following operations and projects are 
not reported in 2011: Black Mountain, Lisheen, Gamsberg and River Valley.

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:

 (cid:228) 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 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources 
have been included in the statement.

 (cid:228) 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 Mineral 
Resources have been included in the statement (any associated 
comments appear in the footnotes).

O

r
e
R
e
s
e
r
v
e
s
a
n
d
M
n
e
r
a

i

l

R
e
s
o
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r
c
e
s

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

177

 
 
 
 
 
ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

ESTIMATED ORE RESERVES(1) (PROVED + PROBABLE) 
as at 31 December 2011
Detailed Proved and Probable figures appear on the referenced pages

KUMBA IRON ORE 
(See page 180 for details)
Total Saleable Tonnes

Kolomela (OP)  
48.2% (23)
203 Mt @ 64.7% Fe

Sishen (OP)  
48.2% (18)
744 Mt @ 65.0% Fe

Thabazimbi (OP)  
48.2% (4)
8 Mt @ 63.1% Fe

SAMANCOR MANGANESE 
(See page 182 for details)
Total ROM Tonnes

GEMCO (OP)(2) 
40.0% (12)
105.3 Mt @ 46.3% Mn 74.4 Mt @ 37.2% Mn

Mamatwan (OP)  
29.6% (21)

Wessels (UG)  
29.6% (48)
71.8 Mt @ 43.1% Mn

METALLURGICAL COAL 
(See page 183 for details)
Total Saleable Tonnes(3)

Callide (OC)  
100% (25)
Thermal-Domestic: 
246.8 Mt @  
4,350 kcal/kg

Capcoal (OC)  
76.8% (25)
Metallurgical-Coking:  
28.6 Mt @ 7.0 CSN
Metallurgical-Other: 
72.1 Mt @  
6,980 kcal/kg
Thermal-Export: 
4.0 Mt @  
7,050 kcal/kg

Capcoal (UG)  
70.0% (12)
Metallurgical-Coking:  
42.7 Mt @ 9.0 CSN

Dawson (OC)  
51.0% (11)
Metallurgical-
Coking:  
27.5 Mt @ 7.5 CSN
Thermal-Export: 
101.0 Mt @  
6,500 kcal/kg

Drayton (OC) 
88.2% (5)
Thermal-Export: 
17.3 Mt @  
6,260 kcal/kg

Foxleigh (OC)  
70.0% (4)
Metallurgical-
Other:  
14.8 Mt @  
6,840 kcal/kg

KEY

Operation name (OP/OC/UG)(5)  
100%  1  (YY)  2

1

2

Anglo American attributable %
Mine Life(6)

Moranbah North (UG) 
88.0% (18)
Metallurgical-Coking:  
101.3 Mt @ 8.0 CSN 

Trend (OC)  
100% (13)
Metallurgical- 
Coking:  
15.4 Mt @  
7.0 CSN 
Thermal-
Export:  
0.2 Mt @  
5,070 kcal/kg

THERMAL COAL 
(See page 186/7 for details)
Total Saleable Tonnes(3)

Cerrejón (OC)  
33.3% (20)
Thermal-Export: 
778.7 Mt @  
6,290 kcal/kg

Goedehoop (UG&OC)  
100% (11)
Thermal-Export:  
45.9 Mt @  
6,220 kcal/kg 

Greenside (UG)  
100% (11)
Thermal-Export:  
27.8 Mt @  
6,200 kcal/kg 

Isibonelo (OC)  
100% (14)
Synfuel:  
69.9 Mt @  
4,590 kcal/kg 

Kleinkopje (OC) 
100% (13)
Thermal-Export: 
29.3 Mt @  
6,170 kcal/kg
Thermal-
Domestic: 
21.8 Mt @  
4,550 kcal/kg 

Kriel (UG&OC) 
73.0% (14)
Thermal-
Domestic:  
113.5 Mt @  
4,580 kcal/kg  

Landau (OC)  
100% (9)
Thermal-Export:  
29.8 Mt @  
6,240 kcal/kg
Thermal-Domestic:  
5.0 Mt @  
4,340 kcal/kg 

Mafube (OC)  
50.0% (19)
Thermal-
Export:  
33.8 Mt @ 
6,210 kcal/kg
Thermal-
Domestic: 
31.8 Mt @ 
5,110 kcal/kg

THERMAL COAL 
(Continued)
Total Saleable Tonnes(3)

New Denmark (UG) 
100% (23)
Thermal-Domestic: 
111.1 Mt @  
5,050 kcal/kg

New Vaal (OC)  
100% (20)
Thermal-Domestic: 
359.8 Mt @  
3,490 kcal/kg 

Nooitgedacht 5 Seam (UG) 
100% (1)
Metallurgical-Other:  
0.3 Mt @  
6,370 kcal/kg 

COPPER 
(See page 190 for details)
Total Contained Copper

El Soldado (OP)  
75.5% (23)
Flotation:  
1,448kt  
[162.7 Mt @ 0.89% TCu] 
Heap Leach:  
16kt  
[3.5 Mt @ 0.46% TCu] 

Los Bronces (OP) 
75.5% (34)
Flotation:  
9,261kt  
[1,498.4 Mt @  
0.62% TCu]
Dump Leach:  
2,235kt  
[683.7 Mt @  
0.33% TCu]

Collahuasi (OP)  
44.0% (68)
Heap Leach: 
224kt  
[35.4 Mt @  
0.63% TCu] 
Flotation – direct: 
18,219kt  
[1,925.3 Mt @  
0.95% TCu] 
Flotation 
– stockpile:  
4,596kt  
[935.2 Mt @  
0.49% TCu]

Zibulo (UG&OC)  
73.0% (19)
Thermal-Export: 
56.3 Mt @  
6,090 kcal/kg 
Thermal-Domestic:  
35.4 Mt @  
4,770 kcal/kg

Mantoverde (OP) 
100% (6)
Heap Leach: 
248kt  
[42.7 Mt @  
0.58% ASCu] 
Dump Leach: 
116kt  
[45.4 Mt @  
0.26% ASCu] 

Mantos Blancos (OP)  
100% (10)
Flotation:  
376kt  
[46.0 Mt @ 0.82% ICu]
Vat & Heap Leach:  
99kt  
[24.7 Mt @ 0.40% 
ASCu] 
Dump Leach:  
119kt  
[51.7 Mt @ 0.23% 
ASCu]

NICKEL 
(See page 193 for details)
Total Contained Nickel

Barro Alto (OP)  
100% (32)
833kt  
[52.2 Mt @ 1.60% Ni]

Loma de Níquel (OP)  
91.4% (4)
68kt  
[4.6 Mt @ 1.48% Ni]

Niquelândia (OP)  
100% (25)
63kt  
[4.6 Mt @ 1.35% Ni]

PLATINUM(4) 
(See page 194 for details)
Total Contained PGE

Merensky Reef  
79.8%

UG2 Reef  
79.8%

Platreef  
79.8%

Main Sulphide Zone  
79.8%

18.5 Moz (4E)

89.9 Moz (4E)

67.7 Moz (4E)

4.7 Moz (4E)

OMI – PHOSPHATES 
(See page 197 for details)
Total ROM Tonnes

Copebrás (OP) 
100% (41)
239.2 Mt @ 13.4% P2O5

OMI – NIOBIUM 
(See page 198 for details)
Total Contained Product

Catalão (OP)  
100% (4)
45kt 
[4.3 Mt @ 1.03% Nb2O5]

(1)  Estimated Total Ore Reserves are the sum of Proved and Probable Ore Reserves (on an exclusive basis, i.e. Mineral Resources are reported as additional to Ore Reserves). Please refer to the detailed 

Business Units/Commodities Ore Reserve estimates tables for the individual Proved and Probable estimates. The Ore Reserve estimates were compiled in accordance with the Australasian  
Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2004) as a minimum standard. Ore Reserve estimates for operations in South Africa were compiled 
in accordance with The South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, (The SAMREC Code, 2007). 
The figures reported represent 100% of the Ore Reserves, the percentage attributable to Anglo American plc is stated separately. Rounding of figures may cause computational discrepancies. 

(2)  GEMCO Manganese grades are given as per washed ore samples and should be read with the respective yield of 54.7%.
(3)  Total Saleable Tonnes represents the product tonnes produced quoted as metric tonnes on a Product moisture basis. The coal quality for Coal Reserves is quoted as either Calorific Value (CV) using 
kilo-calories per kilogram (kcal/kg) units on a Gross As Received (GAR) basis or Crucible Swell Number (CSN). CV is rounded to the nearest 10 kcal/kg and CSN to the nearest 0.5 index. Coal quality 
parameters for the Coal Reserves for Metallurgical - Coking, Metallurgical - Other and Thermal - Export collieries meet the contractual specifications for Coking Coal, PCI, metallurgical coal, steam 
coal and domestic coal. Coal quality parameters for the Coal Reserves for Thermal - Domestic and Synfuels collieries meet the specifications of the individual supply contracts.  
Metallurgical - Coking: High-, medium- or low-volatile semi-soft, soft or hard coking coal primarily for blending and use in the steel industry.  
Metallurgical - Other: 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.  
Thermal - Export: Low- to high-volatile thermal coal primarily for export in the use of power generation; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Thermal - Domestic: Low- to high-volatile thermal coal primarily for domestic consumption for power generation.  
Synfuel: Coal specifically for the domestic production of synthetic fuel and chemicals. 
(4)  Details of the individual operations appear in the Anglo American Platinum Annual Report.  

The figures reported represent 100% of the Ore Reserves attributable to Anglo American Platinum unless otherwise noted.  
4E is the sum of Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and Gold. 

(5)  Mining method: OP = Open Pit, OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground. 
(6)  Mine Life is the extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only.

178 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

ESTIMATED MINERAL RESOURCES(1) (MEASURED + INDICATED) 
as at 31 December 2011
Detailed Measured, Indicated and Inferred figures appear on the referenced pages

KUMBA IRON ORE 
(See page 180 for details)
In-situ Tonnes

IRON ORE BRAZIL 
(See page 181 for details)
In-situ Tonnes(2)

Kolomela (OP) 
48.2%

Sishen (OP)  
48.2%

Thabazimbi (OP)  
48.2%

62.7 Mt @ 65.0% Fe 385.9 Mt @ 61.5% Fe

8.3 Mt @ 61.9% Fe

Amapá 
70.0%

Itapanhoacanga 
100%

Serra do Sapo 
100%

Serro 
100%

Canga: 
13.1 Mt @ 49.6% Fe 
Colluvium: 
68.0 Mt @ 38.7% Fe
Friable Itabirite and 
Hematite: 
145.5 Mt @ 41.4% Fe

Friable Itabirite and 
Hematite: 
244.2 Mt @ 41.7% Fe
Compact Itabirite: 
106.7 Mt @ 33.7% Fe

Friable Itabirite and 
Hematite: 
1,839.8 Mt @ 37.5% Fe
Compact Itabirite: 
2,818.9 Mt @ 31.1% Fe

Friable Itabirite and 
Hematite: 
9.5 Mt @ 63.6% Fe
Compact Itabirite: 
Inferred only

KEY

Operation name (OP/OC/UG)(6)  
100%  1

1

Anglo American attributable %

SAMANCOR MANGANESE 
(See page 182 for details)
In-situ Tonnes

METALLURGICAL COAL 
(See page 184 for details)
In-situ Tonnes(4)

THERMAL COAL 
(See page 188 for details)
In-situ Tonnes(4)

THERMAL COAL 
(Continued)
In-situ Tonnes(4)

COPPER 
(See page 191 for details)
Contained Copper

GEMCO (OP)(3) 
40.0%

Mamatwan (OP)  
29.6%

Wessels (UG)  
29.6%

115.8 Mt @  
46.8% Mn

Callide (OC)  
100%

525.7 Mt @  
4,870 kcal/kg 

Cerrejón (OC) 
33.3%

1,081.1 Mt @ 
6,450 kcal/kg 

119.5 Mt @  
35.2% Mn

Capcoal (OC)  
76.8%

41.7 Mt @ 
7,080 kcal/kg 

143.3 Mt @  
44.4% Mn

Capcoal (UG)  
70.0%

144.3 Mt @ 
6,680 kcal/kg 

Goedehoop (UG&OC) 
100%

Greenside (UG)  
100%

155.4 Mt @  
5,470 kcal/kg 

14.2 Mt @  
5,650 kcal/kg

Dawson (OC)  
51.0%

441.7 Mt @ 
6,660 kcal/kg

Isibonelo (OC)  
100%

20.9 Mt @  
5,210 kcal/kg

Drayton (OC) 
88.2%

Foxleigh (OC)  
70.0%

Moranbah North (UG) 
88.0%

Trend (OC) 
100%

14.7 Mt @ 
6,850 kcal/kg

33.3 Mt @ 
7,110 kcal/kg

76.9 Mt @  
6,640 kcal/kg

Kleinkopje (OC) 
100%

Kriel (UG&OC) 
73.0%

Landau (OC)  
100%

28.5 Mt @  
4,970 kcal/kg

19.3 Mt @  
5,060 kcal/kg 

60.8 Mt @  
5,020 kcal/kg 

21.2 Mt @ 
6,500 kcal/kg

Mafube (OC)  
50.0%

9.9 Mt @ 
5,210 kcal/kg

New Denmark (UG) 
100%

New Vaal (OC)  
100%

Nooitgedacht 5 Seam (UG) 
100%

Zibulo (UG&OC) 
73.0%

Inferred only

- 

1.1 Mt @ 
5,370 kcal/kg 

320.6 Mt @ 
4,910 kcal/kg

El Soldado (OP) 
75.5%
Flotation:  
315kt  
[40.7 Mt @ 0.77% TCu] 
Heap Leach:  
1kt  
[0.2 Mt @ 0.71% TCu] 

Los Bronces (OP) 
75.5%
Flotation:  
4,918kt  
[1,133.9 Mt @  
0.43% TCu] 
Dump Leach: 
Inferred only

Collahuasi (OP) 
44.0%

Heap Leach: 
 90kt  
[15.1 Mt @  
0.60% TCu] 
Flotation – direct: 
5,704kt  
[630.1 Mt @  
0.91% TCu] 
Flotation 
– stockpile:  
704kt  
[153.7 Mt @  
0.46% TCu] 

Mantoverde (OP) 
100%

Heap Leach: 
131kt  
[34.2 Mt @  
0.38% ASCu]
Dump Leach: 
Inferred only 

Mantos Blancos (OP)  
100%
Flotation:  
738kt  
[116.0 Mt @ 0.64% ICu] 
Vat & Heap Leach:  
111kt  
[24.5 Mt @ 0.45% 
ASCu]  
Dump Leach:  
17kt  
[8.3 Mt @ 0.20% ASCu] 

NICKEL 
(See page 193 for details)
Contained Nickel

Barro Alto (OP) 
100%

Loma de Níquel (OP) 
91.4%

Niquelândia (OP)  
100%

171kt  
[13.2 Mt @ 1.30% Ni]

75kt  
[5.7 Mt @ 1.32% Ni]

75kt  
[6.0 Mt @ 1.25% Ni]

PLATINUM(5) 
(See page 195 for details)
Contained PGE

Merensky Reef 
79.8%

UG2 Reef 
79.8%

Platreef  
79.8%

Main Sulphide Zone 
79.8%

77.8 Moz (4E)

158.8 Moz (4E)

86.2 Moz (4E)

4.0 Moz (4E)

OMI – PHOSPHATES 
(See page 197 for details)
In-situ Tonnes

Copebrás (OP) 
100%
64.2 Mt @ 11.9% P2O5

OMI – NIOBIUM 
(See page 198 for details)
Contained Product

Catalão (OP)  
100%

35kt  
[2.8 Mt @ 1.22% Nb2O5]

(1)  Estimated Measured plus Indicated Resources are the sum of the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources (on an exclusive basis, i.e. Mineral Resources are reported as additional to  

Ore Reserves). Please refer to the detailed Business Units/Commodities Mineral Resource estimates tables for the individual Measured, Indicated and Inferred estimates. The Mineral Resource 
estimates were compiled in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2004) as a minimum standard. 
The Mineral Resource estimates for operations in South Africa were compiled in accordance with The South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral 
Reserves, (The SAMREC Code, 2007).  
The figures reported represent 100% of the Mineral Resources, the percentage attributable to Anglo American plc is stated separately. Rounding of figures may cause computational discrepancies. 

(2)  Tonnages are reported on a wet basis.
(3)  GEMCO Manganese grades are given as per washed samples and should be read with the respective yield of 47.4%
(4)  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. The coal quality for the Coal Resources is quoted on an in-situ heat content as Calorific Value (CV) using kilo-calories per kilogram (kcal/kg) units on 
a Gross As Received (GAR) basis. CV is rounded to the nearest 10 kcal/kg.

(5)  Details of the individual operations appear in the Anglo American Platinum Annual Report. Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef Mineral Resources are estimated over a practical minimum mining width 

suitable for the deposit known as the ‘Resource Cut’. The minimum mining width over which Mineral Resources are declared is 90cm. The ‘Resource Cut’ width takes cognisance of the mining method 
and geotechnical aspects in the hanging wall or footwall of the reef. The figures reported represent 100% of the Ore Reserves attributable to Anglo American Platinum unless otherwise noted.  
4E is the sum of Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and Gold. 

(6)  Mining method: OP = Open Pit, OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground.

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

179

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

IRON ORE  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

KUMBA IRON ORE
The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with The South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral 
Resources and Mineral Reserves, (The SAMREC Code, 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.

Kumba Iron Ore – Operations
ORE RESERVES
Kolomela Mine (OP)(1)

Attributable %
48.2

Mine
Life
23

Sishen Mine (OP)(2)

48.2

18

Thabazimbi Mine (OP)(3)

48.2

4

Kumba Iron Ore – Operations
MINERAL RESOURCES
Kolomela Mine (OP)(4)

Attributable %
48.2

Sishen Mine (OP)(5)

48.2

Thabazimbi Mine (OP)(6)(7)

48.2

Classification

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

THE MINERAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO ORE RESERVES. 

Kumba Iron Ore – Projects
MINERAL RESOURCES
Phoenix Project(7)

Attributable %
48.2

Classification

Inferred

Saleable product

2010

2011
Mt %Fe
110 65.0
94 64.4

Mt %Fe
118 64.5
84 64.1
203 64.7 202 64.3

439 65.5
393 65.0
351 65.1
366 65.1
744 65.0 805 65.3

2 63.2
6 63.0
8 63.1

8 62.6
4 61.9
12 62.3

2011
Mt
109.7
93.7
203.4

525.8
458.1
983.9

2.7
7.7
10.4

2011
  Mt
46.6
16.1
62.7
45.9
53.7
99.6

111.1
274.8
385.9
173.4
217.2
390.6

1.1
7.2
8.3
3.0
3.9
6.9

2011
  Mt
11.3

Tonnes

2010

Mt
118.5
84.0
202.4

576.3
500.6
1,077.0

9.0
4.9
13.9

Tonnes

2010

Mt
49.1
20.0
69.2
35.1
47.7
82.7

127.0
410.5
537.5
17.9
116.2
134.1

3.4
1.2
4.6
0.9
0.9
1.8

Tonnes

2010

Mt
–

2011
%Fe
64.9
64.3
64.6
%Fe
58.9
59.3
59.1
%Fe
61.4
60.4
60.7

2011
%Fe
65.0
65.1
65.0
64.3
62.7
63.4
%Fe
61.3
61.6
61.5
49.1
53.8
51.7
%Fe
61.1
62.0
61.9
61.8
61.8
61.8

2011
%Fe
63.0

Grade

2010

%Fe
64.5
64.1
64.3
%Fe
59.8
58.7
59.3
%Fe
61.1
60.6
61.0

Grade

2010

%Fe
65.1
65.0
65.1
65.7
62.5
63.9
%Fe
59.4
58.5
58.7
59.7
59.6
59.6
%Fe
61.8
61.2
61.6
61.9
61.5
61.7

Grade

2010

%Fe
–

Mining method: OP = Open Pit. Mine Life = The extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only. 
The tonnage is quoted as dry metric tonnes and abbreviated as Mt for million tonnes. 
The Mineral Resources are constrained by a resource pit shell, which defines the spatial limits of eventual economic extraction. 
Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to some Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will necessarily be upgraded to an Indicated or 
Measured Resource after continued exploration.  
The Zandrivierspoort Project is not reported as Anglo American’s shareholding is below the internal threshold for reporting. Details of this project are presented in the Kumba Iron Ore Annual Report.

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

 Kolomela Mine – Ore Reserves: The increase is primarily due to production which has been offset by a lowering of the cut-off grade applied during the Life of Mine Plan scheduling to equalise plant 
feed grade in the initial years which previously exceeded client quality specifications. A revision of the Mineral Resource classification using a quantitative scorecard approach was carried out in 2011 
and impacts on the Ore Reserve classification. The calculated 2011 Mine Life excludes Inferred Resources.
 Sishen Mine – Ore Reserves: The net decrease is due to production as well as a revision of the Life of Mine schedule necessitated by a downgrade of Banded Iron Formation Mineral Resources. 
The impact of this reduction was offset by blending in lower quality material that in the previous Life of Mine Plan remained on run-of-mine stockpiles after the Mine Life ran out and were considered 
as mining losses. Inclusion of this material has been confirmed by economic studies. The calculated 2011 Mine Life excludes Inferred Resources.
 Thabazimbi Mine – Ore Reserves: The decrease is due to a revision of the geological interpretations, geological modelling and subsequent Mineral Resource estimation, the effects of which were 
carried through to the Ore Reserves, especially in the Kumba mining area.
 Kolomela Mine – Mineral Resources: The net increase is primarily the result of geological model refinements undertaken in 2011 to consider a structural re-interpretation conducted for the ore 
bodies scheduled in the Life of Mine Plan by an external structural geology expert. 3.6 Mt of the Inferred Mineral Resources are extrapolated Inferred Mineral Resources as opposed to the rest being 
interpolated Inferred Mineral Resources.
 Sishen Mine – Mineral Resources: The significant increase in Mineral Resources can primarily be attributed to a re-allocation of Banded Iron Formation lower grade iron ore (Jig beneficiation feed) 
Mineral Resources to an Inferred status to appropriately reflect the uncertainty in grade estimates associated with historical selective high grade sampling practices. This caused a decrease in the 
overall average grade above the 40% Fe cut-off.
 Thabazimbi Mine – Mineral Resources: The primary contributing factor to the increase in Mineral Resources was a significant increase in the long term forward looking iron ore price, which is 
converted to a revenue factor to derive an optimistic pit shell which spatially defines eventual economic extraction for the Kumba Iron Ore Group. This had the effect of converting Mineral Inventory into 
Mineral Resources, especially at the Kumba mining area. The increase was offset by the revised geological model which resulted in Mineral Resource write-offs, particularly at the Kumba mining area 
as well as Mineral Resource classification downgrading to consider the fact that Thabazimbi Mine mainly relies on percussion drilling to define Mineral Resources as compared to other Kumba 
operations which use a combination of percussion and core drilling, with the latter a large portion of the data used for Mineral Resource grade estimations.
 Phoenix Project: The Phoenix Project addresses possible or potential beneficiation opportunities for the Hematite ore (reported as Vanderbijl Pit Hematite in 2010 for the ring-fenced Vanderbijl 
mining area) in combination with other low grade material in the same area (not reported in 2010). The total Hematite Mineral Resource for this project has been reclassified as Inferred, primarily due 
to the low confidence associated with the historical information currently considered in the project resource definition.

Assumption with respect to Mineral Tenure
Sishen Mine: 

 On 21 December 2011 judgment was delivered in the North Gauteng High Court regarding the status of the Mining Rights at the Sishen Mine. The High Court held that, upon the 
conversion of Sishen Iron Ore Company’s (SIOC) Old Order Mining Right relating to the Sishen Mine properties in 2008, SIOC became the exclusive holder of a converted Mining 
Right for iron ore and quartzite in respect of the Sishen Mine properties. Accordingly, Kumba Iron Ore Group attributable percentage in SIOC increased to 73.9% in 2011. As a 
consequence, the Anglo American plc attributable percentage in Sishen Mine increases to 48.2%. On 3 February 2012 both the South African Department of Mineral Resources, 
as well as Imperial Crown Trading 289 (Pty) Ltd, submitted applications seeking leave to appeal against the High Court order.

180 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

 
ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

IRON ORE  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

IRON ORE 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 Compact Itabirite, have been identified at Serra do Sapo and Itapanhoacanga. 
Only the friable material is being considered for Phase 1 of the project. The planned annual capacity of Phase 1 is 26.5 Mtpa of iron ore pellet feed (wet 
tonnes), for start up during in the second half of 2013. 

The Mineral Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore 
Reserves (The JORC Code, 2004) as a minimum standard. The figures reported represent 100% of the Mineral Resources. Rounding of figures may cause 
computational discrepancies.

Iron Ore Brazil – Operations
MINERAL RESOURCES
Amapá (OP)(1)(2)

Attributable %
70.0

Canga

Colluvium

Friable Itabirite and Hematite

Iron Ore Brazil – Projects
MINERAL RESOURCES
Itapanhoacanga (OP)(3)(4)

Attributable %
100

Friable Itabirite and Hematite

Compact Itabirite

Serra do Sapo (OP)(3)(5)

100

Friable Itabirite and Hematite

Compact Itabirite

Serro (OP)(3)(6)

100

Friable Itabirite and Hematite

Compact Itabirite

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

2011
Mt
2.6
10.5
13.1
1.3
12.0
56.0
68.0
18.6
33.5
112.0
145.5
26.0

2011
Mt
25.0
219.2
244.2
74.7
10.9
95.8
106.7
43.9

561.3
1,278.5
1,839.8
165.1
565.0
2,253.9
2,818.9
477.3

–
9.5
9.5
74.2
–
–
–
308.2

Tonnes

2010

Mt
–
12.0
12.0
3.9
13.5
34.3
47.9
25.8
14.7
78.9
93.7
54.5

Tonnes

2010

Mt
25.0
219.2
244.2
74.7
10.9
95.8
106.7
43.9

502.7
1,070.0
1,572.6
275.8
497.7
1,819.8
2,317.5
709.2

–
9.5
9.5
74.2
–
–
–
308.2

2011
%Fe
54.2
48.5
49.6
41.5
40.4
38.3
38.7
34.7
40.5
41.7
41.4
40.1

2011
%Fe
42.5
41.6
41.7
41.7
33.2
33.8
33.7
33.2
%Fe
35.3
38.5
37.5
36.3
31.0
31.1
31.1
31.1
%Fe
–
63.6
63.6
35.3
–
–
–
31.6

Grade

2010

%Fe
–
53.1
53.1
45.1
41.9
40.5
40.9
35.6
44.5
42.6
42.9
40.3

Grade

2010

%Fe
42.5
41.6
41.7
41.7
33.2
33.8
33.7
33.2
%Fe
37.8
37.2
37.4
39.9
31.5
31.0
31.1
30.2
%Fe
–
63.6
63.6
35.3
–
–
–
31.6

Mining method: OP = Open Pit. 
Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to some Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will necessarily be upgraded to an Indicated or 
Measured Resource after continued exploration.

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

 Amapá – Mineral Resources: The cut-off grade used is 25% Fe. Assays are on a dry basis. Tonnages are reported on a wet basis with an average moisture content of 11.3 wt% for Canga, 10.5 wt% for 
Colluvium and 9.9 wt% for Friable Itabirite and Hematite ore. Mineral Resources increase due to new in-fill drilling information and the inclusion of the Dragão area. The classification methodology was 
also refined during 2011. Additional metallurgical studies will be completed to assess the viability of processing Hydrothermally Altered Itabirite (ZAH) and Magnetite-bearing carbonated rock (RCB).
 Amapá: Friable Itabirite and Hematite includes Friable Itabirite, Altered Friable Itabirite and Friable Hematite. The Mineral Resources comprise the Mário Cruz, Mário Cruz Leste, Martelo, Taboca, 
Taboca Leste, Vila do Meio, Vila do Meio Leste and Dragão areas. 
 Minas Rio Project – Mineral Resources: The cut-off grade used is 25% Fe. Assays are on a dry basis. Tonnages are reported on a wet basis with an average moisture content of 4.2 wt% for Friable 
ore. Friable Itabirite and Hematite includes Friable Itabirite, Semi-Compact Itabirite, High Alumina Itabirite, Soft Hematite and Canga.  
The Minas Rio Project comprises the following sub-areas: Itapanhoacanga, Serra do Sapo and Serro.
 Itapanhoacanga: Friable Itabirite and Hematite includes Friable Itabirite, Semi-Compact Itabirite, Soft Hematite and Hard Hematite.
 Serra do Sapo: Friable Itabirite and Hematite includes Friable Itabirite, Semi-Compact Itabirite, High Alumina Itabirite, Soft Hematite and Canga. The Mineral Resources increase due to new 
information obtained from infill drilling in the North Domain (100x100m) and deep drill holes as well as a refinement to the geotechnical model resulting in new geotechnical domains and slope angles. 
The classification methodology was also refined during 2011. The Canga material (Indicated: 34.5 Mt at 60.6% Fe; Inferred: 6.8 Mt at 56.5% Fe) is included and supported by geometallurgical tests. 
 Serro: Friable Itabirite and Hematite includes Friable Itabirite, Semi-Compact Itabirite and Hard Hematite (9.5 Mt @ 63.6% Fe).

Audits related to the generation of the Mineral Resource statements were carried out by independent consultants during 2011 at the following operations and projects:  
Amapá.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

181

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

MANGANESE  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

SAMANCOR MANGANESE
The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral 
Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2004) and The South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral 
Reserves (The SAMREC Code, 2007) as applicable. The figures reported represent 100% of the Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources (source: BHP Billiton). 
Rounding of figures may cause computational discrepancies. 

Samancor Manganese – Operations
ORE RESERVES
GEMCO (OP)(1)

Attributable %
40.0

Mine
Life
12

Hotazel Manganese Mines

29.6

Mamatwan (OP)(2)

Wessels (UG)(3)

21

48

Samancor Manganese – Operations
MINERAL RESOURCES
GEMCO (OP)(4)

Attributable %
40.0

Hotazel Manganese Mines 

29.6

Mamatwan (OP)(5)

Wessels (UG)(6)

THE MINERAL RESOURCES INCLUDE ORE RESERVES

Samancor Gabon – Projects
MINERAL RESOURCES
Franceville Project – Beniomi(7) 

Attributable %
40.0

Plaquette Ore

Transition Ore

Franceville Project – Bordeaux(7) 

40.0

Plaquette Ore

Transition Ore

Classification

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total
Proved
Probable
Total

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

2011
  Mt
79.4
25.9
105.3

43.9
30.5
74.4
4.1
67.7
71.8

2011
  Mt
87.0
28.7
115.8
49.4

64.8
54.7
119.5
4.2
13.8
129.5
143.3
–

2011
  Mt
11.0
6.6
17.5
2.9
4.1
2.4
6.5
5.0

4.6
0.8
5.4
0.8
2.3
0.5
2.8
1.8

Tonnes

2010

Mt
63.2
42.0
105.2

48.9
32.0
80.9
5.0
76.4
81.4

Tonnes

2010

Mt
67.0
45.5
112.4
38.9

68.9
54.7
123.6
4.2
14.6
128.4
143.0
–

Tonnes

2010

Mt
11.0
6.6
17.5
2.9
4.1
2.4
6.5
5.0

4.6
0.8
5.4
0.8
2.3
0.5
2.8
1.8

2011
%Mn
46.5
45.6
46.3
%Mn
37.3
37.1
37.2
44.0
43.0
43.1

2011
%Mn
47.1
46.0
46.8
43.9
%Mn
35.7
34.5
35.2
34.4
46.0
44.2
44.4
–

2011
%Mn
36.1
36.1
36.1
36.1
24.3
24.5
24.4
24.2
%Mn
36.4
36.1
36.4
36.8
24.7
24.1
24.6
25.1

Grade

2010

%Mn
46.9
46.4
46.7
%Mn
37.2
37.0
37.1
45.1
42.9
43.1

Grade

2010

%Mn
46.3
45.9
46.2
43.3
%Mn
35.6
34.6
35.2
34.4
45.9
44.2
44.4
–

Grade

2010

%Mn
36.1
36.1
36.1
36.1
24.3
24.5
24.4
24.2
%Mn
36.4
36.1
36.4
36.8
24.7
24.1
24.6
25.1

2011
%
54.8
54.2
54.7

2011
%
47.4
47.6
47.4
47.8

2011
%
72.0
74.4
72.9
71.8
73.1
75.1
73.8
68.4

72.0
67.8
71.4
69.5
74.0
70.3
73.3
67.1

Yield

2010

%
50.7
47.6
49.5

Yield

2010

%
44.4
43.9
44.2
45.2

Yield

2010

%
72.0
74.4
72.9
71.8
73.1
75.1
73.8
68.4

72.0
67.8
71.4
69.5
74.0
70.3
73.3
67.1

Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground. Mine Life = The extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only. 
Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to some Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will necessarily be upgraded to an Indicated or 
Measured Resource after continued exploration.

(1) 

 GEMCO – Ore Reserves: Production during 2011 has been balanced by the inclusion of additional G Quarry Ore Reserves. Manganese grades are given as per washed ore samples and should be 
read together with their respective yields. 

(2)  Mamatwan – Ore Reserves: The decrease is primarily due to production depletion and the re-running of the resource model. A Section 102 application has been approved by the South African 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

Department of Mineral Resources to amend the Mamatwan Mining Rights area to include the Ntsimbintle Prospecting Right.
 Wessels – Ore Reserves: The decrease is primarily due to a revised Upper Body pillar design, redefinition of mining areas as per Life of Mine Plan and updating of geological and mining losses. 
A Section 102 application has been approved by the South African Department of Mineral Resources to amend the Wessels Mining Rights area to include the Ntsimbintle Prospecting Right. The 
Wessels and Ntsimbintle Lower Body Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, which were previously declared separately, are therefore combined and declared as a single Ore Reserve and a single 
Mineral Resource respectively.
 GEMCO – Mineral Resources: The change is primarily due to the inclusion of additional resource definition drilling data, resulting in the upgrade in confidence of a large proportion of Indicated to 
Measured Mineral Resources and the inclusion of Inferred Resources from the Eastern Exploration Areas into the Mineral Resource statement.
 Mamatwan – Mineral Resources: A cut-off grade of 35% Mn is used to declare Mineral Resources within the M, C and N Zones at Mamatwan. Mineral Resources have also been declared from the 
X Zone, using a cut-off of 35% Mn, however, the Top Cut Resources comprising a total of 42.3 Mt are declared above a cut-off of 28% Mn.
 Wessels – Mineral Resources: A new Mineral Resource model was developed during 2010 and this model has resulted in the increase in Mineral Resource after consideration of depletion.
 Beniomi and Bordeaux: Mn grades are for +0.15mm screen size fraction and should be read together with their respective tonnage yields. The feasibility phase study for the establishment of a 
300 ktpa mine in Franceville, Gabon, commenced in July 2010 and the study is expected to be completed in the first quarter of FY2012. The pre-feasibility phase study for phase 2 to increase the 
production capacity to 1.8 mtpa is expected to commence in the second quarter of FY2012. However, the Gabon Mining Concession and Mining Convention remain subject to ongoing negotiation. 
No Ore Reserves are yet reportable.

182 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

COAL  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

METALLURGICAL COAL  
The Coal Reserve and Coal Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results,  
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2004) as a minimum standard. The figures reported represent 100% of the Coal Reserves and  
Coal Resources, the percentage attributable to Anglo American plc is stated separately. Rounding of figures may cause computational discrepancies.  
Anglo American Metallurgical Coal comprises export metallurgical and thermal coal operations located in Australia and Canada. 

Metallurgical Coal – Australia Operations 
COAL RESERVES(1)
Callide (OC)

Attributable %
100

(2)

Mine

Life Classification
25

Thermal – Domestic

Capcoal (OC)

Metallurgical – Coking

76.8

25

Metallurgical – Other

Thermal – Export

Capcoal (UG)

Metallurgical – Coking

70.0

12

Dawson (OC)

Metallurgical – Coking 

51.0

11

Thermal – Export

Drayton (OC)

Thermal – Export

Foxleigh (OC)

Metallurgical – Other

88.2

70.0

5

4

Moranbah North (UG)
Metallurgical – Coking

88.0

18

Australia Metallurgical – Coking  77.5

Australia Metallurgical – Other 

75.6

Australia Thermal – Export

57.1

Australia Thermal – Domestic 

100

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)

Saleable Tonnes(3)

Saleable Quality

(5)

2011
Mt
199.9
52.0
251.9

77.1
72.5
149.5

2010

Mt
130.6
90.6
221.2

84.7
72.5
157.1

40.6
14.7
55.3

15.0
149.0
163.9

3.2
19.7
22.9

4.1
13.7
17.8

114.8
11.3
126.1
Mt
454.6
332.8
787.4

45.7
14.7
60.4

17.9
156.0
173.8

4.2
24.3
28.5

5.8
14.7
20.5

116.8
13.1
130.0
Mt
405.5
385.8
791.4

2011
ROM %
98.0
98.0
98.0

2010

ROM %
98.1
99.5
98.7

2011
  Mt
195.8
51.0
246.8

2010

Mt
128.1
90.1
218.2

20.4
16.4
18.5

46.3
46.5
46.4

2.8
2.3
2.6

73.7
72.0
73.2

19.9
16.0
16.4

65.2
59.4
59.9

75.3
75.6
75.6

79.3
77.2
77.7

76.4
72.7
76.1
Plant %
68.2
35.8
59.0

49.1
54.0
51.7

57.3
60.7
60.3

98.0
98.0
98.0

21.2
16.8
19.2

44.3
46.7
45.4

3.0
2.3
2.7

72.9
72.0
72.7

22.1
17.7
18.2

61.3
57.6
58.0

76.7
76.7
76.7

76.9
76.8
76.8

76.9
72.3
76.4
Plant %
62.3
29.6
52.4

34.0
48.3
40.8

55.0
59.9
59.2

98.1
99.5
98.7

16.3
12.3
28.6

37.0
35.0
72.1

2.3
1.7
4.0

31.6
11.2
42.7

3.1
24.5
27.5

10.0
90.9
101.0

2.4
14.9
17.3

3.5
11.3
14.8

92.6
8.7
101.3
Mt
143.5
56.6
200.1

40.5
46.3
86.8

14.7
107.5
122.2

195.8
51.0
246.8

18.7
12.3
31.0

39.0
35.0
74.0

2.7
1.7
4.4

35.2
11.2
46.3

4.0
28.4
32.4

11.2
92.4
103.7

3.2
18.6
21.8

4.8
12.0
16.8

94.8
10.0
104.8
Mt
152.7
61.9
214.5

43.7
47.1
90.8

17.1
112.7
129.8

128.1
90.1
218.2

2011
kcal/kg
4,380
4,250
4,350
CSN
7.0
6.5
7.0
kcal/kg
6,970
6,990
6,980
kcal/kg
7,060
7,030
7,050
CSN
9.0
9.0
9.0
CSN
7.5
7.5
7.5
kcal/kg
6,500
6,500
6,500
kcal/kg
6,260
6,260
6,260
kcal/kg
6,940
6,810
6,840
CSN
8.0
8.0
8.0
CSN
8.0
7.5
8.0
kcal/kg
6,970
6,940
6,960
kcal/kg
6,550
6,480
6,480
kcal/kg
4,380
4,250
4,350

2010

kcal/kg
3,740
3,890
3,800
CSN
7.0
6.5
7.0
kcal/kg
6,970
6,990
6,980
kcal/kg
7,060
7,030
7,050
CSN
9.0
9.0
9.0
CSN
7.5
7.5
7.5
kcal/kg
6,500
6,500
6,500
kcal/kg
6,260
6,260
6,260
kcal/kg
6,960
6,810
6,850
CSN
8.0
8.0
8.0
CSN
8.0
7.5
8.0
kcal/kg
6,970
6,940
6,960
kcal/kg
6,540
6,470
6,480
kcal/kg
3,740
3,890
3,800

Metallurgical Coal – Canada Operations 
COAL RESERVES(1)
Trend (OC)

Attributable %
100

(2)

Metallurgical – Coking

Thermal – Export

Mine

Life Classification
13

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

ROM Tonnes(3)

Yield(4)

Saleable Tonnes(3)

Saleable Quality

(5)

2011
  Mt
20.3
2.3
22.6

2010
Mt
20.4
2.4
22.8

2011
ROM %
65.0
61.7
64.7

0.7
1.1
0.7

2010
ROM %
64.6
62.2
64.4

0.7
1.1
0.7

2011
  Mt
13.9
1.5
15.4

0.1
0.0
0.2

2010
Mt
13.9
1.5
15.4

0.2
0.0
0.2

2011
CSN
7.0
7.0
7.0
kcal/kg
5,070
5,070
5,070

2010
CSN
7.0
7.0
7.0
kcal/kg
5,300
5,300
5,300

Mining method: OC = Open Cut, UG = Underground. Mine Life = The extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only. 
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.

Metallurgical – Coking refers to a high-, medium- or low-volatile semi-soft, soft or hard coking coal primarily for blending and use in the steel industry; quality measured as Crucible Swell Number (CSN). 
Metallurgical – Other 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; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Thermal – Export refers to low- to high-volatile thermal coal primarily for export in the use of power generation; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Thermal – Domestic refers to low- to high-volatile thermal coal primarily for domestic consumption for power generation; quality measured by calorific value (CV).

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

183

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s
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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

COAL  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

Metallurgical Coal – Australia Operations
COAL RESOURCES(6)
Callide

Attributable %
100

(2)

Capcoal (OC)

Capcoal (UG)

Dawson

Drayton

Foxleigh 

Moranbah North

76.8

70.0

51.0

88.2

70.0

88.0

Australia – Mine Leases

77.3

THE COAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO COAL RESERVES. 

Metallurgical Coal – Canada Operations
COAL RESOURCES(6)
Trend (OC)

Attributable %
100

(2)

THE COAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO COAL RESERVES.

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(6)

2011
MTIS
260.7
265.1
525.7
15.3
13.8
27.9
41.7
36.6
76.3
68.0
144.3
0.3
163.1
278.6
441.7
103.5
2.4
12.3
14.7
0.4
17.3
16.1
33.3
7.0
55.7
21.3
76.9
0.1
589.2
689.2
1,278.4
163.3

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)

(8)

(6)

2011
MTIS
15.9
5.3
21.2
1.4

Tonnes

2010

(6)

MTIS
220.0
324.0
543.9
12.1
13.8
27.9
41.7
36.6
76.3
68.0
144.3
0.3
163.1
278.6
441.7
103.5
2.4
12.3
14.7
0.4
17.3
16.1
33.3
7.0
39.5
20.4
59.9
0.2
532.3
747.3
1,279.6
160.2

Tonnes

2010

(6)

MTIS
15.9
5.3
21.2
1.4

Coal Quality

2010

(7)

kcal/kg
4,870
4,790
4,820
4,260
7,080
7,080
7,080
6,710
6,730
6,620
6,680
6,630
6,670
6,660
6,660
6,870
6,870
6,850
6,850
6,050
7,130
7,090
7,110
6,830
6,630
6,500
6,590
6,680
5,960
5,870
5,910
6,630

(7)

2011
kcal/kg
4,940
4,810
4,870
4,240
7,080
7,080
7,080
6,710
6,730
6,620
6,680
6,630
6,670
6,660
6,660
6,870
6,870
6,850
6,850
6,050
7,130
7,090
7,110
6,830
6,670
6,570
6,640
6,980
5,940
5,970
5,960
6,580

Coal Quality

2010

(7)

kcal/kg
6,500
6,500
6,500
6,500

(7)

2011
kcal/kg
6,500
6,500
6,500
6,500

Metallurgical Coal – Australia Projects 
COAL RESERVES(1)
Grosvenor

Attributable %
100

(2)

Metallurgical – Coking

Mine

Life Classification
21

Proved
Probable
Total

ROM Tonnes

(3)

Yield

(4)

Saleable Tonnes

(3)

Saleable Quality

(5)

2011
Mt
76.1
62.6
138.7

2010

Mt
63.3
49.9
113.2

2011
ROM %
66.2
65.2
65.7

2010

ROM %
64.9
64.3
64.6

2011
  Mt
53.2
43.1
96.3

2010

Mt
43.3
33.8
77.2

2011
CSN
8.5
8.0
8.5

2010

CSN
8.5
8.0
8.5

Metallurgical Coal – Australia Projects
COAL RESOURCES(6)(8)
Dartbrook

Attributable %
83.3

(2)

Drayton South

Grosvenor

Moranbah South

Theodore

Australia – Projects

88.2

100

50.0

51.0

73.9

184 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

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

(6)

2011
MTIS
386.1
24.8
410.9
405.7
173.4
579.2
145.1
72.5
217.6
191.5
307.1
498.6
–
258.5
258.5
1,128.4
836.3
1,964.7

Tonnes

2010

(6)

MTIS
386.1
24.8
410.9
405.7
173.4
579.2
168.5
55.3
223.8
146.4
325.4
471.7
–
258.5
258.5
1,106.7
837.4
1,944.1

Coal Quality

2010

(7)

kcal/kg
5,720
5,460
5,700
6,580
6,540
6,570
6,410
6,430
6,410
6,030
6,300
6,220
–
6,260
6,260
6,180
6,320
6,240

(7)

2011
kcal/kg
5,720
5,460
5,700
6,580
6,540
6,570
6,420
6,550
6,460
6,050
6,350
6,230
–
6,260
6,260
6,180
6,350
6,250

ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

COAL  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

Metallurgical Coal – Australia Operations and Projects
COAL RESOURCES(6)
Total

Attributable %
75.2

(2)

THE COAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO COAL RESERVES. 

Metallurgical Coal – Canada Projects
COAL RESOURCES(6)(8)
Belcourt Saxon

Attributable %
50.0

(2)

Roman Mountain

Canada – Projects

100

56.8

Metallurgical Coal – Canada Operations and Projects
COAL RESOURCES(6)
Total

Attributable %
61.0

(2)

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)

(8)

(6)

2011
MTIS
1,717.6
1,525.5
3,243.1
172.8

Tonnes

2010

(6)

MTIS
1,638.9
1,584.7
3,223.6
196.0

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)

(8)

(6)

2011
MTIS
166.7
4.3
171.0
20.0
6.8
26.7
186.7
11.0
197.7

(6)

2011
MTIS
202.7
16.3
219.0
1.4

Tonnes

2010

(6)

MTIS
166.7
4.3
171.0
20.0
6.8
26.7
186.7
11.0
197.7

Tonnes

2010

(6)

MTIS
202.7
16.3
219.0
1.4

Coal Quality

2010

(7)

kcal/kg
6,110
6,110
6,110
6,590

Coal Quality

2010

(7)

kcal/kg
7,000
7,000
7,000
6,970
6,970
6,970
7,000
6,980
7,000

Coal Quality

2010

(7)

kcal/kg
6,960
6,830
6,950
6,920

(7)

2011
kcal/kg
6,090
6,180
6,130
6,570

(7)

2011
kcal/kg
6,500
6,500
6,500
6,640
6,660
6,650
6,510
6,600
6,520

(7)

2011
kcal/kg
6,510
6,570
6,520
6,500

(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 2011 only. For the 2010 Reported and Attributable figures, please refer to the 2010 Annual Report.
(3)  The tonnage is quoted as metric tonnes. ROM tonnages on an As Delivered moisture basis, and Saleable tonnages on a Product moisture basis.
(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

 Yield – ROM % 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 whereas Plant % is based on the 
‘Feed to Plant’ tonnes. The product yields (ROM %) for Proved, Probable and Total are calculated by dividing the individual Saleable reserves by the total ROM reserves per classification.
 The coal quality for the Coal Reserves is quoted as either Calorific Value (CV) using kilo-calories per kilogram (kcal/kg) units on a Gross As Received (GAR) basis or Crucible Swell Number (CSN). 
 Coal quality parameters for the Coal Reserves for Coking, Other 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.
 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.
 The coal quality for the Coal Resources is quoted on an in-situ heat content as Calorific Value (CV) using kilo-calories per kilogram (kcal/kg) units on a Gross As Received (GAR) basis.  
CV is rounded to the nearest 10 kcal/kg.
 Inferred (in LOMP) refers to Inferred Coal Resources that are included in the life of mine extraction schedule of the respective collieries and are not reported as Coal Reserves. Inferred Coal Resources 
outside the Life of Mine Plan but within the mine lease area are not reported due to the uncertainty attached to such resources in that it cannot be assumed that all or part of the Inferred Resource will 
necessarily be upgraded to Indicated or Measured categories through continued exploration, such Inferred Resources do not necessarily meet the requirements of reasonable prospects for eventual 
economic extraction, particularly in respect of future mining and processing economics.  

Jellinbah is not reported as Anglo American’s shareholding is below the internal threshold for reporting. Monash Energy’s resources have been removed from the 2011 report following the cancellation of 
their tenure near Flynn in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria. Anglo American is in liaison with the Victorian Government regarding the cancellation.  
Estimates for the following operations were updated by depletion and new geological models and revised Life of Mine Plans are scheduled for 2012: Capcoal (OC), Capcoal (UG), Dawson and Foxleigh.

Summary of material changes (±10%) at reporting level
Callide:  
Drayton:  
Moranbah North: 
Trend:  

 Increase in Coal Reserves mainly due to conversion of resources to reserves following re-estimation based on a revised Life of Mine Plan.
Decrease in Coal Reserves due to production.
Increase in Coal Resources resulting from changes in mine design (wider panels and shorter blocks).
 Estimates by depletion due to time constraints following incorporation of Peace River Coal into Anglo American Metallurgical Coal (AAMC).  
Minor differences in coal qualities are as a result of a detailed review of available quality data and subsequent update to the appropriate default quality values. 
 Increase in Coal Reserves as a result of additional drilling information and model update as part of the requirements for a Feasibility Study and conversion of resources to reserves. 
 Increase in Coal Resources due to new exploration data incorporated into the geological model, including a new mine plan as part of Pre-Feasibility study.
 Minor differences in coal qualities are as a result of a detailed review of available quality data and subsequent update to the appropriate default quality values.
 Minor differences in coal qualities are as a result of a detailed review of available quality data and subsequent update to the appropriate default quality values.

Grosvenor: 
Moranbah South: 
Belcourt Saxon: 
Roman Mountain: 

Assumption with respect to Mineral Tenure
Callide: 

Foxleigh: 

Grosvenor: 

 A Mining Lease Application has been lodged for the northern part of the Kilburnie area and AAMC has reasonable expectation that it will be granted. A Mining Lease Application has 
been lodged for the Amy’s Find area as an extension to the existing mining area at The Hut and AAMC has reasonable expectation that it will be granted.
 A Mining Lease Application has been submitted for part of the Plains area, and an application for the remainder together with the associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 
will be submitted in early 2012. AAMC has reasonable expectation that both will be granted.
A Mining Lease Application has been submitted and AAMC has a reasonable expectation that it will granted; land purchase is currently in progress.

Reviews by independent third parties were carried out in 2011 on the following operations and projects:  
Foxleigh, Moranbah North and Grosvenor.

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

COAL  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

THERMAL COAL 
The Coal Reserve and Coal Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with The South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral 
Resources and Mineral Reserves, (The SAMREC Code, 2007) and the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore 
Reserves (The JORC Code, 2004) as applicable. The figures reported represent 100% of the Coal Reserves and Coal Resources, the percentage attributable 
to Anglo American plc is stated separately. Rounding of figures may cause computational discrepancies. Anglo American Thermal Coal comprises the 
dominantly export and domestic thermal coal operations, located in Colombia and South Africa. 

ROM Tonnes

(3)

Yield

(4)

Saleable Tonnes

(3)

Saleable Quality

(5)

2010

Mt
659.0
64.1
723.1

659.0
64.1
723.1

2011
ROM %
96.8
96.8
96.8

96.8
96.8
96.8

2010

ROM %
95.2
95.3
95.2

95.2
95.3
95.2

2011
Mt
695.5
83.2
778.7

695.5
83.2
778.7

2010

Mt
634.8
61.7
696.5

634.8
61.7
696.5

2011
kcal/kg
6,300
6,240
6,290
kcal/kg
6,300
6,240
6,290

2010

kcal/kg
6,230
6,230
6,230
kcal/kg
6,230
6,230
6,230

ROM Tonnes

(3)

Yield

(4)

Saleable Tonnes

(3)

Saleable Quality

(5)

2011
ROM %
53.0
51.7
52.3

2010

ROM %
53.9
55.0
54.4

58.1
53.9
56.2

100
–
100

35.9
45.9
37.5

33.8
–
28.5

100
100
100

48.5
48.5
48.5

8.8
7.3
8.2

46.5
33.1
36.7

27.1
37.3
34.5

100
100
100

58.6
62.8
58.8

100
–
100

37.1
45.8
38.3

31.7
–
27.4

100
100
100

50.7
48.7
50.0

8.5
8.5
8.5

49.0
–
49.0

23.1
–
23.1

100
100
100

2011
  Mt
20.2
25.6
45.9

15.5
12.3
27.8

69.9
–
69.9

23.7
5.6
29.3

21.8
–
21.8

2010

Mt
25.7
25.6
51.3

22.7
1.5
24.2

74.9
–
74.9

29.0
5.7
34.7

24.9
–
24.9

46.0
67.5
113.5

61.2
69.6
130.8

17.8
11.9
29.8

3.2
1.8
5.0

11.6
22.2
33.8

6.8
25.0
31.8

23.0
12.2
35.2

3.8
2.1
6.0

14.8
–
14.8

6.9
–
6.9

30.2
80.9
111.1

40.4
92.9
133.3

2011
kcal/kg
6,230
6,210
6,220
kcal/kg
6,200
6,190
6,200
kcal/kg
4,590
–
4,590
kcal/kg
6,170
6,180
6,170
kcal/kg
4,550
–
4,550
kcal/kg
4,790
4,430
4,580
kcal/kg
6,240
6,230
6,240
kcal/kg
4,550
3,970
4,340
kcal/kg
6,220
6,210
6,210
kcal/kg
5,460
5,010
5,110
kcal/kg
4,880
5,120
5,050

2010

kcal/kg
6,220
6,220
6,220
kcal/kg
6,190
6,190
6,190
kcal/kg
4,640
–
4,640
kcal/kg
6,220
6,240
6,220
kcal/kg
4,460
–
4,460
kcal/kg
4,800
4,450
4,610
kcal/kg
6,250
6,250
6,250
kcal/kg
4,100
4,400
4,210
kcal/kg
6,270
–
6,270
kcal/kg
5,490
–
5,490
kcal/kg
4,930
5,070
5,030

2011
Mt
718.8
86.0
804.8

718.8
86.0
804.8

2011
  Mt
37.4
48.6
86.0

25.8
21.9
47.8

69.9
–
69.9

64.5
12.0
76.4

2010

Mt
46.8
45.6
92.4

37.3
2.3
39.6

74.9
–
74.9

77.5
12.3
89.8

46.0
67.5
113.5

36.4
24.4
60.7

61.2
69.6
130.8

44.7
24.7
69.4

24.8
66.6
91.3

30.1
–
30.1

30.2
80.9
111.1

40.4
92.9
133.3

Thermal Coal – Colombia Operations 
COAL RESERVES(1)
Cerrejón (OC)

Attributable %
33.3

(2)

Mine
Life
20

Thermal – Export

Colombia Thermal – Export  33.3

Thermal Coal – South Africa Operations 
COAL RESERVES(1)
Attributable %
Goedehoop (UG&OC)              100

(2)

Mine
Life
11

Thermal – Export

Greenside (UG)

Thermal – Export

100

11

Isibonelo (OC)
Synfuel

100

14

Kleinkopje (OC)

Thermal – Export

100

13

Thermal – Domestic

Kriel (UG&OC)

Thermal – Domestic

73.0

14

Landau (OC)

Thermal – Export

100

9

Thermal – Domestic

Mafube (OC)

Thermal – Export

50.0

19

Thermal – Domestic

New Denmark (UG) 
Thermal – Domestic

100

23

Classification

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Classification

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

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

COAL  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

Thermal Coal – South Africa Operations continued

COAL RESERVES(1)
New Vaal (OC)

Thermal – Domestic

Mine  

Attributable %
100

(2)

Life Classification
20

Nooitgedacht 5 Seam (UG)
Metallurgical – Other

100

1

Zibulo (UG&OC)

Thermal – Export

73.0

19

Thermal – Domestic

South Africa Thermal – Export 

85.6

South Africa Thermal – Domestic  91.7

South Africa Synfuel

100

South Africa Metallurgical – Other  100

Thermal Coal – Operations
TOTAL COAL RESERVES(1) 
Thermal – Export 

Attributable %
44.9

(2)

Thermal – Domestic 

91.7

Synfuel 

Metallurgical – Other 

100

100

ROM Tonnes

(3)

2011
Mt
371.8
–
371.8

0.4
–
0.4

86.1
28.6
114.7

2010

Mt
397.5
–
397.5

1.2
–
1.2

–
111.9
111.9

Mt
793.3
350.5
1,143.8

  Mt
811.7
359.3
1,171.0

2011
ROM %
93.4
–
93.4

63.6
–
63.6

49.4
46.1
48.6

29.8
30.4
29.9
Plant %
48.2
45.9
47.0

86.9
87.2
86.8

100
–
100

63.6
–
63.6

Yield

(4)

2010

ROM %
93.4
–
93.4

28.4
–
28.4

–
41.0
41.0

–
35.6
35.6
Plant %
49.3
46.6
48.1

90.2
86.2
88.9

100
–
100

28.4
–
28.4

Saleable Tonnes

(3)

Saleable Quality

(5)

2011
Mt
359.8
–
359.8

0.3
–
0.3

43.0
13.3
56.3

26.4
8.9
35.4
Mt
131.8
90.9
222.7

494.2
184.1
678.4

69.9
–
69.9

0.3
–
0.3

2010

Mt
384.6
–
384.6

0.4
–
0.4

–
46.3
46.3

–
40.9
40.9
  Mt
115.7
91.3
207.0

522.0
205.5
727.5

74.9
–
74.9

0.4
–
0.4

2011
kcal/kg
3,490
–
3,490
kcal/kg
6,370
–
6,370
kcal/kg
6,090
6,070
6,090
kcal/kg
4,820
4,640
4,770
kcal/kg
6,170
6,190
6,180
kcal/kg
3,850
4,820
4,110
kcal/kg
4,590
–
4,590
kcal/kg
6,370
–
6,370

2010

kcal/kg
3,490
–
3,490
kcal/kg
6,280
–
6,280
kcal/kg
–
6,320
6,320
kcal/kg
–
4,990
4,990
kcal/kg
6,230
6,280
6,250
kcal/kg
3,830
4,840
4,120
kcal/kg
4,640
–
4,640
kcal/kg
6,280
–
6,280

ROM Tonnes

(3)

Yield

(4)

Saleable Tonnes

(3)

Saleable Quality

(5)

2011
  Mt
1,512.1
436.5
1,948.6

2010

Mt
1,470.7
423.3
1,894.0

2011
Plant %
89.1
70.2
85.7

86.9
87.2
86.8

100
–
100

63.6
–
63.6

2010

Plant %
88.1
66.2
84.4

90.2
86.2
88.9

100
–
100

28.4
–
28.4

2011
  Mt
827.3
174.2
1,001.4

494.2
184.1
678.4

69.9
–
69.9

0.3
–
0.3

2010

Mt
750.5
153.1
903.6

522.0
205.5
727.5

74.9
–
74.9

0.4
–
0.4

2011
kcal/kg
6,280
6,210
6,270
kcal/kg
3,850
4,820
4,110
kcal/kg
4,590
–
4,590
kcal/kg
6,370
–
6,370

2010

kcal/kg
6,230
6,260
6,230
kcal/kg
3,830
4,840
4,120
kcal/kg
4,640
–
4,640
kcal/kg
6,280
–
6,280

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Classification

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Mining method: OC = Open Cast, UG = Underground. Mine Life = The extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only. 
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.

Thermal – Export refers to low- to high-volatile thermal coal primarily for export in the use of power generation; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Thermal – Domestic refers to low- to high-volatile thermal coal primarily for domestic consumption for power generation; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Synfuel refers to a coal specifically for the domestic production of synthetic fuel and chemicals; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Metallurgical – Other 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; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

COAL  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

Thermal Coal – Colombia Operations
COAL RESOURCES(6)
Cerrejón

Attributable %
33.3

(2)

Colombia – Mine Leases

33.3

THE COAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO COAL RESERVES. 

Thermal Coal – South Africa Operations
COAL RESOURCES(6)
Goedehoop

Attributable %
100

(2)

Greenside

Isibonelo

Kleinkopje

Kriel

Landau

Mafube

New Denmark

New Vaal

Nooitgedacht 5 Seam

Zibulo

100

100

100

73.0

100

50.0

100

100

100

73.0

South Africa – Mine Leases

84.7

THE COAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO COAL RESERVES.  

Thermal Coal – Operations
COAL RESOURCES(6)
Total

Attributable %
52.2

(2)

THE COAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO COAL RESERVES. 

188 

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Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)

(8)

(8)

(6)

2011
MTIS
907.2
173.9
1,081.1
69.2
907.2
173.9
1,081.1
69.2

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(8)

(6)

2011
MTIS
79.8
75.6
155.4
–
11.4
2.8
14.2
–
–
20.9
20.9
–
28.5
–
28.5
–
9.0
10.2
19.3
–
26.5
34.3
60.8
–
2.5
7.4
9.9
17.0
–
–
–
17.0
–
–
–
–
1.1
–
1.1
–
136.3
184.2
320.6
29.3
295.2
335.4
630.6
63.3

Tonnes

2010

(6)

MTIS
870.4
194.4
1,064.8
47.7
870.4
194.4
1,064.8
47.7

Tonnes

2010

(6)

MTIS
111.2
79.9
191.1
–
–
–
–
13.0
–
20.3
20.3
–
30.2
–
30.2
–
7.4
18.4
25.8
–
30.4
41.7
72.1
–
79.9
–
79.9
–
–
–
–
18.6
–
–
–
–
1.1
–
1.1
–
79.7
174.6
254.3
43.7
339.9
334.9
674.8
75.4

Coal Quality

2010

(7)

kcal/kg
6,420
6,490
6,430
6,910
6,420
6,490
6,430
6,910

Coal Quality

2010

(7)

kcal/kg
5,460
5,280
5,380
–
–
–
–
5,470
–
5,360
5,360
–
5,020
–
5,020
–
5,240
4,810
4,930
–
5,730
4,600
5,080
–
5,320
–
5,320
–
–
–
–
5,220
–
–
–
–
4,990
–
4,990
–
4,980
4,870
4,900
5,400
5,290
4,960
5,130
5,370

(7)

2011
kcal/kg
6,460
6,370
6,450
6,750
6,460
6,370
6,450
6,750

(7)

2011
kcal/kg
5,470
5,480
5,470
–
5,700
5,430
5,650
–
–
5,210
5,210
–
4,970
–
4,970
–
5,290
4,860
5,060
–
4,810
5,180
5,020
–
5,090
5,250
5,210
5,170
–
–
–
5,310
–
–
–
–
5,370
–
5,370
–
4,950
4,880
4,910
5,470
5,120
5,080
5,100
5,350

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)

(8)

(6)

2011
MTIS
1,202.4
509.3
1,711.7
132.4

Tonnes

2010

(6)

MTIS
1,210.3
529.2
1,739.5
123.0

(7)

2011
kcal/kg
6,130
5,520
5,950
6,080

Coal Quality

2010

(7)

kcal/kg
6,100
5,520
5,930
5,970

 
ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

COAL  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

Thermal Coal – South Africa Projects
COAL RESOURCES(6)(8)
Elders

Attributable %
73.0

(2)

Kriel Block F

Kriel East

New Largo

Nooitgedacht 2+4 Seam

South Rand

Vaal Basin

South Africa – Projects

100

73.0

73.0

100

73.0

100

82.1

Thermal Coal – Operations and Projects
COAL RESOURCES(6)
Total

Attributable %
68.4

(2)

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
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)

(8)

(6)

2011
MTIS
218.1
107.9
326.0
–
62.8
62.8
81.5
36.0
117.5
484.9
159.3
644.3
34.7
10.6
45.3
78.6
168.1
246.7
208.2
362.5
570.7
1,106.0
907.2
2,013.2

(6)

2011
MTIS
2,308.3
1,416.6
3,724.9
132.4

Tonnes

2010

(6)

MTIS
207.9
30.8
238.6
–
62.8
62.8
81.5
36.0
117.5
350.8
286.0
636.8
55.5
3.4
59.0
78.9
142.2
221.1
128.9
149.3
278.2
903.5
710.5
1,613.9

Tonnes

2010

(6)

MTIS
2,113.8
1,239.7
3,353.5
123.0

Coal Quality

2010

(7)

kcal/kg
4,980
5,390
5,030
–
5,310
5,310
4,940
4,950
4,940
4,400
4,230
4,320
5,330
5,300
5,330
4,870
4,840
4,850
3,730
4,000
3,870
4,580
4,490
4,540

(7)

2011
kcal/kg
5,110
5,400
5,210
–
5,310
5,310
4,940
4,950
4,940
4,300
3,920
4,210
5,310
5,450
5,340
4,850
4,770
4,800
3,980
4,140
4,080
4,520
4,500
4,510

Coal Quality

2010

(7)

kcal/kg
5,450
4,930
5,260
5,970

(7)

2011
kcal/kg
5,360
4,860
5,170
6,080

THE COAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO COAL RESERVES. 

Attributable percentages for country totals are weighted by Measured and Indicated MTIS.

(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 2011 only. For the 2010 Reported and Attributable figures, please refer to the 2010 Annual Report.
(3)  The tonnage is quoted as metric tonnes. ROM tonnages on an As Delivered moisture basis, and Saleable tonnages on a Product moisture basis.
(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

 Yield – ROM % 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 whereas Plant % is based on the 
‘Feed to Plant’ tonnes. The product yields (ROM %) for Proved, Probable and Total are calculated by dividing the individual Saleable reserves by the total ROM reserves per classification.
 The coal quality for the Coal Reserves is quoted as either Calorific Value (CV) using kilo-calories per kilogram (kcal/kg) units on a Gross As Received (GAR) basis. 
 Coal quality parameters for the Coal Reserves for Coking, Other 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.
 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.
 The coal quality for the Coal Resources is quoted on an in-situ heat content as Calorific Value (CV) using kilo-calories per kilogram (kcal/kg) units on a Gross As Received (GAR) basis. 
CV is rounded to the nearest 10 kcal/kg.
  Inferred (in LOMP) refers to Inferred Coal Resources that are included in the life of mine extraction schedule of the respective collieries and are not reported as Coal Reserves. Inferred Coal Resources 
outside the Life of Mine Plan but within the mine lease area are not reported due to the uncertainty attached to such resources in that it cannot be assumed that all or part of the Inferred Resource will 
necessarily be upgraded to Indicated or Measured categories through continued exploration, such Inferred Resources do not necessarily meet the requirements of reasonable prospects for eventual 
economic extraction, particularly in respect of future mining and processing economics. 

Greenside: 

Kleinkopje: 

Kriel: 
Landau: 

Mafube: 

New Denmark: 

Nooitgedacht: 
Zibulo: 

Elders: 
South Rand: 
Vaal Basin: 

Mafube: 

New Largo: 

Royalty Payment
South Africa:  

Summary of material changes (±10%) at reporting level
Cerrejón: 
Goedehoop: 

 Increase in Coal Reserves due to conversion of Resources resulting from changes in mine design to enable expansion from 32 mtpa to 40 mtpa.
 Decrease in Coal Resources resulting from the transfer of Resources to Deposit due to re-evaluation of market potential, limited washability data and remnant blocks which have been 
removed from the mine plan.
 Increase in Coal Reserves primarily due to conversion of Resources as result of increased geological confidence. Increase in Coal Resources as a result of model update and 
interpretation.
 Decrease in Coal Reserves resulting from the removal of the pre-mined 3A East 2 & 1 seam from the mine plan, which was transferred to Deposit due changes in economic 
assumptions and the transfer of virgin 3A East 4 seam to Greenside Colliery.
 Decrease in Coal Reserves primarily due to production. Decrease in Coal Resources attributed to re-evaluation of mini-pits and removal of remnant blocks due to lack of accessibility.
 Decrease in Coal Reserves primarily due to production. Decrease in Coal Resource primarily due to Concept study on Landau Life Extension which resulted in additional surface and 
environmental changes being considered.
 Following the submission of the Mining Right Application, Nooitgedacht 2 seam Resources were converted to Probable Reserve. Inferred Resources in Mine Lease were moved to 
Inferred (in LOMP). The conversion to reserves resulted in the increase of Mine Life from 6 to 19 years. Inferred Resources in Mine Plan comprise of 15% of the Reserves, however 
these Resources are outside of the five year horizon. Drilling is planned to reduce proportion to below 10% by mid 2012.
 Decrease in Coal Reserves primarily due to transfer of Resources to Deposit resulting from change in the reserve thickness cut-off parameter, previously applied a standard 1.5 m 
cut-off, now applying the mining layout and practical equipment limits. Consequently Mine Life has been reduced from 27 to 23 years.
 Decrease in 5 seam Coal Reserves primarily due to production. Decrease in 2 and 4 seam Coal Resources attributed to reclassification of resources using an alternative methodology.
 Increase in Coal Resources due to upgrade of Zondagsfontein West resources resulting from increased drilling and geological confidence. Inferred Resources in Mine Plan comprise 
12% of the Reserves, however these Resources are outside of the five year horizon. Drilling is planned to reduce proportion to below 10% by mid 2012.
 Upgrade of Coal Resources resulting from additional drilling and washability data.
 Upgrade of Coal Resources resulting from additional drilling.
 Increase in Coal Resources as estimates are now based on raw qualities due to proven lack of export potential. There are significantly more boreholes with raw qualities, hence 
resource categories were upgraded.

Assumption with respect to Mineral Tenure
Cerrejón: 

 Reserves are estimated for the area defined by the current approved Mining Right which expires in 2033. In order to exploit the Coal Resources, a renewal will be applied for at the 
appropriate time, Anglo American Thermal Coal has reasonable expectation that such renewal will not be withheld.
 Application for conversion to a Mining Right has been submitted; in addition the environmental permitting applications will be submitted in 2012 as per legislative requirements. There 
is a reasonable expectation that such conversion will not be withheld.
 The New Largo Mining Right Application was submitted in April 2011. The relevant South African Departments responsible for approvals, as well as key stakeholders, have been 
actively engaged with regard to the Colliery’s potential impacts on wetlands. There is a reasonable expectation that such conversion will not be withheld. 

 Royalty payments commenced in February 2010 in accordance with the Royalties Act (No. 28 of 2008) and have been taken into consideration in economic assessment of  
the reserves.

Reviews by independent third parties were carried out in 2011 on the following operations and project areas:  
Goedehoop, Greenside, Mafube and New Denmark.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

189

O

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R
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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

COPPER  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

COPPER
The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral 
Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2004) as a minimum standard. 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 %
44.0

Mine
Life
68

Classification

Copper – Operations 
ORE RESERVES
Collahuasi (OP)(1)

Oxide and Mixed (TCu)
Heap Leach

Sulphide (TCu)
Flotation – direct feed

Low Grade Sulphide (TCu)
Flotation – stockpile

El Soldado (OP)
Sulphide (TCu)
Flotation(2)

Oxide (TCu)
Heap Leach(3)

Los Bronces (OP)(4)
Sulphide (TCu)
Flotation(5)

Sulphide (TCu)
Dump Leach(6)

75.5

23

75.5

34

Mantos Blancos (OP)

100

10

Sulphide (ICu)
Flotation(7)

Oxide (ASCu)
Vat and Heap Leach(8)

Oxide (ASCu)
Dump Leach(9)

Mantoverde (OP)
Oxide (ASCu)
Heap Leach(10)

Oxide (ASCu)
Dump Leach(11)

100

6

2011
Mt
0.0
35.4
35.4
285.0
1,640.3
1,925.3
–
935.2
935.2

95.4
67.3
162.7
–
3.5
3.5

899.6
598.8
1,498.4
486.6
197.1
683.7

26.3
19.7
46.0
8.3
16.3
24.7
2.1
49.6
51.7

33.3
9.5
42.7
27.2
18.2
45.4

Tonnes

2010

Mt
0.1
29.3
29.4
286.6
1,366.8
1,653.4
–
775.9
775.9

84.2
52.4
136.6
1.9
3.5
5.4

712.9
794.5
1,507.4
384.4
350.1
734.5

16.2
29.6
45.8
6.2
15.6
21.8
2.3
57.2
59.5

36.5
15.3
51.8
29.1
22.1
51.2

2011
%Cu
0.60
0.63
0.63
1.07
0.93
0.95
–
0.49
0.49
%Cu
0.96
0.79
0.89
–
0.46
0.46
%Cu
0.69
0.51
0.62
0.35
0.27
0.33
%Cu
0.83
0.80
0.82
0.54
0.33
0.40
0.18
0.23
0.23
%Cu
0.59
0.55
0.58
0.24
0.28
0.26

Grade

Contained metal

2010

%Cu
1.66
0.66
0.66
1.04
0.95
0.96
–
0.51
0.51
%Cu
1.00
0.83
0.93
0.81
0.52
0.62
%Cu
0.73
0.55
0.64
0.37
0.29
0.33
%Cu
0.88
0.84
0.85
0.53
0.30
0.37
0.19
0.23
0.23
%Cu
0.57
0.55
0.56
0.24
0.28
0.26

2011
kt
0
224
224
3,042
15,177
18,219
–
4,596
4,596

915
533
1,448
–
16
16

6,208
3,054
9,261
1,703
532
2,235

218
157
376
45
54
99
4
115
119

196
52
248
65
51
116

2010

kt
2
193
195
2,985
12,968
15,952
–
3,924
3,924

843
433
1,276
16
18
33

5,205
4,370
9,575
1,421
1,015
2,436

143
249
392
33
47
80
4
134
138

208
84
292
70
62
132

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

Mining method: OP = Open Pit. Mine Life = The extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only. 
TCu = total copper, ICu = insoluble copper (total copper less acid soluble copper), ASCu = acid soluble copper. 
Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to some Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will necessarily be upgraded to an Indicated or 
Measured Resource after continued exploration.

(1) 

 Collahuasi: The increase in Ore Reserves is due to a combination of conversion from Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves due to new information and higher Long Term metal prices resulting in 
changes to the pit designs for Rosario along with a decrease in overall cut-off grade (0.34%-0.30%TCu). The sub-product average estimated grade for molybdenum is 0.022% for Ore Reserves and 
the average estimated grade for Mineral Resources is 0.021%. 

(2)    El Soldado – Sulphide (Flotation): Changes in Ore Reserves are primarily due to economic assumptions (increase in metal price) resulting in the addition of a new phase 7 to the Life of Mine Plan 

which is supported by new drilling information from the ‘Manto Rojo’ area leading to conversion of Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves. Other changes influencing the increase in Ore Reserves include 
the closure of the underground operations in November 2010, resulting in the re-allocation of Ore Reserves from underground to the revised open-pit. Mineral Resources decreased due to conversion 
to Ore Reserves as a result of the change in the Life of Mine Plan. This was partially offset by a gain as a result of the increase in the Long Term Copper price and new Information.

(3)    El Soldado – Oxide (Heap Leach): The decrease in Ore Reserves is primarily due to production. The Mineral Resources decrease due to conversion to Ore Reserves.
(4)  Los Bronces: The sub-product average estimated grade for molybdenum is 0.014% for the total Ore Reserves quoted and the average estimated grade for Mineral Resources is 0.008%.
(5) 

 Los Bronces – Sulphide (Flotation): The decrease in Ore Reserves is due to production and changes in the reserve model as a result of the 2010–11 infill drilling programme. Mineral Resources 
increase due to an increase in the Long Term metal prices and new information included within the Mineral Resource model. 
 Los Bronces – Sulphide (Dump Leach): The decrease in Ore Reserves is primarily due to production and changes in the reserves model due to new drilling information, which was partially offset by 
conversion of Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves.

(6) 

(7)    Mantos Blancos – Sulphide (Flotation): While there are no significant changes in Ore Reserves, the increase in Mineral Resources is mainly due to the change in economic assumptions (increase in 

(8)  

Long Term metal price) and new drilling information at Argentina deposit.
 Mantos Blancos – Oxide (Vat and Heap Leach): The increase in Ore Reserves is due to increased Long Term metal prices resulting in changes to cut-off grade criteria and the inclusion of new 
drilling information in oxide pits. The increase in Long Term metal price also accounts for the increase in the Mineral Resources.

(9)    Mantos Blancos – Oxide (Dump Leach): The decrease in Ore Reserves is primarily due to production. The increase in Mineral Resources is primarily due to the addition of inferred stockpile material 

primarily from Phase 2 of the Mercedes Dump, followed by old vat tailings from other sources such as ‘Banquedaño’ Dump.

(10)   Mantoverde – Oxide (Heap Leach): The decrease in Ore Reserves is primarily due to production and losses associated with a change in model estimation methodology for Kuroki heap material. 
These losses were partially offset by the addition of Kuroki phase 3 due to the purchase of the Laura-Laurita-Las Casas property. The effects of the increased metal price are offset by higher costs 
(acid, energy) which result in a decrease in the Mineral Resources. The decrease was partially offset by the re-allocation of Ore Reserves to Mineral Resources at Llano Sur due to higher strip ratios.
(11)   Mantoverde – Oxide (Dump Leach): The decrease in Ore Reserves is primarily due to production, while the decrease in Mineral Resources is primarily driven by the increase in process and mining 

costs (acid, energy, contractor mining) resulting in the loss of satellite oxide pits and smaller resource increments.

(12)   Copper Resources: A test of reasonable eventual economic extraction is applied through consideration of an optimised pit shell. Materials outside the optimised shell that have potential of eventual 

economic extraction via underground means are included in the Mineral Resource statement.

Audits related to the generation of the Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource statements were carried out by independent consultants during 2011 at the following operations:  
El Soldado, Los Bronces, Mantos Blancos and Mantoverde.

190 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

 
 
ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

COPPER  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

Copper – Operations 
MINERAL RESOURCES
Collahuasi (OP)(1)(12)

Oxide and Mixed (TCu)
Heap Leach

Attributable %
44.0

Sulphide (TCu)
Flotation – direct feed

Low Grade Sulphide (TCu)
Flotation – stockpile

El Soldado (OP)(12)
Sulphide (TCu)
Flotation(2)

75.5

Oxide (TCu)
Heap Leach(3)

Los Bronces (OP)(4)(12)

75.5

Sulphide (TCu)
Flotation(5)

Sulphide (TCu)
Dump Leach(6)

Mantos Blancos (OP)(12)

100

Sulphide (ICu)
Flotation(7)

Oxide (ASCu)
Vat and Heap Leach(8)

Oxide (ASCu)
Dump Leach(9)

Mantoverde (OP)(12)
Oxide (ASCu)
Heap Leach(10)

100

Oxide (ASCu)
Dump Leach(11)

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

2011
Mt
–
15.1
15.1
3.9
0.3
4.2
1.2
628.9
630.1
660.6
1,944.6
2,605.3
1.2
152.5
153.7
579.0
736.8
1,315.8

21.9
18.8
40.7
20.9
12.7
33.6
0.1
0.1
0.2
–
0.1
0.1

211.1
922.9
1,133.9
83.7
3,115.6
3,199.3
–
–
–
114.4
–
114.4

47.8
68.1
116.0
2.7
27.8
30.5
14.1
10.5
24.5
1.9
3.3
5.2
–
8.3
8.3
65.8
–
65.8

21.1
13.1
34.2
0.6
0.9
1.5
–
–
–
0.9
–
0.9

Tonnes

2010

Mt
–
10.5
10.5
10.2
9.4
19.7
2.6
411.2
413.8
567.7
2,329.8
2,897.5
3.7
151.1
154.7
234.4
909.8
1,144.2

27.8
17.0
44.8
17.5
22.3
39.8
0.3
0.2
0.5
0.2
0.5
0.7

118.2
1,030.0
1,148.1
68.0
2,853.4
2,921.4
–
–
–
108.4
–
108.4

16.4
101.8
118.2
0.8
8.3
9.1
5.8
16.6
22.4
0.6
3.5
4.1
–
–
–
0.3
13.0
13.3

22.3
25.8
48.1
0.7
2.5
3.2
–
–
–
2.3
–
2.3

2011
%Cu
–
0.60
0.60
0.62
0.61
0.62
0.78
0.91
0.91
0.99
0.91
0.93
0.44
0.46
0.46
0.44
0.46
0.45
%Cu
0.82
0.72
0.77
0.81
0.71
0.77
0.75
0.69
0.71
–
0.69
0.69
%Cu
0.45
0.43
0.43
0.58
0.39
0.39
–
–
–
0.26
–
0.26
%Cu
0.75
0.56
0.64
0.57
0.55
0.55
0.47
0.43
0.45
0.53
0.47
0.49
–
0.20
0.20
0.23
–
0.23
%Cu
0.36
0.42
0.38
0.53
0.29
0.38
–
–
–
0.22
–
0.22

Grade

Contained metal

2010

%Cu
–
0.61
0.61
0.84
0.72
0.78
0.75
0.92
0.92
0.99
0.93
0.94
0.45
0.47
0.47
0.49
0.47
0.47
%Cu
0.73
0.67
0.71
0.81
0.61
0.70
0.82
0.78
0.80
0.66
0.74
0.72
%Cu
0.48
0.42
0.43
0.54
0.38
0.38
–
–
–
0.26
–
0.26
%Cu
0.75
0.63
0.65
0.78
0.57
0.59
0.43
0.42
0.42
0.38
0.44
0.43
–
–
–
0.17
0.24
0.24
%Cu
0.33
0.35
0.34
0.50
0.31
0.35
–
–
–
0.22
–
0.22

2011
kt
–
90
90
24
2
26
9
5,694
5,704
6,532
17,676
24,208
5
698
704
2,564
3,414
5,978

180
135
315
169
90
260
1
1
1
–
0
0

950
3,968
4,918
485
12,151
12,636
–
–
–
298
–
298

359
379
738
16
153
168
66
45
111
10
16
26
–
17
17
154
–
154

76
55
131
3
3
6
–
–
–
2
–
2

2010

kt
–
64
64
86
68
153
19
3,787
3,806
5,602
21,736
27,338
17
703
720
1,153
4,273
5,426

203
114
317
142
136
278
2
2
4
1
3
5

567
4,326
4,893
367
10,843
11,210
–
–
–
282
–
282

123
642
765
6
47
53
25
70
95
2
15
18
–
–
–
1
31
32

74
90
164
3
8
11
–
–
–
5
–
5

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THE MINERAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO ORE RESERVES.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

191

 
 
 
 
 
ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

COPPER  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

Copper – Projects 
ORE RESERVES
Quellaveco (OP)(1)
Sulphide (TCu)
Flotation

Attributable %
81.9

Mine
Life
28

Copper – Projects
MINERAL RESOURCES
Quellaveco (OP)(1)
Sulphide (TCu)
Flotation

Attributable %
81.9

Mantoverde Sulphide Project(2)
Sulphide (TCu) 
Flotation

Pebble (OP/UG)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)
Cu-Au-Mo Porphyry

100

50.0

Classification

Proved
Probable
Total

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

Measured(4)
Indicated(5)

Measured and Indicated

Inferred(6)

75.5

Los Sulfatos(8)
Sulphide (TCu)
San Enrique Monolito(9)
Sulphide (TCu) 
West Wall(10)
Sulphide (TCu)
THE MINERAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO ORE RESERVES.

50.0

75.5

Inferred

Inferred

Inferred

2011
Mt
701.8
214.6
916.4

2011
Mt
196.8
627.0
823.8
8.1
174.9
183.0

109.8
34.2
144.0
44.3

Tonnes

2010

Mt
701.8
214.6
916.4

Tonnes

2010

Mt
196.8
627.0
823.8
8.1
174.9
183.0

81.1
37.8
119.0
53.1

507.9
4,761.0
5,268.8
2,709.5

510.0
4,890.0
5,400.0
2,840.0

1,200

1,200

900

750

900

750

2011
%Cu
0.65
0.63
0.65

2011
%Cu
0.40
0.45
0.44
0.72
0.44
0.45
%Cu
0.67
0.63
0.66
0.65
%Cu
0.34
0.46
0.45
0.32
%Cu
1.46
%Cu
0.81
%Cu
0.54

Grade

2010

%Cu
0.65
0.63
0.65

Grade

2010

%Cu
0.40
0.45
0.44
0.72
0.44
0.45
%Cu
0.68
0.68
0.68
0.64
%Cu
0.34
0.46
0.45
0.32
%Cu
1.46
%Cu
0.81
%Cu
0.54

Contained metal

2011
kt
4,562
1,352
5,914

2010

kt
4,562
1,352
5,914

Contained metal

2011
kt
787
2,822
3,609
58
770
828

736
216
951
288

2010

kt
787
2,822
3,609
58
770
828

552
257
809
340

1,715
21,739
23,454
8,587

1,734
22,494
24,228
9,088

17,520

17,520

7,290

4,050

7,290

4,050

Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground. Mine Life = The extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only.
Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to some Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will necessarily be upgraded to an Indicated or 
Measured Resource after continued exploration.

(1) 

(2) 
(3) 

 Quellaveco: During 2011 no new drilling was completed at Quellaveco project, therefore Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources remain unchanged. The sub-product estimated grade for molybdenum 
is 0.019% for Ore Reserves, while the average estimated grade for Mineral Resources is 0.016%. 
 Mantoverde Sulphide Project: Drilling information, a higher copper price and an acquisition of Laura-Laurita-Las Casas sector resulted in the increase of Mineral Resources.
 Pebble: The Mineral Resources are based on drilling to May 2009 and a block model finalised in December 2009. Reported Mineral Resources fall within a volume defined by resource price estimates 
and are based on a cut-off grade of 0.40% CuEq. Calculation of copper equivalent (CuEq) is based on Long Term metal prices and takes into consideration the recovery of Copper, Gold and 
Molybdenum. At a cut-off of 0.60% CuEq the estimate of Measured Resources is 278 Mt at 0.40% Cu, 0.42 g/t Au, 0.020% Mo while the estimate of Indicated Resources is 3,319 Mt at 0.55% Cu, 
0.42 g/t Au, 0.030% Mo.

(4)    Pebble co-product estimated grades 2011 (Measured): Gold 0.36g/t, Molybdenum 0.018%, CuEq average grade 0.66%.
(5)    Pebble co-product estimated grades 2011 (Indicated): Gold 0.37g/t, Molybdenum 0.027%, CuEq average grade 0.85%.
(6)    Pebble co-product estimated grades 2011 (Inferred): Gold 0.31g/t, Molybdenum 0.026%, CuEq average grade 0.67%.
(7) 
(8) 

 Pebble: The property comprises 2,042 located Alaska State mineral claims which total 209,996 acres (84,982 hectares) and which are currently valid.
 Los Sulfatos: The development of ‘Tunel Sur’, an 8km exploration tunnel that provides safe access to continue drilling the deposit, was completed in 2011. During 2012 drill stations are planned to be 
excavated, whilst further exploration and resource drilling is expected to start in 2013. The reported resources include mineralisation inside a 1% nominal copper grade cut-off envelope down to the 
current drillhole depths of 1,000 metres below surface. The test for reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction is based on an underground operation.
 San Enrique Monolito: The test for reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction is based on an underground operation.

(9) 
(10)   West Wall: The test for reasonable prospects of eventual economic extraction is based on an open pit operation to a depth of 600m below surface.

192 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

NICKEL  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

NICKEL
The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral 
Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2004) as a minimum standard. 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.

Nickel – Operations
ORE RESERVES
Barro Alto (OP)(1)

Laterite

Attributable %
100

Mine
Life
32

Loma de Níquel (OP)(2)

91.4

4

Laterite

Niquelândia (OP)(3)

Laterite

100

25

Nickel – Operations
MINERAL RESOURCES
Barro Alto (OP)(1)

Laterite

Attributable %
100

Loma de Níquel (OP)(2)

91.4

Laterite

Niquelândia (OP)(3)

Laterite

100

Classification

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Proved
Probable
Total

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

THE MINERAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO ORE RESERVES.

Nickel – Projects 
MINERAL RESOURCES
Jacaré(4)

Ferruginous Laterite

Attributable %
100

Saprolite

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

2011
Mt
21.2
31.0
52.2

2.1
2.5
4.6

3.7
0.9
4.6

2011
  Mt
7.8
5.3
13.2
45.4
16.2
61.6

1.8
3.9
5.7
0.1
1.5
1.7

2.9
3.1
6.0
–
–
–

2011
  Mt
6.3
53.8
60.1
125.0
–
39.6
39.6
81.9

Tonnes

2010

Mt
16.0
31.6
47.5

3.9
5.8
9.7

5.8
1.9
7.7

Tonnes

2010

Mt
9.1
9.8
18.9
45.5
17.1
62.6

0.5
1.5
2.0
0.1
1.1
1.3

1.0
2.2
3.2
–
–
–

Tonnes

2010

Mt
0.5
96.8
97.3
73.9
–
33.9
33.9
83.7

2011
%Ni
1.66
1.55
1.60
%Ni
1.53
1.44
1.48
%Ni
1.35
1.33
1.35

2011
%Ni
1.42
1.12
1.30
1.51
1.20
1.43
%Ni
1.37
1.30
1.32
1.38
1.38
1.38
%Ni
1.26
1.24
1.25
–
–
–

2011
%Ni
1.15
1.21
1.21
1.17
–
1.49
1.49
1.39

Grade

2010

%Ni
1.75
1.65
1.68
%Ni
1.54
1.44
1.48
%Ni
1.29
1.24
1.28

Grade

2010

%Ni
1.50
1.22
1.35
1.51
1.18
1.42
%Ni
1.43
1.37
1.39
1.78
1.59
1.61
%Ni
1.25
1.24
1.24
–
–
–

Grade

2010

%Ni
1.19
1.18
1.18
1.15
–
1.52
1.52
1.37

Contained metal

2011
kt
352
481
833

32
36
68

50
12
63

2010

kt
279
520
798

60
83
143

74
24
98

Contained metal

2011
kt
111
59
171
686
194
880

24
51
75
2
21
23

37
39
75
–
–
–

2010

kt
137
119
256
685
202
887

7
21
28
2
18
20

12
27
40
–
–
–

Contained metal

2011
kt
72
653
726
1,468
–
589
589
1,138

2010

kt
6
1,144
1,149
850
–
517
517
1,149

Mining method: OP = Open Pit. Mine Life = The extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only.
Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to some Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will necessarily be upgraded to an Indicated or 
Measured Resource after continued exploration.

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

 Barro Alto: The increase in Ore Reserves is as a result of the application of a higher metal price resulting in updated mining factors allowing the inclusion of lower grade blocks. The increased 
high-grade production, higher mining rate and therefore higher dilution also contributed to the decrease in overall grade. The decrease in Mineral Resources is as a result of conversion to Ore 
Reserves due to infill drilling leading to an updated geological model. Mineral Resources are quoted above a 0.9% Ni cut-off and below an iron content of 30% Fe. The Mineral Resources include 7.2 Mt 
of Ferruginous Laterite at an average grade of 1.18% Ni.
 Loma de Níquel: The decrease in Ore Reserves is primarily due to re-allocation of Ore Reserves to Mineral Resources as a result of the final pit being redesigned and constrained within the 
concession areas covered by the relevant permits. Production accounts for 1.6 Mt of the decrease in Ore Reserves. The Mineral Resources increased solely as a result of re-allocation of Ore Reserves 
to Mineral Resources. Refer to note 5 in the Financial statements. The mining concessions are due for renewal in November 2012. Mineral Resources include all mineralisation inside a saprolite 
envelope defined by Nickel and Iron grade boundaries (>0.80% Ni and <35% Fe).
 Niquelândia: The decrease in Ore Reserves is a result of increased mining and processing costs within the latest mine plan developed for Niquelândia and the re-allocation of Ore Reserves to Mineral 
Resources, increasing the the Mineral Resources. Mineral Resources are quoted above a 0.9% Ni cut-off and below an Iron content of 30% Fe. Codemin is the the Ferro-Nickel smelter adjacent to the 
Niquelândia Mine.
 Jacaré: The overall increase in the Ferruginous Laterite and Saprolite Mineral Resources is due to the completion of a drilling campaign, the results of which have been included in the current Mineral 
Resource model with a new classification methodology applied. In addition to the Resource pit shell developed for the Concept Study and use of a cut-off of 1.3% Ni, a minimum mineralised width of 
1m must be present to allow material to be categorised as higher-grade Saprolite Mineral Resource. The Plano de Aproveitamento Economico (PAE) is currently under consideration by Brazil’s 
Departamento Nacional de Produção Mineral (DNPM). The Saprolite Resources tabulated are a combination of higher-grade resources (>1.3% Ni) that are expected to feed a pyrometallurgical 
treatment facility and lower-grade resources (1.3% – 0.9% Ni) that could be used to neutralise the acid in the proposed hydrometallurgical treatment of the Ferruginous Laterite material while still 
recovering Nickel in the process.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

PLATINUM GROUP METALS  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

PLATINUM
The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates were compiled in compliance with The South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results,  
Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, (The SAMREC Code, 2007). Operations and Projects outside South Africa were compiled in accordance with  
the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2004) as a minimum standard. Details  
of the individual operations appear in Anglo American Platinum’s Annual Report. Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef Mineral Resources are reported over an 
economic and mineable cut appropriate to the specific reef. The figures reported represent 100% of the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves attributable  
to Anglo American Platinum Limited unless otherwise noted. Rounding of figures may cause computational discrepancies. 

Anglo American plc’s interest in Anglo American Platinum Limited is 79.8%.

Platinum – South Africa Operations
ORE RESERVES
Merensky Reef(4)(5)

Classification

Proved
Probable
Total
Proved
Probable
Total
Proved

Proved primary ore stockpile(8)

UG2 Reef(4)(6)

Platreef(7)

All Reefs

Tailings(10)

Platinum – Zimbabwe Operations
ORE RESERVES
Main Sulphide Zone(11)

Probable
Total
Proved
Probable

Total(9)

Proved
Probable
Total

Classification

Proved
Probable
Total

Tonnes (1)

Grade(2)

Contained metal(3)

Contained metal

(3)

2011
  Mt
63.9
49.1
113.0
390.7
250.0
640.7
538.8
20.0
166.5
725.4
1,013.4
465.7
1,479.1
–
18.9
18.9

2011
Mt
15.0
23.7
38.7

2010

Mt
89.2
51.0
140.2
425.9
204.2
630.2
381.3
11.7
216.3
609.3
908.1
471.5
1,379.7
–
21.8
21.8

Tonnes (1)

2010

Mt
14.3
27.3
41.7

2011
4E PGE
5.05
5.16
5.10
4.10
4.78
4.36
2.84
1.71
3.24
2.90
3.44
4.27
3.70
–
0.86
0.86

2011
4E PGE
3.68
3.85
3.79

2010

4E PGE
4.97
5.05
5.00
4.14
4.72
4.33
2.93
1.96
2.68
2.82
3.69
3.82
3.73
–
1.13
1.13

2011
4E tonnes
322.7
253.4
576.2
1,600.7
1,194.1
2,794.8
1,532.3
34.3
539.9
2,106.6
3,490.1
1,987.4
5,477.5
–
16.2
16.2

2010

4E tonnes
443.5
257.7
701.3
1,762.2
963.3
2,725.4
1,118.5
23.0
579.4
1,720.9
3,347.2
1,800.4
5,147.6
–
24.6
24.6

2011
4E Moz
10.4
8.1
18.5
51.5
38.4
89.9
49.3
1.1
17.4
67.7
112.2
63.9
176.1
–
0.5
0.5

2010

4E Moz
14.3
8.3
22.5
56.7
31.0
87.6
36.0
0.7
18.6
55.3
107.6
57.9
165.5
–
0.8
0.8

Grade(2)

Contained metal(3)

Contained metal

(3)

2010

4E PGE
3.69
3.82
3.78

2011
4E tonnes
55.2
91.2
146.5

2010

4E tonnes
52.9
104.4
157.3

2011
4E Moz
1.8
2.9
4.7

2010

4E Moz
1.7
3.4
5.1

(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). The reported grades are as delivered for treatment.
(3)  Contained Metal: Contained Metal is presented in metric tonnes and million troy ounces (Moz).
(4) 

 Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef: The pay limits built into the basic mining equation are directly linked to the 2012 Business plan. The pay limit is based on Cost 4 which consists of ‘Direct Cash Cost’ 
(on and off mine), ‘Other Indirect Costs’ and ‘Stay in Business Capital’ (on and off mine). The reserve pay-limit varies across all operations between 1.8g/t and 3.7g/t (4E PGE). The range is a function 
of various factors including depth of the ore body, geological complexity, infrastructure and economic parameters.
 Merensky Reef: The global Ore Reserve 4E ounce content decreased primarily due to re-allocation of previously reported Ore Reserves back to Mineral Resources as a result of changes in economic 
assumptions and extraction strategy at Thembelani Mine (-17.7 Mt / -2.9 Moz) and portions of the 4-shaft area at Tumela Mine (-3.2 Mt / -0.6 Moz). In addition, changes in reserve classification for 
portions of Tumela’s 4-shaft area contribute to the Proved Ore Reserve tonnage decrease as Proved Ore Reserves have been re-classified as Probable Ore Reserves.
 UG2 Reef: The global Ore Reserve 4E ounce content increased primarily due to conversion of Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves at Thembelani Mine (+26.0 Mt / +3.5 Moz) and Siphumelele Mine 
(+9.2 Mt / +0.9 Moz) with additional contributions from Union, Twickenham and Khomanani Mines. However, the UG2 Ore Reserves were negatively influenced due to changes in extraction strategy 
for portions of Tumela’s 4-shaft area which resulted in the re-allocation of previously reported Ore Reserves back to Mineral Resources (-19.6 Mt / -2.8 Moz). 
 Platreef: The Ore Reserves 4E ounce content (inclusive of Proved primary ore stockpiles) increased due to additional drilling and re-evaluation at Mogalakwena South (+118.6 Mt / +13.0 Moz), 
previously this area was not considered for conversion to Ore Reserves. The Mine Life has been extended significantly as a result. For Mogalakwena North, Central and South (previously known as 
Zwartfontein North) the 4E pay limit is 1.0 g/t. For Sandsloot and Zwartfontein South the pay limit is unchanged at 1.7 g/t.

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8)  Platreef stockpiles: Mined ore being held for long-term future treatment. These are reported separately as Proved Ore Reserves and aggregated into the summation tabulations. 
(9)  Alternative units – All Reefs Total: Tonnage in million short tons (Mton) and associated grade in troy ounces per short ton (oz/ton) for 2011 is: 

Total – 1,630.4 Mton (2010: 1,520.8 Mton) 
Total – 0.108 oz/ton (2010: 0.109 oz/ton)

(10)   Tailings: Operating tailings dams cannot be geologically assessed and therefore are not reported as part of the Ore Reserves. At Rustenburg mines a dormant dam has been evaluated and the tailings 

form part of the Ore Reserves statement. Tailings dam Ore Reserves are reported separately as Ore Reserves and are not aggregated to the global Ore Reserve summation.

(11)   Main Sulphide Zone: The Main Sulphide Zone within the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe is the orebody mined at Unki Mine. The Ore Reserves for the Main Sulphide Zone relate to the Unki East mine only. 

Anglo American Platinum owns an effective 100% interest in Southridge Limited.

194 

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

PLATINUM GROUP METALS  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

Platinum – South Africa Operations 
MINERAL RESOURCES
Merensky Reef(4)(5)

Classification

UG2 Reef(4)(6)

Platreef(7)

All Reefs

Tailings(9)

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred
Measured
Indicated

Measured and Indicated(8)

Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Tonnes (1)

Grade(2)

Contained metal(3)

Contained metal

(3)

2011
Mt
162.1
273.5
435.6
22.7
547.1
569.8
391.9
547.2
939.1
9.0
660.1
669.1
219.1
980.9
1,199.9
10.0
1,575.5
1,585.5
773.1
1,801.5
2,574.7
41.7
2,782.7
2,824.4
87.6
17.9
105.5
–
–
–

2010

Mt
152.5
254.2
406.7
30.6
584.9
615.5
408.4
521.0
929.4
25.1
735.4
760.5
110.3
860.1
970.3
90.0
1,110.1
1,200.1
671.2
1,635.3
2,306.4
145.7
2,430.5
2,576.1
87.6
0.4
88.1
–
–
–

2011
4E PGE
5.57
5.54
5.55
8.05
5.08
5.20
5.33
5.21
5.26
4.97
5.23
5.22
2.38
2.20
2.23
4.15
2.12
2.14
4.55
3.62
3.90
6.45
3.44
3.48
1.08
1.13
1.09
–
–
–

2010

4E PGE
5.53
5.54
5.54
8.22
5.28
5.43
5.42
5.48
5.45
4.95
5.55
5.53
2.38
2.19
2.21
2.96
1.80
1.88
4.95
3.76
4.10
4.41
3.77
3.81
1.08
0.89
1.08
–
–
–

2011
4E tonnes
903.7
1,515.4
2,419.1
182.7
2,778.8
2,961.5
2,090.5
2,849.6
4,940.1
44.9
3,449.4
3,494.3
522.0
2,158.3
2,680.3
41.3
3,344.8
3,386.0
3,516.2
6,523.3
10,039.5
268.9
9,572.9
9,841.8
94.3
20.2
114.5
–
–
–

2010

4E tonnes
843.1
1,408.8
2,251.9
251.3
3,089.0
3,340.3
2,213.6
2,853.1
5,066.7
124.0
4,080.0
4,204.0
262.3
1,883.2
2,145.5
266.6
1,993.6
2,260.2
3,319.0
6,145.1
9,464.1
642.0
9,162.5
9,804.5
94.3
0.4
94.7
–
–
–

2011
4E Moz
29.1
48.7
77.8
5.9
89.3
95.2
67.2
91.6
158.8
1.4
110.9
112.3
16.8
69.4
86.2
1.3
107.5
108.9
113.0
209.7
322.8
8.6
307.8
316.4
3.0
0.6
3.7
–
–
–

2010

4E Moz
27.1
45.3
72.4
8.1
99.3
107.4
71.2
91.7
162.9
4.0
131.2
135.2
8.4
60.5
69.0
8.6
64.1
72.7
106.7
197.6
304.3
20.6
294.6
315.2
3.0
0.0
3.0
–
–
–

THE MINERAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO ORE RESERVES. 

Platinum – Zimbabwe Operations 
MINERAL RESOURCES
Main Sulphide Zone(10)

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Tonnes (1)

Grade(2)

Contained metal(3)

Contained metal

(3)

2011
Mt
8.7
21.2
29.8
14.2
35.5
49.6

2010

Mt
8.7
19.2
27.9
14.2
35.5
49.7

2011
4E PGE
4.15
4.13
4.14
4.19
4.09
4.12

2010

4E PGE
4.12
4.17
4.16
4.19
4.09
4.12

2011
4E tonnes
36.0
87.5
123.5
59.5
144.9
204.4

2010

4E tonnes
35.7
80.2
116.0
59.6
144.8
204.5

2011
4E Moz
1.2
2.8
4.0
1.9
4.7
6.6

2010

4E Moz
1.1
2.6
3.7
1.9
4.7
6.6

THE MINERAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO ORE RESERVES.

Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to some Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will necessarily be upgraded to an Indicated or 
Measured Resource after continued exploration.

(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)  Contained Metal: Contained Metal is presented in metric tonnes and million troy ounces (Moz).
(4) 

 Merensky Reef and UG2 Reef: The Mineral Resources are estimated over a practical minimum mining width suitable for the deposit known as the ‘Resource Cut’. The minimum mining width over 
which Mineral Resources are declared is 90cm. The ‘Resource Cut’ width takes cognisance of the mining method and geotechnical aspects in the hanging wall or footwall of the reef. The delineation 
of the Resources that meet the requirements of reasonable expectation of eventual economic extraction has been defined using the modifying factors as defined in the SAMREC code. These include 
but are not limited to mineability, geological complexity, processability and economic factors relevant to Anglo American Platinum. The minimum resource grades per reef and per operation are in all 
instances greater than the Cost 4 pay limit. Investigations conducted in 2011 to determine maximum mining depths related to virgin rock temperatures have been concluded. A virgin rock temperature 
of 75° Celsius is currently considered to be the limit to mining given anticipated technology, metal prices and energy costs. The affected portions of the Inferred Mineral Resources within the Mining 
Rights of Tumela Mine, Twickenham Mine and Ga-Phasha PGM Project are therefore re-classified as Deposit within the Anglo American Platinum’s portfolio (-128.7 Mt / -26.1 Moz). 
During 2011 Wesizwe Platinum issued additional shares which diluted Anglo American Platinum’s attributable share in Wesizwe Platinum to 13% (from the previous 26.6%). As a result Anglo 
American Platinum can no longer apply equity accounting but has to reflect the investment as an asset held for sale valued at market value (-27.0 Mt / -4.6 Moz).
 Merensky Reef: The decrease in Mineral Resources is primarily due to previously reported Mineral Resources being re-classified as Deposit in areas where the virgin rock temperature is expected 
to be above 75° Celsius. This applies mainly to Tumela Mine (-26.6 Mt / -6.7 Moz). Disposal of Wesizwe’s Mineral Resources (-12.0 Mt / -2.4 Moz) also contributes to the decrease. 
However the Merensky Reef Mineral Resources were positively influenced due to re-allocation of previously reported Ore Reserves back to Mineral Resources as a result of changes in economic 
assumptions at Thembelani Mine (+13.8 Mt / + 3.1 Moz). 
 UG2 Reef: The decrease in Mineral Resources is primarily due to previously reported Mineral Resources being re-classified as Deposit in areas where the virgin rock temperature is expected to be 
above 75° Celsius. This applies to Tumela Mine, Twickenham Mine and Ga-Phasha PGM Project (-101.9 Mt / -19.4 Moz). The exclusion of Wesizwe’s Mineral Resources (-15.0 Mt / -2.2 Moz) and 
conversion of Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves at Thembelani and Siphumelele (-27.1 Mt / -4.5 Moz) also contributes to the decrease. The decrease is offset by an increase of Mineral Resources 
at the Der Brochen Project due to a change in the mining method (from ultra-low profile to low-profile mechanised board and pillar mining) which increases the resource cut (+81.0 Mt / +2.8 Moz).
 Platreef: A 1.0g/t (4E PGE) cut-off has been used to define Mineral Resources. The Mineral Resource 4E ounce content increased primarily due to additional borehole information which has 
confirmed the presence of the Platreef at higher elevation in localised areas to the west and below the original pit shell. Until a better understanding of this structure has been determined, a low 
classification confidence and a 100m swathe of geological loss have been applied to these elevated resources. Conceptual pit shell evaluations have indicated that the pit could extend to the west and 
deeper to exploit these resources. Consequently, the Mineral Resource reporting depth has increased by approximately 200m to 650m below surface elevation (equivalent to 400m a.m.s.l.). Due to 
this increase in reporting depth the Mineral Resources increase substantially. Pit design test work has confirmed that these resources are potentially open pitable. The increase in tonnage is offset by 
the decrease of Mineral Resources due to additional conversion of Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves at Mogalakwena South (-123.6 Mt / -13.9 Moz) and at Sandsloot, where previously reported 
Mineral Resources are excluded as the limit of surface mining has been reached (-34.6 Mt / -3.2 Moz). No Mineral Resources applicable to underground mining have been included. However, stockpile 
material is included which comprises calc-silicate and oxidised material with a cut-off grade of greater than 3g/t (5.2 Mt / 0.6 Moz).

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8)  Alternative units – All Reefs Measured and Indicated: Tonnage in million short tons (Mton) and associated grade in troy ounces per short ton (oz/ton) for 2011 is: 

(9) 

Measured and Indicated – 2,838.1 Mton (2010: 2,542.4 Mton) 
Measured and Indicated – 0.114 oz/ton (2010: 0.120 oz/ton)
 Tailings: Operating tailings dams cannot be geologically assessed and therefore are not reported as part of the Mineral Resources. At Rustenburg mines a dormant dam has been evaluated and the 
tailing forms part of the Mineral Resource statement. During 2010 the tailings dams at Union Mine were reactivated and their resources were removed from the Mineral Resource statement. However, 
for 2011, some of the Union tailings were de-activated and as consequence now form part of the Mineral Resource statement. A dormant tailings dam at Amandelbult is currently being drilled and its 
resources will be evaluated in 2012.

(10)   Main Sulphide Zone: The Main Sulphide Zone is the orebody mined at Unki Mine. The Mineral Resources for the Main Sulphide Zone relate to the Unki East and West mines only. Anglo American 

Platinum owns an effective 100% interest in Southridge Limited. During 2011 a new resource evaluation was completed covering Unki South, Helvetia and Paarl projects (contained within the special 
mining lease held by Southridge Limited). However, an independent external review of these Mineral Resource is outstanding and will only be completed during the first quarter of 2012 and therefore 
the Mineral Resources reported re-state the Unki East and West mines resources.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

PLATINUM GROUP METALS  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

Platinum – Other Projects
MINERAL RESOURCES 
South Africa

Classification

Boikgantsho(4)
Platreef

Sheba’s Ridge(5)

Brazil

Pedra Branca(6)

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

Inferred

Tonnes (1)

Grade(2)

Contained metal(3)

Contained metal

(3)

2011

Mt
–
37.0
37.0
1.8

28.0
34.0
62.0
149.9

6.6

2010

Mt
–
86.6
86.6
51.0

111.8
128.4
240.1
0.9

6.6

2011

3E PGE
–
1.30
1.30
1.14
3E PGE
0.88
0.85
0.87
0.96
3E PGE
2.27

2010

3E PGE
–
1.35
1.35
1.23
3E PGE
0.85
0.95
0.90
0.85
3E PGE
2.27

2011

3E tonnes
–
47.9
47.9
2.1

24.6
29.1
53.6
144.5

15.0

2010

3E tonnes
–
116.9
116.9
62.7

95.1
122.1
217.2
0.8

15.0

2011

3E Moz
–
1.5
1.5
0.1

0.8
0.9
1.7
4.6

0.5

2010

3E Moz
–
3.8
3.8
2.0

3.1
3.9
7.0
0.0

0.5

Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to some Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will necessarily be upgraded to an Indicated or 
Measured Resource after continued exploration.

(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)  Contained Metal: Contained Metal is presented in metric tonnes and million troy ounces (Moz).
(4) 

(5) 

 Boikgantsho: Anglo American Platinum holds an attributable interest of 49% of the Joint Venture between Anglo American Platinum and Anooraq Resources. During 2011 a new resource evaluation 
was completed resulting in a significant change to the previous reporting which was unchanged since 2004. A cut-off grade of 1g/t (3E) was applied, the same as for Mogalakwena Platreef (1g/t 4E). 
The new evaluation excludes oxidised material up to a depth of 40m. The resources are reported only to a depth of 300m below surface and excludes losses due to the major dykes and a swathe of 
200m either side of the major Drenthe fault, which has a displacement of approximately 2.2km. 
 Sheba’s Ridge: Anglo American Platinum holds an attributable interest of 35% of the Joint Venture between Anglo American Platinum, Aquarius Platinum and the South African Industrial 
Development Corporation (IDC). Re-interpretation of the geology together with structural complexity resulted in a revised model with a significant decrease of the resource classification confidence. 
Additionally, the reporting depth below surface has been reduced. Note that since 2011 the joint venture area encompasses all Prospects Rights of the Sheba’s Ridge project. The geological loss 
increased from a previously used 0.5% to 5% within the Measured category and to 10% within the Indicated and Inferred categories. Previously the cutoff grade used was $10.5/t recoverable value, 
a figure supplied by Ridge Mining using metal price projections and metallurgical recoveries. This was changed to 0.5g/t (3E) in the current model.

(6)  Pedra Branca: Anglo American Platinum holds an attributable interest of 51% of the Joint Venture between Anglo American Platinum and Solitario Resources & Royalty. A cut-off of 0.7g/t (3E PGE) 

was applied for resource definition.

The following Operations and Projects contributed to the combined 2011 Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates stated per reef (excluding Other Projects):

Operations:
Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine (BRPM) – MR/UG2
Bathopele Mine – UG2 
Bokoni Platinum Mine – MR/UG2 
Dishaba Mine – MR/UG2 
Khomanani Mine – MR/UG2 
Khuseleka Mine – MR/UG2 
Kroondal Platinum Mine – UG2
Marikana Platinum Mine – UG2
Modikwa Platinum Mine – MR/UG2 
Mogalakwena Mine – PR
Mototolo Platinum Mine – UG2 
Pandora – UG2 
Siphumelele Mine – MR/UG2
Thembelani Mine – MR/UG2 
Tumela Mine – MR/UG2 
Twickenham Platinum Mine – MR/UG2 
Union Mine – MR/UG2 
Unki Mine – MSZ

Projects:
Der Brochen Project – MR/UG2 
Ga-Phasha PGM Project – MR/UG2 
Magazynskraal Project – MR/UG2 
Other Exploration Projects (portions of Driekop/Rustenburg) – MR/UG2 
Rustenburg – Non Mine Projects – MR/UG2 

Mine Life
30+
15
30+
30+
17
27
7
7
19
30+
5*
23
30+
27
30+
30+
26
27

%
33%
100% 
49% 
100% 
100% 
100% 
50%
50%
50%
100%
50%
42.5%
100% 
100% 
100% 
100%
85%
100%

%
100%
49%
20%
37.5% to 100%
100%

MR = Merensky Reef, UG2 = UG2 Reef, PR = Platreef, MSZ = Main Sulphide Zone; 
% = Anglo American Platinum Limited attributable interest; 
Mine Life = The extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only considering the combined MR and UG2 production where applicable; 
* Only 5 years of Ore Reserves are declared as per Xstrata policy.

Information was provided by the Joint Venture partners for the following operations and projects: 
Operations – BRPM, Bokoni, Kroondal, Marikana, Modikwa, Mototolo, Pandora, (only Ore Reserve information for BRPM and Modikwa) 
Projects – Pedra Branca, Sheba’s Ridge, Ga-Phasha, Magazynskraal

Audits related to the generation of the Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource statements were carried out by independent consultants during 2011 at the following operations: 
Bathopele, Dishaba, Khomanani, Mogalakwena, Siphumelele, Thembelani, Tumela, Union.

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

PHOSPHATE PRODUCTS  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

OTHER MINING AND INDUSTRIAL
The Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates were compiled in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral 
Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2004) as a minimum standard. 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.

Phosphate Products – Operations
ORE RESERVES 
Copebrás (OP)(1)

Attributable %
100

Mine
Life
41

Carbonatite Complex
Oxide

Phosphate Products – Operations
MINERAL RESOURCES 
Copebrás (OP)(2)

Attributable %
100

Carbonatite Complex
Oxide

Phosphate Products – Projects
MINERAL RESOURCES 
Coqueiros (OP)(3)

Attributable %
100

Carbonatite Complex
Oxide

Carbonatite Complex
Fresh Rock

Classification

Proved
Probable
Total

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred
Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

2011
  Mt
87.9
151.3
239.2

2011
  Mt
3.9
60.2
64.2
7.6
50.7
58.2

2011
  Mt
1.8
16.5
18.3
26.2
1.2
34.0
35.2
16.2

Tonnes

2010

Mt
92.4
151.5
243.9

Tonnes

2010

Mt
4.0
60.2
64.2
7.9
51.0
58.9

Tonnes

2010

Mt
1.8
16.5
18.3
26.2
1.2
34.0
35.2
16.2

2011
%P2O5
14.0
13.0
13.4

2011
%P2O5
13.4
11.8
11.9
13.2
10.9
11.2

2011
%P2O5
10.5
12.9
12.6
11.2
7.3
8.5
8.5
7.6

Grade

2010
%P2O5
14.0
13.0
13.4

Grade

2010
%P2O5
13.4
11.8
11.9
13.0
10.9
11.1

Grade

2010
%P2O5
10.5
12.9
12.6
11.2
7.3
8.5
8.5
7.6

THE MINERAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO ORE RESERVES. 

Mining method: OP = Open Pit. Mine Life = the extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only. 
Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to some Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will necessarily be upgraded to an Indicated  
or Measured Resource after continued exploration.

(1) 
(2) 
(3) 

 Copebrás – Oxide Ore Reserves: The decrease is due to production.
 Copebrás – Oxide Mineral Resources: Mineral Resources are quoted above a 7% P2O5 cut-off and a CaO/P2O5 ratio between 1 and 1.4.
 Coqueiros: The Oxide mineralisation is defined by a cut-off grade of 7% P2O5 and a CaO/ P2O5 ratio between 1 and 1.4. The Fresh Rock resources are defined by a cut-off grade of 5% P2O5.  
The metallurgical recovery characteristics of the Fresh Rock appear superior to those of the oxidised materials, permitting the application of a lower cut-off grade. A further exploration drilling 
campaign is awaiting approval of the exploration report from Brazil’s Departamento Nacional de Produção Mineral (DNPM).

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

NIOBIUM  
estimates as at 31 December 2011

Niobium – Operations 
ORE RESERVES
Catalão (OP)

Carbonatite Complex
Oxide(1)

Attributable %
100

Mine
Life
4

Niobium – Operations 
MINERAL RESOURCES
Catalão (OP)

Carbonatite Complex
Oxide(2)

Attributable %
100

Niobium – Projects 
MINERAL RESOURCES
Catalão (OP)

Carbonatite Complex
Fresh Rock(3)

Attributable %
100

Classification

Proved
Probable
Total

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred (in LOMP)
Inferred (ex. LOMP)
Total Inferred

Classification

Measured
Indicated
Measured and Indicated
Inferred

2011
Mt
3.4
1.0
4.3

2011
  Mt
2.0
0.8
2.8
0.3
0.8
1.1

2011
  Mt
13.7
19.5
33.2
18.1

Tonnes

2010

Mt
4.0
1.1
5.1

Tonnes

2010

Mt
2.0
0.8
2.8
0.4
0.8
1.2

Tonnes

2010

Mt
13.7
19.5
33.2
18.1

2011
%Nb2O5
1.03
1.04
1.03

2011
%Nb2O5
1.30
1.04
1.22
0.95
0.87
0.89

2011
%Nb2O5
1.24
1.24
1.24
1.37

Grade

2010
%Nb2O5
1.09
1.01
1.07

Grade

2010
%Nb2O5
1.30
1.04
1.22
0.94
0.86
0.89

Grade

2010
%Nb2O5
1.24
1.24
1.24
1.37

Contained product

2011
kt
35
10
45

2010

kt
44
11
55

Contained product

2011
kt
26
8
35
3
7
9

2010

kt
26
8
35
4
7
10

Contained product

2011
kt
170
243
413
248

2010

kt
170
243
413
248

THE MINERAL RESOURCES ARE REPORTED AS ADDITIONAL TO ORE RESERVES.  

Mining method: OP = Open Pit. Mine Life = the extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only. 
Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to some Inferred Mineral Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or part of an Inferred Mineral Resource will necessarily be upgraded to an Indicated or 
Measured Resource after continued exploration.

(1) 
(2) 

(3) 

 Catalão – Oxide Ore Reserves: The decrease is primarily due to production.
 Catalão – Oxide Mineral Resources: The Oxide Resources are reported above a 0.5% Nb2O5 cut-off. The Mineral Resources are split into Oxide and Fresh Rock due to the recognition of distinct 
differences in mineralogical characteristics.
 Catalão – Fresh Rock Mineral Resources: The Fresh Rock Resources are reported above a 0.7% Nb2O5 cut-off. A drilling campaign is being undertaken, the geological model and geotechnical 
study will be updated once this is completed. It is anticipated that Ore Reserves will be declared in 2012.

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

DEFINITIONS

ORE RESERVES
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 ‘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. 

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.

MINERAL RESOURCES
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.

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 ‘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.

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. 

COMMON TERMINOLOGY
Deposit 
A deposit is a concentration (or occurrence) of material of possible economic interest, in or on the earth’s crust, that may include mineralized material that 
cannot be estimated with sufficient confidence to be classified in the Inferred category. Portions of a deposit that do not have reasonable and realistic 
prospects for eventual economic extraction are not included in a Mineral Resource.

Inferred (in LOMP) / Inferred (ex. LOMP) 
Inferred (in LOMP): Inferred Resources within the scheduled Life of Mine Plan (LOMP). 
Inferred (ex. LOMP): The portion of Inferred Resources with reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction not considered in the Life of Mine Plan (LOMP).

Mine Life 
The extraction period in years for scheduled Ore Reserves comprising Proved and Probable Reserves only. 
This is the current view of the period of production based on current Ore Reserve tonnes and applicable mining rates.

Coal products 
Metallurgical – Coking: High-, medium- or low-volatile semi-soft, soft or hard coking coal primarily for blending and use in the steel industry; quality measured 
as Crucible Swell Number (CSN). 
Metallurgical – Other: 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; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Thermal – Export: Low- to high-volatile thermal coal primarily for export in the use of power generation; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Thermal – Domestic: Low- to high-volatile thermal coal primarily for domestic consumption for power generation; quality measured by calorific value (CV). 
Synfuel: Coal specifically for the domestic production of synthetic fuel and chemicals; quality measured by calorific value (CV).

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES

GLOSSARY

MINING METHODS
OC: 
OP: 
UG: 

Open Cut
Open Pit
Underground

MASS UNITS
kt: 
Moz: 
Mt: 
MTIS: 
mtpa: 
ROM: 
tonnes: 

kilotonne; metric system unit of mass equal to 1,000 metric tonnes
million troy ounces (a kilogram is equal to 32.1507 ounces; a troy ounce is equal to 31.1035 grams)
million tonnes, metric system unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilotonnes
Mineable Tonnage In-Situ; quoted in million tonnes
million tonnes per annum
Run Of Mine
metric system unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms

GRADE UNITS (expressed on a moisture-free basis)
Acid soluble copper (%)
ASCu: 
Crucible Swell Number (CSN is rounded to the nearest 0.5 index)
CSN: 
Copper equivalent based on long-term metal prices and taking into consideration the recovery of Copper, Gold and Molybdenum (%)
CuEq: 
Calorific Value (CV is rounded to the nearest 10 kcal/kg)
CV: 
Insoluble copper, total copper less acid soluble copper (%)
ICu: 
kilocalories per kilogram
kcal/kg: 
Total copper (%)
TCu: 
The sum of Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and Gold grades in grammes per tonne (g/t).
4E PGE: 
The sum of Platinum, Palladium and Gold grades in grammes per tonne (g/t)
3E PGE: 
weight percent Copper
% Cu: 
weight percent Iron
% Fe: 
weight percent Manganese
% Mn: 
weight percent Molybdenum
% Mo: 
weight percent Nickel
% Ni: 
weight percent Niobium pentoxide
% Nb2O5 : 
weight percent Phosphorus pentoxide
% P2O5 : 

Flotation: 

PROCESSING METHODS
Dump Leach:   A process similar to Heap Leaching, but usually applied to lower grade material. Rather than constructing a heap of material with a controlled grain 
size, the material grain sizes are as mined, similar to the situation found within a waste rock dump. This material is then irrigated with a leach solution 
that dissolves the valuable minerals, allowing recovery from the drained leach solution.
 A process for concentrating minerals based on their surface properties. Finely ground mineral is slurried with water and specific reagents that 
increase the water repellent nature of the valuable mineral and agitated with air. The water repellent mineral grains cling to froth bubbles that 
concentrate the mineral at the top of the flotation cell, from where it is mechanically removed.
 A process in which mineral-bearing rock is crushed and built into a designed heap. The heap is irrigated with a leach solution that dissolves the 
desirable mineral and carries it into a drain system from which solution is pumped and the mineral/elements of interest are recovered.
 A process whereby crushed rock containing valuable minerals is placed within vats. The vats are filled with a leach solution and the valuable 
mineral(s) dissolve. The leach solution is pumped to a recovery circuit and the vats are drained and emptied of the spent ore and recharged.

Heap Leach: 

Vat Leach: 

ORE TYPES
Banded Iron Formation: 
Canga: 
Carbonatite Complex: 

 A chemical sedimentary rock consisting of silica and iron oxide. The rock texture is characteristically laminated or banded.
 An iron rich rock formed where material weathered from an original iron ore deposit has been cemented by iron minerals.
 A group of overlapping igneous intrusions of alkaline rocks including magmatic carbonate (sövite) rock. These complexes are 
frequently host to phosphate, niobium and rare-earth element deposits.
 Loose, unconsolidated material that accumulates above the weathering iron ore bodies.
 An especially iron-rich laterite.
 An iron oxide mineral with the chemical formula Fe2O3.

Colluvium: 
Ferruginous Laterite: 
Hematite: 
Itabirite (Friable/Compact):   Itabirite is a banded quartz hematite schist, very similar to banded iron formation in appearance and composition.  

Laterite: 
Main Sulphide Zone (MSZ):   The Main Sulphide Zone is the principal host of Platinum Group Metals within the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe. The Main Sulphide Zone 

Friable Itabirite is extensively weathered leading to disaggregation of the individual mineral grains comprising the rock.  
Compact Itabirite, previously known as Hard Itabirite, is the unweathered equivalent. 
 A claylike soil horizon rich in iron and aluminium oxides that formed by weathering of igneous rocks under tropical conditions.

Merensky Reef (MR): 

Oxide: 

Platreef (PR): 

Porphyry (Copper): 
Saprolite: 
Sulphide: 
UG2 Reef (UG2): 

is a tabular zone of sulphide-bearing rock within the uppermost P1 Pyroxenite.
 One of the three major Platinum Group Metals bearing units within the Bushveld Complex. The Merensky Reef is located within the 
Upper Critical Zone of the Bushveld Complex and ranges in width from 0.8m to 4m. The Merensky Reef occurs at the interface 
between the Merensky Pyroxenite and the underlying anorthosite to norite. The Merensky Reef is characterised by the occurrence of 
one or more narrow chromitite stringers and frequently includes a coarse-grained pegmatoidal pyroxenite.
 Oxide ores are those found within close proximity to surface and whose mineralogy is dominated by oxidised species, including 
oxides and sulphates. Frequently, silicate minerals have broken down partially or completely to clay-rich species.
 The Platreef is only present within the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex, in the vicinity of Polokwane, South Africa. The 
Platreef is a heterogenous unit dominated by felspathic pyroxenite, but including serpentinised pyroxenites and xenoliths of footwall 
rock. The Platreef dips steeply to the west and ranges in thickness between 60m and 200m. Platinum Group Metal mineralisation 
occurs disseminated within the Platreef and in frequent association with base-metal sulphides.
 Large copper deposits hosted by intermediate felsic rocks. These deposits form close to large-scale subduction zones.
 A decomposed clay-rich rock that has been weathered in place.
 Sulphide ores contain sulphide minerals that have not been subjected to surface oxidation.
 The UG2 Reef is located between 20m and 400m below the Merensky Reef and is the second chromitite unit within the Upper Group. 
The UG2 is typically a massive chromitite unit ranging in thickness from 0.6m to 1.2m. The hangingwall of the UG2 is a felspathic 
pyroxenite unit that may include several narrow chromitite stringers. The footwall of the UG2 is a coarse-grained pegmatoidal pyroxenite.

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OTHER INFORMATION

PRODUCTION STATISTICS

The figures below include the entire output of consolidated entities and the Group’s attributable share of joint ventures, joint arrangements and associates 
where applicable, except for Collahuasi in the Copper segment and De Beers which are quoted on a 100% basis.

Iron Ore and Manganese segment (tonnes)
Kumba Iron Ore(1)
Lump 
Fines 
Amapá
Sinter feed 
Pellet feed 
Total iron ore production 
Samancor(2)
Manganese ore 
Manganese alloys(3) 

Coal (tonnes)
Metallurgical Coal segment
Australia
Export metallurgical
Thermal

Canada
Export metallurgical
Total Metallurgical Coal segment coal production(4)
Thermal Coal segment
South Africa
Metallurgical
Thermal (non-Eskom)
Eskom

Colombia
Export thermal
Total Thermal Coal segment coal production
Other Mining and Industrial segment
South America
Thermal
Total Other Mining and Industrial segment coal production(4)
Total coal production
Coal (tonnes)
Metallurgical Coal segment
Australia
Callide
Drayton
Capcoal
Jellinbah
Moranbah North
Dawson
Foxleigh

Canada
Peace River Coal
Total Metallurgical Coal segment coal production(4)
Thermal Coal segment
South Africa
Greenside
Goedehoop
Isibonelo
Kriel
Kleinkopje
Landau
New Denmark
New Vaal
Mafube
Zibulo(5)

2011

2010

25,445,100
15,822,500

25,922,300
17,462,600

1,401,000
3,420,500
46,089,100

2,136,900
1,892,500
47,414,300

2,786,800
300,500

2,952,800
312,000

13,253,400
13,426,500
26,679,900

14,701,800
14,460,500
29,162,300

936,300
27,616,200

868,000
30,030,300

323,400
21,388,100
35,296,000
57,007,500

436,500
21,612,000
36,403,400
58,451,900

10,751,700
67,759,200

10,060,100
68,512,000

–
–
95,375,400

441,400
441,400
98,983,700

8,038,700
3,991,900
5,047,900
1,829,600
2,450,100
3,904,600
1,417,100
26,679,900

8,515,600
4,206,000
5,460,300
1,792,500
3,937,800
3,584,400
1,665,700
29,162,300

936,300
27,616,200

868,000
30,030,300

2,853,100
5,200,800
4,338,200
8,151,700
4,400,600
4,171,200
4,812,600
17,399,700
2,313,100
3,366,500
57,007,500

3,425,000
6,026,200
4,569,100
9,526,100
4,423,600
4,085,800
5,051,600
17,235,300
2,447,700
1,661,500
58,451,900

(1)  Kolomela commenced commercial production on 1 December 2011. Costs associated with 984,700 tonnes of production (2010: nil) have been capitalised before commercial production was 

reached.

(2)  Saleable production.
(3)  Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.
(4) 

In 2011 Peace River Coal has been reclassified from Other Mining and Industrial to Metallurgical Coal to align with internal management reporting. Comparatives have been reclassified to align 
with current year presentation.

(5)  Zibulo commenced commercial production on 1 October 2011. Revenue and related costs associated with 2,155,200 tonnes (2010: 1,661,500 tonnes) of production have been capitalised 
before commercial production was reached. The 2,155,200 tonnes includes Eskom coal of 633,400 tonnes (2010: 764,700 tonnes) and export thermal coal production of 1,521,800 tonnes 
(2010: 896,800 tonnes).

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OTHER INFORMATION PRODUCTION STATISTICS

Coal (tonnes) (continued)
Thermal Coal segment (continued)
Colombia
Carbones del Cerrejón
Total Thermal Coal segment coal production
Other Mining and Industrial segment
South America
Carbones del Guasare
Total Other Mining and Industrial segment coal production(1)
Total coal production
Total coal production by commodity (tonnes)
Metallurgical
South Africa 
Australia – Export
Canada – Export
Total metallurgical coal production
Thermal
South Africa – Thermal (non-Eskom)
South Africa – Eskom
Australia
South America
Total thermal coal production
Total coal production

Copper segment
Collahuasi
100% basis (Anglo American share 44%)
Ore mined
Ore processed

Ore grade processed

Production

Total copper production for Collahuasi
Anglo American’s share of copper production for Collahuasi
Anglo American Sur
Los Bronces mine
Ore mined
Marginal ore mined
Las Tortolas concentrator

Confluencia concentrator

Production

El Soldado mine
Ore mined

Ore processed

Ore grade processed

Production

Chagres smelter

Production

Total copper production for Anglo American Sur(2)

2011

2010

10,751,700
67,759,200

10,060,100
68,512,000

–
–
95,375,400

441,400
441,400
98,983,700

323,400
13,253,400
936,300
14,513,100

21,388,100
35,296,000
13,426,500
10,751,700
80,862,300
95,375,400

436,500
14,701,800
868,000
16,006,300

21,612,000
36,403,400
14,460,500
10,501,500
82,977,400
98,983,700

45,240,000
8,075,800
47,747,400
0.7
1.0
1,535,800
36,000
417,300
453,300
199,500

26,587,500
30,515,600
20,595,700
0.9
85.8
3,329,400
0.7
84.3
658,300
38,400
4,600
178,800
221,800

10,197,700
–
–
10,197,700
1,887,000
7,209,100
0.7
0.8
171,900
5,000
41,900
46,900

143,000
138,200
487,500
268,700

84,060,000
7,226,800
49,119,900
0.5
1.1
1,789,300
38,800
465,200
504,000
221,800

20,021,600
43,266,400
18,909,400
1.0
88.2
–
–
–
598,300
42,600
4,100
174,700
221,400

4,890,400
101,900
1,390,200
6,382,500
1,532,200
7,176,100
0.7
0.6
174,000
4,700
35,700
40,400

142,100
137,900
466,700
261,800

Oxide
Sulphide
Oxide
Sulphide
Copper concentrate
Copper cathode
Copper in concentrate

Ore processed
Ore grade processed
Average recovery
Ore processed
Ore grade processed
Average recovery
Copper concentrate
Copper cathode
Copper in sulphate
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/anode
Acid

tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
% Cu
% Cu
dry metric tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes

tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
% Cu
%
tonnes
% Cu
% 
dry metric tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes

tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
% Cu
% Cu
dry metric tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes

tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes

(1) 

(2) 

In 2011 Peace River Coal has been reclassified from Other Mining and Industrial to Metallurgical Coal to align with internal management reporting. Comparatives have been reclassified to align 
with current year presentation.
Includes cathode, copper in sulphate and copper in concentrate production.

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Oxide
Sulphide
Marginal ore
Oxide
Sulphide
Marginal ore
Copper concentrate
Copper cathode
Copper in concentrate
Total

Oxide
Marginal ore
Oxide
Marginal ore
Copper cathode

Copper segment (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(1)
Total Copper segment copper production(1)
Platinum copper production
Black Mountain copper production
Total attributable copper production(1)

Nickel segment
Codemin
Ore mined(2)
Ore processed
Ore grade processed
Production
Loma de Níquel
Ore mined
Ore processed
Ore grade processed
Production
Barro Alto(3) 
Ore mined
Ore processed
Ore grade processed
Production
Total Nickel segment nickel production
Platinum nickel production
Total attributable nickel production

Platinum segment(4)
Platinum
Palladium
Rhodium
Copper(5)
Nickel(5)
Gold
Equivalent refined platinum

Diamonds segment (De Beers) (diamonds recovered – carats)
100% basis (Anglo American share 45%)
Debswana
Namdeb
De Beers Consolidated Mines
De Beers Canada
Total diamonds production for De Beers
Anglo American's share of diamonds production for De Beers

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
% Ni
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes

troy ounces
troy ounces
troy ounces
tonnes
tonnes
troy ounces
troy ounces

2011

2010

4,563,400
4,186,600
5,109,400
0.6
1.0
0.2
119,000
36,000
36,100
72,100

10,012,200
8,025,300
0.6
0.3
58,700
130,800
599,000
12,800
300
612,100

549,900
562,900
1.9
9,500

1,302,600
1,014,200
1.5
13,400

978,000
456,500
2.0
6,200
29,100
20,300
49,400

2,530,100
1,430,700
337,600
12,800
20,300
105,100
2,410,100

4,380,900
3,924,700
5,628,900
0.6
1.1
0.2
119,300
39,100
39,500
78,600

9,223,200
5,237,000
0.7
0.3
61,100
139,700
623,300
10,900
2,500
636,700

493,900
488,300
1.9
8,500

714,200
798,000
1.6
11,700

723,600
–
–
–
20,200
18,500
38,700

2,569,900
1,448,500
328,900
10,900
18,500
81,300
2,484,000

22,890,000
1,335,000
5,443,000
1,660,000
31,328,000
14,097,000

22,218,000
1,472,000
7,556,000
1,751,000
32,997,000
14,849,000

(1) 

Includes cathode, copper in sulphate and copper in concentrate production.

(2)  Represents ore mined at Barro Alto for processing at Codemin.
(3)  Barro Alto is currently not in commercial production and therefore all revenue and related costs associated with 6,200 tonnes (2010: nil) of production have been capitalised.
(4)  See the published results of Anglo American Platinum Limited for further analysis of production information.
(5)  Also disclosed within total attributable copper and nickel production.

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OTHER INFORMATION PRODUCTION STATISTICS

Other Mining and Industrial segment
Copebrás
Phosphates

Catalão
Niobium
Ore mined
Ore processed
Ore grade processed
Production

Tarmac
Aggregates 
Lime products 
Concrete 

Scaw Metals
South Africa Steel Products 
International Steel Products(1) 

Zinc and lead
Lisheen(2)
Ore mined
Ore processed
Ore grade processed

Production

Black Mountain(2)
Ore mined
Ore processed
Ore grade processed

Production

Skorpion(2)
Ore mined
Ore processed
Ore grade processed
Production
Total attributable zinc production
Total attributable lead production

2011

2010

tonnes

1,060,900

1,002,000

tonnes
tonnes
Kg Nb/tonne
tonnes

866,600
902,600
8.1
3,900

1,209,400
909,300
6.6
4,000

tonnes
tonnes
m3

tonnes
tonnes

tonnes
tonnes
% Zn
% Pb
tonnes
tonnes

tonnes
tonnes
% Zn
% Pb
% Cu
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes

tonnes
tonnes
% Zn
tonnes
tonnes
tonnes

42,878,400
1,264,000
3,285,700

58,875,600
1,255,900
3,305,800

677,400
–

710,000
794,200

152,800
156,200
13.4
2.7
19,200
2,900

132,800
126,200
3.4
4.5
0.4
3,300
5,400
300

–
–
–
–
22,500
8,300

1,531,700
1,587,600
12.2
1.9
175,100
20,600

1,415,500
1,378,600
3.3
4.2
0.3
36,100
50,600
2,500

1,412,600
1,358,000
11.2
138,500
349,700
71,200

Zinc
Lead
Zinc in concentrate
Lead in concentrate

Zinc
Lead
Copper
Zinc in concentrate
Lead in concentrate
Copper in concentrate

Zinc
Zinc

(1)  Relates to production from Moly-Cop and AltaSteel. The Group sold its interests in Moly-Cop and AltaSteel in December 2010.
(2)  The Group sold its interest in Skorpion in December 2010 and its interests in Lisheen and Black Mountain in February 2011.

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OTHER INFORMATION

QUARTERLY PRODUCTION STATISTICS

31 December 
2011

30 September 
2011

30 June 
2011

31 March 
2011

31 December 
2010

31 December 2011 v 
30 September 2011

31 December 2011 v 
31 December 2010

Quarter ended

% Change (Quarter ended)

Iron Ore and Manganese segment 
(tonnes)
Iron ore(1)
Manganese ore(2)
Manganese alloys(2)(3)

Metallurgical Coal segment (tonnes)
Export metallurgical(4)
Thermal

Thermal Coal segment (tonnes)(5)
RSA thermal (non-Eskom)
Eskom
RSA metallurgical
Colombia export thermal

12,427,300
722,500
78,000

12,182,900
807,600
77,600

11,534,100
716,100
76,100

9,944,800
540,600
68,800

11,807,700
731,600
76,800

4,060,600
3,358,700

4,015,000
3,978,000

3,949,400
3,087,500

2,164,700
3,002,300

3,891,500
3,727,500

5,846,000
9,487,000
84,500
2,752,700

5,198,400
8,751,400
75,600
2,851,800

5,264,400
8,782,600
83,800
2,537,700

5,079,300
8,275,000
79,500
2,609,500

5,885,000
9,484,800
103,000
2,315,700

Copper segment (tonnes)(6)

170,000

139,900

150,300

138,800

154,400

Nickel segment (tonnes)(7)(8)

9,900

6,500

6,600

6,100

4,400

Platinum segment
Platinum (troy ounces)
Palladium (troy ounces)
Rhodium (troy ounces)
Nickel (tonnes)
Equivalent refined platinum (troy ounces)

Diamonds segment (De Beers) 
(diamonds recovered – carats)
Total diamond production for De Beers
Anglo American’s share of diamond 
production for De Beers

Other Mining and Industrial segment 
(tonnes)(9)
Phosphates
Niobium
South Africa Steel Products

Coal production by commodity (tonnes)
Metallurgical
Thermal (non-Eskom)(10)
Eskom

710,000
392,700
96,800
5,100
583,200

646,500
376,000
75,200
4,900
666,800

640,700
373,800
79,900
5,500
592,500

532,900
288,200
85,700
4,800
567,600

872,400
502,600
111,400
5,000
640,100

6,489,000

9,305,000

8,138,000

7,396,000

8,532,000

2,920,000

4,187,000

3,662,000

3,328,000

3,839,000

274,900
1,000
163,100

284,500
1,100
158,000

260,700
900
183,100

240,800
900
173,200

270,900
1,200
151,000

4,145,100
11,957,400
9,487,000

4,090,600
12,028,200
8,751,400

4,033,200
10,889,600
8,782,600

2,244,200
10,691,100
8,275,000

3,994,500
11,928,200
9,484,800

2%
(11)%
1%

1%
(16)%

12%
8%
12%
(3)%

22%

52%

10%
4%
29%
4%
(13)%

(30)%

(30)%

(3)%
(9)%
3%

1%
(1)%
8%

5%
(1)%
2%

4%
(10)%

(1)%
–
(18)%
19%

10%

125%

(19)%
(22)%
(13)%
2%
(9)%

(24)%

(24)%

1%
(17)%
8%

4%
–
–

(1)  Kolomela commenced commercial production on 1 December 2011. Costs associated with 984,700 tonnes of production (2010: nil) have been capitalised before commercial production 

was reached.

(2)  Saleable production.
(3)  Production includes Medium Carbon Ferro Manganese.
(4) 

Includes Peace River Coal which in 2011 has been reclassified from Other Mining and Industrial to Metallurgical Coal to align with internal management reporting. Comparatives have been 
reclassified to align with current year presentation.

(5)  Zibulo commenced commercial production on 1 October 2011. Revenue and related costs associated with 2,155,200 tonnes (2010: 1,661,500 tonnes) of production have been capitalised 
before commercial production was reached. The 2,155,200 tonnes includes Eskom coal of 633,400 tonnes (2010: 764,700 tonnes) and export thermal coal production of 1,521,800 tonnes 
(2010: 896,800 tonnes).

(6)  Excludes Platinum and Black Mountain copper production.
(7)  Excludes Platinum nickel production.
(8) 

Includes Barro Alto which is currently not in commercial production and therefore all revenue and related costs associated with 6,200 tonnes (2010: nil) of production have been capitalised.

(9)  Excludes Tarmac.
(10)  The quarter ended 31 December 2010 excludes 48,600 tonnes of production from Carbones del Guasare.

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OTHER INFORMATION

EXCHANGE RATES AND COMMODITY PRICES

US$ exchange rates
Year end spot prices
Rand
Brazilian real
Sterling
Australian dollar
Euro
Chilean peso

Average prices for the year
Rand
Brazilian real
Sterling
Australian dollar
Euro
Chilean peso

Commodity prices
Year end spot prices
Iron ore (FOB Australia)(1)
Thermal coal (FOB South Africa)(2)
Thermal coal (FOB Australia)(2)
Hard coking coal (FOB Australia)(3)
Copper(4)
Nickel(4)
Platinum(5)
Palladium(5)
Rhodium(5)

Average market prices for the year
Iron ore (FOB Australia)(1)
Thermal coal (FOB South Africa)(2)
Thermal coal (FOB Australia)(2)
Hard coking coal (FOB Australia)(6)
Copper(4)
Nickel(4)
Platinum(5)
Palladium(5)
Rhodium(5)

2011

8.11
1.87
0.65
0.98
0.77
520

7.26
1.67
0.62
0.97
0.72
484

2011

127
105
112
285
343
829
1,388
636
1,400

160
116
121
289
400
1,035
1,725
736
2,022

2010

6.60
1.66
0.64
0.98
0.75
468

7.32
1.76
0.65
1.09
0.75
510

2010

163
129
126
209
442
1,132
1,755
797
2,425

136
92
99
191
342
989
1,610
527
2,453

US$/tonne
US$/tonne
US$/tonne
US$/tonne
US cents/lb
US cents/lb
US$/oz
US$/oz
US$/oz

US$/tonne
US$/tonne
US$/tonne
US$/tonne
US cents/lb
US cents/lb
US$/oz
US$/oz
US$/oz

(1)  Source: Platts.
(2)  Source: McCloskey.
(3)  Source: Represents the quarter four benchmark.
(4)  Source: LME daily prices.
(5)  Source: Johnson Matthey.
(6)  Source: Represents the average quarterly benchmark, with quarter one 2010 being the final quarter of the annual settlement for JFY 2009–2010.

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OTHER INFORMATION

SUMMARY BY BUSINESS OPERATION

US$ million
Iron Ore and Manganese
Kumba Iron Ore
Iron Ore Brazil
Samancor

Metallurgical Coal(4)
Australia
Canada
Projects and corporate

Thermal Coal
South Africa
Colombia
Projects and corporate

Copper
Anglo American Sur 
Anglo American Norte
Collahuasi
Projects and corporate

Nickel
Codemin
Loma de Níquel
Projects and corporate

Platinum

Diamonds

Other Mining and Industrial(4)
Core(4)
Copebrás
Catalão
Projects and corporate
Non-core(4)
Tarmac(5)
Scaw Metals(6)
Lisheen(7)
Black Mountain(7)
Skorpion(7)
Projects, corporate and other

Revenue(1)

EBITDA(2)

Operating profit/(loss)(3)

Underlying earnings

2011
8,124
6,717
481
926

4,347
4,068
279
–

3,722
2,642
1,080
–

5,144
2,320
1,136
1,688
–

488
203
285
–

7,359

3,320

4,039
720
571
149
–
3,319
2,347
931
36
5
–
–

2010
6,612
5,310
319
983

3,522
3,377
145
–

2,866
2,105
761
–

4,877
2,075
1,073
1,729
–

426
195
231
–

6,602

2,644

5,375
613
461
152
–
4,762
2,376
1,579
265
197
311
34

2011
4,733
4,546
(11)
198

1,577
1,526
82
(31)

1,410
902
535
(27)

2,750
1,247
641
1,052
(190)

84
77
86
(79)

2010
3,856
3,514
(73)
415

1,134
1,147
18
(31)

872
539
358
(25)

3,086
1,263
661
1,276
(114)

122
83
82
(43)

1,672

1,624

794

393
215
160
57
(2)
178
106
70
17
3
–
(18)

666

894
173
104
71
(2)
721
188
213
114
73
154
(21)

2011
4,520
4,397
(42)
165

1,189
1,161
59
(31)

1,230
775
482
(27)

2,461
1,092
606
957
(194)

57
73
66
(82)

890

659

195
188
136
54
(2)
7
(35)
40
17
3
–
(18)

2010
3,681
3,396
(97)
382

780
814
(3)
(31)

710
426
309
(25)

2,817
1,125
624
1,186
(118)

96
76
65
(45)

837

495

664
146
81
67
(2)
518
48
170
114
73
134
(21)

2011
1,525
1,462
(81)
144

844
831
44
(31)

902
611
318
(27)

1,610
746
444
617
(197)

23
52
29
(58)

410

443

107
113
80
35
(2)
(6)
(31)
27
14
1
–
(17)

2010
1,423
1,210
(77)
290

586
616
1
(31)

512
314
223
(25)

1,721
685
419
738
(121)

75
48
55
(28)

425

302

521
84
48
38
(2)
437
67
119
99
47
133
(28)

Exploration

–

–

(121)

(136)

(121)

(136)

(118)

(128)

Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs

5
36,548

5
32,929

56
13,348

(135)
11,983

15
11,095

(181)
9,763

374
6,120

(461)
4,976

(1)  Revenue includes the Group’s attributable share of revenue of joint ventures and associates. Revenue for copper and zinc operations is shown after deduction of treatment and refining charges  

(TC/RCs).

(2)  Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is operating profit before special items, remeasurements, depreciation and amortisation in subsidiaries and joint ventures 

and includes attributable share of EBITDA of associates.

(3)  Operating profit includes operating profit before special items and remeasurements from subsidiaries and joint ventures and attributable share of operating profit (before interest, tax, 

(4) 

(5) 

non-controlling interests, special items and remeasurements) of associates.
In 2011 Peace River Coal has been reclassified from Other Mining and Industrial to Metallurgical Coal to align with internal management reporting, and Copebrás and Catalão are considered 
core within the Other Mining and Industrial segment following a strategic review. Comparatives have been reclassified to align with current year presentation.
In the year ended 31 December 2011 the Group sold Tarmac’s businesses in China, Turkey and Romania (2010: the Polish and French and Belgian concrete products businesses and the 
majority of the European aggregates businesses). 

(6)  Results for 2010 include Moly-Cop and AltaSteel, which were disposed of in December 2010.
(7)  Skorpion, Lisheen and Black Mountain comprised the Group’s portfolio of zinc operations. The Group sold its interest in Skorpion in December 2010, and its interests in Lisheen and Black 

Mountain in February 2011. See note 32 to the financial statements.

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OTHER INFORMATION

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 and tax 
special items and remeasurements)
Net finance costs (including financing special items and 
remeasurements), tax and non-controlling interests of associates
Total profit from operations and associates
Net finance income/(costs) (including financing special items 
and remeasurements)
Profit before tax
Income tax expense (including special items and 
remeasurements)
Profit for the financial year – continuing operations
Profit for the financial year – discontinued operations
Profit for the financial year – total Group
Non-controlling 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 (US$) – continuing operations
Earnings per share (US$) – discontinued operations
Earnings per share (US$) – total Group
Underlying earnings per share (US$) – continuing operations
Underlying earnings per share (US$) – discontinued operations
Underlying earnings per share (US$) – 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

2011
36,548
(5,968)
30,580

2010
32,929
(4,969)
27,960

2009
24,637
(3,779)
20,858

2008
32,964
(6,653)
26,311

2007
30,559
(5,089)
25,470

2006(1)

2005(1)

2004(1)

29,404
(4,413)
24,991

24,872
(4,740)
20,132

22,610
(5,429)
17,181

11,095

9,763

4,957

10,085

9,590

8,888

5,549

3,832

(44)

1,727

(208)

(330)

(227)

24

16

556

(452)
10,599

(423)
11,067

183
10,782

(139)
10,928

(2,860)
7,922
–
7,922
(1,753)
6,169
6,120
–
6,120
5.10
–
5.10
5.06
–
5.06
74.0
–
1,210
13,348
–
13,348
n/a

(2,809)
8,119
–
8,119
(1,575)
6,544
4,976
–
4,976
5.43
–
5.43
4.13
–
4.13
65.0
–
1,206
11,983
–
11,983
42.0

(313)
4,436 

(407) 
4,029

(1,117)
2,912 
– 
2,912 
(487) 
2,425
2,569
– 
2,569
2.02
– 
2.02
2.14
– 
2.14
–
– 
1,202 
6,930 
– 
6,930
27.4

(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

(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

(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

(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

(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

30.4%

29.6%

20.1%

30.6%

28.4%

25.4%

18.5%

14.7%

6.8

6.4

–

9.9

3.5

3.5

2.9

2.7

Balance sheet
Intangible assets and property, plant and equipment
Other non-current assets and investments(5)
Working capital
Other net current liabilities(5)
Other non-current liabilities and obligations(5) 
Cash and cash equivalents and borrowings(6)
Net assets classified as held for sale
Net assets
Non-controlling interests
Equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
Total capital(7)
Cash flows from operations – continuing operations
Cash flows from operations – discontinued operations
Cash flows 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(8) – total Group
EBITDA/average total capital(7) – total Group
Net debt to total capital (gearing)(9)

42,871
10,269
2,093
(1,683)
(9,220)
(1,141)
–
43,189
(4,097)
39,092
44,563
11,498
–
11,498

403

–

403
26.5%
29.7%
3.1%

42,126
9,852
2,385
(785)
(8,757)
(7,038)
188
37,971
(3,732)
34,239
45,355
9,924
–
9,924

285

–

285
24.8%
28.3%
16.3%

37,974
7,303
2,168
(272)
(8,487)
(11,046)
429 
28,069 
(1,948) 
26,121 
39,349
4,904 
– 
4,904 

32,551
7,607
861
(840)
(7,567)
(11,051)
195
21,756
(1,535)
20,221
33,096
9,579
–
9,579

639 

659

– 

–

639
14.4%
19.1%
28.7%

659
36.9%
38.0%
34.3%

25,090
9,271
1,966
(911)
(6,387)
(5,170)
471
24,330
(1,869)
22,461
29,181
9,375
470
9,845

311

52

363
38.0%
40.8%
16.6%

25,632
8,258
3,096
(1,430)
(5,826)
(3,244)
641
27,127
(2,856)
24,271
30,258
9,012
1,045
10,057

251

37

288
32.6%
38.8%
10.3%

33,368
5,585
3,538
(1,429)
(8,491)
(4,993)
–
27,578
(3,957)
23,621
32,558
5,963
1,302
7,265

468

2

470
18.8%
26.2%
15.3%

35,816
5,547
3,543
(611)
(8,339)
(8,243)
–
27,713
(4,588)
23,125
35,806
3,857
1,434
5,291

380

16

396
16.9%
21.3%
22.6%

(1)  Comparatives for 2006, 2005 and 2004 were adjusted in the 2007 Annual Report to reclassify amounts relating to discontinued operations where applicable.
(2)  Underlying earnings is profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company before special items and remeasurements and is therefore presented after net finance costs, income tax and 

non-controlling interests.

(3)  EBITDA is operating profit before special items and remeasurements, depreciation and amortisation in subsidiaries and joint ventures and includes attributable 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, unwinding of discount relating 
to provisions and other non-current liabilities, financing special items and remeasurements, and including attributable share of associates’ net interest expense, which in 2011 results in a net 
finance income and therefore the ratio is not applicable.

(5)  Comparatives for 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were adjusted in the 2009 Annual Report in accordance with IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements – Improvements to reclassify non-hedge 

derivatives whose expected settlement date was more than one year from the period end from current to non-current.

(6)  This differs from the Group’s measure of net debt as it excludes the net cash/(debt) of disposal groups (2011: nil; 2010: $59 million; 2009: $48 million; 2008: $8 million; 2007: $(69) million; 

2006: $(80) million; 2005: nil; 2004: nil) and excludes related hedges (2011: net liabilities of $233 million; 2010: net liabilities of $405 million; 2009: net liabilities of $285 million; 2008: net liabilities 
of $297 million; 2007: net assets of $388 million; 2006: net assets of $193 million; 2005: nil; 2004: nil). See note 31 to the financial statements.

(7)  Total capital is net assets excluding net debt.
(8)  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.
(9)  Net debt to total capital is calculated as net debt (including related hedges) divided by total capital. Comparatives are presented on a consistent basis.

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OTHER INFORMATION

RECONCILIATION OF SUBSIDIARIES’ AND ASSOCIATE’S REPORTED 
EARNINGS TO THE UNDERLYING EARNINGS INCLUDED IN THE 
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 31 December 2011

Note only key reported lines are reconciled.

Kumba Iron Ore Limited

US$ million
IFRS headline earnings(1)
Exploration
Other adjustments

Non-controlling interests
Elimination of intercompany interest
Depreciation on assets fair valued on acquisition (net of tax)
Corporate cost allocation
Contribution to Anglo American plc underlying earnings

Anglo American Platinum Limited

US$ million
IFRS headline earnings(1)
Exploration
Operating and financing remeasurements (net of tax)
Restructuring costs included in headline earnings (net of tax)
BEE transactions and related charges
Other adjustments

Non-controlling interests
Elimination of intercompany interest
Depreciation on assets fair valued on acquisition (net of tax)
Corporate cost allocation
Contribution to Anglo American plc underlying earnings

De Beers Société Anonyme

US$ million
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
Contribution to Anglo American plc underlying earnings

2011
2,366
4
3
2,373
(826)
(27)
(9)
(49)
1,462

2011
527
5
(27)
6
141
–
652
(132)
(1)
(55)
(54)
410

2011
968
17
985
443
–
443

2010
1,964
9
1
1,974
(710)
2
(9)
(47)
1,210

2010
674
11
(21)
28
–
(1)
691
(140)
29
(102)
(53)
425

2010
598
53
651
293
9
302

(1)  The US$ equivalent of the rand IFRS headline earnings published by Kumba Iron Ore Limited and Anglo American Platinum Limited is calculated by translating the movement each month at the 

average exchange rate for the month.

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OTHER INFORMATION

THE BUSINESS – AN OVERVIEW
as at 31 December 2011

Iron Ore and Manganese

Kumba Iron Ore (South Africa)
Minas-Rio (Brazil)
Amapá (Brazil)
LLX Minas-Rio (Brazil)(1)
Samancor (South Africa and Australia)

Metallurgical Coal

100% owned
Australia
Callide 

Australia – other
Monash Energy Holdings Ltd

Canada
Peace River Coal

Thermal Coal

100% owned
South Africa
Goedehoop
Greenside
Isibonelo
Kleinkopje
Landau
New Denmark
New Vaal

Copper

100% owned
Mantos Blancos (Chile) 
Mantoverde (Chile)
Michiquillay (Peru)

Nickel

100% owned
Brazil
Codemin
Barro Alto

65.2%
100%
70%
49%
40%

Overall ownership:

100%

83.3%
51%
88.2%
70%
23.3%
88%
70%

25.4%
17.6%

Overall ownership:

100%

50%
50%
73%
73%

24.2%

33.3%

Overall ownership:

100%

75.5%
75.5%
75.5%
44%
16.8%
81.9%
50%

Other interests
Australia
Dartbrook
Dawson
Drayton 
German Creek(2)
Jellinbah 
Moranbah North 
Foxleigh 

Australia – other
Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd
Newcastle Coal Shippers Pty Ltd 

Other interests
South Africa
Mafube
Phola plant
Kriel(3)
Zibulo(3)

South Africa – other
Richards Bay Coal Terminal

Colombia
Carbones del Cerrejón

Other interests
Chagres (Chile)
El Soldado (Chile)
Los Bronces (Chile)
Collahuasi (Chile) 
Palabora (South Africa)
Quellaveco (Peru)
Pebble (US) 

Other interests
Loma de Níquel (Venezuela)

91.4%

Overall ownership:

100%

(1)  Owns the port of Açu (currently under construction).
(2)  The German Creek operation includes both Capcoal Open Cut and Underground operations.
(3)  Kriel and Zibulo form part of the Anglo American Inyosi Coal black economic empowerment (BEE) company of which Anglo American owns 73%.

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Platinum

100% owned
South Africa
Bathopele Mine
Khomanani Mine
Thembelani Mine
Khuseleka Mine
Siphumelele Mine
Tumela Mine
Dishaba Mine
Mogalakwena Mine
Western Limb Tailings Retreatment
Waterval Smelter (including converting process)
Mortimer Smelter
Polokwane Smelter
Rustenburg Base Metals Refinery
Precious Metals Refinery
Twickenham Mine

Zimbabwe
Unki Mine

Other interests
South Africa
Union Section
Masa Chrome Company

Joint ventures or sharing agreements
Modikwa Platinum Joint Venture
Kroondal Pooling and Sharing Agreement
Marikana Pooling and Sharing Agreement
Mototolo Joint Venture 

Associates
Bokoni
Pandora
Bafokeng-Rasimone
Anooraq
Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells

South Africa – Other
Wesizwe Platinum Limited
Royal Bafokeng Platinum Limited

Overall ownership:

79.8%

85%
74%

50%
50%
50%
50%

49%
42.5%
33%
27%
17.5%

13%
12.6%

De Beers(1)

100% owned
South Africa
De Beers Group Services  
(Exploration and Services)
De Beers Marine

Industrial Diamonds
Element Six Technologies

Other Mining and Industrial

100% owned
Phosphate products
Copebrás (Brazil) 

Niobium
Catalão (Brazil)

Aggregates and Building Materials
Tarmac Quarry Materials
Tarmac Building Products

Other(5)

100% owned
Vergelegen (South Africa)

Canada
De Beers Canada
Snap Lake
Victor

Trading and Marketing
The Diamond Trading Company
Forevermark
Diamdel

Other interests
South Africa
De Beers Consolidated 
Mines

Venetia
Voorspoed
Namaqualand mines(3)
Kimberley Tailings

Botswana
Debswana

Damtshaa
Jwaneng
Orapa
Letlhakane

Overall ownership:

45%

Namibia
Namdeb Holdings(4)

50%

74%(2)

Namdeb Diamond Company

Mining Area No. 1
Orange River Mines
Elizabeth Bay
Marine concessions
De Beers Marine Namibia

50%

Trading and Marketing
DTC Botswana
Namibia DTC

Industrial Diamonds
Element Six Abrasives

Diamond Jewellery Retail
De Beers Diamond Jewellers

50%
50%

60%

50%

Overall ownership:

100%

Other interests
Aggregates and Building Materials
Tarmac Middle East

Steel products
Scaw Metals (South Africa)

50%

74%

Other interests
Exxaro Resources (southern Africa and Australia)

9.8%

(1)  An independently managed associate.
(2)  De Beers’ 74% interest represents its legal ownership share in De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM). For accounting purposes De Beers consolidates 100% of DBCM as it is deemed to control 

the BEE entity which holds the remaining 26% after providing certain financial guarantees on its behalf during 2010. 
In May 2011 De Beers announced that it had entered into an agreement to sell Namaqualand mines.
In November 2011 the Government of the Republic of Namibia and De Beers restructured their mining partnership, creating a 50/50 holding company, Namdeb Holdings (Pty) Limited, with  
full ownership of Namdeb Diamond Company (Pty) Limited and De Beers Marine Namibia (Pty) Limited (now trading as Debmarine Namibia). All mining licences transferred to the newly 
formed company.
Included within Corporate Activities and Unallocated Costs segment.

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

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Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011 

211

 
 
other information

Shareholder information

Annual General Meeting
Will be held at 2.30 pm on Thursday 19 April 2012, at The Royal Society,  
6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG.

Shareholders’ diary 2012/13
Interim results announcement 
Annual results announcement 
Annual Report 
Annual General Meeting 

July 2012
February 2013
March 2013
April 2013

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 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA 
England

Telephone: 
In the UK: 0871 384 2026*
From outside the UK: +44 121 415 7558

Transfer Secretaries in South Africa
Link Market Services South Africa (Pty) Limited 
13th Floor, Rennie House 
19 Ameshoff Street 
Braamfontein 2001, South Africa 
(PO Box 4844, Johannesburg, 2000) 
Telephone: +27 (0) 11 713 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 
www.angloamerican.com

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.

*  Calls to all 0871 numbers stated in this notice are charged at 8p per minute from a BT 

landline. Lines are open 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday. Other telephony providers’ 
costs may vary.

212 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2011

OTHER INFORMATION

OTHER ANGLO AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS

 (cid:228) 2011/12 Fact Book
 (cid:228) Notice of 2012 AGM and Shareholder Information Booklet
 (cid:228) Sustainable Development Report 2011
 (cid:228) Optima – Anglo American’s current affairs journal
 (cid:228) Good Citizenship: Business Principles
 (cid:228) The Environment Way
 (cid:228) The Occupational Health Way
 (cid:228) The Projects Way
 (cid:228) The Safety Way
 (cid:228) The Social Way

The Company implemented electronic communications in 2008 in order to 
reduce the financial and environmental costs of producing the Annual Report. 
More information about this can be found in the attached Notice of AGM.  
In this regard we would encourage downloading of reports from our website.

Financial reports may be found at: 
www.angloamerican.com/investors/reports

Sustainable development reports may be found at: 
www.angloamerican.com/development/reports/aareports/2011gr

However, the 2011 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 the South African Transfer Secretaries.

If you would like to receive paper copies of Anglo American’s publications,  
please write to:

Investor Relations
Anglo American plc 
20 Carlton House Terrace 
London SW1Y 5AN 
England

Alternatively, publications can be ordered online at: 
www.angloamerican.com/siteservices/requestreport

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 2011:

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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.com

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