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Anglo American

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FY2017 Annual Report · Anglo American
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7

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

BUILDING ON FIRM FOUNDATIONS 
DELIVERING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

 
 
 
 
 
INTRODUCTION

BUILDING ON FIRM FOUNDATIONS
DELIVERING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

In 2017, Anglo American’s centenary year, our relentless focus on  
driving cost and productivity efficiencies through the operations, and  
on continuing to upgrade the quality of our portfolio, resulted in a  
step-change in operational performance and profitability. Our ability  
to maintain strict capital discipline and drive down net debt has 
substantially restored our balance sheet. 

In 2018, we expect to continue strengthening the balance sheet to  
ensure sufficient flexibility through the cycle – with our focus on  
further improving operational performance and consistent cash flow 
generation. We will build on the firm foundations we have put in place – 
considering the appropriate balance between cash returns and value 
accretive growth options from within our substantial undeveloped  
mineral endowment.

As we look forward to our next 100 years, we aim to lead in an industry 
that remains vital to the development of modern society. With our 
innovative approach to sustainability and the application of technologies  
to reduce the physical impacts of mining, our goal will be – as it always 
has been – to deliver value to all our stakeholders and continue to make  
a real and positive difference.

ANNUAL REPORT 2017

BUILDING ON FIRM FOUNDATIONS 
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

1

3

2

Cover images
1. Portfolio –  
Los Bronces  
(50.1% owned) in 
the Chilean Andes 
is one of the world’s 
great copper mines. 
In collaboration 
with prominent 
specialists, we 
have developed a 
climate-scenario 
model, which is 
being fed into a 
life of mine plan 
designed to make 
the operation more 
climate-resilient.

2. Innovation –  
At Mogalakwena 
platinum mine in 
South Africa’s arid 
Limpopo province, 
technical lead Dean 
Bothma inspects 
fibre-optic sensing 
equipment, enabling 
accurate, real-time 
monitoring of 
mine water flows. 
Mogalakwena is a 
pioneer in using this 
type of distributed 
sensing technology, 
which represents an 
important step on 
our journey towards 
waterless mines.

3. People –  
At Venetia  
diamond mine in 
South Africa are  
(left to right) process 
plant monitors 
Aggy Majadibodu 
and Riaan Tlou and 
ore processing 
superintendent 
Lindsey Miyen. 
Women make up 
nearly 20% of the 
Group’s workforce; 
many roles formerly 
the preserve of men 
are now undertaken 
by women.

Other sources of information
You can find this report and others, including the  
Sustainability Report and the Ore Reserves and  
Mineral Resources Report, on our corporate website.

 For more information, visit 
www.angloamerican.com/reporting

Basis of reporting
The Anglo American plc Annual Report for the year ended 
31 December 2017 is produced in compliance with UK regulations. 
Additionally, and for the first time, we have compiled this report  
using the Guiding Principles and Content Elements set out in the 
International Integrated Reporting Council’s  Framework.

Integrated Reporting aims to demonstrate how companies create 
value sustainably over time, for a range of stakeholders – consistent 
with our own business approach and strategy. This report, therefore, 
includes a comprehensive overview of our material matters, in the 
eyes of our stakeholders, and the impact they have on the value we 
create. More detailed information on our sustainability performance 
is provided in our Sustainability Report.

Throughout the Strategic Report we use a range  
of financial and non-financial measures to assess  
our performance. A number of the financial measures, 
including underlying earnings, underlying EBIT, 
underlying EBITDA, underlying earnings per share,  
net debt, attributable return on capital employed 
(ROCE) and attributable free cash flow are not  
defined under IFRS, so they are termed ‘Alternative 
Performance Measures’ (APMs). 

Management uses these measures to monitor  
the Group’s financial performance alongside IFRS 
measures because they help illustrate the underlying 
financial performance and position of the Group.  
We have defined and explained the purpose of each  
of these measures on pages 194 to 197, where we 
provide more detail, including reconciliations to the 
closest equivalent measure under IFRS.

These APMs should be considered in addition to, and 
not as a substitute for, or as superior to, measures of 
financial performance, financial position or cash flows 
reported in accordance with IFRS. APMs are not 
uniformly defined by all companies, including those  
in the Group’s industry. Accordingly, APMs may not  
be comparable with similarly titled measures and 
disclosures by other companies.

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

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

CONTENTS

GROUP
PERFORMANCE

UNDERLYING EBITDA◊

$8.8 bn

OPERATING PROFIT

$5.5 bn

2017

2016

$6.1 bn

$8.8 bn

2017

2016

$1.7 bn

$5.5 bn

UNDERLYING EARNINGS  
PER SHARE◊

PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE  
TO EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS

$2.57

$3.2 bn

2017

2016

$1.72

$2.57

2017

2016

$1.6 bn

$3.2 bn

NET DEBT◊

$4.5 bn

TOTAL DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

$1.02

2017

2016

$4.5 bn

$8.5 bn

2017
2016 $0

$1.02

ATTRIBUTABLE FREE  
CASH FLOW◊

$4.9 bn

GROUP ATTRIBUTABLE  
ROCE◊

 19% 

2017

2016

$2.6 bn

$4.9bn

2017

2016

19%

11%

NUMBER OF FATALITIES

TOTAL RECORDABLE CASE  
FREQUENCY RATE (TRCFR)

 9

2017

2016

0.63

9

2017

2016

11

0.63

0.71

 Marketplace review
 Our material matters
 Strategic element: Portfolio 
 Strategic element: Innovation 
 Strategic element: People 

Strategic report
02  At a glance
04  Chairman’s statement
06  Our business model
08  Chief Executive’s statement
10   The purpose to reward journey
11  
14 
16 
20 
29 
32  Capital allocation
34  Key performance indicators
36  Group financial review
40  Managing risk effectively
46  De Beers
49  Copper
51  Platinum
54 
57  Coal
60  Nickel
62  Corporate and other

Iron Ore and Manganese

Governance
63  Chairman’s introduction
65  Directors
68  Executive management
The Board in 2017
70 
78 
Sustainability Committee
79  Nomination Committee
80  Audit Committee
84  Audit Committee report
88  Directors’ remuneration report
92  Remuneration Committee
93  Directors’ remuneration policy
102  Annual report on Directors’ remuneration
116  Statement of directors’ responsibilities 
116  Responsibility statement

Independent auditor’s report

Financial statements
118 
122  Primary statements
126  Notes to the financial statements
181 
184  Summary by operation
185  Key financial data
186  Exchange rates and commodity prices

 Financial statements of the Parent Company

Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources
188  Estimated Ore Reserves
190  Estimated Mineral Resources

Other information
192  Glossary of terms
194  Alternative Performance Measures
198  Production statistics
201  Quarterly production statistics
202  Non-financial data
203  Directors’ report
206  Shareholder information
IBC  Other Anglo American publications

 Alternative Performance Measures 
Words with this symbol ◊ are defined in the 
Alternative Performance Measures section  
of the Annual Report on pages 194-197.

01

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT AT A GLANCE

OUR BUSINESS  
AT A GLANCE

Anglo American is a globally diversified mining 
company with a portfolio of world class competitive 
mining operations and undeveloped resources.  
As we provide the raw materials on which the 
world’s developed and maturing economies 
depend, we do so in a way that not only generates 
sustainable returns for our shareholders but that 
also strives to make a real and lasting contribution 
to society.

DIAMONDS

COPPER

 DE BEERS

 COPPER

$1,435 million 
Underlying EBITDA◊

$1,508 million 
Underlying EBITDA◊

16% 
Group EBITDA◊
8 
Mining assets(1)
33.5 Mcts 
Production  
(100% basis)(2)

For more information  
See page 46

17% 
Group EBITDA◊
3 
Mining assets(1)
2 
Projects 
Finland (Sakatti) 
Peru (Quellaveco)
579.3 kt  
Production

For more information  
See page 49

2

CANADA

FINLAND

UNITED KINGDOM

1

COLOMBIA

PERU

3

CHILE

BRAZIL

2

1

BOTSWANA

ZIMBABWE

2

NAMIBIA

1

2

3

6

6

2

SOUTH AFRICA

SINGAPORE

5

AUSTRALIA

(1)  Number of operating mining assets at 31 December 2017. Reflects the Eskom-tied thermal coal  

and Union (Platinum) disposals. De Beers’ mining assets include Orapa, Letlhakane and Damtshaa 
which are managed as one operation, the ‘Orapa regime’. Namdeb includes Northern Coastal 
Mines, Southern Coastal Mines and Orange River Mines. The Group’s 40% share in Samancor, 
classified as located in South Africa, is considered to be one asset within the portfolio.

(2)  With the exception of Gahcho Kué, which is on an attributable 51% basis.

02

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  PGMs

BULK COMMODITIES AND OTHER MINERALS

CORPORATE AND OTHER

 PLATINUM

$866 million 
Underlying EBITDA◊

10% 
Group EBITDA◊
7 
Mining assets(1)
2,397 koz  
Production platinum
1,557 koz  
Production palladium

For more information  
See page 51

GEOGRAPHIC  
OVERVIEW

  IRON ORE AND  
MANGANESE

  COAL

 NICKEL

$2,357 million 
Underlying EBITDA◊

$2,868 million 
Underlying EBITDA◊

$81 million 
Underlying EBITDA◊

$(292) million 
Underlying EBITDA◊

32% 
Group EBITDA◊
12 
Mining assets(1)
19.7 Mt  
Production  
metallurgical – export
29.2 Mt  
Production  
thermal – export

For more information  
See page 57

27% 
Group EBITDA◊
4 
Mining assets(1)
45.0 Mt  
Production iron ore – 
Kumba
16.8 Mt (wet basis) 
Production iron ore – 
Minas-Rio
3.5 Mt  
Production  
manganese ore

For more information  
See page 54

1% 
Group EBITDA◊
2 
Mining assets(1)
43.8 kt  
Production

For more information  
See page 60

(3)% 
Group EBITDA◊

United Kingdom  
(Headquarters  
and Marketing),  
Australia,  
Brazil, Chile, 
Singapore  
(Marketing hub),  
South Africa 
Corporate office locations

For more information  
See page 62

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES(3)

WAGES AND BENEFITS PAID(4)

Brazil
Chile
Other South America
North America
South Africa
Other Africa
Australia/Asia
Europe

Thousand
3
4
1
1
52
4
2
2
69

Brazil
Chile
Other South America
North America
South Africa
Other Africa
Australia/Asia
Europe

TAXES BORNE AND COLLECTED(5)

LOCAL PROCUREMENT SPEND(6) 

(3)  Average number of employees, 
excluding contractors and 
associates’ and joint ventures’ 
employees, and including a 
proportionate share of employees 
within joint operations.
Includes social security costs of  
$141 million borne by the Group 
and $774 million of taxes collected 
on behalf of employees and paid  
to government.

(4) 

(5)  Based on numbers disclosed within 
the Group’s income statement and 
excludes the impact of certain 
associates and joint ventures.

(6)  See page 193 for definition.

Brazil
Chile
Other South America
North America
South Africa
Other Africa
Australia/Asia
Europe

$m
168
395
6
66
1,278
256
764
174
3,107

Brazil
Chile
Other South America
North America
South Africa
Other Africa
Australia/Asia
Europe

$m
185
368
9
97
1,860
190
348
313
3,370

$m
108
55
21
69
1,002
768
58
–
2,081

03

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

FOUNDATIONS BUILT  
OVER 100 YEARS

The company’s pursuit since 2013 of greater operational 
efficiency and of upgrading the quality of its asset portfolio  
is reflected in further improvements in financial and 
operational performance. Free cash flow increased strongly 
to $4.9 billion on an attributable basis, with profit for the 
financial year attributable to equity shareholders doubling to 
$3.2 billion, and underlying EBITDA improving by 45% to 
$8.8 billion. 

Net debt had reduced by a further $4.0 billion to $4.5 billion 
at the year end, well below the targeted level for the year. 
Importantly, we regained our investment grade credit rating 
and were able to restore dividend payments to shareholders 
six months earlier than expected, establishing a payout 
policy at a targeted level of 40% of underlying earnings.  
As a result of this strong performance, the Board is 
recommending a final dividend of 54 US cents per share, 
payable in May 2018, taking total dividends to shareholders 
in respect of 2017 to $1.02 per share. 

Operationally, we are producing greater volumes of product 
from fewer assets and with fewer people. Despite the 
disposal of a number of assets that no longer met our 
portfolio criteria, production was 5% higher than in the 
previous year, while productivity improvements continue  
the trend we have seen since 2015. This focus on costs  
and productivity is a continuous imperative for the business 
to ensure the sustainability of free cash flow generation  
and returns. 

“ It was a great privilege to be appointed 
chairman of Anglo American in the  
 Group’s centenary year.”

Stuart Chambers, Chairman

Anglo American is one of the great names in mining, 
with considerable relevance both local to its operations 
and, through its products, to the everyday lives of 
billions of people. 

This is a global business, with a distinct and high quality 
asset portfolio, which I am determined to see that we 
develop in the most productive and responsible way, 
while continuing to strengthen Anglo American’s 
longstanding reputation as a leader in innovative and 
sustainable mining.

A customer focused mindset needs to be a priority in any 
business, and I am pleased to see the approach taken by  
the Marketing team to drive the appropriate commercial 
decisions across the value chain. Given their finite nature,  
it would be irresponsible not to optimise the value in our 
mineral resources, for the benefit of all our stakeholders.

AN IMPROVED TRADING ENVIRONMENT

AN ASSET-LED STRATEGY

During 2017, global economic growth quickened to its 
fastest pace since the financial crisis. In the mining sector, 
demand turned out to be considerably stronger than had 
been envisaged some 12 months earlier. This had a  
positive effect on many of the metals and minerals that 
Anglo American produces, with notable price increases in 
copper; the bulk commodities (thermal and metallurgical 
coal, and iron ore); and certain of the platinum group metals 
such as palladium and rhodium. Our diamond business, 
De Beers, is unique amongst our competitors and further 
highlights our diversification and differentiation from our 
peers. Stronger trading conditions and an increase in the 
price index for rough diamonds supported De Beers’  
production growth.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Starting with safety, while we were able to report yet another 
year of improvement in injury rates in 2017, it is with deep 
regret that nine lives were lost at our operations. A single 
fatality is, of course, unacceptable and we still have far to go 
to reach our target of zero harm. I will expand more on this 
critical area both below and in our Sustainability Report.

Anglo American today is a radically changed business  
from what it was just five years ago. The portfolio has been 
materially upgraded, resulting in today’s suite of generally 
larger, longer life, more productive and competitive 
operations. Combined with the innovative practices and 
technologies that we develop and deploy across the 
business, and the people and culture that we nurture,  
our aim is to deliver industry-leading shareholder returns 
and lasting value to all our stakeholders.

Underpinning our strategy is our sharp focus on capital 
allocation – a key and continuous role of the Board as the 
guardian of shareholders’ funds. Coming from outside the 
mining industry, I am well aware of the mis-steps made by so 
many companies in the pursuit of growth and it is important 
that our financial resources are directed towards the best- 
value outcomes for shareholders. 

During 2017, no major new projects were given a green  
light, though we do expect the opportunity presented by  
our Quellaveco copper project in Peru to come before  
the Board for development consideration during 2018. 

04

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  FUTURESMART MINING™

Innovation on all fronts
I believe that the mining industry, with its important role in 
society in general, has a bright future, but only if all mining 
companies are committed to investing effort and resources 
into a sustainable future. Anglo American has long been 
recognised as a company that does the right thing and that 
cares deeply about its people and all those its business 
touches. We can never rest on our laurels and, as we look to 
the future, there is no doubt that we will face considerable 
challenges in safety, energy, water and climate change. 

FutureSmart Mining™ is Anglo American’s innovation-led 
approach to sustainable mining – and it is critical for the 
future of how we do business. It is about finding new ways  
to make mining safer, more efficient, more sustainable, 
more harmonised with the needs of host communities, and 
with a smaller environmental footprint. I am pleased to see 
the progress that the technical team is making on a number 
of fronts. 

Our Sustainability Strategy
Anglo American has a proud and longstanding reputation as 
a leader in innovative and sustainable mining. I am delighted 
that the company will shortly be embarking upon a new and 
ambitious journey to again push the boundaries of positive 
change through such innovative thinking, aimed very much 
at addressing certain of the major challenges we face as an 
industry and the rightful and increasing expectations of all 
our stakeholders. 

Aligned to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, 
our new Sustainability Strategy will set out a number of 
ambitious medium to long term targets that will drive the 
work we are doing around the natural environment, the  
long term prosperity of our local communities, and the 
proactive shaping of policy and ethical standards to drive 
greater trust and transparency amongst our stakeholders 
– from host governments and communities to civil society  
and customers.

“  Underpinning our strategy is our sharp focus on 
capital allocation – a key and continuous role of  
the Board as the guardian of shareholders’ funds.”

Keeping people safe 
A further aspect of our FutureSmart Mining™ work is 
focused on keeping our people out of harm’s way in 
underground mines, where safety records have long shown 
the considerably greater risks compared with open cut 
operations. For example, and with a number of partners,  
the Group is developing automated and continuous mining 
vehicles designed to create far greater rock stability and  
less variance in the quality of ore extracted, with people  
well separated from areas of high risk.

The company’s safety record in 2017 makes very plain to  
me why this and other work is so pressing. Although our 
intense focus on preventing harm in the workplace was 
reflected in an 11% year-on-year decrease in recordable 
injury rates, building upon the 51% decrease achieved since 
2012, I am deeply saddened that we lost six people in our 
Platinum business and three in our Coal business, all in 
South Africa. I can assure you that the Board is working 
closely with the management team to ensure that 
momentum is sustained to address the clear challenges  
we face to prevent further loss of life.

Anglo American has demonstrated that operations – even 
deep-level underground mines – can go for long periods 
without incurring a single serious injury. We have shown that 
our target of zero harm is attainable, and I believe that, if 
each and every one of us is vigilant in looking out for each 
other, we are all more likely to get home safely day in, day 
out, year after year. 

GOVERNANCE

Executive remuneration
As a chairman, I know there are few more contentious 
subjects than executive remuneration. Through our 
Remuneration Committee, chaired by senior independent 
director Sir Philip Hampton, the Board had been seeking for 
some time to address certain investors’ concerns about the 
potential quantum of the total remuneration packages of 
our executive directors. So, it is reassuring that, at the 2017 
AGM, we received overwhelming shareholder support for 
our revised remuneration policy, which we believe to be fair, 
performance-based and comparable with our peer group as 
a major global mining company. We continue to pay close 
attention to our remuneration structures to try to ensure that 
they deliver a fair and appropriate outcome for both 
shareholders and employees.

Board composition
I believe that a board sets the tone for the entire business 
that it governs. This is why it is so important that the directors 
are drawn from the widest talent pool, best reflecting our 
society, as well as bringing the right mix of skills, diversity 
and experience to match the full scope of the Group’s 
business activities and value chain. I have inherited a 
capable, high calibre board and I am committed to its 
ongoing refreshment.

THANKS

Finally, I wish to pay tribute to Sir John Parker, who after 
more than eight years, stepped down as chairman at the end 
of October. Sir John is a highly experienced and respected 
leader, a masterful negotiator and organiser, who could be 
tough, but was always fair – and unfailingly courteous. 

After almost four months as your chairman, I would like to 
give a personal thank you to Sir John for his words of advice 
to me as we worked together during the handover period; to 
Sir Philip Hampton and the non-executive directors for their 
great support; and to Mark and his management team for 
their time in helping to bring me up to speed. Lastly, and 
most importantly, I would like to thank all Anglo American’s 
employees, who continue to work tirelessly, giving their  
very best, and who I know were so proud to celebrate the 
company’s 100th anniversary during the year.

Our Strategic Report
Our 2017 Strategic Report, from pages 2 to 62, was 
reviewed and approved by the Board on 21 February 2018.

Stuart Chambers 
Chairman

05

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT OUR BUSINESS MODEL

OUR BUSINESS MODEL
Anglo American draws upon a number of key inputs from both its central expertise and its 
diversified operating businesses that, through expert allocation, development, extraction and 
marketing, create sustainable value for our shareholders and our diverse range of stakeholders.

GROUP INPUTS

Financial 
Our corporate centre allocates 
our financial resources where 
they can be put to work most 
effectively to deliver optimal 
financial returns for our 
shareholders.

Know-how 
We link our industry-leading 
technical and marketing 
knowledge to ensure we invest 
our efforts and capital in key 
leverage points in the ‘mine to 
market’ value chain. 

Other natural resources 
Mining and processing 
activities have long been major 
users of water and energy. Our 
technical and social expertise 
combines to provide advice 
and hands-on support to the 
operations to mitigate our 
water and energy 
requirements, while also 
developing new technologies 
that have the potential to 
significantly reduce our 
environmental footprint.

Relationships with  
our stakeholders 
Open and honest engagement 
with our stakeholders is critical  
in gaining and maintaining our 
social and legal licences to 
operate and, therefore, the 
sustainability of our business.  
We engage with a wide range  
of stakeholders to ensure 
effective two-way relationships.

Ore Reserves and  
Mineral Resources 
We have an extensive resource 
base across our businesses 
and across a wide geographic 

footprint, providing a suite  
of options for delivering value 
over the long term. 

Plant and equipment 
Our procurement and 
technical teams form strong 
relationships with major 
suppliers to deliver tailored 
equipment and other solutions 
to enable best in class 
operating performance  
and cost-effectiveness.

OUR UNIQUELY 
DIVERSIFIED 
PORTFOLIO

Quality 
The high quality and long  
life of our mineral assets  
from which we will deliver  
leading shareholder returns.

People 
Our people are the business.  
We aim to resource the organisation 
with a capable, engaged and 
productive workforce and are 
committed to ensuring  
no harm comes  
to any of  
our people.

GOVERNANCE

OUR PEOPLE-CENTRIC 
VALUE CHAIN

 We will invest in those points in the  
value chain that provide us with the  
best return on our investment.

People 
Our simplified  
Organisation Model  
allows our businesses to  
design structures and roles that  
provide clear accountability  
and appropriate authority  
to get our work done.

Our governance controls ensure we 
effectively respond to those matters  
that have the potential to cause financial, 
operational and reputational harm to our 
business, while acting ethically and with 
integrity for the benefit of all  
our stakeholders.

DISCOVER

PLAN AND 
BUILD

For our Governance Report 
See pages 63-116

OUR INNOVATIVE  
CORE PROCESSES

Discovery 
Our award winning exploration teams discover mineral  
deposits in a safe and responsible way to replenish the  
resources that underpin our future success.

Innovation Model 
Our strengthened in-house technology capability provides  
world class, innovative solutions across our assets, supporting  
the delivery of step-change operating performance.

Relationships with  
our stakeholders 
Working within our social 
performance framework, it is 
the goal of our operations to 
build and sustain constructive 
relationships with our 
communities and host 
countries that are based  
on mutual respect, 
transparency and trust.

Ore Reserves and  
Mineral Resources 
Our exploration teams  
work with our businesses  
to discover mineral deposits in 
a safe and responsible way to 
replenish the resources that 

underpin our future success 
– both to extend the lives of 
existing mines and to  
provide longer term near- 
asset and greenfield options.

Plant and equipment 
Our businesses implement 
local procurement policies  
that support suppliers based  
in the host communities close 
to our operations – making a 
significant socio-economic 
contribution and building 
stronger communities, as well 
as lowering logistics costs.

Operating Model 
The application of our Operating Model drives a  
more stable, predictable and higher level of  
operating performance, resulting in improved  
safety, productivity and lower costs.

Project development  
The successful development  
and execution of our capital  
projects reduces expenditure  
and ensures predictability  
of outcome against our  
performance  
objectives.

HOW  
WE 
CREATE  
SHARED  
VALUE 

MATERIALITY  
AND RISK 

Identifying and 
understanding our material 
matters and risks is critical  
in the development and 
delivery of our strategy.

For our Material matters
See pages 14-15

OPERATING BUSINESS INPUTS

Financial 
Our businesses’ strong  
focus on working capital 
management, productivity  
and cost discipline helps to 
drive sustainable positive  
cash flows.

Know-how 
Our businesses work closely 
with our Technical function and 
Marketing business to apply 
innovative mining methods 
and technologies to realise 
even greater value from our 
resource base, and optimise 

mine production plans to 
ensure we provide products  
to our customers around the 
world, meeting their specific 
technical and logistical 
requirements. 

Other natural resources 
It is critical that our businesses 
responsibly manage all the 
natural resources used in their 
processes, given the finite 
nature of mineral resources, 
scarcity of water and energy 
sources at some of our 
operations, and input cost 
pressures.

06

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  OUTPUTS

Our outputs are the products that  
meet the growing consumer and other 
demands of the world’s developed  
and maturing economies. Mining and 
processing activities also result in the 
unavoidable disturbance of land and 
seabed, generation of mineral residue,  
use of fresh water and energy, as well as 
atmospheric emissions and water discharges, 
all of which we strive to minimise through 
our innovative approach. 

GROUP PRODUCTION 
GROWTH(1)

5%

Increase over 2016

TOTAL WATER 
WITHDRAWALS

306 Mm3

ATTRIBUTABLE FREE 
CASH FLOW

◊

$4.9 billion

CO2 EQUIVALENT 
EMISSIONS

18.0 Mt

STAKEHOLDER VALUE

As we strive to deliver sustainable returns to our 
shareholders, we are acutely aware of the potential 
value creation we can offer to our full range of 
stakeholders. Through our core business activities 
– employing people, paying taxes to governments 
and procuring from host communities – we make  
a significant and positive contribution to the 
countries where we operate. Beyond our direct 
mining activities, we create and sustain jobs, build 
infrastructure, support education, and help improve 
healthcare for employees and local communities. 

INVESTORS

$1.02

SUPPLIERS

$2.1 billion

Total dividends paid and 
proposed per share

Local procurement  
expenditure

GOVERNMENT

LOCAL COMMUNITIES

$3.1 billion

Taxes borne and collected(2)

EMPLOYEES

$3.4 billion

Wages and benefits paid(3)

 120,812

Jobs created and  
maintained through 
enterprise development 
programmes since 2008

Value creation 
Assets that offer – either  
in isolation or in combination  
with other assets in the  
portfolio – the most attractive  
long term value-creation potential.

Diversification 
The diverse composition and scale  
of our portfolio create a measured risk 
profile, allowing us to leverage resources, 
expertise and relationships to deliver 
strong returns.

Our Organisation Model ensures we have the right 
people in the right roles doing the right value-adding 
work. From the financial, technical, marketing and other 
expertise provided from the corporate centre, through 
our entire value chain from mine to market, it is our 
people that create the sustainable value that all our 
stakeholders demand and expect.

MINE

PROCESS

MOVE

MARKET

END OF LIFE 
PLAN

Across every aspect of our business, we are thinking 
innovatively about how we work to ensure the safety  
of our people, enhance our sustainability performance, 
and deliver industry-leading margins and returns.

Marketing  
The value from our mineral resources and market positions  
is optimised by our dedicated Marketing business, driving 
appropriate commercial decisions across the value chain  
– from mine to market – including working directly to  
tailor products to our customers’ specific needs.

Sustainability model 
Integrating sustainability into core business 
processes has been a longstanding priority for 
Anglo American. The corporate centre drives 
the sustainability agenda and offers expert 
advice, and hands-on support, to 
operations facing complex  
sustainability challenges.

HOW WE MEASURE  
THE VALUE WE CREATE

Our seven pillars of value underpin 
everything we do. Each pillar has defined 
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and 
targets that we set the business and 
against which we measure performance, 
both financial and non-financial.

SAFETY AND HEALTH

PRODUCTION

ENVIRONMENT

COST

SOCIO-POLITICAL

FINANCIAL

PEOPLE

For our KPIs 
See page 34

(1)  Pro forma growth in copper equivalent production, excluding disposals.
(2)  Based on numbers disclosed within the Group’s income statement and excludes the impact of certain associates and joint ventures. 
(3) 

Includes social security costs of $141 million borne by the Group and $774 million of taxes collected on behalf of employees and paid to government.

07

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S STATEMENT

BUILDING ON FIRM FOUNDATIONS
DELIVERING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

we improved our underlying EBITDA margin by a further five 
percentage points. Profit attributable to equity shareholders 
doubled from $1.6 billion to $3.2 billion. And we ended the 
year showing a $4 billion reduction in net debt, at $4.5 billion, 
well ahead of our target – even after dividend payments. 
Given where we are in the commodity price cycle, we intend 
to strengthen the balance sheet further in 2018. Our return 
on capital employed (ROCE) improved to 19%, above our 
targeted 15% through-the-cycle return. While an individual 
year is too short a period to assess returns, our focus on 
ROCE, as set out in 2013, is one of the key measures around 
which our decisions are made. 

In delivering improved free cash flow, we were also in a 
position to restore dividend payments six months early, 
while also regaining our investment grade rating. Combined 
with the proposed final dividend payment of 54 cents  
per share, payable in May 2018, total dividends paid to 
shareholders in respect of 2017 will amount to $1.02 per 
share. As stated previously, dividend payments will be based 
on a targeted payout level of 40% of underlying earnings 
through the commodity price cycle. 

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

At the heart of the business turnaround is the implementation 
of our Operating Model. In 2017, we delivered 9% more 
product, at a 26% lower unit cost, compared to our 2012 
baseline. Over five years, that represents an 80% 
productivity increase – and 28% in 2017 alone. In dollar 
terms, we exceeded our 2017 cost and volume improvement 
target, delivering $1.1 billion. Over five years, that is  
$4.2 billion of annual underlying EBITDA improvement. Such 
improvements are generally achieved without additional 
capital, so we continue to improve our ability to generate  
free cash flow and increase returns from existing capital 
employed. While we have delivered a material operational 
turnaround in recent years, we still believe there is significant 
further improvement ahead. In 2018, we expect a further 
$800 million of benefit and, by 2022, we are targeting an 
additional $3-4 billion annual underlying EBITDA run-rate 
improvement from production volumes, productivity 
improvements and cost reductions. 

PORTFOLIO

The quality, long life and growth potential of our mineral 
assets are the foundation of our global business. Over the 
last five years, we have transformed the nature and quality  
of Anglo American’s portfolio, contributing to the materially 
improved financial and operational performance. We have 
moved from a total of 68 assets in early 2013 to 36. The 
discipline of divesting assets that do not meet our return 
criteria or long term value potential will continue. We will  
also continue to pursue a prudent portfolio balance where 
concentration in a single commodity, geography or end-user 
market is closely scrutinised to ensure we do not overweight 
capital allocation based on a single consideration. 

As we divest less attractive assets, we replace them with 
assets of a higher quality and cash generation profile, thereby 
lifting the overall quality of the portfolio. New portfolio 
contributors include Grosvenor in Metallurgical Coal,  

“ We have transformed the nature and  
quality of our portfolio, contributing to  
Anglo American’s materially improved 
performance and prospects.”

Mark Cutifani, Chief Executive

Our focus on quality assets and the portfolio decisions 
that we made through the commodities down cycle, 
along with internal restructuring and work process 
changes, have built the firm foundations for our 
broad-based business delivery. Combined with  
an improved price environment, we have delivered a 
strong financial result. This reflects a renewed sense  
of purpose in our people and their determination to 
deliver results through the cycle.

SAFETY

Our safety record in 2017 is deeply saddening and was  
our single disappointment. We lost nine of our people in fatal 
accidents, all in South Africa. Every leader in our business 
understands it is unacceptable to continue to work where 
there is a likely consequence of injury. Let me assure  
you that we have made significant and urgent operational 
interventions to manage activity risks to end fatal incidents 
across all operations. Safety is our most critical area of focus, 
and while we must recognise significant progress over recent 
years, reducing our safety incident rates by more than 40%, 
we still have a long way to go on our journey to zero harm. 

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Cash flow is our ultimate measure of business performance 
– while returns on capital assess whether we are using 
shareholders’ funds in a prudent and efficient manner. 

We set out to further strengthen the balance sheet in 2017 
and we have done so through a combination of wide-ranging 
self-help work, in terms of productivity and costs and  
capital discipline, along with receiving better than expected 
prices for many of our products. In 2017, we generated a 
93% increase in attributable free cash flow to $4.9 billion. 
Underlying EBITDA increased by 45% to $8.8 billion and  

08

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  Gahcho Kué at De Beers and the Minas-Rio iron ore mine,  
all in ramp-up mode, while we also progress undeveloped 
options, ensuring a well-phased organic growth pipeline.  
Our most advanced option is the Quellaveco copper deposit 
in southern Peru, which benefits from considerable local 
community and government support, and that we expect  
to bring to the Board for consideration during 2018.

embedded our Organisation Model across the Group, 
providing clarity of accountabilities and minimisation of work 
duplication, thereby increasing our aggregate effectiveness 
and efficiencies. And, we are working hard to create working 
environments and an inclusive and diverse culture that 
encourage the high performance and innovative thinking  
that our business requires to retain its commercial and 
competitive advantage.

INNOVATION – FUTURESMART MINING™

From resource exploration and discovery, and through  
every step of the value chain to delivering our products  
into our customers’ hands, FutureSmart Mining™ is  
Anglo American’s innovation-led approach to sustainable 
mining. Working in partnership beyond mining, we are 
looking well beyond our own industry to re-imagine the 
future of mining, using open-innovation principles and 
partnerships to find solutions that will materially improve 
efficiencies and our competitive positions. 

The technologies we are developing will fundamentally 
change the way we extract and process our products and will 
provide the next step-change in operating performance – 
creating significant safety improvements and major energy, 
water and capital cost savings. From technologies that are 
available today, to those such as swarm robotics and the use 
of ‘dry water’, the future of mining will be very different – to the 
extent that previously inaccessible or uneconomic orebodies 
will become mineable, both technically and in an acceptable 
way to our host communities and countries. We intend to 
remain at the forefront of this revolution. 

Sustainability
Anglo American has a long track record as a leader in 
sustainable, responsible mining, and a reputation for doing 
the right thing. We will be introducing what we believe to be  
a progressive and industry-leading Sustainability Strategy, 
aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, 
setting out a series of stretch goals relating to our host 
communities, the natural environment, and the governance 
of our industry, together with a new collaborative approach  
to regional economic development.

Engagement – faith groups
Innovation extends to all corners, considering mining’s role  
in meeting the needs of society. Our work with community 
faith groups as a leading participant in the Mining and Faith 
Reflections Initiative recognises that many relationships  
with communities and NGOs are guided by faith-based 
organisations. A very positive initial dialogue with the Vatican 
is being broadened into a more ecumenical approach 
encompassing the Church of England and the Methodist 
Church, amongst others. With greater mutual understanding, 
we are better placed as true partners in developing our 
businesses and communities towards a better future.

Marketing
Equally important is how we think differently about 
maximising the value from our mineral resources and market 
positions. Today, we better understand and address our 
customers’ specific needs through direct long term 
relationships, while also leveraging our capabilities in the 
financial and physical markets for mutual benefit. Our progress 
to ensure that the prices we secure for our products reflect 
their quality and security of supply is evident in the expansion 
of our underlying EBITDA margin over the last five years.

CAPITAL ALLOCATION

Our value-based approach to capital allocation ensures we 
have a business that: delivers sustainable free cash flow  
with returns well above our weighted average cost of capital; 
that delivers returns of cash to shareholders in the form of 
dividends; and that can grow where we see opportunities to 
materially improve our delivery of cash flow and returns over 
the longer term. Our targeted 40% dividend payout ratio 
recognises the importance of disciplined decision-making 
through the cycle, while potential growth investments  
must of course demonstrate their value. We are then clear 
that in the event of there being excess cash, this is returned 
to shareholders. 

OUTLOOK

With a relatively broad-based global growth outlook,  
the expectation is for continued growth in most major 
economies in 2018. However, we are suitably conservative  
in our planning assumptions and we will continue to drive 
improvements across the business to deliver free cash flow 
and to continue our balance sheet strengthening. As we look 
ahead, it is clear that today’s more resilient Anglo American  
is well positioned to benefit as we hold our focus on the 
quality of our portfolio, improving individual asset quality, 
maintaining future growth optionality, and a continuous 
improvement approach to operational performance and  
our commercial positions. 

THANK YOU

Anglo American’s centenary milestone in 2017 is great 
testimony to generations of people associated with us. As 
chief executive, I thank all our employees for their diligence, 
motivation, care for each other, and their loyalty. I also thank 
our diverse range of stakeholders for their support, and 
those people and organisations that, over a wide spectrum 
of fields, partner Anglo American in some form.

I am also grateful for the guidance of the Board in a year 
which saw a change in both chairman and finance director.  
At the end of October, Sir John Parker stepped down as 
chairman after more than eight years in the role. Sir John  
was at the helm through the most challenging period I have 
seen in my 40+ years in the mining industry, and I would  
like to thank him personally for his wise counsel. And my 
thanks also to René Médori, our finance director of 12 years 
– we wish him the very best in his new ventures.

Together with the management team, we are working  
closely with Stuart Chambers, our new chairman, and the 
Board as we build upon the firm foundations we have 
created to fulfil this great company’s full potential.

PEOPLE

Ours is a people business – whether they are our employees, 
our stakeholders in all their many forms, or our shareholders. 
Our people are not assets; they are more than assets and 
represent the heart and soul of our business. We have 

Mark Cutifani
Chief Executive

09

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT THE PURPOSE TO REWARD JOURNEY

THE PURPOSE TO REWARD JOURNEY

Our purpose
Mining has a smarter, safer future. Using more precise extraction technologies, less energy and water, we are reducing our physical 
footprint for every ounce, carat and kilogram of precious metal or mineral. We are combining smart innovation with the utmost 
consideration for our people, their families, local communities, our customers, and the world at large – to better connect the resources  
in the ground to the people who need and value them. And we are working together to develop better jobs, better education and better 
businesses, building brighter and healthier futures around our operations in our host countries and ultimately for billions of people  
around the world who depend on our products every day. Anglo American is re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives.

Our strategy
Our strategy is to secure, develop and operate a portfolio of high quality and long life resource assets, from which we will deliver 
leading shareholder returns. We achieve this through innovative practices and technologies – in the hands of our world class  
people – towards a common purpose. 

A

Portfolio
The quality and long life of our mineral  
assets are the foundation of our global 
business. We focus on securing and operating 
assets that offer the most attractive long term 
value-creation potential, as measured by 
sustainable cash flow and returns. 

The scale and diversity of our portfolio  
allows us to leverage our financial resources, 
technical expertise, and supplier relationships 
towards delivery on our potential and to the 
benefit of our customers, creating a measured 
risk profile and supporting strong returns. 

Innovation 
Across every aspect of our business, we  
are thinking innovatively about how we  
ensure the safety of our people, enhance  
our sustainability performance, and deliver 
superior value for all our stakeholders.

B

From exploration to delivering our products  
to our customers, FutureSmart Mining™ is our 
innovation-led approach to sustainable mining. 
This approach, coupled with the operational 
improvements being delivered from our unique 
Operating Model, is fundamentally changing 
the way we extract, process and market our 
products, and will provide the next step-change 
in operating and financial performance.

People
Our people are critical to all that we do.  
The partnerships we build locally and globally 
are central to maintaining our regulatory and 
social licences to operate and our sustained 
commercial success.

C

We create inclusive and diverse working 
environments that encourage and support 
high performance and innovative thinking.

Our Organisation Model ensures we have the 
right people in the right roles doing the right 
value-adding work at the right time, with clear 
accountabilities that minimise work duplication 
and increase capability and effectiveness.

For more on Portfolio
See pages 16-19

For more on Innovation
See pages 20-28

For more on People
See pages 29-31

Capital allocation
Underpinning our strategy, we have a value-focused approach to 
capital allocation, with clear prioritisation: maintain asset integrity; 
ensure a strong balance sheet; and pay dividends to our 
shareholders, determined on an earnings-based payout ratio. 
Discretionary capital is then allocated towards growth investments  

that are subject to a demanding risk framework and that meet our 
stringent value criteria and, in the event of there being excess cash, 
this is returned to shareholders. 

For more on Capital allocation
See pages 32-33

Delivering our strategy
We track our strategic progress on an ongoing basis using KPIs that are based on our seven pillars of value:

Pillar of value

Description

Pillar of value

Description

  Safety and Health To do no harm to our workforce

  Environment

  Socio-political

  People

To minimise our impact on the environment

To partner in the benefits of mining with local 
communities and government

To create a sustainable competitive advantage 
through capable people and an effective, 
performance driven organisation

  Production

  Cost

  Financial

For our KPIs
See pages 34-35

To sustainably produce valuable product

To be competitive by operating  
as efficiently as possible

To deliver sustainable returns  
to our shareholders

Our values
Our values guide 
everything we do

Safety

Care and respect

 Integrity

Accountability

 Collaboration

 Innovation

Reward
Anglo American’s directors’ remuneration policy is designed  
to encourage delivery of the Group’s strategy and creation of 
stakeholder value in a responsible and sustainable manner. 

The main elements of the remuneration package are basic salary, 
annual bonus and long term incentive plan (LTIP).

Full details are set out in the Directors’ remuneration report on
pages 88-115

Annual bonus
Annual bonus performance measures include:
 • 50% on underlying earnings per share (EPS). EPS is one of the 

Group’s key financial measures of performance and is set on an 
annual basis to ensure targets are demanding yet realistic
 • The remaining measures include project delivery, business 

improvement, stakeholder engagement and talent management

 • A modifier is applied depending on the extent to which  

safety and sustainability targets are met

 • To help ensure sustainable long term performance, 60%  
of any annual bonus is deferred into shares for a minimum  
of three years and is subject to clawback.

Long term incentive plan (LTIP)
The LTIP performance measures are aligned to  
our strategic objectives over a three-year performance period. 
Vested LTIP awards are subject to clawback and must be held  
for an additional two years to encourage alignment of executive 
and shareholder interests.

The LTIP performance measures and weightings are:
 • 70% subject to Group Total Shareholder Return (TSR), with 

two-thirds relative to the Euromoney Global Mining Index and  
one-third relative to the constituent of the FTSE 100 index

 • 30% subject to a balanced scorecard of financial and strategic 

objectives, including environmental and health targets.

10

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT MARKETPLACE REVIEW

MARKETPLACE 
REVIEW

A CAUTIOUSLY POSITIVE OUTLOOK

The world economy recovered slightly in 2017, providing  
the basis for a more positive outlook for the first time in five 
years. According to the IMF, global GDP growth was 3.6% 
for 2017, moderately higher than its April forecast of 3.5%. 
The IMF has also increased its growth forecast slightly for 
2018, from 3.6% to 3.7%. 

Over the course of the year, there were broad-based  
upward revisions in the Eurozone, Japan, emerging Asia, 
emerging Europe and Russia – where growth outcomes  
in the first half were better than expected – more than 
offsetting downward revisions for the US and the UK.  
China continued to surprise on the upside, relative to 
commentators’ expectations, as a number of measures 
proved to be positive for the economy.

Commodity prices also fared well, with prices for the 
majority of Anglo American’s products performing better 
than the market had expected. 

CHINA’S SLOWDOWN 

While concerns continue to be raised around China and  
its economy, the authorities’ policy of gently moderating 
growth appears to be working. The IMF forecast growth  
rate for the country increased further to 6.8% in 2017  
(2016: 6.7%), reflecting stronger economic growth in the 
first half of the year, as well as robust external demand for 
China’s products and services. The IMF’s growth forecast 
reflects a slower rebalancing of activity away from 
investment towards services and consumption, despite 
higher projected debt potentially limiting the scope for 
further fiscal stimulus. According to the IMF, if recent  
efforts to curb the expansion of credit are accelerated, this 
would help further to reduce the remaining risk of a sharp 
growth slowdown in China, which would have adverse 
international repercussions. 

China’s 19th Party Congress in October marked the start  
of the ‘New Era’ for Xi Jinping and the Communist Party.  
By 2020, Beijing seems likely to prioritise financial 
deleveraging, poverty reduction and environmental 
protection, with less focus on economic-growth targets. An 
exit from large-scale fiscal stimulus and a slowing housing 
market may add some downward economic pressure.

GLOBAL POLITICAL AND POLICY ENVIRONMENT 

Growth in most of the advanced economies accelerated 
during the first half of 2017, relative to the second half of 
2016, with both domestic and external demand contributing 
to the improved statistics. The US is estimated to have 
grown by 2.2% in the year, with Japan and South Korea by 
1.5% and 3.0%, respectively. The Eurozone is expected to 
have expanded by 2.1%, with Germany, France and Italy 
having estimated growth rates of 2.1%, 1.6% and 1.5%, 
respectively. The one exception was the UK, where growth 
is estimated to have reduced to 1.7%.

World 

Eurozone 

China 

India 

South Korea 

Japan 

United States 

2015

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

%

3.4

3.2

3.6

2.0

1.8

2.1

6.9

6.7

6.8

8.0

7.1

6.7

2.8

2.8

3.0

1.1

1.0

1.5

2.9

1.5

2.2

Source: IMF WEO October 2017

The US faced significant policy uncertainty during  
2017, associated with the Trump administration’s slow 
reform implementation and lags in the renegotiation of  
the North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico  
and Canada. The progress on tax reform, which has the 
potential for positive near term growth effects, has been 
slow. Meanwhile, tax legislations and debt ceiling issues  
are unresolved and will likely lead to further debate  
between the parties.

In South Africa, the Mining Charter was gazetted. The 
Chamber of Mines brought an application to judicially  
review and set aside this latest Charter. The Chamber  
also sought to interdict the Minister of Mineral Resources  
from implementing the Charter, pending finalisation of  
the Review Application. In order to avoid the hearing of  
the interdict application, the Minister gave a written 
undertaking that his department will not implement or  
apply the provisions of the Charter in any way, pending  
final resolution of the judicial review. On 17 February 2018, 
the Chamber of Mines and the Department of Mineral 
Resources jointly agreed to postpone the court application 
in respect of the Reviewed Mining Charter, that was due  
to be heard in the High Court on 19 to 21 February.  
Anglo American believes that the postponement will provide 
the opportunity to engage in order to reach an amicable 
solution for the benefit of all stakeholders.

11

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT MARKETPLACE REVIEW

Indexed 2017 prices

.

0
1
=
7
1
0
2
y
r
a
u
n
a
J
1

,

x
e
d
n

I

e
c
i
r

P

1.5

1.0

0.0

Change in average annual 
price (2017 vs 2016)

Anglo American 
Palladium 
Metallurgical coal 
Thermal coal 
Copper 
Iron ore 
Nickel 
De Beers price index 
Platinum 

16%
42%
31%
31%
27%
22%
8%
3%
(4)%

Jan 2017

Anglo American basket price
De Beers price index
Copper

Source: Anglo American Commodity Research

Platinum
Palladium
Iron ore (Platts 62% CFR China)

Metallurgical coal 
Thermal coal
Nickel

Dec 2017

In India, the IMF economic growth projection for 2017 was 
revised down to 6.7% (2016: 7.1%), reflecting lingering 
disruptions associated with the currency exchange initiative 
introduced in November 2016, as well as transition costs 
related to the launch of the national Goods and Services  
Tax (GST) in July 2017. The GST promises the fiscal 
unification of India’s vast domestic market, and is among 
several reforms being implemented that may result in a 
more positive growth outlook.

COMMODITY REVIEW

Diamonds
Early signs are that global consumer demand for  
diamond jewellery registered positive growth in 2017  
in US dollar terms, following a marginal increase in 2016. 
Sustained diamond jewellery demand growth in the US was 
once again the main contributor to this positive outcome. 
Demand for diamond jewellery by Chinese consumers grew 
marginally in local currency and dollar terms. In contrast, 
consumer demand for diamonds softened in India and the 
Gulf states, both in local currency and dollar terms, while 
Japan’s consumer demand growth was flat in local currency 
and lower in dollars. 

Diamond producers’ primary stocks are estimated to  
have reduced considerably during the first half of 2017,  
as sentiment in the midstream improved and rough and 
polished inventories normalised for businesses in this 
segment of the value chain. However, as a result of US 
retailers tightly managing their inventories and the earlier 
timing of Diwali in India, there was a slight seasonal build-up 
of polished inventory in the midstream going into the fourth 
quarter. Overall, early indications are that additional 
consumer marketing undertaken during the main selling 
season had a positive effect on polished demand in the US, 
China and India in the final quarter of the year, leading to a 
beneficial effect on overall polished inventories.

Base metals
Global refined copper consumption grew by 2% in 2017, 
with China, which now accounts for almost 48% of global 
refined demand, continuing to display robust demand 
growth (+3%), notably from the infrastructure, home 
appliance and machinery sectors.

Copper prices averaged 280 c/lb in 2017 (2016: 221 c/lb), 
reflecting a tighter market, as disruptions to supply during 
the first half of the year more than offset ramp-ups of new 
supply. This led to the first annual decline in copper mine 
output since 2011. The tight market, coupled with renewed 
investor confidence, saw prices surge in the fourth quarter, 

reaching $7,000/tonne for the first time in three years. The 
higher average prices also brought greater scrap volumes  
to the market, helping to offset some of the primary  
supply shortfall.

Over the long term, the market is expected to remain tight. 
Demand for refined copper continues to grow, with potential 
upside from electric vehicles (EVs), their associated 
infrastructure, and the renewable-energy sector. Supply is 
expected to continue to struggle to meet growing demand, 
given the limited project pipeline, declining grades and more 
challenging mining conditions.

Nickel demand increased by 5%, driven primarily by 
increases in global stainless steel output, which rose by  
6%. On the supply side, threatened mine closures in the 
Philippines had less of an impact on ore supply than  
was initially expected, while a partial lifting of a ban on  
ore exports from Indonesia, together with a ramp-up  
of new Indonesian nickel pig iron production, saw refined 
production recover some of the losses seen during 2015 
and 2016. This was not enough, however, to prevent an 
overall deficit in the refined nickel market, which helped to 
lift prices to an average of 472 c/lb, 8% higher than in 2016. 

Overall, the nickel market saw a second consecutive year of 
deficit, though LME stocks remained at high levels. Looking 
ahead, demand for nickel may experience a potentially 
significant boost from batteries for EVs, which is expected  
to keep the nickel market in focus over the years ahead.

Precious metals
Primary platinum supply in 2017 declined by 2%, owing 
mainly to lower Russian shipments, as sales from inventory, 
and output from alluvial deposits declined. In South Africa, 
supply remained relatively flat, despite processing facility 
issues experienced by some in the industry. The modest 
decline in primary platinum supply was, to a large extent, 
offset by increased secondary supply (+3%) as autocatalyst 
recycling increased to record levels.

Gross platinum demand was 5% lower, mainly as a result of 
a steep decline (-14%) in platinum demand from Chinese 
jewellery manufacturers and Japanese investment bar sales 
returning to more normal levels. Autocatalyst demand 
remained robust, with increased light-duty diesel vehicle 
production outside Europe and higher demand from the 
heavy-duty diesel sector offsetting the decline of light-duty 
diesel vehicle production within Europe. Demand from the 
industrial sector returned to record levels (+7%), with the 
electrical (+12%), glass (+24%) and petroleum (+13%) 
demand segments experiencing double digit growth.

12

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017   
 
 
 
 
 
Iron ore prices fared significantly better than in 2016, with 
the CFR China 62% Fe benchmark averaging $71/dmt, 
(2016: $58/dmt), though with significant volatility 
throughout the year. On the supply side, the net addition of 
around 40 Mt of low-cost Australian and Brazilian iron ore 
displaced both higher-cost seaborne and domestic Chinese 
supply. Grade-related price spreads widened significantly as 
steelmakers preferred high-grade iron ore as they focused 
on increased productivity owing to high costs of coking coal, 
high steelmaking margins, and environmental restrictions. 

The metallurgical coal market experienced another year  
of supply tightness and pronounced price volatility. The 
focus on safety in the Chinese domestic coal sector – and 
accompanying shutdowns – continued into 2017, while 
structural reforms, which aim to eliminate excess capacity 
and restore sector profitability, remain on track. Meanwhile, 
Australian export volumes were disrupted by a series of 
events, including Cyclone Debbie, mine shutdowns and  
port queues. Chinese and Australian disruptions have 
necessitated increased supply from other regions to fill the 
gap, including from the US, Mozambique, Indonesia and 
Mongolia. As with iron ore, price differentials between 
higher- and lower-grade coals have widened, reflecting 
steelmakers’ drive for productivity, as well as relative 
tightness at the premium end of the market.

The thermal coal market also saw the positive price effects 
of the Chinese domestic market rationalisation, which 
supported both coal imports into China and the seaborne 
price. On the supply side, Australia was stable, while 
Indonesia was constrained by mining issues arising from 
ongoing wet weather. The Atlantic region saw coal prices 
supported by higher electricity prices, partly driven by 
nuclear outages in France.

OUTLOOK

Although commodity markets and prices are becoming 
more positive, the sustainability of certain commodities’ very 
positive recent performance remains uncertain, with risks  
to the Asian outlook in particular. Demand for niche-grade 
materials is starting to provide an opportunity for some 
commodity producers, which may persist for some time. 
However, as supply struggles to either catch up with 
demand growth, or adjust downwards in line with any 
reduction in demand, it is likely that there will be ongoing 
commodity price volatility that reflects the normal dynamics 
of the industry.

Average platinum prices were 4% lower as the market 
moved into surplus, owing to lower gross platinum demand 
and increased secondary supply, despite the modest 
decline in primary production.

Primary palladium supply declined by 2%, reflecting  
lower shipments from Russia. In contrast, secondary  
supply increased strongly (+17%). Outflows from Exchange 
Traded Funds (ETFs) continued in 2017 and, over the past 
three years, more than 1.5 million ounces of metal has 
returned to the market, providing much needed market 
liquidity in a time of strong autocatalyst demand. Palladium 
autocatalyst demand reached new highs and grew 6%,  
with the strongest growth occurring in North America, as 
new emissions legislation resulted in higher loadings, and 
with China also posting significant gains. In the industrial 
sector, growth in demand from the chemicals sector more 
than offset declines in demand in both the electrical and 
dental sectors.

While all palladium supply rose by 3%, gross demand was 
10% higher than in the prior year, resulting in the market 
remaining in deficit. The persistent market deficits of the 
past six years have had a significant impact on the palladium 
market, with the price trading at around $1,000/ounce by 
the end of 2017, at a premium to platinum for the first time  
in 16 years, and averaging 42% higher than in 2016. 

In the near future, platinum markets are expected to remain 
balanced, with limited potential for demand growth or 
upside for mine output from South Africa or elsewhere. 
Palladium is expected to remain in deficit for the foreseeable 
future as petrol engine automotive demand continues its 
upward trend, with limited opportunity for an increase in 
primary production. With palladium trading above platinum, 
it is becoming more likely that platinum is substituted back 
into petrol autocatalysts. The timing and extent of such a 
move remains uncertain, but is not expected in the short 
term owing to practical and regulatory hurdles.

Bulk commodities
Global steel demand is estimated to have increased by 
around 2% in 2017, supported by healthy demand 
conditions in a number of markets. In China, consumption 
remained robust, rising by an estimated 2-3%, driven by  
an extended upswing in the property cycle and continued 
growth in infrastructure investment. The government’s 
crackdown on polluting and inefficient industry has 
eliminated an estimated 120 Mt of basic oxygen furnace 
(BOF) and electric arc furnace (EAF) capacity, and all illegal 
induction furnace capacity, over the past three years. 

These reforms, as well as additional seasonal closures over 
winter, sharply increased profit margins, encouraging the 
remaining BOF and EAF producers to increase productivity 
through the use of higher-quality raw materials and higher 
scrap rates. 

Such changes also reduced China’s ability to maintain 
exports at the record levels of recent years, allowing  
other regions to plug the gap. In 2017, crude steel output, 
excluding China, rose by an estimated 5%, or 40 Mt in  
2017, much of this growth being supported by scrap  
and direct-reduced iron-based steel production from  
the US, Turkey, Iran, India and Vietnam. 

13

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT OUR MATERIAL MATTERS

OUR MATERIAL MATTERS

UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS 
IMPORTANT TO OUR STAKEHOLDERS 
AND OUR BUSINESS

In line with best-practice corporate reporting, 
Anglo American’s Annual Report includes a 
comprehensive assessment of not only the principal 
risks facing the business, but also those matters that 
our stakeholders and we believe have a material 
bearing on the success of the business over time.

By engaging with our stakeholders and being aware of  
their perspectives, and by understanding the risks we  
face, we are better placed to make informed decisions  
that help support the delivery of our strategy.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Our licence to operate depends on constructive 
relationships with a wide and diverse range of stakeholders. 
Effective stakeholder engagement helps us to better 
communicate our business performance, decisions and 
activities that may have a material impact on, or are of 
significant interest to our stakeholders. 

Anglo American’s stakeholders include our customers,  
host communities, employees and unions, partners, 
governments, multinational organisations, broader civil 
society, trade associations and suppliers, in addition to  
our shareholders who own the business. In some instances 
we participate in multi-stakeholder initiatives where, by 
definition, multiple stakeholder groups are involved to 
provide a more collaborative and holistic view on the issues 
facing the industry. 

OUR APPROACH TO DETERMINING WHAT  
IS IMPORTANT

Identifying and evaluating matters that are of common 
material interest to our stakeholders and to our business, 
and understanding how they may affect our ability to create 
value over time, are integral to our planning processes and 
help support the delivery of Anglo American’s strategy. 

Our process for determining those matters involves  
three steps: consultation, analysis and approval. 

The consultation process in 2017 involved extensive 
desktop research, including: review of the Group Risk 
Register; global media coverage and analyst reports on 
Anglo American and the mining sector; and analysis of 
minuted Board and executive discussions. We also 
conducted an external consultation survey with a wide  
range of stakeholders, including investors, communities, 
customers, suppliers, governments, civil society and 
industry groups. We will continue to conduct such 
engagement on a regular basis.

STAKEHOLDER GROUPS

ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Investors

Communities

Governments and 
multilateral institutions

Employees and  
trade unions

Suppliers and  
contractors

Annual General Meeting, investor roadshows, 
one-on-one meetings, results webcasts and 
investor days

Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox (SEAT), 
surveys, community accountability forums, 
and complaints and grievance procedures

Ongoing engagement across all levels of 
government (national, regional and local) and 
multilateral organisations (e.g. UN, EU, World 
Bank) in relation to policy and legislation of 
relevance to responsible business practices

Face-to-face dialogue between employees  
and line managers, employee surveys, 
dialogue through established industrial 
relations channels and meetings with unions

Focused supplier events, strategic supplier 
relationship management, local procurement 
and small business development initiatives

I

Y
E
V
R
U
S
N
O
T
A
T
L
U
S
N
O
C

Principal  
risks

INSIGHTS

BOARD 
REVIEW

STRATEGY

CAPITAL
ALLOCATION

Civil society (NGOs, faith 
groups, academia)

One-on-one interactions, stakeholder 
partnerships and initiatives

Material  
matters

Customers

Commodity and product-specific marketing 
and one-on-one meetings

Industry/business 
associations

Association memberships, industry events, 
peer-to-peer meetings 

14

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017   
MATERIAL MATTERS IN 2017 

The matters identified through our materiality process  
were naturally numerous and wide-ranging. These were 
then analysed and prioritised by senior management, and 
then reviewed and approved by the Board.

In order for us to report against these material matters 
effectively, highlight connectivity and demonstrate how  
they affect the delivery of our strategy, we have set them  
out under the headings listed in the table below. 

For our Principal risks
See pages 42-45

Each material matter covers a number of topics and issues, 
and some also intersect with specific principal risks facing 
the Group, as identified in the Group Risk Register. Principal 
risks are those risks, or combination of risks, that would 
threaten the business model, future performance, solvency 
or liquidity of Anglo American. An analysis of the Group’s 
principal risks, including mitigation strategies, can be found 
on pages 42-45 of this report. 

Matters identified as material to our stakeholders and our business include:

MATERIAL MATTERS

Safety and Health 
Protecting the safety and health of employees and contractors 
is a fundamental human rights issue facing Anglo American 
and the mining industry. While protecting our workforce from 
harm is a moral imperative, our focus on ‘zero harm’ also 
constitutes a direct investment in the productivity of the 

business. A safe and healthy workforce contributes to an 
engaged, motivated and productive workforce that mitigates 
operational stoppages, and reduces potential legal liabilities. 
Safety is also considered a principal risk. Further details on this 
principal risk can be found on page 44.

Environmental impacts and climate change 
Responsible environmental management, including the 
management of water consumption and discharge, is a major 
factor in legal compliance and permitting, but also plays a 
significant role in improving the balance of value from 

mining for our local stakeholders. Understanding the effects  
of climate change on our business and how it may impact  
our value chain is important as we strive to maximise the 
opportunities associated with the transition to a low- 
carbon future.

Meeting our commitments to  
governments and society 
Acting in an ethical and responsible manner is fundamental  
to Anglo American realising the significant business benefits 
gained from building trusted and constructive relationships 
with our stakeholders. 

Working closely with host communities and governments  
to undertake integrated planning and share the benefits of 
mining helps Anglo American to avoid and mitigate adverse 
social impacts (including after a mine closes), optimise 
development opportunities and maintain our socio-political 
licence to operate.

AREAS OF IMPACT

Strategic element: 
B   C
Pillars of value: 

Strategic element: 
A   B
Pillars of value: 

Strategic element: 
A   B   C
Pillars of value: 

Workforce culture and capability 
To deliver on our business objectives, we rely on a capable and 
engaged workforce that behaves in a manner that is consistent 
with Anglo American’s values and Code of Conduct.

We aim to foster a high performance culture, through an 
organisation structure that is fit for purpose, resourcing this 
structure with the best capability and empowering our people 
to deliver results.

Strategic element: 

C

Pillars of value: 

Operational and cost performance
The mining sector continues to face operating cost inflation, 
including labour costs, energy costs and the impact of  
ore grade deterioration.

In order to deliver our profitable growth strategy and to 
maintain our competitive position, Anglo American must 

deliver its financial improvement targets and minimise  
the number of unplanned operational stoppages that  
affect production.

This is also considered a principal risk. Further details on this 
principal risk can be found on page 45.

Strategic element: 
A   B   C  
Pillars of value: 

Political and regulatory
Anglo American operates or has projects in a number  
of countries where there is political instability and where  
the regulatory environment for the mining industry is uncertain. 

These factors are also considered principal risks. Further  
details on this principal risk can be found on page 42.

Strategic element: 
A   B   C  
Pillars of value: 

Macro-economic environment
Economic slowdown in those countries that are major 
consumers of the Group’s products could have a negative 
impact on demand for those products. Demand may also  
be negatively affected by product substitution and/or 

fundamental shifts in market forces. These factors are also 
considered principal risks. The Marketplace review on pages 
11 to 13 gives more detail on the macro-economic 
environment facing the Group.

Strategic element: 
A   B
Pillars of value: 

PILLARS OF VALUE

STRATEGIC ELEMENT

  Safety and Health 
  Environment
  Socio-political
  People

  Production
  Cost
  Financial
For more on our pillars of value 
See page 10

A   Portfolio 
B   Innovation
C   People

15

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT STRATEGIC ELEMENT: PORTFOLIO

PORTFOLIO

The quality and long life of our mineral assets are the foundation of our global and 
diversified business. We focus on securing and operating assets that offer – either  
in isolation or in combination with other assets in the portfolio – the most attractive  
long term value-creation potential, as measured by sustainable cash flow and returns. 

HIGHLIGHTS 

KEY PRIORITIES 

MATERIAL MATTERS 

TRANSFORMED AND UPGRADED 
PORTFOLIO – NUMBER OF ASSETS 
REDUCED FROM 68 IN 2013 TO

36

UNDERLYING EBITDA IN 2017 FROM 
RECENTLY COMMISSIONED PROJECTS
HIGHLIGHTS

$686 million

GROUP ROCE INCREASED TO

19%

 • Feasibility study for the  

world class Quellaveco copper 
project to be presented to the  
Board in 2018, for development 
consideration

 • Continue the development of 

Jwaneng’s ‘Cut-8’ expansion and 
Venetia’s underground extension 
(De Beers).

DISCUSSED IN THIS SECTION:
• Macro-economic environment
• Operational and cost performance
•  Meeting our commitments to 

government and society
• Political and regulatory

PILLARS OF VALUE

  Financial
  Environment 
  Socio-political

For our KPIs  
See page 34

Anglo American is a global diversified mining  
company. Our portfolio of world class competitive 
mining operations and undeveloped resources – 
spanning diamonds (through De Beers), copper, 
platinum and other precious metals, iron ore, coal  
and nickel – provides the raw materials to meet the 
growing consumer-driven demands of the world’s 
developed and maturing economies. 

The diversification and scale of our portfolio allows us to 
leverage our financial resources, technical expertise, and 
supplier relationships towards delivery on our potential and 
to the benefit of our customers. The diverse composition  
of the portfolio also creates a measured risk profile and 
supports strong returns by balancing and optimising the 
concentration of our investments across:

 • Products (supply)

 • End-markets (demand)

 • Geographies (political, regulatory and other  

country-specific considerations).

BUILDING STRATEGIC ADVANTAGE

The primary source of competitive advantage in the  
mining industry is to own high quality, low cost, long life 
assets of scale, with positions that can be further  
enhanced if those assets deliver products into structurally 
attractive markets.

In assessing our asset portfolio, we consider:

 • The stand-alone quality of individual assets, including their 
relative cost position and resource and growth potential

 • Our global competitive position within the individual 

product groups

 • The additional value potential generated through our 

dedicated marketing expertise.

De Beers
De Beers has the global leadership position in diamonds, 
producing around a third of the world’s rough diamonds,  
by value. Within its portfolio, De Beers (Anglo American: 
85% interest), in partnership with the Government of the 
Republic of Botswana, has one of the richest diamond 
mines, by value, in the world at Jwaneng and one of the 
largest Diamond Resources, by volume, at Orapa. The new 
Gahcho Kué mine (51% De Beers owned), in Canada’s 
Northwest Territories, entered commercial production in 
March 2017.

16

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  Our major diamond mining assets have large, long life and 
scalable resources and we are continuing to invest in our 
existing operations to extend our mining activities. The 
‘Cut-8’ expansion of Jwaneng will increase the depth of the 
mine from 400 metres to 650 metres, while in South Africa, 
Venetia is being extended underground, extending the life of 
mine to 2046(1).

The lack of many significant economic kimberlite 
discoveries over many years, combined with the ongoing 
growth in consumer demand for diamond jewellery in both 
mature and developing markets, points to strong prospects 
for the diamond business.

Through its differentiated rough diamond distribution 
model, which comprises term contract Sightholders, 
accredited buyers and auction sales customers, De Beers 
has a range of insights into its customers’ demand patterns. 
De Beers seeks to stimulate consumer demand for 
diamonds through its Forevermark™ and De Beers 
Jewellers brands and through its participation in the 
Diamond Producers Association.

Copper
Anglo American has a world-class asset position in copper, 
with the potential to establish a leading position built around 
its interests in two of the world’s largest copper mines – 
Los Bronces (a 50.1% owned subsidiary) and Collahuasi 
(44% owned joint operation), with Reserve Lives of 23 years 
and 69 years, respectively. The resource base of these 
assets underpins our future near-asset opportunities, in 
addition to a number of future potential projects, including 
our feasibility phase Quellaveco project in southern Peru – 
one of the world’s largest untapped copper orebodies – and 
the polymetallic Sakatti deposit in Finland.

The copper industry, although expected to be broadly 
balanced in the medium term, is expected to struggle  
to meet longer term demand growth, including from  
electric vehicles and renewable energy, as declining  
grades and more challenging physical and environmental 
conditions, along with tougher licensing and permitting 
requirements, will all affect the industry’s ability to deliver 
new copper supply.

(1)  The current Mining 

Right expires in 2038. 
An application to 
renew the Mining 
Right will be 
submitted at the 
appropriate time. 
There is a reasonable 
expectation that such 
renewal will not be 
withheld.

RESTRUCTURING OUR METALLURGICAL COAL BUSINESS FOR SUCCESS

Material matters
Operational and cost 
improvements required to deliver 
sustainable cash flow and returns 
across the cycle. Delivered via:

 • Productivity improvements  

at longwall operations

 • Restructuring and divestment  

of lower margin assets 

 • Successful commissioning  
of Grosvenor metallurgical  
coal project.

The restructuring  
of our Metallurgical Coal 
business in Australia has 
resulted in a significantly 
improved product mix. 
Over the past seven 
years, production of 
higher-value hard  
coking coal has 
increased from 51% to 
80%. Featured is coal 
handling and preparation 
plant operator at the 
Moranbah-Grosvenor 
complex, Derek Webley.

Over the past few years, Anglo American has delivered  
a comprehensive restructuring of Metallurgical Coal, the 
Group’s high margin coal business based in Queensland, 
Australia. The restructuring has taken a number of forms, 
with a focus on driving material margin improvement: 

 • Improvements at Grasstree and Moranbah longwall  
mines (both hard coking coal (HCC) producers)  
have resulted in a 66% improvement in run of mine 
productivity over the past seven years. These two 
mines are now Australia’s most productive coal 
longwall operators. A third longwall mine was added to 
the portfolio when Grosvenor, also an HCC producer, 
delivered its first coal in May 2016, seven months ahead 
of schedule and more than $100 million below its total 
capital budget. Despite encountering challenging 
geological conditions during its commissioning,  
these have been largely overcome and the mine is 
currently ramping up after its first longwall move 

 • Divestments over the past two years have included 

pulverised coal injection (PCI) producer Foxleigh and 
Callide (a domestic and export thermal coal producer), 
while mining activities have ceased at Drayton (an 
export thermal producer) and we expect to complete 
the sale of the operation in the near future 

 • The Dawson and Capcoal open cut operations,  

that produce HCC, PCI and thermal coal, have been 
substantially restructured to reduce volumes, take  
out the highest cost capacity and increase margins.

These initiatives have led to the proportion of HCC in 
Metallurgical Coal’s export-production mix climbing from 
51% in 2010 to 80% in 2017, while completion of the 
ramp-up at Grosvenor will see this proportion increase 
further. Metallurgical Coal now has a significantly improved 
product mix, which has increased its profit margin by  
$29/tonne since 2010, while stringent containment of unit 
costs has seen seven years of inflation more than offset 
by productivity improvements and restructuring.

17

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT STRATEGIC ELEMENT: PORTFOLIO

Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)
Our Platinum business (held through a 78% interest in 
Anglo American Platinum Limited) is the world’s leading 
PGM producer, extracting and processing around 40%  
of all newly mined platinum. It occupies the pre-eminent 
position, in terms of production, mining, processing and 
refining assets, and the quality and size of its resource base, 
in the world’s largest PGM deposit – the Bushveld Complex 
in South Africa. It also has a significant stake in one of the 
world’s largest PGM deposits outside of South Africa, on  
the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe. Our flagship platinum mine, 
Mogalakwena, is the highest-margin primary platinum 
producer in the industry and, as the only large open pit  
PGM mine globally, is at the centre of a more flexible, 
competitive and lower risk business.

Platinum is continuing its ongoing repositioning around a 
leaner, best in class operating footprint at the Mogalakwena 
and Amandelbult mines in South Africa, and Unki mine  
in Zimbabwe, alongside its joint venture interests in the 
Kroondal, Mototolo and Modikwa mines in South Africa.

Demand for PGMs is forecast to increase over time, given 
the ongoing trend towards cleaner-emission vehicles,  
driven by increasingly stringent global emissions legislation. 
Increasing demand by the automotive industry is likely to  
be augmented by growing opportunities for emerging new 
applications, including hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell electric 
vehicles, while emerging countries such as India offer the 
potential of developing, from a relatively low base, into 
significant platinum jewellery markets.

Our business is well positioned to proactively stimulate 
demand for platinum, including through targeted campaigns 
in emerging jewellery markets; creating new investment 
demand for the metal as a store of value; and through direct 
investment in a number of companies developing new 
technologies that are expected to drive industrial demand 
for PGMs.

Iron ore and manganese
Iron ore
Anglo American’s iron ore operations provide customers 
with niche, high iron content ore, a large percentage of 
which is direct-charge product for blast furnaces. In South 
Africa, we have a majority share (69.7%) in Kumba Iron Ore, 
where the Sishen and Kolomela mines produce leading 
quality lump ore and also a premium fine ore. The lump iron 
ore produced from Kumba’s operations is in particular 
demand, and commands a premium price, owing to its 
excellent physical strength and high iron content.

In Brazil, we have developed the integrated Minas-Rio 
operation (100% ownership), consisting of an open pit mine 
and beneficiation plant in Minas Gerais, which produces a 
high quality pellet feed product, offering a high iron content 
and low levels of contaminants. The iron ore produced is 
transported through a 529 kilometre pipeline to the 
Ferroport iron ore handling and shipping facilities at the port 
of Açu, in which Anglo American has a 50% shareholding.

Manganese
In manganese, we have a 40% share in Samancor Holdings, 
with operations based in South Africa and Australia.

Coal
Australia – Metallurgical coal
Our Tier 1 coal assets include the Moranbah North (88% 
ownership) and Grosvenor (100% ownership) metallurgical 
coal mines, both located in Queensland. The mines are 
underground longwall operations and produce hard  
coking coal. We are the world’s third largest exporter of 
metallurgical coal and our coal operations in Australia serve 
customers throughout Asia and the Indian sub-continent, 
Europe and South America. More stringent environmental 
and safety regulations in China have led to the closure of a 
number of coal mines there, resulting in increased demand 
and prices for high quality coking coal, such as that 
produced in our Australian mines. 

South Africa
Excluding the Eskom-tied operations, we own and operate 
five thermal coal mines in South Africa, and jointly manage 
the Mafube mine with Exxaro. In South Africa, we supply 
both the export and domestic energy markets and, from  
the Richards Bay Coal Terminal, we export throughout the 
Atlantic, Mediterranean and Asia-Pacific regions. 

Colombia
In Colombia, Anglo American, BHP and Glencore each have 
a one-third shareholding in Cerrejón, one of the country’s 
largest thermal coal exporters.

Nickel 
Our Nickel business is well placed to serve the global 
stainless steel industry, which depends on nickel and drives 
demand for it, and to benefit from demand for batteries for 
electric vehicles. Our assets (both 100% owned) are in 
Brazil, with two ferronickel production sites: Barro Alto and 
Codemin, in the state of Goiás.

Portfolio restructuring in the year
We will continue to refine and upgrade our asset portfolio  
as a matter of course in order to ensure that our capital is 
deployed effectively to generate enhanced and sustainable 
returns for our shareholders. 

Anglo American has restructured significantly over the  
last four years and, as a result, upgraded the overall quality 
of its portfolio of mining assets since 2013, moving from 
68 assets to 36 at the end of 2017. This transformation has 
been achieved through extensive operational self-help and 
other efficiency work, together with the sale, placing onto 
care and maintenance and closure of assets, resulting in a 
step-change in Anglo American’s operational performance, 
profitability and cash flow generation.

Disposals announced and completed 
During 2017, we completed the disposal of our 83.3% 
interest in the Dartbrook coal mine (Metallurgical Coal)  
to Australian Pacific Coal Limited, our 42.5% interest in  
the Pandora mine (Platinum) and certain Amandelbult 
resources (Platinum). In February 2018, we completed  
the disposal of Platinum’s 85% interest in Union Mine and 
50.1% interest in Masa Chrome Company Proprietary 
Limited in South Africa to a subsidiary of Siyanda Resources 
Proprietary Limited.

18

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  QUELLAVECO

Quellaveco is one of the world’s most significant 
undeveloped copper deposits. With Ore Reserves 
estimated at 1.3 billion tonnes, containing 
7.5 million tonnes of copper(1), it is expected to 
operate in the lower half of the industry cost curve. 
Anglo American owns 81.9% of Quellaveco, with 
the balance owned by Mitsubishi Corporation. 
Given that Quellaveco is a major greenfield 
development, Anglo American intends to further 
syndicate its shareholding to support a broader 
funding capacity and project risk profile.

The project involves the mining of this extensive 
copper and molybdenum deposit which is located  
at an altitude of around 3,500 metres in the Moquegua 
Region of southern Peru. The Quellaveco site is  
34 kilometres east of the town of Moquegua and  
165 kilometres northeast of the proposed port facility  
near Ilo. The operation will use open pit mining and 
processing by flotation to produce copper concentrate, 
as well as molybdenum and silver by-products. The 
copper concentrate will then be transported to the 
coast for export.

We have made considerable progress re-scoping 
Quellaveco to enhance its economic case, while 
maintaining our social commitments. 

The project has obtained all the major permits 
required for construction and operation, and has a 
high level of acceptance from the community and the 
local, regional and national governments. This level  
of socio-political acceptance has been achieved and 
maintained by meeting a series of commitments 
arising from an extensive ‘Dialogue Table’ process,  
as well as a number of ongoing social projects in the 
surrounding communities. The Dialogue Table was  
a unique initiative launched by the Regional 
Government of Moquegua in which local and national 
stakeholders, authorities, and representatives from 
Anglo American worked together during an 18-month 
process to reach agreements on three main areas: 
water resources, environment and social responsibility.

It is expected that the feasibility study for Quellaveco 
will be reviewed by Anglo American’s Board in 2018, 
for development consideration.

Anglo American entered into several sale agreements, the 
completions of which are subject to, among other things, 
regulatory approvals, including our 88.2% interest in the 
Drayton thermal coal mine and Drayton South project in 
Australia to Malabar Coal Limited. The sale of the Eskom-
tied domestic thermal coal operations in South Africa to  
a wholly owned subsidiary of Seriti Resources Holdings 
Proprietary Limited is expected to complete on 1 March 
2018. In addition, in January 2018, we agreed the sale of  
the New Largo thermal coal project and Old New Largo 
closed colliery in South Africa to New Largo Coal 
Proprietary Limited, which is owned by Seriti Resources 
Holdings Proprietary Limited, Coalzar Proprietary Limited 
and the Industrial Development Corporation.

Other portfolio changes
The Group has ceased, or is ceasing, production at a 
number of operations. Operations that have been closed  
or placed onto care and maintenance in recent years 
include: Snap Lake (De Beers) and Peace River Coal 
(Metallurgical Coal), both in Canada; and Twickenham 
platinum mine and Thabazimbi (Iron Ore), both in  
South Africa. Also in South Africa, the Bokoni mine 
(Platinum) was placed onto care and maintenance by 
Platinum’s joint venture partner, Atlatsa Resources,  
during the year.

Damtshaa diamond mine in Botswana, which was  
placed onto care and maintenance from 1 January 2016, 
successfully achieved a restart in the fourth quarter of 2017, 
in preparation for 2018 production.

Having exceeded its original diamond production forecast 
over its expected lifespan, De Beers’ Victor mine in  
Canada is due to close in 2019, when the open pit will  
have been depleted.

Projects 
Projects ramping up
A number of projects across the Group have been delivered 
since 2016, and are contributing to operating cash flows, 
including Barro Alto (Nickel), Grosvenor (Metallurgical 
Coal), Gahcho Kué (De Beers) and Minas-Rio (Iron Ore). 
Together, these assets contributed $686 million of 
underlying EBITDA in 2017.

Future project options
Strict value criteria are applied to the assessment of 
Anglo American’s portfolio of future growth options. Where 
appropriate, we aim to seek partners for the development  
of major greenfield projects and are likely to not commit to 
more than one such project at any given time. The Group  
will continue to maintain optionality to progress with value 
accretive projects, should market conditions and capital 
availability permit.

Although no new major capital projects were approved 
during 2017, we continue to retain and advance select 
studies, abiding by our established social commitments  
and managing the costs of maintaining those options 
appropriately.

(1)  Please refer to the  
Ore Reserves and 
Mineral Resources 
Report 2017 for 
additional details.

One such option is the Quellaveco project in southern  
Peru – one of the world’s largest untapped copper 
orebodies. The project’s feasibility study is expected to  
be presented to the Board for development consideration  
in 2018. 

During the Board’s visit to Peru in October 2017, directors were given a tour 
of the Quellaveco project site by project vice president Domenico Pelliccia 
(second from right). The Board expects to review the project’s feasibility 
study during 2018.

19

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT STRATEGIC ELEMENT: INNOVATION

INNOVATION

Across every aspect of our business, we are thinking innovatively about how we 
work to ensure the safety of our people, enhance our sustainability performance, 
and deliver industry-leading margins and returns. We are developing a replicable 
model of differentiated practices and capabilities that is designed to deliver 
superior value to all our stakeholders from assets that are in our hands.

HIGHLIGHTS 

KEY PRIORITIES 

MATERIAL MATTERS 

GROUP PRODUCTION GROWTH◊ –  
COPPER EQUIVALENT BASIS

5%

VALUE OF COST AND VOLUME 
IMPROVEMENTS◊ IN THE YEAR

$1.1 billion

HIGHLIGHTS

CUMULATIVE AVOIDED ENERGY COSTS 
OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS

$260 million

 • Continue to advance the 

implementation of the Operating 
Model across our assets to realise 
further cost and productivity 
improvements 

 • Eliminate fatal injuries through the 
implementation of the Operational 
Risk Management programme

 • Conduct baseline assessments  

to support ambitious new 
greenhouse gas, energy,  
water and biodiversity targets  
articulated in the Anglo American 
Sustainability Strategy. 

DISCUSSED IN THIS SECTION:
• Safety and Health
•  Environmental impacts and climate change
•  Operational and cost performance
•  Meeting our commitments to  

government and society
•  Political and regulatory

PILLARS OF VALUE

  Production
  Cost
  Safety and Health

For our KPIs  
See page 34

  Environment 
  Socio-political

From resource exploration and discovery, to delivering 
our products into our customers’ hands, FutureSmart 
Mining™ is our innovation-led approach to sustainable 
mining. The technologies that we are developing and 
deploying to fundamentally change the way we  
extract and process our products, as well as identify 
potential, will provide the next step-change in 
operating performance – creating significant safety 
improvements, and major energy, water and capital 
cost savings.

SUSTAINABLE VALUE THROUGH INNOVATION

Through FutureSmart Mining™, we are looking for 
opportunities that will deliver value quickly, while at the same 
time developing longer term solutions that will offer benefits, 
not only across our own operations, but across the entire 
mining value chain. We apply open innovation principles to 
bring together stakeholders with different perspectives to 
reframe challenges and co-create solutions that will benefit 
the entire industry. 

Two key areas where our technology-led innovation is 
already making a real difference are energy and water 
efficiency. Comminution (the grinding and crushing of rock) 
is the largest consumer of energy in mineral processing. 
Through FutureSmart Mining™, we are investing in novel 
mineral processing technologies that are more energy-

efficient than conventional methods. For example,  
our tests show that there is a possibility of reducing 
comminution energy by 30% over current methods.  
We also invest in the development of low-emission 
technologies using PGMs – notably platinum-based 
hydrogen fuel cell technology. To accelerate the 
development of mining fuel cell electric vehicles and  
trains, we are exploring innovative ways to store hydrogen 
using liquid organic hydrogen carrier technology.

Our ambition is, where possible, to completely remove  
fresh water from our mineral processing. An important area 
of focus is low-cost dry-tailings disposal because water  
sent to tailings often represents a mine’s largest water loss. 
Fine-particle slurries in particular are difficult to dewater  
and current dry disposal options have prohibitive capital  
and operating costs. We are exploring low-cost methods to 
minimise the amount of water sent to tailings. 

For Anglo American, innovation extends beyond the mine.  
It considers the entire mining ecosystem – from exploration, 
right through to mine closure and rehabilitation – and 
considers the perspectives of all our stakeholders, at  
every stage.

We believe that one day all mines will be both carbon- and 
water-neutral (as well as low cost and scalable), with a 
minimal footprint that is harmonised with the needs of our 
host communities – and that FutureSmart Mining™ is our 
pathway to that future.

20

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  DELIVERING STABLE OPERATING FOUNDATIONS 

The framework is built around three key components: 

Our unique Operating Model is designed to support the 
transformation of asset performance. The focus on  
stable and predictable delivery provides a foundation for 
continuous and sustainable operating improvement. This 
approach has resulted in step-change advances in safety 
and productivity, and lower costs, and is embedded 
throughout the business.

The Operating Model is a people- and systems-intensive 
framework that is designed to deliver and embed change.  
It provides our people with a common language and way  
of working across the business, bringing clarity to the work 
we do and ensuring that roles and accountabilities are 
clearly defined across the operations. 

 • Operational planning ensures that we have confidence  
in the targets we set and in our ability to develop the 
operating tactical plans to meet business expectations 

 • Work management focuses on driving the right behaviours 
and routines across the approval, planning, scheduling, 
resourcing and execution of work programmes 

 • Feedback ensures that the measures we use are 
well-defined and -controlled and that appropriate 
improvement processes are applied.

While there are three components to the Operating Model, 
to date the focus has largely been on work management. 
The Operating Model follows a phased implementation 
journey, starting at the project set-up phase and ending with 
the stabilisation and sustaining phases. By the end of 2017, 
various components of the Operating Model had been fully 
or partially implemented at 14 operations.

TOWARDS A WATERLESS MINE

Material matters
Working to eliminate our use of 
fresh water in mining processes; 
benefiting our operations, the 
environment and our host 
communities by:

 • Measuring and managing water 

evaporation at our current  
tailings storage facilities

 • Minimising the volume of water 

used in mineral production 

 • Working towards dry,  

stackable tailings.

At Mogalakwena 
platinum mine, in  
South Africa’s 
water-stressed Limpopo 
province, technical lead  
Dean Bothma inspects 
fibre-optic sensing 
equipment, enabling 
accurate, real-time 
monitoring of all water 
flows mine-wide. This  
is the world’s first 
permanent installation 
using this type of 
distributed sensing 
technology. 

Anglo American aims to eliminate the use of fresh water 
from mining processes. Our work towards a waterless 
mine focuses on evaporation measurement and dry 
tailings disposal, exploring innovative approaches to dry 
separation, and non-aqueous processing. 

capital and operating costs. In partnership with an 
innovation leader, we are conducting promising research, 
testing bespoke polymers to separate water from fine 
slurries. This lower-cost dewatering technology creates 
dry, stackable tailings.

Mining operations store water in dams to ensure a 
reliable water supply and enable recycling, but 
evaporation accounts for 10% to 25% of water lost. We 
are testing a new technology developed by Australia’s 
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research 
Organisation (CSIRO) to more accurately measure and 
manage evaporation rates.

To minimise the amount of water sent to tailings in the 
first place, we are also exploring innovative methods for 
more targeted comminution (crushing and grinding ore 
to the required particle size), dewatering waste far earlier 
in the process. Early estimates indicate the potential for  
a 30% to 40% reduction in water used per unit of  
mineral production. 

Significant water losses are also incurred in tailings 
disposal. Fine particle slurries are particularly difficult to 
dewater and current dry disposal options have prohibitive 

We are confident these dry processing techniques will 
allow us to re-use 80% of process water, moving us 
closer towards the waterless mine.

21

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT STRATEGIC ELEMENT: INNOVATION

At our diamond operations, roll-out of our Operating  
Model is at various stages. At Jwaneng, in Botswana, the 
work management component is in the stabilisation phase. 
Also in Botswana, at Letlhakane’s tailings retreatment plant, 
work management implementation has moved into the 
site-readiness phase where all systems in support of the 
Operating Model are tested and accepted. In South Africa,  
at Venetia mine, implementation of the Operating Model 
commenced in the second half of 2017, and is now focused 
on operational planning. At Gahcho Kué in Canada, 
implementation of the Operating Model is well advanced, 
with the integrated execution schedule for mining going live 
in the last quarter. Work is currently under way to define the 
scope for work management in mine maintenance (heavy 
mining equipment).

At our Los Bronces copper operation in Chile, work 
management in the mine was stabilised during the third 
quarter of 2017, with accountability for sustaining it being 
been handed over to the line management team. The  
focus in the final quarter was on operational planning.

At Platinum in South Africa, implementation of the 
Operating Model at Amandelbult complex started in  
early 2017, with work management and feedback under  
way at its Dishaba and Tumela mines. Mogalakwena has 
implemented all components of the Operating Model. 
Operational planning is currently in the stabilisation phase, 
with work management being sustained by the line 
management team at the North and South concentrators,  
as well as the mine. At the converting plant, implementation 
of the work management component is in the sustaining 
phase. Rustenburg Base Metals Refinery’s 
implementation of work management is currently in the 
gap-analysis phase and some sections of the refinery  
are in critical-issue resolution. At Waterval smelter, 
implementation of the Operating Model is in the project 
set-up phase.

At Kumba’s iron ore operations in South Africa, Sishen  
has been focusing on a review of the service and production 
strategies for the plant, as well as subsequent refinement  
of the work-scheduling system, which has identified 
significant opportunities to improve the planning process. 
Meanwhile, at Kolomela, the Operating Model continues to 
deliver above scheduled-work and compliance targets as 
part of the work management component.

At Minas-Rio in Brazil, work management for mine 
maintenance (heavy mining equipment) has been  
handed over to the line management team. Work is  
well advanced in incorporating all mine production work  
into an integrated mining execution schedule. Work 
management implementation in the beneficiation plant  
is progressing well and commenced in 2017 at the  
pipeline and port facilities, where operational planning  
for the mining complex is under way.

(1)  Metallurgical and 
export thermal  
coal production  
from South Africa 
and Cerrejón.

At Metallurgical Coal in Australia, the Operating Model  
is in the pre-start phase of implementation. Each of the 
operations is concentrating on developing the business-
structure performance models that form part of operational 
planning, with the full project expected to start during 2018.

22

COST AND PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENTS

We have continued to lift the performance of our assets 
through the implementation of our Operating Model and,  
as a result, have delivered $1.1 billion of cost and volume 
improvements in 2017, beyond the target we set of  
$1.0 billion.

Across the Group, production increased by 5% on a copper 
equivalent basis, driven by improved performances at 
De Beers (+22%), Kumba Iron Ore (+8%) and Iron Ore 
Brazil (+4%), partly offset by lower production at the Coal 
operations (-4%)(1).

At De Beers, rough diamond production increased by  
22% to 33.5 million carats (2016: 27.3 million carats), 
reflecting stronger trading conditions and the contribution 
from the Gahcho Kué mine in Canada, which entered 
commercial production in March 2017. 

Kumba delivered a strong operational performance, 
increasing iron ore production by 8% to 45.0 Mt  
(2016: 41.5 Mt), following improvements in mining 
productivity resulting from fleet efficiencies and higher  
plant yields. In Brazil, our Minas-Rio iron ore operation 
produced 16.8 Mt (wet basis), 4% higher (2016: 16.1 Mt),  
as the operation continued to ramp up its current  
operating capacity.

Copper production was in line with the prior year at 579,300 
tonnes (2016: 577,100 tonnes), with solid performances at 
Los Bronces and Collahuasi partly offset by the impact  
of lost production at El Soldado, owing to the temporary 
suspension of mining operations in the first half.

Our Metallurgical Coal business in Australia produced  
19.7 Mt of metallurgical coal, 6% lower than the prior year 
(2016: 20.9 Mt). This was driven by the divestment of 
Foxleigh mine (PCI producer), although was largely offset  
by a strong performance at the underground longwall 
operations, which produced 12.3 Mt, 14% higher than  
the prior year (2016: 10.8 Mt). Coal South Africa’s export 
thermal coal production declined by 3% to 18.6 Mt  
(2016: 19.1 Mt), mainly owing to operational challenges  
at Khwezela mine, and the planned transition to a new pit  
at Mafube. The Coal South Africa operations were also 
affected by self-enforced safety stoppages, following three 
fatalities in the year.

Group copper equivalent unit costs increased by 7%, driven 
mainly by stronger producer currencies. Excluding the 
impact of foreign exchange, the cost increase was 2%. 
Lower unit costs were realised at Platinum in rand terms, as 
a result of ongoing cost-saving initiatives, and at De Beers, 
where higher production and efficiency drives helped 
reduce unit costs. These efficiencies were offset, however, 
by higher costs across the Coal business which, in addition 
to experiencing Khwezela’s operational challenges, 
encountered lower volumes at Dawson and the effects  
of the extended longwall move at Grosvenor (both 
Metallurgical Coal).

While we have delivered a material operational turnaround 
in recent years, we believe there is still significant value to 
be delivered from the continued implementation of our 
Operating Model. In 2018, we expect to deliver a further 
$800 million of benefit and are targeting, by 2022, an 
additional $3-4 billion annual underlying EBITDA  
run-rate improvement.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND HEALTH

Protecting the safety and health of employees and 
contractors at work is one of the most fundamental human 
rights issues facing Anglo American and other mining 
companies. While protecting our workforce from harm  
is a moral imperative for us, our focus on ‘zero harm’ also 
constitutes a direct investment in the productivity of the 
business. A safe and healthy workforce contributes to an 
engaged, motivated and productive workforce that prevents 
operational stoppages, and reduces potential legal liabilities.

Ensuring a safe working environment
In 2017, we regret to report that nine employees and 
contractors lost their lives in work-related activities at 
South African operations managed by Anglo American. 
Ensuring safety at South African mines remains a  
particular issue across the industry. We continue to focus  
on further strengthening our safety culture and controls  
at more challenging mines so that we eliminate  
workplace fatalities.

Our intense focus on preventing harm in the workplace  
was reflected in an encouraging decrease in the number 
and severity of injuries recorded at our operations compared 
with 2016. This included an 8% decline in our lost-time  
injury (LTI) frequency rate and an 11% reduction in our total 
recordable case frequency rate. Average days lost per  
LTI reduced by 15%.

All incidents resulting in loss of life or a critical injury are 
subject to rigorous investigation and management action  
to prevent similar incidents happening again. 

Throughout 2017, all operations continued to implement 
safety improvement plans, with a focus on effective 
management of critical controls required to manage 
significant safety risks, learning from high potential incidents 
and high potential hazards, culture and safe behaviour 
programmes, and leadership engagement and 
accountability. These will remain priorities in 2018, with the 
aim of ensuring that each of our sites follows a consistent 
approach. We have also made interventions aimed at  

further integrating safety within our Operating Model, 
thereby improving the planning and scheduling of work  
and tasks. Targets relating to the delivery of Operational  
Risk Management (ORM) form part of management 
incentives, and there is a growing recognition that safety  
and productivity are complementary. Anglo American’s 
safety results affect the performance-based remuneration 
of all employees in the business. 

Promoting health and well-being
Our health-related activities focus on mitigating 
occupational health risks in the workplace, supporting  
the overall health and well-being of our workforce, and 
promoting community health initiatives in the areas where 
we operate. In 2017, we updated our occupational health 
strategy, setting clear objectives and targets for our health 
outcomes in 2022. Our primary goal is to ensure that there 
are no new cases of occupational disease as a result of 
exposure to health hazards at Anglo American. 

The number of new cases of occupational disease  
reported was 96 (2016: 111). A reduction in cases owing  
to the divestment of Platinum’s Rustenburg operations in 
South Africa was countered by new cases of noise-induced 
hearing loss and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis because of 
improved reporting.

Our workplace tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS 
programmes continue to show encouraging results.  
As at the end of 2017, 83% of employees knew their  
HIV status. While this fell short of our target of 90%,  
76,000 members of our workforce (including contractors) 
participated in testing. Our TB incidence rate among 
employees in South Africa decreased again in 2017, and  
on average, remains well below the 2017 South African 
national rate of 781 per 100,000. 

The number of employees who have died from TB (four)  
and AIDS (12) has decreased considerably in recent years. 
The reduction is a result of changes in the business portfolio,  
as well as improved anti-retroviral uptake, active case 
management and HIV/TB awareness campaigns.

Lost-time injuries, medical treatment cases and 
total recordable case frequency rate 2013–2017

New cases of occupational disease 2013–2017

Injuries

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

250

200

150

100

50

0

TRCFR

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Lost-time injuries
Medical treatment cases

TRCFR

Noise-induced hearing loss
Respiratory disease
Musculoskeletal disorder
Other

23

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT STRATEGIC ELEMENT: INNOVATION

MARKETING PRODUCTS FOR FULL VALUE

Our Marketing Model maximises the value from our mineral 
resources and market positions. We do this by seeking to 
fully understand and address our customers’ specific needs 
and through leveraging our capabilities in the financial and 
physical markets to drive the right commercial decisions 
across the value chain – from mine to market.

In 2017, our Marketing business continued to make good 
progress on its strategy, which is designed to create 
maximum value across the entire mining value chain.  
These activities contribute to the Group in a number of  
ways: improving EBIT; enhancing cash flow through tighter 
working capital management; better risk- and control 
management; and stimulating sustainable demand, in 
particular for PGMs, through an innovative market 
development and investment programme.

Focusing on our principal strategic levers to generate 
additional EBIT across the Group, we continued to deliver 
value through:

 • Sales and marketing excellence: In 2017, we grew our 
customer base in number and by geography. Throughout 
the year we sold all available production while proactively 
managing a number of supply challenges, including finding 
new markets for different grades of material, the purchase 
of third-party volumes to blend with our own material in 
order to fulfil commitments and, in some instances, 
renegotiating customer requirements. Close customer 
relationships continue to be central to our success, as is 
our ongoing focus on marketing intelligence and analytics. 
These activities again generated a large proportion of 
Marketing’s value for the Group.

 • Value chain optimisation: Integrated sales and 

operations planning (ISOP) is Marketing’s process for 
planning the movement of product from mines’ finished-
goods stockpiles until delivery to the end-customer. ISOP 
is embedded across all our products and helps to ensure  
we make the most of our mineral resources in the light of 
market and contractual conditions and material available, 
while capitalising on our logistics capabilities and  
shipping services. 

In addition to these activities, we again expanded our 
shipping activities, shipping record volumes across our 
bulk-commodity portfolio on a CFR basis and increasing  
our third-party cargoes.

 • Expanding our customer offering through trading  

and third-party sourcing: Creating our own capability to 
access financial and third-party physical markets, thereby 
broadening our customer proposition.

  Building on previous strong performance and increasing 

experience, we have expanded our trading and third-party 
sourcing activities in thermal coal, copper and iron ore,  
and developed our financial toolkit to enable new value 
opportunities, manage risks and optimise our use of 
working capital. 

Good progress is being made with market development  
and new market investment activities, and, in particular, the 
work to support the commercialisation of fuel cell electric 
vehicles and related hydrogen technology. In 2017, we 
became one of the founding members of the Hydrogen 
Council – a global initiative of 28 leading energy, transport 
and industry companies with a united vision and ambition for 
hydrogen technologies to foster the energy transition to a 
lower carbon future. 

With our planned growth and the continued increase  
in external regulatory requirements, risk management  
remains a top priority in ensuring the risk factors that  
affect Marketing – including price, credit, operational,  
and regulatory – are transparent and comprehensively 
managed, thereby helping to maximise value for the Group.

A WIN-WIN IN SHIPPING

When the Cape Orchid loaded its first shipment 
of Kumba iron ore through the dedicated export 
terminal at Saldanha Bay in September 2015,  
this was a major event for South Africa – and  
for Anglo American.

The vessel, which can carry up to 170,000 tonnes  
of iron ore, is jointly owned by South African and 
Japanese business interests and is the first merchant 
ship to be registered under the South African flag 
since 1985, and the first non-government, South 
African-flagged ship for more than a decade to take 
local cadets on board.

As the Cape Orchid’s first customer, and through 
chartering other South African-flagged ships, 
Anglo American has signalled its intent to assist  
in reviving the country’s presence in the global  
maritime economy, a sector in which South Africa’s 
participation had been declining for many years.  
At the same time, and through an emphasis on 
employing local people where we can, we are 
contributing to job creation and training, particularly  
in the Northern Cape where jobs are scarce.

Using ships such as the Cape Orchid, and the second 
South African flagged vessel, the 186,000 dwt  
Cape Enterprise, enables Anglo American to take 
advantage of a lower cost structure for vessels under 
the South African registry entering the country. By 
attracting more ships into the South African registry, 
the direct consequence is achieving job growth and 
development in the local maritime economy. More 
broadly, such a policy is directly in line with our own 
goals as a business to unlock more value, both for the 
Group and our other stakeholders, throughout our 
mining journey from mine to end-customer.

The Cape Orchid, which can carry up to 170,000 tonnes of iron ore, is  
one of the vessels used by Anglo American to ship the commodity from 
South Africa to Asia. Chartering South Africa-registered vessels is creating 
value over and above commercial returns – notably, fostering employment 
and training opportunities in the Northern Cape, one of South Africa’s  
poorer provinces. 

24

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017   
SUPPLY CHAIN

DISCOVERY

Over the past decade, Supply Chain has evolved from  
a decentralised, business unit focused model to an 
integrated model with a functional focus. The integration  
of procurement teams across the function ensures that we 
collaborate and share knowledge at a global level. This gives 
us the advantage of consistency in processes, economies  
of scale and greater scope for efficiencies and value 
opportunities based on centralised procurement. 

Supply Chain is the primary interface with Anglo American’s 
supplier base, who are key stakeholders in the business. 
Through collaboration with the Group’s Technical and 
Sustainability function, Supply Chain works with suppliers  
to develop and deliver the latest technological innovations  
in all areas of the mining value chain. The function has 
recently embarked on a three-year journey called ‘Innovate 
Supply’ that aims to achieve breakthrough outcomes in 
safety, people, sustainability, digitisation and interface with 
the business. 

Supplier innovation
Working with key suppliers to develop joint technology 
roadmaps is a core activity for Supply Chain. Together  
with the Technical team, a number of initiatives, including 
drill automation, payload optimisation, fuel consumption 
reduction and blast-accuracy management systems, have 
been implemented, with an estimated value potential of 
more than $130 million. 

Value creation and cost reduction
Value creation and cost reduction remain a focus for  
Supply Chain, with the major drivers of these benefits  
being the global and regional supply framework agreements 
established with key partners and our concentration on a 
number of initiatives designed to reduce life-cycle costs  
of fixed plant, mobile equipment and operational services. 
The focus on working capital continues to deliver  
significant value.

Inclusive procurement and responsible sourcing
An inclusive supply chain is central to our value-creation 
strategy and we strive to deliver inclusive procurement that 
goes beyond legislation and makes a real, positive 
difference to our host communities. 

Anglo American’s ‘Responsible Sourcing Standard for 
Suppliers’ articulates easy to understand performance 
requirements for all the Group’s suppliers. Through supplier 
self-assessments, audits and our supplier engagement 
programme, we identify and address supply chain risks and 
areas for improvement. Since 2016, suppliers across our 
various global procurement categories, who collectively 
account for more than 22% of our total supplier expenditure, 
have been requested to complete self-assessments against 
the standard. Where risks have been flagged, the respective 
suppliers were requested to undertake third-party audits. 

A challenge for companies and suppliers is that there is no 
common approach to responsible sourcing among major 
mining companies, leading to duplication of effort for both 
customers and suppliers. We are examining the lessons 
from other sectors where good practice standards exist to 
see if there may be more efficient and robust approaches.

Building on the Group’s strategy and long track record  
of exploration success, Anglo American has launched  
a fundamentally revitalised discovery strategy that is 
enhancing our position as a discoverer of superior-value 
deposits that have the potential to transform the production 
profile of the Group over time, and which play a vital part in 
delivering a sustainable future. 

The key elements of our discovery strategy are:

Quality discovery portfolio
We aim to build and maintain a robust discovery portfolio, 
including: 

 • Near-asset projects: a focus on the extensive mineral 
tenure around Anglo American’s existing operations

 • Greenfield projects: identifying and securing extensive 
mineral tenure covering strategic, highly prospective, 
search space in established and frontier settings.

We are focused on the discovery of mineral deposits that  
are capable of delivering sustainable and superior returns 
on a material scale, and which provide greater optionality  
for the business.

Scientific innovation 
By applying a leading technical understanding of the 
concepts of geoscience throughout its scales, we aim to 
identify and explore the Earth’s most prospective ground.  
A combination of established and novel proprietary 
technologies is crucial to Anglo American’s track record  
of mineral discoveries in new settings and beneath the  
cover of overlying material such as rock or sands.

People and thought leadership 
The Geosciences discipline within Anglo American is now 
consolidated across the Group, including near-asset  
and greenfield discovery, projects, and operations. This 
seamless organisation of the discipline supports a greater 
technical understanding of our world class assets. This is a 
strategic advantage that is being applied to gain maximum 
benefit in both near-asset and greenfield discovery work.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Many of the environmental impacts of mining are borne by 
communities around our mining operations, while others 
have to be considered in the context of the contribution to 
global challenges such as climate change. Anglo American’s 
sustainability strategy sets out our commitment to 
demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship. 

By 2030, we aim to:

 • Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% against 
a 2016 baseline and improve energy efficiency by 30%

 • Achieve a 50% net reduction in freshwater abstraction  
in water-scarce regions and recycle more than 85% of  
the water we use

 • Deliver net-positive biodiversity outcomes wherever  

we operate.

25

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT STRATEGIC ELEMENT: INNOVATION

FIBRE OPTIC CABLE MONITORING OF TAILINGS DAMS

HOW IT WORKS

Fibre optic cable technology enables near-real-time 
measurement of parameters such as temperature and 
strain. Based on data processing and interpretation,  
we can evaluate structural movements, seepage  
levels, and settlements in dams – the latter up to 
sub-millimetre accuracy.

Real-time analysis data improves the monitoring of dam 
integrity by immediately alerting operations to potential 
problems, ensuring a faster remedial response. 

Interpretation of data can then be used to better 
understand potential structural movements, long term 
deformation, and creep in dams and their foundations.  
It can identify seepage or leakage detected through 
subtle changes in temperature. 

Safe management of tailings dams is critical for  
Anglo American as failure or leakage can be 
catastrophic for local communities and the environment. 

Tailings dams are also getting bigger as declining yields 
require more ore to be mined to deliver the same 
amount of product. 

At the Minas-Rio mine in Brazil, fibre optic cable  
technology will be used to monitor and identify large 
structural deformations in a concrete box culvert that  
is part of the tailings dam spillway. The culvert will, in 
coming years, be subjected to large loads as the dam  
is raised. Understanding its performance and being 
able to measure structural deformations will be  
crucial to monitoring risks associated with maintaining 
the spillway’s integrity.

Fibre optic cable 
technology is already 
being used at our 
operations in Chile to 
enable near-real-time 
measurement and 
monitoring of tailings 
dam conditions, 
including structural 
movements, seepage 
levels and the degree of 
settlement taking place. 
Featured in the control 
room at Los Bronces’ 
Las Tórtolas operation  
is tailings dam operator 
Carlos Onetto.

Anglo American is using innovative fibre optic cable 
technology to monitor and safeguard the integrity of 
its tailings dams. 

The technology is already deployed in Chile and is being 
introduced in Brazil and South Africa. It will be tested in 
different environments and applications before it is rolled 
out across 78 tailings storage facilities worldwide. 

The fibre optic cable monitoring initiative is part of  
Anglo American’s FutureSmart Mining™ approach to  
the innovative use of targeted technology to make  
mines safer, more efficient and cost-effective. 

Managing our environmental impacts
The principal environmental risks facing our business are 
associated with water security and quality, climate change 
and extreme weather, and mine closure. We report 
extensively on our approach and performance related to 
these and other material sustainability issues in our 
Sustainability Report. 

Environmental incidents
A steady decline over the past four years in the number  
of environmental incidents reported indicates continued 
improvement in the management of environmental controls 
across operations. In 2017, no high impact Level 4 or Level 5 
incidents were reported for the third consecutive year.  
Two Level 3 (medium impact) environmental incidents 
(2016: four Level 3 incidents) were reported, though these 
resulted in no lasting harm to the environment. 

Water
A large proportion of our operations are in regions with 
water-related risks. Risks to the business include security 
and long term sustainability of supply; excess water 
management, which can lead to unplanned discharges; and 
the impact of mining activities on water quality and the rights 
of other users within the catchment. While our risk profile 
improved in 2017, at least five sites are experiencing severe 
water scarcity and nearly 50% of all sites are located in 
regions that are water-stressed. Since a high number of our 
assets are located in southern Africa, we have developed a 
collaborative water strategy for the region, which was 
launched in 2017.

Anglo American is investing in advanced technology  
and partnerships to contribute positively to water 
preservation and work towards our vision of becoming  
a net water provider in our communities and operating 
waterless mines in water-scarce regions. 

In 2017, we continued to implement and embed our new 
water management standard and associated reporting 
requirements. The standard guides a risk-based, regional 
approach to water management, in line with global best 
practice and the ICMM water reporting guidelines. 

Tailings storage facilities
Tailings storage facilities are classified as one of  
Anglo American’s principal risks and are subject to  
rigorous scrutiny and risk management.

Over the past three years, we have rolled out a new mineral 
residue management technical standard, which is now in  
the final stages of implementation for all the Group’s tailings 
dams and water retaining dams. The standard will move  
the level of care for such facilities beyond compliance and 
towards internationally recognised best practice. 

Additional measures to proactively identify risks include 
reviews of tailings facilities at Platinum’s independently 
managed joint ventures and the upstream tailings dams  
in our portfolio. Critical controls at all facilities are audited 
internally by rotation, and each business unit is addressing 
priority issues that are identified. External, independent 
technical review panels are in place at most of our 
operations where there are mineral residue facilities with 
high consequence ratings; such review panels will be in 
place across the Group by mid-2018.

26

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  Climate change
Anglo American is seeking to respond to society’s 
expectations for greater transparency around climate 
change, expressed by initiatives such as the ‘Aiming for A’ 
coalition and the recommendations of the Financial Stability 
Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. 

Climate change governance
The Sustainability Committee of the Board regularly  
reviews progress against our climate change strategy, 
including specific progress against the Aiming for A 
resolution. The chief executive’s performance scorecard 
includes GHG-reduction and energy efficiency metrics, 
while a GHG-reduction target is included in the long term 
incentive scheme for executive level personnel. 

Strategy
We expect that climate change will affect our business in 
three principal ways: regulation, taxation and the cost of 
‘decarbonising’ energy systems (if passed on to consumers) 
will have a financial impact; demand for PGMs and  
copper – critical products in enabling alternative energy 
technologies – will increase, while coal is likely to feature 
less prominently in the long term global energy mix; and the 
physical and social impacts of a changing climate may affect 
our operations and host communities.

There is also potential for a range of carbon pricing  
and offset/incentive policies to emerge in the medium  
term. Carbon pricing scenarios are factored into project 
investment decisions, and climate change risk and 
adaptation assessments have been conducted at  
vulnerable operations.

Anglo American has taken decisive steps for more than  
a decade to contribute to the global effort to reduce 
emissions, while continuing to provide the materials  
that modern life requires. Our climate change policy, 
launched in 2011, and updated in 2017, is available on  
the Anglo American website.

Two key processes guide how we manage climate change 
risks: the ORM programme for operations, and the 
Investment Development Model for projects. The ORM 
guides operations on how to assess risk at each level of 
activity, with tools to help identify priority unwanted events, 
and the controls we need to put in place and monitor to 
prevent those events.

Targets and performance
Anglo American’s vision of carbon-neutral mining is 
supported by the following targets:

 • By 2020, achieve an 8% improvement in energy  
use and a 22% saving in GHG emissions against  
projected ‘business as usual’ (BAU) consumption

 • By 2030, reduce our absolute energy intensity by  

30% and reduce GHG emissions by 30%, relative to  
2016 levels.

In 2017, Anglo American operations were responsible  
for 18.0 Mt of CO2-equivalent emissions (CO2e),  
(2016: 17.9 Mt CO2e) as GHG reductions resulting from  
divestments were offset by an increase in production,  
and associated coal-mine methane emissions, at 
Metallurgical Coal operations. 

GHG-emission savings in 2017 amounted to 4.8 Mt CO2e 
– a 21% reduction relative to the BAU projection. The 
Group’s total energy consumption declined to 97 million GJ  
(2016: 106 million GJ). Divestments and energy efficiency 
projects were the primary causes for the decrease. 

Approximately 320 energy efficiency and business-
improvement projects saved 6.4 million GJ in energy 
consumption (a 6% reduction relative to the projected 
consumption in a BAU scenario) in 2017.

The cumulative avoided energy costs under the ECO₂MAN 
programme over the past three years are estimated at 
$260 million based on 2017 energy prices. The energy 
efficiency projects we have implemented have a typical 
payback time of three years.

MEETING OUR COMMITMENTS TO GOVERNMENT 
AND SOCIETY

As a major mining company, with the majority of our 
operations in developing countries, we are committed  
to supporting our host governments to achieve their 
development goals. We endeavour to design and execute 
our projects according to the highest social standards,  
and to ensure that our presence in host countries leaves  
a positive lasting legacy.

This commitment is essential in order to effectively  
manage social risks and to maintain and strengthen our 
socio-political licence to operate.

Managing our social performance
Our Social Way defines Anglo American’s governing 
framework for social performance. It provides clear 
requirements for all Anglo American-managed sites to 
ensure that policies and systems are in place to engage  
with affected communities so that we avoid, prevent and 
mitigate adverse social impacts, and optimise development 
opportunities. Each site is assessed annually against the 
Social Way requirements and is required to implement an 
improvement plan for requirements that are not met in full; 
progress is monitored at executive level on a quarterly  
basis. Regrettably, in 2017, two operations each had serious 
non-compliances (2016: 0), which involved inadequate 
human rights due diligence on security provision and 
insufficient evidence regarding emergency response 
planning procedures. The failure to adhere to required 
processes resulted in no negative human rights impacts  
and the matter is being addressed as a priority.

Our industry-leading Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox 
(SEAT) is used to improve operations’ understanding  
of their positive and negative socio-economic effects, 
enhance stakeholder dialogue and the management  
of social issues, build our ability to support local socio-
economic development, and foster greater transparency 
and accountability. The current version of the SEAT toolkit, 
which has been in place since 2012, is being updated to  
align with international best practice and the Social Way.

Social instability leading to community unrest remains a 
challenge in South Africa, and particularly for our operations 
in Limpopo province, which hosts several key platinum and 
diamond assets. To address this, we continue to seek to 
engage and work collaboratively with employees, trade 
unions and the South African government, and with 
communities around our mines. We place a particular 
strategic focus on mitigating social conflict and promoting 
socio-economic development across Limpopo.

Over the past two years we have been improving social 
incident and grievance management to enhance accuracy 
and consistency across the Group in identifying, reporting 
and classifying social complaints and grievances. Level 3-5 
(moderate to significant) social incidents are reported to  
the Board and included in the chief executive’s quarterly 
performance scorecard.

27

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT STRATEGIC ELEMENT: INNOVATION

Engagement with faith groups
With the rapid pace of societal change, we recognise the 
need for our industry to engage with an ever wider range of 
stakeholders to understand the role we can play in long term 
sustainable development. Several years ago we initiated an 
exploratory dialogue with the global faith community to  
seek their perspective on this topic. What started as a very 
positive initial dialogue with the Vatican has now broadened 
into an ecumenical engagement that continues at 
international, national, and local levels in a number of key 
geographies.

Human rights 
Our Human Rights policy and framework guide our 
approach to identifying and addressing our salient human 
rights risks, which are also integrated into the Social Way 
and SEAT tools. Operation-level due-diligence processes 
are a requirement of the Social Way and have now been 
conducted at all sites. These assessments will be reviewed 
annually. The independent peace-building organisation 
International Alert has been a strategic partner in 
strengthening our governance of human rights and security 
since 2010. 

In accordance with the UK’s Modern Slavery Act 2015,  
we have published a Group statement on our website to 
demonstrate our approach to preventing modern slavery 
and human trafficking in our operations and supply chain.

Socio-economic contribution
Developing thriving communities is a pillar of  
Anglo American’s sustainability strategy. Our targets  
include creating three indirect jobs for every direct job  
(at regional level) by 2025, and five indirect jobs for every 
direct job by 2030.

Our integrated approach aims to enhance the productivity  
of the private and public sectors in the communities in which 
we operate. We have a strong focus on leveraging our value 
chains and expertise, concentrated on promoting local and 
preferential procurement, enterprise development and 
youth and workforce development, working with local 
institutions to strengthen their capacity, maximising the 
socio-economic benefits from our own infrastructure,  
and delivering social investment that supports those most  
in need. 

In 2017, $2.1 billion (23%) of supplier expenditure was  
with host communities (2016: $2.0 billion, 23%), while,  
since 2008, our enterprise development programmes in 
Botswana, Brazil, Chile, South Africa and Peru have 
supported 64,291 businesses and created/sustained 
120,812 jobs.

In 2017, Anglo American’s corporate social investment  
(CSI) expenditure in local communities, including by the 
Anglo American Chairman’s Fund and Zimele, totalled  
$87.9 million (2016: $84.1 million). This figure represents 
1.7% of underlying EBIT, less underlying EBIT of associates 
and joint ventures. Health and education are strategic focus 
areas in our sustainability strategy and CSI programme.

  For more information on our policies, standards and principles, visit  
www.angloamerican.com/sustainability/approach-and-policies

Mine closure and rehabilitation
We design, plan and operate our mines with closure in  
mind, and plan for post-closure long term sustainability in 
consultation with communities and other stakeholders. In 
doing so, we aim to reduce long term risks and liabilities to 
our business from an environmental and socio-economic 
perspective, and to ensure that we leave a positive legacy 
when our mines conclude their operational lives. 

Our Mine Closure Toolbox provides a structured approach 
to closure planning and management. It aims to ensure that 
the full spectrum of opportunities, risks and liabilities is 
effectively identified, that plans are fully costed, and that 
provision is made on the balance sheet for closure.

We are progressively integrating mine closure planning  
with our operational strategies. This involves assessing  
and identifying opportunities to make operational changes 
that require no, or only modest, additional expenditure, and 
which result in significantly reduced operational costs and 
closure liabilities. A particular focus is placed on progressive 
or concurrent rehabilitation.

 Global CSI expenditure by region

Africa 

Americas 

Australia 

United Kingdom 

Rest of World 

Total 

$ˇ000

55,615

30,334

 363

 444

 1,192

  87,948

%

63

34

1

1

1

 Global CSI expenditure by type

Community  
development

$ˇ000

47,762

Education and training 

16,809

Water and sanitation 

11,079

Health and welfare 

Sports, art, culture  
and heritage

Other 

Institutional  
capacity development

Environment 

Employee-matched 
giving and fundraising

Disaster and 
emergency relief 

Energy and 
climate change 

4,116

2,859

2,217

1,332

1,249

260

243

22 

Total 

87,948

%

54

19

13

5

3

3

2

1

0

0

0

28

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT STRATEGIC ELEMENT: PEOPLE

PEOPLE

We create a sustainable competitive advantage by resourcing the Group 
with a capable and engaged workforce within a culture that fosters safety, 
inclusion, innovation and performance.

HIGHLIGHTS 

KEY PRIORITIES 

MATERIAL ISSUES 

LEADERSHIP TRAINED  
IN ANGLO AMERICAN’S  
CODE OF CONDUCT

>3,400

HIGHLIGHTS
GRADUATES, BURSARS, 
APPRENTICES AND  
TRAINEES SUPPORTED

2,209

 • Implement a consistent Organisation  

Model to maximise the effectiveness of  
our Operating Model

 • Proactively identify, develop and promote 

talent across the business

 • Enhance analytical and workforce planning 
capabilities to anticipate changes in the 
nature of work

 • Promote an inclusive culture that  
fosters safety, diversity, innovation  
and performance.

DISCUSSED IN THIS SECTION:
•  Workforce culture and capability
•  Meeting our commitments  
to government and society

•  Political and regulatory

PILLARS OF VALUE

  People
  Socio-political
For our KPIs  
See page 34

Our people are critical to all that we do. The 
partnerships we build, both within Anglo American  
and with our stakeholders – locally and globally,  
are central to maintaining our regulatory and social 
licences to operate and our sustained commercial 
success. Our continued delivery builds trust  
with our shareholders to ensure their ongoing 
investment support.

For our people, we create working environments and an 
inclusive and diverse culture that encourages and supports 
high performance and innovative thinking.

Our Organisation Model ensures we have the right people in 
the right roles doing the right value-adding work at the right 
time, with clear accountabilities minimising work duplication, 
and increasing organisation capability and effectiveness.

WORKFORCE CULTURE AND CAPABILITY

Effective and efficient organisation design
Anglo American’s organisation design is built around strong, 
product-focused operating units, supported by functions 
that provide value-adding expert leadership and ensure 
effective governance in order to continuously improve 
business performance.

This design aims to maximise the effectiveness of 
Anglo American’s Operating Model, promote the sharing  
of resources and consistent best-in-class standards across 
operations, while investing in functional capacity in the 
strategic areas that will offer the best business returns. 

Resourcing the organisation with the best capability
Equipping Anglo American with an engaged and productive 
workforce is essential for our success. We aim to attract the 
best people in the industry and to facilitate professional and 
personal development for our core disciplines. In assessing 
current and prospective employees’ capability, we consider: 
technical skills and knowledge acquired through experience 
and practice; mental processing ability; social process skills; 
and the degree of drive and commitment a person displays.

Managing talent and developing skills
To resource our structure with the best capability, we  
need to have the right people in the right roles, and to align 
workforce aspirations with our organisational goals.

We have developed a talent identification tool and process 
that has been applied systematically across the Group 
during 2017. This consistent approach to assessing and 
calibrating talent has enabled us to map our capability and  
to better understand our risks and readiness for succession. 
We have identified and allocated employees into different 
talent pools for development, with the aim of enabling 
personal growth and increasing capability.

Providing development and training opportunities is vital  
in encouraging our people to grow in their work. We have  
a range of external and internal development programmes 
in use across the Group, investing more than $69 million on 
training in 2017. In an increasingly competitive market for 
skills, we continue to invest in developing a pipeline of future 
talent through our support of 2,209 graduates, bursars, 
apprentices and trainees. 

29

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT STRATEGIC ELEMENT: PEOPLE

Anglo American has numerous initiatives focused on 
supporting education and development, from schools 
through to tertiary institutions, as well as programmes 
targeted at building skills and leadership capability. To 
strengthen our leadership pipeline, we are implementing  
a framework for developing management and leadership 
skills across the Group.

Building a purpose-led culture
We aspire to build and instil an engaging organisational 
culture that fosters safety, diversity, innovation and 
performance – making us the employer of choice within  
the mining sector. Our organisational culture is shaped by 
leaders who demonstrate company values and lead their 
teams with a sense of purpose. 

We have identified the need to develop a more structured 
and integrated practice model for managing learning and 
development across the Group. The foundational element  
of this new learning management system will be training  
in our Code of Conduct, safety and operational risk 
management. 

Given the changing nature of work, we recognise the  
need to be proactive in anticipating the implications of  
future technical innovation in terms of work content, 
capabilities required and employment numbers. As a  
result, we are developing a more risk-based approach  
to long term workforce planning.

An inclusive and diverse environment 
Anglo American embraces inclusion and diversity in all its 
forms and complies with relevant legal obligations across 
host jurisdictions. We seek a workforce that reflects our 
geographical footprint and we provide similar opportunities 
for broader development within the regions where we 
operate. A diverse workforce is a source of competitive 
advantage, bringing greater variety of thought to tackle  
the complex, global challenges we face. 

DOING THE RIGHT THING – PUTTING OUR VALUES INTO ACTION

Material issues
Developing a capable and engaged 
workforce that behaves in a manner 
consistent with Anglo American’s 
values and Code of Conduct:

 • Training more than 3,400 leaders 
to help employees understand  
the new Code of Conduct

 • Providing a toolkit of innovative 
materials to create simple and 
creative messaging that can  
be understood by all of our 
employees, regardless of  
cultural, educational or literacy 
background.

Employees at  
Anglo American’s 
headquarters in London 
were part of our 
extensive employee 
engagement 
programme to cascade 
and embed our new 
Code of Conduct 
successfully. The Code 
provides employees  
with a single point of 
reference to guide them 
in making the right 
choices, and drives the 
behaviours that will 
support our high 
performance culture.

During 2017, more than 3,400 leaders were trained to 
facilitate Anglo American’s new Code of Conduct 
engagement sessions with employees at all levels in the 
organisation. Helping employees to understand what it 
means to act ethically in Anglo American, and supporting 
them in this process, is all the more critical in challenging 
market conditions where there are strong tensions 
between the pressure to deliver targets and choosing to 
do the right thing. 

The engagement programme for the Code of Conduct 
has encompassed all of our employees across a range of 
different cultural, educational and literacy backgrounds.  
The approach has been to train team leaders to facilitate 
discussions on ethical dilemmas and personal action 
commitments with their employees. The dilemmas have 
been based on everyday challenging situations that 

employees may encounter, such as what to do when they 
feel that safety or integrity may be compromised. During 
the discussions, employees were encouraged to refer to 
the new Code of Conduct as guidance in making the right 
choice or in knowing where to go to ask for more support.

The toolkit supporting leaders in the ‘cascade’ campaign 
included a range of innovative materials from animations 
to interactive documents. Anglo American was proud to 
win the ‘Best employee engagement programme’  
award in relation to its efforts in this regard at the 2017 
‘CorpComms’ Corporate Communications Awards.

Various initiatives are under way to measure the success 
of the engagement programme. In Anglo American’s 
2017 ‘Have your say’ employee engagement survey, 
94% of respondents agreed that the new Code of 
Conduct was guiding the right behaviours.

30

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  Reward structures which differentiate performance
Rewarding successful business outcomes is central to 
achieving our desired culture. It is critical that we provide 
appropriate remuneration to attract, retain and motivate the 
right calibre of employee in the regions where we operate. 

We implement a performance management and 
remuneration framework that is designed to reward our 
people on the basis of their performance, giving equal 
emphasis to delivery and behaviour through short term 
incentives. In 2017, we reviewed and revised our approach 
to rewarding different levels within the organisation for 
safety performance. Senior leaders within the organisation 
are incentivised with longer term awards, which are provided 
upon meeting pre-determined objectives that are in line with 
those of shareholders. 

In total, 19% of employees received formal performance 
and development reviews.

Code of Conduct
The Anglo American Code of Conduct explains the 
boundaries within which we must work every day and brings 
together in one place our material ethical principles and 
policies. It has at its core our shared values, which describe 
how we must behave consistently to continue to earn the 
trust that gives us our licence to operate.

Our Business Integrity Policy and Performance Standards 
support our anti-corruption commitment by making it clear 
that we will neither give, nor accept, bribes, nor permit others 
to do so in our name, either in our dealings with public 
officials or with our suppliers and customers. The policy sets 
out the standards of conduct required at every level of 
Anglo American, including our subsidiaries, joint ventures 
and associates, in combating corrupt behaviour of all types. 
It also sets out the requirements of those with whom we do 
business and those who work on our behalf.

Our ethical business conduct team oversees 
implementation of the policy by working with senior 
managers in our business units and corporate functions,  
and assisting them to put in place adequate procedures for 
managing corruption risks (including extensive face-to-face 
training of employees in high-risk roles).

Our internal audit team provides assurance on anti-
corruption controls on an annual basis and all stakeholders 
are able to confidentially report breaches, or potential 
breaches, of the Business Integrity Policy through our 
independently managed ‘Speak Up’ facility.

We continually develop our workforce to ensure that we 
have this diversity among our future leaders. The talent 
mapping exercise we undertook in 2017 has provided a 
better insight into the future diversity make-up of the 
organisation. In certain areas of the business we focus  
on particular aspects of diversity. De Beers, for example,  
is leading the way on improving gender diversity. As a 
UN Women partner, De Beers has committed to achieving 
parity in the appointment of women and men into leadership 
roles, investing in female micro-entrepreneurs and science, 
technology, engineering and maths (STEM) students in its 
diamond producing countries, and ensuring De Beers’ 
brands are a positive force for supporting gender equality 
through all its marketing campaigns. In South Africa, ethnic 
and racial diversity is highlighted as an area of focus. 

On the back of the progress made by De Beers on gender 
diversity, Anglo American is developing a broader inclusion 
and diversity strategy. This includes unconscious-bias 
training for senior managers and embedding appropriate 
targets within our recruitment, talent and succession 
planning processes to ensure that management positions  
or critical role appointments are made from a diverse range 
of candidates. 

By year end, women made up 19% of our overall workforce 
(2016: 18%) and 26% of managers (2016: 25%). The 
proportion of permanent employees under 30 years of  
age was 13%, while those between the ages of 30 and  
50 accounted for 68% of the workforce, and the remaining 
19% were over 50 years of age. In South Africa, historically 
disadvantaged South Africans made up 66% of 
management positions.

Anglo American has reported its gender pay gap as at  
the required snapshot date of 5 April 2017, in line with UK 
legal requirements.

For more information on our UK Gender Pay Gap  
See page 115 and the Anglo American website

Encouraging sound industrial relations
Approximately 72% of our current permanent workforce is 
represented by works councils, trade unions or other similar 
bodies and covered by collective bargaining agreements. 
We seek to improve relations with our employees and their 
representative bodies, and see trade unions as key partners 
in promoting the broader welfare of our employees. In 2017, 
Group-wide, there were no instances of industrial action 
lasting longer than a week. 

Supporting labour rights
As expressed in our Human Rights Policy, and as signatories 
to the United Nations Global Compact, we are committed  
to the labour rights principles set out in the International 
Labour Organization core conventions, including the right  
to freedom of association and collective bargaining, 
non-discrimination, and the eradication of child and forced 
labour. Observance of these rights is required of all our 
operations and suppliers, irrespective of location.

At our operations, we have policies and processes in place  
to ensure that we do not employ any under-age or forced 
labour. No incidents of employing under-age or forced 
labour were reported in 2017.

31

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT CAPITAL ALLOCATION

CAPITAL ALLOCATION

A STRONG FOCUS ON  
CAPITAL DISCIPLINE

Underpinning our strategy, we have a value-focused 
approach to capital allocation with clear prioritisation: 
maintain asset integrity; ensure a strong balance sheet; 
and pay dividends to our shareholders, determined on 
an earnings-based payout ratio.

Discretionary capital is then allocated towards growth 
investments that are subject to a demanding risk framework 
and that meet our stringent value criteria and, in the event of 
there being excess cash, this is returned to shareholders. 

Value-disciplined capital allocation throughout the cycle  
is critical to protecting and enhancing our shareholders’ 
capital, given the long term and capital intensive nature  
of our business. 

Over the past two years we have focused primarily on 
strengthening the Group’s balance sheet. During 2017,  
this was facilitated by significant cash generation from 
operations, driven by further ongoing cost reduction  
and productivity improvements, as well as favourable prices 
for many of our products, particularly the bulk commodities 
and copper.

We will continue to allocate the appropriate capital 
expenditure across our portfolio of assets, to both sustain 
our business and to protect and enhance value. We aim  
to maintain a stronger balance sheet than in the past, to 
provide greater financial stability and to allow us to better 
manage the effects of volatility in the prices for our  
products through the cycle. 

CASH FLOW AFTER SUSTAINING CAPITAL 

Anglo American seeks to improve operating free  
cash flow through five key levers: driving greater 
productivity and lowering input costs across all 
operations (including through deployment of the 
Operating Model); reducing overhead expenditure 
(including through implementation of the Organisation 
Model); timely delivery of new projects (primarily, 
De Beers’ Venetia underground mine in South Africa 
and Debmarine Namibia’s SS Nujoma vessel during 
2017); maximising revenue (including through further 
innovations in our Marketing business); and optimising 
our investment in working capital.

We continue to focus on capital discipline and stay-in-
business capital efficiency, while maintaining the operational 
integrity of all our assets. A sustainable level of total capital 
expenditure for the current portfolio of assets, excluding 
growth projects, is between $2.6 and $2.9 billion per year.

(2) 

(1)  Excludes capitalised 
operating cash flows.
Including the cost of 
unwinding associated 
derivatives.
(3)  $2.3 billion in the  
US bond markets; 
€0.6 billion in the 
European bond 
markets.

32

cretionary
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alance sheet fl  e x i b ilit y
upport dividen d s
upport dividen d s

BALANCE SHEET FLEXIBILITY  
TO SUPPORT DIVIDENDS

Our near term objective is to continue to reduce net 
debt further and ensure the Group’s net debt/EBITDA 
ratio remains well below 1.5, not just at current  
elevated price levels, but through the cycle. Our clear 
commitment to a sustainable dividend remains a  
critical part of the overall capital allocation approach, 
and a dividend policy of a targeted 40% payout ratio 
based on underlying earnings, paid each half year,  
has been adopted.

Net debt at 31 December 2017 was $4.5 billion, significantly 
lower than the year-end target of $7.0 billion, resulting in a 
net debt/EBITDA ratio of 0.5. The $4.0 billion reduction in 
net debt since 31 December 2016 was primarily driven by 
strong operating cash inflows of $8.4 billion and capital 
expenditure of $2.2 billion(1). 

In 2017, the average maturity of our debt portfolio has been 
extended through a combination of buying back bonds with 
near-term maturities and issuing longer-dated bonds. 
During the year, the Group completed the repurchase of 
$3.1 billion(2) of US-, euro- and sterling-denominated bonds 
with maturities from April 2018 to November 2020, and 
issued corporate bonds of $3.0 billion(3), with 5 to 10 year 
tenors. These transactions, as well as $1.9 billion of bond 
maturities during 2017, have reduced short term refinancing 
requirements and increased the weighted average  
maturity of outstanding bonds by approximately one year,  
to 4.4 years. 

On 7 February 2018, Anglo American gave notice that it  
will redeem in full its outstanding $750 million, 9.375%  
US bond, due April 2019, on 9 March 2018.

As a result of the significant progress made, Anglo American 
had regained its investment grade credit rating from all 
ratings agencies by September 2017; Anglo American plc’s  
current ratings are BBB- and Baa3 by S&P Global Ratings 
and Moody’s Investors Service, respectively, both with a 
stable outlook.

Our materially improved balance sheet supported the 
decision to resume dividend payments at the half year,  
six months earlier than expected, and a dividend  
based on 40% of first half underlying earnings was  
paid in September 2017. 

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017   
 
 
The payout ratio based dividend policy provides 
shareholders with exposure to improvements in product 
prices, while retaining cash flow flexibility during periods  
of weaker pricing. In line with the policy, the Board proposes 
a final dividend of 40% of second half underlying earnings, 
equal to 54 US cents per share, bringing the total dividends 
paid and proposed in the year to $1.02 per share.

DISCRETIONARY CAPITAL OPTIONS

We will continue to upgrade the quality of our diverse 
portfolio, through improving overall and individual 
asset quality, maintaining future organic growth 
optionality and seeking the appropriate geographic  
and product supply/demand balance. 

Strict value criteria are applied to the assessment of future 
options. Where appropriate, we will seek partners on major 
greenfield projects, and are likely to avoid committing to 
multiple such projects at the same time. The Group will 
continue to maintain optionality to progress with value-
accretive projects, should market conditions and capital 
availability permit. 

Projects will be carefully considered as we allocate capital 
and any excess cash will either be invested for profitable 
growth or considered for additional returns to shareholders. 

During 2017, we received $52 million from divestment 
transactions(1). The disposals of our 83.3% interest in the 
Dartbrook thermal coal mine in Australia, our 42.5% interest 
in the Pandora mine (Platinum) and of certain Amandelbult 
complex Mineral Resources (Platinum) were completed. 

A number of disposal transactions were agreed, including:  
in February 2017, the sale of our 85% interest in the Union 
platinum mine in South Africa to a subsidiary of Siyanda 
Resources (completed in February 2018); in April 2017,  
the sale of our Eskom-tied domestic thermal coal operations 
in South Africa to a wholly owned subsidiary of Seriti 
Resources Holdings Proprietary Limited (expected to 
complete on 1 March 2018); and in May 2017, the sale of  
our 88.2% interest in the Australian Drayton thermal coal 
mine and Drayton South project to Malabar Coal Limited.  
In January 2018, we agreed the sale of our 73% interest  
in the New Largo thermal coal project and Old Largo  
closed colliery in South Africa to New Largo Coal 
Proprietary Limited. 

In South Africa, the Bokoni mine (Platinum) was placed  
onto care and maintenance during the year.

We continue to retain and advance select studies, 
maintaining our established social commitments and 
managing the costs of maintaining these options 
appropriately. Our approach to studies and evaluation has  
a strong emphasis on assessing a broad range of options 
early on in the study phase, so that we can mitigate risk, 
identify opportunities and minimise sunk costs. This position 
is enhanced by the application of innovative concepts and 
new technologies stemming from our FutureSmart Mining™ 
approach in order to build and maintain a portfolio of 
high-value replacement and organic options.

(1)  Proceeds from 

divestments are net  
of cash payments  
of $126 million, 
principally in  
respect of disposals 
completed in  
prior years.

(2)  The Group’s 81.9% 
share of capital 
expenditure.

Our 81.9% investment in the open cut Quellaveco copper 
project in Peru remains one such key option for the Group, 
with feasibility costs of $0.1 billion(2) spent in 2017. We  
also have a number of smaller scale, high return capital 
expenditure opportunities to improve the existing business, 
in addition to larger scale growth opportunities. For 
example, Debmarine Namibia, a 50/50 joint venture 
between the Government of the Republic of Namibia  
and De Beers, is in the feasibility stage of planning the 

construction of a custom-built diamond mining vessel, 
which will work alongside the five owned mining vessels  
in the Debmarine Namibia fleet, recovering diamonds  
off Namibia’s Atlantic coastline. 

Evaluation expenditure increased to $125 million in  
2017 (2016: $105 million) and expenditure on  
exploration activities decreased by 4% to $103 million  
(2016: $107 million).

GROUP CAPITAL EXPENDITURE◊ 

Capital expenditure decreased to $2.2 billion (2016: 
$2.4 billion), due to rigorous capital discipline applied to  
all project investments, coupled with the commissioning  
of the Minas-Rio, Gahcho Kué and Grosvenor projects –  
all previously projects in execution, for which capitalisation 
has ceased. 

Stay-in-business capital expenditure increased to  
$1.3 billion (2016: $1.0 billion), primarily owing to the 
inclusion of expenditure at these newly commissioned 
assets and stronger producer currencies. 

Capital expenditure on our expansionary projects during  
the year was focused on the ongoing development of 
De Beers’ Venetia underground mine in South Africa.  
The project is now well under way, with the underground 
operation expected to be the mine’s principal source of  
ore during 2023, extending the life of mine to 2046.

In 2018, we expect capital expenditure to increase to 
between $2.6 and $2.8 billion.

Capital expenditure◊

$ million

Expansionary

Stay-in-business

Development and stripping

Proceeds from disposal of 
property, plant and equipment

Total

Capitalised operating cash flows

Total capital expenditure

2017

384

1,310

586

(52)

2,228

(78)

2,150

2016

967

1,042

551

(23)

2,537

(150)

2,387

Group historical capital expenditure◊ 2013–2017
$ billion

6.1

6.0

4.2

2.4

2.2

8

6

4

2

0

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

◊  See page 195 for the definition of capital expenditure.

33

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017   
 
STRATEGIC REPORT KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

KEY PERFORMANCE  
INDICATORS

PILLARS OF VALUE

STRATEGIC ELEMENT

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

2015

2016

  Safety and Health

B   Innovation
C   People

  Environment

B   Innovation

Work-related fatal injuries(1)  

Target: Zero harm

Number of work-related fatal injuries

Total recordable case frequency rate (TRCFR)(1) 

Target: 15% year-on-year reduction

New cases of occupational disease (NCOD)(1) 

Target: Year-on-year reduction

TRCFR

NCOD

Energy consumption(1) 

Target: 8% saving by 2020

Measured in million gigajoules (GJ)

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions(1)  

Target: 22% saving by 2020

Measured in million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions

Total water withdrawals(1)

Target: 14% saving by 2020

Measured in million m3

Level 3-5 environmental incidents(1) 

Target: Year-on-year reduction

Number of level 3-5 environmental incidents

  Socio-political

B   Innovation

Social Way implementation(2) 

Target: Eliminate non-compliance

  People

C   People

  Production

A   Portfolio
B   Innovation

Voluntary labour turnover(1)

Gender diversity(1)

South Africa transformation(1)

Production volumes

  Cost

A   Portfolio
B   Innovation

Unit cost of production 

  Financial

A   Portfolio
B   Innovation

Attributable return on capital employed (ROCE)◊ 

Underlying earnings per share (EPS)◊

Attributable free cash flow◊

(1)  The results and targets in the KPI table above include subsidiaries and joint operations over which Anglo American has management control. 
(2) 

 The 2016 and 2017 Social Way data does not include operations that were divested, closed, or for which sale agreements were concluded during the period. 
Sites targeted for divestment were granted exemptions on selected requirements; these requirements were not assessed during 2017. 

34

6

0.93

159

106

18.3

339

6

1

33

46

16

4

1.9

25

18

60

28.7

709

2,337

44.9

9.2

21.2

29.3

30.3

83

154

1,508

31

60

55

39

431

5

0.64

(982)

11

0.71

111

106

17.9

296

4

0

16

51

26

7

2.2

25

18

62

27.3

577

2,382

41.5

16.1

20.9

29.7

44.5

67

137

1,330

27

28

51

34

350

11

1.72

2,562

2017

9

0.63

96

97

18.0

306

2

1

11

56

24

8

2.3

26

19

66

33.5

579

2,397

45.0

16.8

19.7

29.2

43.8

63

147

1,443

31

30

61

44

365

19

2.57

4,943

Serious non-compliance (%)

Moderate non-compliance (%)

Compliant (%)

Good practice (%)

Best practice (%)

Expressed as % of total permanent employees

Women as a percentage of management (%)

Women as a percentage of total workforce (%)

Historically disadvantaged South Africans as a percentage of management (%)

De Beers – million carats

Copper – thousand tonnes

Platinum – thousand ounces

Iron ore (Kumba) – million tonnes

Iron ore (Minas-Rio) – million tonnes

Metallurgical coal (Export coking and PCI) – million tonnes

Thermal coal (Export) – million tonnes

Nickel – thousand tonnes

De Beers – $/carat

Copper – C1 unit cost, c/lb

Platinum – $/ounce

Kumba – $/tonne

Iron Ore Brazil – $/tonne

Metallurgical Coal – $/tonne

Coal – South Africa – $/tonne

Nickel – C1 unit cost, c/lb

Group attributable ROCE◊ (%)

Group underlying EPS◊ ($)

Group attributable free cash flow◊ ($ million)

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  PILLARS OF VALUE

STRATEGIC ELEMENT

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

For full description and calculation methodology See pages 192-193

2015

2016

  Safety and Health

B   Innovation

C   People

  Environment

B   Innovation

Work-related fatal injuries(1)  

Target: Zero harm

Number of work-related fatal injuries

Total recordable case frequency rate (TRCFR)(1) 

Target: 15% year-on-year reduction

New cases of occupational disease (NCOD)(1) 

Target: Year-on-year reduction

TRCFR

NCOD

Energy consumption(1) 

Target: 8% saving by 2020

Measured in million gigajoules (GJ)

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions(1)  

Target: 22% saving by 2020

Measured in million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions

Total water withdrawals(1)

Target: 14% saving by 2020

Measured in million m3

Level 3-5 environmental incidents(1) 

Target: Year-on-year reduction

Number of level 3-5 environmental incidents

  Socio-political

B   Innovation

Social Way implementation(2) 

Target: Eliminate non-compliance

  People

C   People

  Production

A   Portfolio

B   Innovation

Voluntary labour turnover(1)

Gender diversity(1)

South Africa transformation(1)

Production volumes

  Cost

A   Portfolio

B   Innovation

Unit cost of production 

  Financial

A   Portfolio

B   Innovation

Attributable return on capital employed (ROCE)◊ 

Underlying earnings per share (EPS)◊

Attributable free cash flow◊

Serious non-compliance (%)

Moderate non-compliance (%)

Compliant (%)

Good practice (%)

Best practice (%)

Expressed as % of total permanent employees

Women as a percentage of management (%)

Women as a percentage of total workforce (%)

Historically disadvantaged South Africans as a percentage of management (%)

De Beers – million carats

Copper – thousand tonnes

Platinum – thousand ounces

Iron ore (Kumba) – million tonnes

Iron ore (Minas-Rio) – million tonnes

Metallurgical coal (Export coking and PCI) – million tonnes

Thermal coal (Export) – million tonnes

Nickel – thousand tonnes

De Beers – $/carat

Copper – C1 unit cost, c/lb

Platinum – $/ounce

Kumba – $/tonne

Iron Ore Brazil – $/tonne

Metallurgical Coal – $/tonne

Coal – South Africa – $/tonne

Nickel – C1 unit cost, c/lb

Group attributable ROCE◊ (%)

Group underlying EPS◊ ($)

Group attributable free cash flow◊ ($ million)

6

0.93

159

106

18.3

339

6

1

33

46

16

4

1.9

25

18

60

28.7

709

2,337

44.9

9.2

21.2

29.3

30.3

83

154

1,508

31

60

55

39

431

5

0.64

(982)

11

0.71

111

106

17.9

296

4

0

16

51

26

7

2.2

25

18

62

27.3

577

2,382

41.5

16.1

20.9

29.7

44.5

67

137

1,330

27

28

51

34

350

11

1.72

2,562

2017

9

0.63

96

97

18.0

306

2

1

11

56

24

8

2.3

26

19

66

33.5

579

2,397

45.0

16.8

19.7

29.2

43.8

63

147

1,443

31

30

61

44

365

19

2.57

4,943

35

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT GROUP FINANCIAL REVIEW

GROUP FINANCIAL  
REVIEW

Anglo American’s profit attributable to  
equity shareholders doubled to $3.2 billion  
(2016: $1.6 billion). Underlying earnings were  
$3.3 billion (2016: $2.2 billion), while operating 
profit was $5.5 billion (2016: $1.7 billion).

Group underlying EBITDA increased by 45% to $8.8 billion 
(2016: $6.1 billion), benefiting from strong bulk commodity 
and copper prices. Cost and volume improvements across 
the Group benefited underlying EBITDA by $1.1 billion, 
exceeding the $1.0 billion target for the year, driven by the 
ongoing ramp-up of Minas-Rio and strong sales volumes at 
De Beers in the first quarter. There were also productivity 
improvements at Kumba, with increased fleet efficiency and 
higher plant yields, while Platinum made a solid recovery 
from the operational challenges experienced in 2016. The 
impact of the Group’s ongoing cost-efficiency programme 
also played a significant role in exceeding our improvement 
target for the year.

The Group delivered a strong operational performance  
and increased copper equivalent production by 5%, despite 
challenges arising from adverse weather conditions in 
Australia, and an extended longwall move at Grosvenor 
(Metallurgical Coal).

Group copper equivalent unit costs increased by 7%, 
principally driven by stronger producer currencies. When 
the impact of foreign exchange movement is excluded,  
this increase was only 2%; below the Group’s weighted 
average CPI for the year of 4%.

Attributable ROCE increased to 19% (2016: 11%), owing  
to the 73% improvement in attributable underlying EBIT  
to $5.1 billion.

Net debt (including related derivatives) reduced to  
$4.5 billion, $4.0 billion lower than at 31 December 2016. 
The reduction was driven by $4.9 billion of attributable free 
cash flow, reflecting the strong underlying EBITDA and 
working capital inflows, partly offset by the payment of 
dividends to Group shareholders.

Our materially improved balance sheet supported the 
resumption of the dividend at the half year. Based on a 
payout ratio dividend policy, 48 US cents per share was  
paid in September 2017. In line with this policy, the Board 
proposes a final dividend of 40% of second half underlying 
earnings equal to 54 US cents per share, bringing the total 
dividends paid and proposed for the year to $1.02 per share.

36

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Financial performance

Underlying EBITDA◊ ($ billion)

Underlying earnings◊ ($ billion)
Profit for the financial year 
attributable to equity shareholders 
of the Company ($ billion)
Underlying earnings per share◊($)

Earnings per share ($)

Dividend per share ($)

Group attributable ROCE◊

2017

8.8

3.3

3.2

2.57

2.48

1.02

19%

2016

6.1

2.2

1.6

1.72

1.24

–

11%

UNDERLYING EBITDA◊

Group underlying EBITDA increased by 45% to $8.8 billion 
(2016: $6.1 billion), with a five percentage point increase  
in EBITDA margin from 26% to 31%, driven by strong 
pricing, particularly in bulk commodities and copper, 
continued productivity improvements and cost control 
across the portfolio.

Underlying EBITDA◊ by segment

$ million

De Beers

Copper

Platinum

Iron Ore and Manganese

Coal

Nickel

Corporate and other

Total

2017

1,435

1,508

866

2,357

2,868

81

(292)

8,823

2016

1,406

903

532

1,536

1,646

57

(5)

6,075

Underlying EBITDA◊ reconciliation 2016–2017
$ billion

2.4

0.2

0.9

0.3

8.8

(0.7)

(0.4)

6.1

9

8

7

6

5

2016

Price

FX

Inflation

Volu m e

C ost

Other

2017

The reconciliation of underlying EBITDA from $6.1 billion  
in 2016 to $8.8 billion in 2017 allows an understanding of  
the controllable factors (e.g. cost and volume) and those 
largely outside of management control (e.g. price, foreign 
exchange and inflation) that drive the Group’s performance.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017     
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation and amortisation increased to $2.6 billion 
(2016: $2.3 billion), reflecting cessation of capitalisation at 
Grosvenor in August 2016, and at Minas-Rio and Gahcho 
Kué during the course of 2017, in addition to the effect of 
stronger local currencies.

Net finance costs
Net finance costs, before special items and 
remeasurements, excluding associates and joint ventures, 
were $0.5 billion (2016: $0.2 billion). The increase was 
principally driven by the cessation of capitalisation of 
borrowing costs associated with Minas-Rio and Grosvenor, 
leading to a reduction in interest costs capitalised to  
$35 million (2016: $0.4 billion), as well as the impact of 
increases in LIBOR. This was partly offset by lower interest 
expense resulting from reduced average borrowings during 
the year.

Income tax expense
The underlying effective tax rate was 29.7% for the year 
ended 31 December 2017 (2016: 24.6%). The effective  
tax rate in 2017 benefited from the reassessment of 
deferred tax balances, primarily in Australia and Brazil, partly 
offset by the reassessment of withholding tax provisions, 
primarily in relation to Chile and South Africa, and the  
impact of the relative levels of profits arising in the Group’s 
operating jurisdictions. In future periods, it is expected that 
the underlying effective tax rate will remain above the  
United Kingdom statutory tax rate.

The tax charge for the year, before special items and 
remeasurements, was $1.3 billion (2016: $0.7 billion).

Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests of $0.8 billion (2016: $0.4 billion) 
principally relate to minority shareholders in Kumba Iron Ore 
(Iron Ore and Manganese) and has increased as a result of 
higher profitability at Anglo American Sur (Copper). 

SPECIAL ITEMS AND REMEASUREMENTS

Special items and remeasurements are a net charge  
of $0.1 billion (2016: net charge of $0.6 billion) and include 
net impairment reversals of $0.4 billion, relating to the 
impairment reversal at Sishen (Iron Ore and Manganese)  
of $0.5 billion, and El Soldado (Copper) of $0.2 billion,  
partly offset by impairments of the Group’s interest in  
BRPM (Platinum) and at Coal South Africa. 

Full details of the special items and remeasurements 
recorded in the year are included in note 8 to the 
Consolidated financial statements on pages 134-135.

Price
Average market prices for the Group’s basket of 
commodities and products increased by 16%, contributing 
$2.4 billion of improvement to underlying EBITDA. The 
realised prices of metallurgical coal and copper increased 
by 57% and 29% respectively, while palladium (Platinum) 
showed a 44% improvement in realised price. The average 
realised price of diamonds decreased by 13%, mainly owing 
to a lower-value mix, with the average rough price index 
being 3% higher.

Foreign exchange
Stronger producer country currencies had the effect of 
reducing underlying EBITDA by $0.7 billion, mainly owing  
to a 9% strengthening of the South African rand and a 4% 
strengthening of the Chilean peso against the dollar.

Inflation
The Group’s weighted average CPI for the year was 4%, in 
line with the prior year, principally influenced by South Africa, 
which had local CPI of 5%. The impact of inflationary cost 
increases reduced underlying EBITDA by $0.4 billion.

Volume
Following the cessation of capitalisation of earnings at 
Minas-Rio in January 2017, the operation’s 16.8 Mt iron  
ore production materially benefited underlying EBITDA by  
$0.4 billion, which was also boosted by higher sales volumes 
at De Beers, reflecting stronger demand for lower-value 
goods in the first quarter of 2017. Kumba’s increased fleet 
efficiency and higher plant yields, as well as Platinum’s solid 
recovery from the operational challenges experienced in 
2016, also contributed to the Group volume improvement.

Cost
The Group’s cost improvements benefited underlying  
EBITDA by $0.2 billion, overcoming the effects of  
above-CPI inflationary pressure on the mining industry.  
This performance reflected the numerous cost-saving 
initiatives being implemented across the Group.

Other
Improved profitability at the Group’s joint ventures and 
associates, Samancor, Cerrejón and Jellinbah, added  
$0.5 billion to underlying EBITDA. This was driven by higher 
prices on a stable production base. The action taken in  
2016 to streamline our portfolio, which included the disposal 
of our Niobium and Phosphates business and tactical 
divestments at Metallurgical Coal, had a negative underlying 
EBITDA impact of $0.2 billion.

UNDERLYING EARNINGS◊

Group underlying earnings increased by 48% to $3.3 billion 
(2016: $2.2 billion), in excess of the 45% increase in 
underlying EBITDA.

Reconciliation to underlying earnings◊

$ million

Underlying EBITDA◊

2017

8,823

2016

6,075

Depreciation and amortisation

(2,576)

(2,309)

Net finance costs and  
income tax expense

Non-controlling interests

Underlying earnings◊

(2,223)

(1,118)

(752)

3,272

(438)

2,210

37

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT GROUP FINANCIAL REVIEW

Net debt◊

$ million

Opening net debt◊

Underlying EBITDA◊ from subsidiaries and joint operations

Working capital movements

Other cash flows from operations

Cash flows from operations

Capital expenditure◊

Cash tax paid(1)

Dividends from associates, joint ventures and financial asset investments

Net interest(2)

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Attributable free cash flow◊

Dividends to Anglo American plc shareholders

Other net debt movements

Total movement in net debt◊(3)

Closing net debt◊

2017

2016

(8,487)

(12,901)

7,632 

879 

(136) 

8,375

(2,150) 

(843) 

517 

(355) 

(601) 

4,943

(618)

(339) 

5,469

391

(22)

5,838

(2,387)

(465)

172

(581)

(15)

2,562

–

1,852

3,986

(4,501)

4,414

(8,487)

(1)  2016 excludes tax payments of $146 million relating to disposals, which are shown as part of net disposal proceeds.
(2)  Includes cash inflows of $22 million (2016: $89 million) relating to interest payments on derivatives hedging net debt,  

which are included in cash flows from derivatives related to financing activities.

(3)  Net debt excludes the own credit risk fair value adjustment on derivatives of $9 million (2016: $73 million).  

CASH FLOW

BALANCE SHEET

Cash flows from operations
Cash flows from operations increased by $2.5 billion to  
$8.4 billion (2016: $5.8 billion), reflecting strong underlying 
EBITDA from subsidiaries and joint operations and working 
capital inflows.

Cash inflows on operating working capital were $0.9 billion 
(2016: inflows of $0.4 billion), driven mainly by an increase  
in operating payables across the Group and, in particular,  
by a $0.2 billion prepayment from a customer in our 
Platinum business.

Attributable free cash flow◊
Attributable free cash flow increased to a $4.9 billion  
inflow (2016: $2.6 billion inflow). The improvement resulted 
from a $2.5 billion increase in cash flows from operations 
and a $0.2 billion reduction in capital expenditure,  
offset by a $0.6 billion increase in dividends paid to 
non-controlling interests.

NET DEBT◊

Net debt (including related derivatives) of $4.5 billion was 
$4.0 billion lower than at 31 December 2016, representing 
gearing of 13% (2016: 26%). Net debt at 31 December  
2017 comprised cash and cash equivalents of $7.8 billion 
(2016: $6.0 billion) and gross debt, including related 
derivatives, of $12.3 billion (2016: $14.5 billion). The 
reduction in net debt was driven by $4.9 billion of 
attributable free cash flow, partly offset by the payment  
of dividends to Group shareholders in September, as well  
as other net debt movements.

Net assets of the Group increased by $4.6 billion to  
$28.9 billion (2016: $24.3 billion). This reflected the 
reduction in net debt and net foreign exchange gains 
relating principally to operations with South African  
rand and Australian dollar functional currencies.  
Capital expenditure of $2.2 billion was more than  
offset by depreciation and amortisation of $2.6 billion.

ATTRIBUTABLE ROCE◊

Attributable ROCE increased to 19% (2016: 11%), primarily 
owing to the 73% improvement in attributable underlying 
EBIT to $5.1 billion (2016: $3.0 billion), driven by higher 
prices, higher sales volumes at De Beers, the ongoing 
ramp-up of production at Minas-Rio in Brazil and the 
continued delivery of cost efficiency programmes across 
the Group. This improvement was mitigated by inflation  
and stronger producer country currencies. Average 
attributable capital employed was constant at $27.4 billion 
(2016: $27.4 billion), as capital expenditure and the 
strengthening of producer currencies were offset by  
the impact of disposals during 2016 on average capital 
employed, and a $0.9 billion reduction in working capital 
during the year.

38

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  LIQUIDITY AND FUNDING

In March 2017, the Group completed the repurchase of  
$1.3 billion (including the cost of unwinding associated 
derivatives) of euro and sterling denominated bonds with 
maturities from April 2018 to June 2019. This was followed  
in April 2017 with a $1.0 billion dual tranche 5 and 10 year 
issuance in the US bond markets.

In September 2017, the Group completed the repurchase  
of $1.9 billion (including the cost of unwinding associated 
derivatives) of US and euro denominated bonds with 
maturities from September 2018 to November 2020. 
Concurrently, the Group issued corporate bonds with  
a US dollar equivalent value of $2.0 billion, including a 
$1.3 billion dual tranche 7 and 10 year issuance in the  
US bond markets and a €0.6 billion 8 year bond in the 
European bond markets.

On 7 February 2018, Anglo American gave notice that it  
will redeem in full its outstanding $750 million, 9.375%  
US bond, due April 2019, on 9 March 2018.

These transactions, as well as $1.9 billion of bond maturities 
during 2017, have reduced short term refinancing 
requirements, increased the weighted average maturity of 
outstanding debt by approximately one year and reduced 
gross debt. 

Bond maturity profile
$ billion

1.9

1.1

1.5

1.9

0.5

1.6

1.3

1.3

1.3

1.4

1.4

1.0

0.7

2017

2018 2019 2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

Matured in 2017
Early redemption in 2017
New issuances in 2017
Existing bonds

39

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017   
 
STRATEGIC REPORT MANAGING RISK EFFECTIVELY

MANAGING RISK 
EFFECTIVELY

Anglo American recognises that risk is inherent 
in all its business activities. Our risks can have a 
financial, operational or reputational impact. The 
volatility in commodity markets over the past few 
years provides a good illustration of risk inherent 
in our business. As understanding our risks and 
developing appropriate responses are critical  
to our future success, we are committed to an 
effective, robust system of risk identification,  
and an effective response to such risks, in order 
to support the achievement of our objectives.

Anglo American’s assessment of strategic, 
operational, project and sustainable 
development related risks

4

3

1

2

HOW DOES RISK RELATE TO OUR STRATEGY?

Risks can arise from events outside of our control or from 
operational matters. Each of the risks described on the 
following pages can have an impact on our ability to deliver 
our strategy.

For more on the Group’s strategy  
See page 10

VIABILITY STATEMENT

Context
An understanding of our business model and strategy is  
key to the assessment of our prospects. Our strategy is to 
secure, develop and operate a portfolio of high quality and 
long life assets that deliver leading shareholder returns. 
Details of our business model are provided on pages 6-7. 

Commodity prices for the majority of our products fared well 
in 2017, as the world economy continued its recovery and 
provided a basis for a more positive outlook. However, the 
sustainability of commodity prices remains uncertain, with 
some downside risk. Supply may either struggle to match 
demand growth or demand reduction, generating ongoing 
commodity price volatility. Against that background, the 
Board maintains a low appetite for risk in major new projects 
and investments unless they are world class orebodies with 
competitive cost positions and long reserve lives. New 
greenfield projects are likely to be syndicated with other 
investors to reduce our risk profile and capital requirements. 

1. Identifying risks 
A robust methodology is used to identify key risks across 
the Group; at business units, operations and projects. This  
is being applied consistently through the development  
and ongoing implementation of a Group integrated risk 
management framework and associated guidelines.

2. Analysing risks and controls to manage  
identified risks 
Once identified, the process will evaluate identified risks to 
establish root causes, financial and non-financial impacts, 
and likelihood of occurrence. Consideration of risk 
treatments is taken into account to enable the creation of  
a prioritised register and in determining which of the risks 
should be considered as a principal risk.

3. Determining management actions required
The effectiveness and adequacy of controls are assessed.  
If additional controls are required, these will be identified 
and responsibilities assigned.

4. Reporting and monitoring
Management is responsible for monitoring progress of 
actions to mitigate key risks and to determine if any such risk 
falls outside the limits of our risk appetite. Management is 
supported through the Group’s internal audit programme, 
which evaluates the design and effectiveness of controls.  
The risk management process is continuous; key risks are 
reported to the Audit Committee, with sustainability risks also 
being reported to the Sustainability Committee.

Byron Grote 
Chairman  
Audit Committee

40

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  The assessment process and key assumptions
Assessment of the Group’s prospects is based upon  
the Group’s strategy, its financial plan and principal risks.  
The Group’s focus during 2017 has been to drive efficiencies 
through the operations and upgrade the quality of our 
portfolio in order to improve cash flow generation, 
strengthen the balance sheet and create sustainable value.

A financial forecast covering the next three years is prepared 
based on the context of the strategic plan and is reviewed on  
a regular basis to reflect changes in circumstances. The 
financial forecast is based on a number of key assumptions, 
the most important of which include commodity prices, 
exchange rates, estimates of production, production costs 
and future capital expenditure. A key component of the 
financial forecast and strategic plan is the life of mine plans 
created for each operation, providing expected annual 
production volumes over the anticipated economic life  
of mine.

The principal risks are those that we believe could prevent 
the Group from delivering its strategic objectives. A number 
of these risks are deemed catastrophic to the Group’s 
prospects and have been considered as part of the  
Group’s viability.

Assessment of viability 
The assessment of the Group’s prospects has been made 
with reference to the Group’s current position and expected 
performance over a three-year period, using budgeted 
commodity prices and expected foreign exchange rates. 
Financial performance and cash flows have then been 
subjected to stress and sensitivity analysis over the 
three-year period using a range of severe, but plausible 
scenarios. The scenarios tested include:

 • Commodity price reductions of up to 20% from budget 

prices over three years, with no offsetting foreign 
exchange rate improvement

 • Operational incidents that have a significant impact on 

production at key sites in the Group

 • Technology developments affecting demand for diamonds

 • Technology developments in the automobile industry 
affecting demand for platinum group metals (PGMs)

 • Failure to achieve budgeted level of financial performance 
owing to cost inflation or operational performance issues. 

If these scenarios were to materialise, we have a range of 
options that enable us to maintain our financial strength, 
including reduction in capital expenditure, the sale of assets, 
raising debt or reducing the dividend.

Viability statement
The directors confirm they have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group will continue in operation and meet its 
liabilities as they fall due for the next three years. This period 
has been selected for the following reasons:

 • The Group’s strategy and budgeting process are aligned 

with a three-year view

 • The volatility in commodity markets in recent years  

makes confidence in a longer assessment of prospects 
highly challenging.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

We define a principal risk as a risk or combination of  
risks that would threaten the business model, future 
performance, solvency or liquidity of Anglo American.  
In addition to these principal risks, we continue to be 
exposed to other risks related to currency, inflation, 
community relations, environment, litigation and regulatory 
proceedings, changing social expectations, infrastructure 
and human resources. These risks are subject to our normal 
procedures to identify, implement and oversee appropriate 
mitigation actions. These principal risks are considered over 
the next three years as a minimum, but we recognise that 
many of them will be relevant for a longer period.

For more on principal risks 2-11  
See pages 42-45

CATASTROPHIC RISKS

We also face certain risks that we deem catastrophic risks. 
These are very high severity, very low likelihood events that 
could result in multiple fatalities or injuries, an unplanned 
fundamental change to strategy or the way we operate, and 
have significant financial consequences. We do not consider 
likelihood when assessing these risks, as the potential 
impacts mean these risks must be treated as a priority. 
Catastrophic risks are included as principal risks.

For more on catastrophic risks  
See page 42

RISK APPETITE

We define risk appetite as ‘the nature and extent of risk 
Anglo American is willing to accept in relation to the pursuit 
of its objectives’. We look at risk appetite from the context of 
severity of the consequences should the risk materialise, 
any relevant internal or external factors influencing the risk, 
and the status of management actions to mitigate or control 
the risk. A scale is used to help determine the limit of 
appetite for each risk, recognising that risk appetite will 
change over time.

If a risk exceeds appetite, it will threaten the achievement of 
objectives and may require a change to strategy. Risks that 
are approaching the limit of the Group’s risk appetite may 
require management actions to be accelerated or enhanced 
in order to ensure the risks remain within appetite levels.

Further details on the risk management and internal control systems  
and the review of their effectiveness are provided on pages 85-86

SUMMARY

Our risk profile changed during the course of 2017; as the 
external environment has evolved, progress has been made 
in the mitigation of our risks and we have updated our risk 
profile to include new principal risks based on a revised 
assessment. We no longer consider ‘South African power’  
as a principal risk, but we have added ‘Competitive position’, 
‘Investor activism’, ‘Cyber security’, ‘Corruption’, and 
‘Operational performance including delivery of cash targets’ 
as new principal risks. We no longer classify ‘Delay in 
obtaining the Minas-Rio operating licence extension’ as a 
principal risk, following award of the installation licence in 
January 2018, but recognise that various risks remain to the 
mine achieving full nameplate capacity. Our catastrophic 
risks are the highest priority risks, given the potential 
consequences.

41

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT MANAGING RISK EFFECTIVELY

1. CATASTROPHIC RISKS

Pillars of value: 

No change in risk

We are exposed to the following risks we 
deem as potentially catastrophic: tailings 
dam failure; slope wall failure; mineshaft 
failure; and fire and explosion. 

Root cause: Any of these risks may result 
from inadequate design or construction, 
adverse geological conditions, shortcomings 
in operational performance, natural events 
such as seismic activity or flooding, and failure 
of structures or machinery and equipment.

Impact: Multiple fatalities and injuries, damage 
to assets, environmental damage, production 
loss, reputational damage and loss of licence  
to operate. Financial costs associated with 
recovery and liability claims may be significant. 
Regulatory issues may result and community 
relations may be affected.

Mitigation: Technical standards exist that 
provide minimum criteria for design and 
operational performance requirements, 
implementation of which is regularly inspected 
by technical experts. Additional assurance work 
is conducted to assess the adequacy of controls 
associated with these risks. 

Risk appetite: Operating within  
the limits of our appetite.

Commentary: These very high 
impact but very low frequency risks 
are treated with the highest priority.

2. POLITICAL AND REGULATORY

Pillars of value: 

No change in risk

Uncertainty and adverse changes to 
mining industry regulation, legislation or 
tax rates can occur in any country in which 
we operate. 

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

Risk appetite: Operating within  
the limits of our appetite.

Commentary: Global economic 
conditions can have a significant 
impact on countries whose 
economies are exposed to 
commodities, placing greater 
pressure on governments to find 
alternative means of raising 
revenues, and increasing the risk  
of social and labour unrest. These 
factors could increase the political 
risks faced by the Group.

Impact: Uncertainty over future business 
conditions leads to a lack of confidence in 
making investment decisions, which can 
influence future financial performance. 
Increased costs can be incurred through 
additional regulations or resource taxes, while 
the ability to execute strategic initiatives that 
reduce costs or divest assets may also be 
restricted, all of which may reduce profitability 
and affect future performance. Political 
instability can also result in civil unrest, 
nullification or non-renewal of existing 
agreements, mining permits, sales agreements 
or leases. These may adversely affect the 
Group’s operations or performance of those 
operations.

Mitigation: Anglo American has an active 
engagement strategy with the governments, 
regulators and other stakeholders within  
the countries in which we operate or plan to  
operate, as well as at international level. We 
assess portfolio capital investments against 
political risks and avoid or minimise exposure  
to jurisdictions with unacceptable risk levels.  
We actively monitor regulatory and political 
developments at a national level, as well as 
global themes and international policy trends, 
on a continuous basis. See page 14 for more 
detail on how we engage with our key 
stakeholders.

PILLARS OF VALUE:

 Safety and Health 
 Environment 
 Socio-political
 People

 Production 
 Cost 
 Financial

42

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. COMPETITIVE POSITION

Pillars of value: 

A new principal risk

Inability to pursue a profitable  
growth strategy. 

Impact: Inability to execute growth strategy, 
resulting in a reduced valuation.

Risk appetite: Operating within  
the limits of our appetite.

Root cause: While Anglo American aims  
to pursue an asset-driven profitable growth 
strategy, forecast cash flows may not be 
adequate to fund growth options that maintain 
competitiveness owing to low commodity 
prices or operational performance being 
below expectations.

Mitigation: A cash improvement programme 
has been implemented across the business and 
the Group’s debt profile has been restructured 
to support business growth plans. 

Commentary: This is a new 
principal risk for 2017.

4. INVESTOR ACTIVISM 

Pillars of value: 

A new principal risk

Risk appetite: Operating within  
the limits of our appetite.

Commentary: This is a new 
principal risk for 2017.

This risk has increased since 2016

Risk appetite: Operating within  
the limits of our appetite.

Commentary: We believe the 
likelihood of the disclosed synthetics 
risk materialising has increased 
owing to the factors described.

Inability to execute strategy or significantly 
change strategy in the event of investors 
seeking to influence management to take 
an alternative direction. 

Root cause: Any larger, influential 
shareholder(s) may exert pressure on 
management of companies they invest in to 
take a direction they assert is more conducive 
to realising higher returns.

Impact: Investor pressure may cover  
portfolio composition, commodity choices or 
geographical locations in which we operate or 
plan to operate in, all of which may have an 
impact on longer term financial returns.

Mitigation: A proactive and regular 
engagement programme with shareholders  
is undertaken to explain the Group’s strategy 
and portfolio, listen to and consider investor 
concerns, and to provide reassurance on any 
risks that are of major concern to investors. 

5. FUTURE DEMAND FOR DIAMONDS

Pillars of value: 

Demand for diamonds impacted  
as production and marketing of  
synthetics increases.

Root cause: Technological developments 
have led to the production of higher quality 
synthetics. Producers and distributors of this 
material may attempt to sell fraudulently into 
the diamond pipeline (undisclosed) or market 
and sell as synthetics (disclosed), with 
manufacturing and distribution sources for  
the latter increasing.

Impact: Potential loss of rough diamond sales, 
leading to a negative impact on revenue, cash 
flow, profitability and value.

Mitigation: While research underlines 
consumers’ continued desire for natural 
diamonds owing to their inherent value and 
rarity, De Beers has a comprehensive strategy 
to mitigate risk of both the entry of undisclosed 
synthetics into the pipeline and the potentially 
misleading marketing of disclosed synthetics.  
In addition, measures to emphasise and protect 
the inherent value of natural diamonds include: 
increased marketing investment, including 
through the Diamond Producers Association, 
e.g. reasserting the emotional symbolism of 
diamonds through the Real is Rare campaign; 
investment in blockchain to give consumers 
confidence as to the natural provenance of a 
diamond; and investment in bespoke 
technology to readily detect all synthetics. 
Details of how technology is being developed 
and used to mitigate this risk are provided on 
page 48.

43

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT MANAGING RISK EFFECTIVELY

6. FUTURE DEMAND FOR PGMs

Pillars of value: 

No change in risk

Longer term demand for PGMs is 
impacted by fundamental shifts in  
market forces.

Root cause: Longer term demand is at risk 
from declining internal combustion engine 
manufacturing, and a switch to battery 
operated vehicles instead of fuel cell electric 
vehicles, which continue to use higher 
volumes of PGMs.

Impact: A negative impact on revenue,  
cash flow, profitability and valuation.

Mitigation: Our Platinum business has a 
strategy to grow PGM demand in industrial  
and jewellery sectors through marketing and 
investment initiatives in research, product 
development and market development 
opportunities, particularly in Indian and  
Chinese jewellery markets.

Risk appetite: Operating within  
the limits of our appetite.

Commentary: We see this as a 
longer term threat to the business.

7. CYBER SECURITY 

Pillars of value: 

A new principal risk

Potential loss or harm to our technical 
infrastructure and the use of technology 
within the organisation from malicious or 
unintentional sources. 

Root cause: The number and sophistication 
of cyber criminal attacks is increasing.

Impact: Theft or loss of intellectual property, 
financial losses, increased costs and damage  
to reputation.

Mitigation: We have employed a specialist 
third party to oversee our network security. We 
have achieved UK Cyber Essentials Certification 
and an ongoing cyber awareness programme is 
in place across the Group. 

Risk appetite: Operating within  
the limits of our appetite.

Commentary: This is a new 
principal risk for 2017.

8. SAFETY

Pillars of value: 

Failure to deliver a sustained improvement 
in safety performance.

Root cause: Inability to deliver a sustained 
improvement in safety performance will result 
from management interventions and training 
initiatives failing to translate into behavioural 
change by all employees and contractors. 
Non-compliance with critical controls is a 
common failure in safety incidents.

Impact: Loss of life, workplace injuries and 
safety-related stoppages all immediately affect 
production, while, over the longer term, such 
factors are also a threat to our licence to operate.

Mitigation: All operations continue to 
implement safety improvement plans, with  
a focus on: effective management of critical 
controls required to manage significant safety 
risks; learning from high potential incidents  
and hazards; embedding a safety culture; and 
leadership engagement and accountability.  
Our Operating Model has been updated to 
further integrate safety. 

9. COMMODITY PRICES

Pillars of value: 

Global macro-economic conditions 
leading to sustained low commodity 
prices and/or volatility.

Root cause: The most significant factors 
contributing to this risk at present are a 
continued slowdown in growth in China and 
other emerging markets, low growth rates in 
developed economies and an oversupply of 
commodities into the market. Other factors 
such as weak regional economies, fiscal crises 
and conflict can also influence the economic 
environment and contribute to weak 
commodity prices. 

Impact: Low commodity prices can result in 
lower levels of cash flow, profitability and 
valuation. Debt costs may rise owing to ratings 
agency downgrades and the possibility of 
restricted access to funding. The Group may be 
unable to complete any divestment programme 
within the desired timescales or achieve 
expected values. The capacity to invest in 
growth projects is constrained during periods  
of low commodity prices – which may, in turn, 
affect future performance.

Mitigation: The successful delivery of cash 
improvement and operational performance 
targets remains the key mitigation strategy for 
this risk. Regular updates of economic analysis 
and commodity price assumptions are discussed 
with executive management and the Board.

This risk has increased since 2016

Risk appetite: Operating within  
the limits of our appetite.

Commentary: During 2017 there 
were nine fatalities, compared with  
11 in 2016. This is an unacceptable  
level and explains why the risk has 
increased. Management remains 
committed to eliminating fatalities.

This risk has decreased since 2016

Risk appetite: Operating within  
the limits of our appetite.

Commentary: We believe the risk 
of an economic shock in China has 
reduced, with a measured slowdown 
being the more likely scenario. More 
broadly, global economic activity has 
improved slightly, although downside 
risks remain.

PILLARS OF VALUE:

 Safety and Health 
 Environment 
 Socio-political
 People

44

 Production 
 Cost 
 Financial

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017   
 
 
 
 
 
 
10. CORRUPTION 

Pillars of value: 

A new principal risk

Bribery or other forms of corruption 
committed by an employee or agent of 
Anglo American. 

Root cause: Anglo American has operations 
in some countries where there is a relatively 
high risk of corruption.

Impact: Potential criminal investigations, 
adverse media attention and reputational 
damage. A possible negative impact on 
licensing processes and valuation.

Mitigation: A comprehensive Anti-Bribery  
and Corruption Policy and programme, 
including risk assessment, training and 
awareness, with active monitoring is in place.

Risk appetite: Operating within  
the limits of our appetite.

Commentary: This is a new 
principal risk for 2017, given  
the heightened prominence  
of corruption issues in the  
extractives sector.

11.  OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE 

INCLUDING DELIVERY OF  
CASH TARGETS

Unplanned operational stoppages 
impacting production and inability to 
deliver the underlying EBITDA 
improvement target of $0.8 billion in 2018. 

Root cause: Unplanned and unexpected 
operational issues will affect delivery of the 
underlying EBITDA target. Failure to 
implement the Operating Model, manage cost 
inflation or maintain critical plant, machinery 
and infrastructure will affect our performance 
levels. We are also exposed to failure of  
third-party owned and operated 
infrastructure, e.g. rail networks and ports. 
Our operations may also be exposed to 
natural catastrophes or extreme weather. 

Pillars of value: 

This risk has decreased since 2016

Impact: Inability to achieve production, cash 
flow or profitability targets. There are potential 
safety-related matters associated with 
unplanned operational stoppages, along with  
a loss of investor confidence.

Mitigation: Implementation of our Operating 
Model, supported by operational risk 
management and assurance processes, are the 
key mitigations against this risk. Compliance 
with our technical standards will prevent certain 
operational risks occurring. Regular tracking 
and monitoring of progress against the 
underlying EBITDA targets is undertaken.

Risk appetite: Operating within  
the limits of our appetite.

Commentary: An underlying 
EBITDA improvement target of  
$0.8 billion is planned for 2018.  
The Operating Model is contributing 
to the mitigation of this risk.

45

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT DE BEERS

DE BEERS

Anglo American owns 85% of De Beers, the world’s leading diamond company.  
The balance of 15% is owned by the Government of the Republic of Botswana.  
De Beers operates across key parts of the diamond value chain, including exploration; 
production; sorting, valuing and selling of rough diamonds; and the marketing and 
retailing of polished diamonds and diamond jewellery.

HIGHLIGHTS

KEY PRIORITIES

INCREASE IN ROUGH DIAMOND PRODUCTION

Bruce Cleaver 
CEO  
De Beers Group

22%

UNDERLYING EBITDA

$1.4 billion

FOREVERMARK™ INSCRIBED TWO-MILLIONTH 
DIAMOND IN MAY 2017

2 million

 • Continuing to progress the construction of the  
Venetia Underground mine in South Africa 

 • Establishing Cut-8 as the primary source of ore  

at Jwaneng mine in Botswana

 • Managing the safe closure of Victor mine in Canada

 • Completing the integration of De Beers Jewellers.

THE JOURNEY TOWARDS CARBON-NEUTRAL MINING

mineral carbonation technologies. Mineral carbonation 
can be either a natural or artificial process whereby rocks 
at the Earth’s surface react with carbon dioxide sourced 
from the atmosphere and lock it away in safe, non-toxic, 
solid carbonate materials – in this case, kimberlite rock.

The project aims to accelerate what is already a naturally 
occurring and safe process of extracting carbon from  
the atmosphere and store it at a speed that could offset 
man-made carbon emissions. Estimates suggest that the 
carbon storage potential of kimberlite tailings produced 
by a diamond mine every year could offset up to 10 times 
the emissions of a typical mine.

Project lead, Dr Evelyn Mervine, observes: “The research 
is in its early stages and it may take some time before it is 
economically or practically achievable to tap into this full 
storage potential. Even just tapping into a small amount, 
however, could greatly reduce the net emissions at many 
of our mine sites in the near future, possibly leading to 
carbon-neutral mining at some sites within the next five 
to 10 years.”

Assessment studies are under way for Venetia mine in 
South Africa and Gahcho Kué mine in Canada. Further 
research and studies will continue in 2018 to assess the 
carbonation potential at these and other De Beers mines. 
In addition, several mineral carbonation technologies are 
currently being tested through laboratory-scale pilots 
that are being conducted in partnership with university 
researchers in Canada and Australia.

De Beers is leading a ground-breaking research project 
to deliver carbon-neutral mining at select operations 
within a decade.

In collaboration with internationally renowned scientists, 
the company is investigating the potential to store large 
volumes of carbon at its diamond mines through the 
mineralisation of kimberlite tailings.

It is the first time such extensive research has been 
undertaken to assess the carbonation potential of 
kimberlite, a rare type of ultramafic rock that has been 
found to offer ideal properties for storing carbon through 

De Beers climate 
change specialist  
and project lead  
Dr Evelyn Mervine 
provides an insight into 
the science behind 
mineral carbonation.

46

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  Financial and operational metrics(1)

De Beers

Prior year

Botswana (Debswana)

Prior year

Namibia (Namdeb Holdings)

Prior year

South Africa (DBCM)

Prior year

Canada(7)

Prior year

Trading

Prior year

Other(8)

Prior year

Production
volume
(’000 cts)

Sales 
volume
(’000 cts)(2)

Price 
($/ct)(3)

Unit cost◊
($/ct)(4)

Revenue◊
($m)(5)

Underlying
EBITDA◊
($m)

Underlying
EBITDA
margin

Underlying
EBIT◊
($m)

Capex◊ 
($m)(6)

ROCE◊

33,454
27,339
22,684
20,501
1,805
1,573
5,208
4,234
3,757
1,031
–
–
–
–

32,455
29,965
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

162
187
159
152
539
528
129
121
235
271
–
–
–
–

63
67
28
26
257
245
62
53
57
212
–
–
–
–

5,841
6,068
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

1,435
1,406
484
571
176
184
267
268
205
79
449
378
(146)
(74)

25%
23%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

873
1,019
447
543
146
163
119
172
58
13
443
371
(340)
(243)

273
526
86
90
33
65
114
156
(5)
184
1
3
44
28

9%
11%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(1) 

 Prepared on a consolidated accounting basis, except for production, which is stated on a 100% basis except for the Gahcho Kué joint venture in Canada, which is on an attributable 51% basis.
(2)  Consolidated sales volumes (2017: 33.1 million carats; 2016: 30.0 million carats) exclude pre-commercial production sales volumes from Gahcho Kué. Total sales volumes (100%), which are  
comparable to production, were 35.1 million carats (2016: 32.0 million carats). Total sales volumes (100%) include pre-commercial production sales volumes from Gahcho Kué and De Beers’  
JV partners’ 50% proportionate share of sales to entities outside De Beers from the Diamond Trading Company Botswana and the Namibia Diamond Trading Company.

(3)  Pricing for the mining business units is based on 100% selling value post-aggregation of goods. The De Beers realised price includes the price impact of the sale of non-equity product and, as a result,  

is not directly comparable to De Beers unit costs, which relate to equity production only.

(4)  Unit cost is based on consolidated production and operating costs, excluding depreciation and operating special items, divided by carats recovered.
(5) 

Includes rough diamond sales of $5.2 billion (2016: $5.6 billion).
Includes pre-commercial production capitalised operating cash inflows from Gahcho Kué.

(6) 

(7)  For Canada, price excludes Gahcho Kué contribution from sales related to pre-commercial production, which were capitalised in the first half of 2017. Unit costs include Gahcho Kué contribution following 

achievement of commercial production on 2 March 2017.

(8)  Other includes Element Six, downstream, acquisition accounting adjustments, projects and corporate.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL OVERVIEW

MARKETS

Early signs are that global consumer demand for diamond 
jewellery registered positive growth in 2017 in US dollar 
terms, following a marginal increase in 2016. Sustained 
diamond jewellery demand growth in the US was once again 
the main contributor to this positive outcome. Demand for 
diamond jewellery by Chinese consumers grew marginally 
in local currency and dollar terms. In contrast, consumer 
demand for diamonds softened in India and the Gulf states, 
both in local currency and dollar terms, while Japan’s 
consumer demand growth was flat in local currency and 
lower in dollars. 

Diamond producers’ primary stocks are estimated to have 
reduced considerably during the first half of 2017, as 
sentiment in the midstream improved and rough and 
polished inventories normalised for businesses in this 
segment of the value chain. However, as a result of US 
retailers tightly managing their inventories and the earlier 
timing of Diwali in India, there was a slight seasonal build-up 
of polished inventory in the midstream going into the  
fourth quarter. Overall, early indications are that additional 
consumer marketing undertaken during the main selling 
season had a positive effect on polished demand in the US, 
China and India in the final quarter of the year, leading to a 
positive impact on overall polished inventories.

     For more information, refer to the Marketplace review section   
See pages 11-13

Underlying EBITDA increased by 2% to $1,435 million 
(2016: $1,406 million) despite lower revenue following  
the one-off industry midstream restocking in 2016. This 
performance was driven by improved margins, which 
benefited from lower unit costs (supported by higher 
production and efficiency drives across the business), a 
strong contribution from Canada (driven by Gahcho Kué’s 
ramp-up and the closure of Snap Lake), and Element Six 
(which benefited from a recovery in oil and gas markets). 
This was partly offset by unfavourable exchange rates,  
and an increasing proportion of waste mining costs being 
expensed rather than capitalised, owing to an improved  
strip ratio at Venetia in South Africa. 

Total revenue declined by 4% to $5.8 billion  
(2016: $6.1 billion) – as expected, given the benefit of  
strong midstream restocking in the first half of 2016.  
The average realised rough diamond price decreased by 
13% to $162/carat (2016: $187/carat) mainly owing to a 
lower value mix; this was partly offset by an 8% increase  
in consolidated sales volumes to 32.5 million carats  
(2016: 30.0 million carats). This reflected stronger demand 
for lower-value goods in Sight 1 of 2017, following a recovery 
from the initial impact of India’s demonetisation programme 
in late 2016, as well as the ramp-up of production from lower 
value per carat but high margin operations, including Orapa 
and Gahcho Kué. The lower-value mix was compensated in 
part by a higher average rough price index, which was 3% 
above that of 2016. 

Capital expenditure reduced by 48% to $273 million  
(2016: $526 million), mainly owing to the completion  
of major projects, including Gahcho Kué; Debmarine 
Namibia’s new exploration and sampling vessel, the 
SS Nujoma; and planned lower waste capitalisation at 
Venetia. The SS Nujoma, which was delivered three  
months ahead of schedule and under budget, was officially 
inaugurated in June 2017 and is fully operational.

47

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT DE BEERS

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Mining and manufacturing
Rough diamond production increased by 22% to  
33.5 million carats (2016: 27.3 million carats), reflecting 
stronger underlying trading conditions as well as the 
contribution from the ramp-up of Gahcho Kué.

Botswana (Debswana) increased production by 11% to  
22.7 million carats (2016: 20.5 million carats). Production at 
Orapa was 28% higher, mainly driven by planned increases 
in plant performance and the ramp-up of Plant 1, which was 
previously on partial care and maintenance in response to 
trading conditions in late 2015. In June 2017, Jwaneng 
processed its first ore from Cut-8, which is expected to 
become the mine’s main source of ore during 2018. 

In Namibia (Namdeb Holdings), production increased by 
15% to 1.8 million carats (2016: 1.6 million carats), primarily 
owing to higher production from Debmarine Namibia’s 
Mafuta vessel, driven by higher mining rates following an 
extended scheduled in-port during 2016. At Namdeb’s land 
operations, production rose by 6%, despite challenging 
conditions, including grade variability owing to the nature  
of alluvial deposits, structural cost pressures, and some 
operations nearing the end of their lives. 

In South Africa (DBCM), production increased by 23% to  
5.2 million carats (2016: 4.2 million carats), primarily owing  
to Venetia, driven by higher grades as well as improved 
operational performance benefiting tonnes treated. 
Construction continues on the Venetia Underground mine, 
which is expected to become the mine’s principal source  
of production during 2023.

In Canada, production increased to 3.8 million carats  
(2016: 1.0 million carats) owing to the ramp-up of Gahcho 
Kué, which entered commercial production in March 2017. 
During the year, Gahcho Kué benefited from higher than 
expected grades, partly offset by a lower average value of 
production. Owing to the differences in lobe characteristics 
across different kimberlite pipes, the average grade and 
realised price will continue to vary and will be dependent on 
the area mined. Production at Victor increased by 21% to  
0.7 million carats as a result of higher grades. Victor, which 
has been operating successfully since 2008, is due to close 
in 2019, when the open pit is expected to have been 
depleted. The closure of Snap Lake, which is currently on 
care and maintenance, is progressing, with flooding having 
been completed, thereby minimising holding costs while 
preserving the long term viability of the orebody. 

Other revenue includes Element Six, which grew strongly, 
driven primarily by a recovery in the oil and gas business  
but also supported by the automotive and consumer 
electronics segments.

Brands 
In March 2017, De Beers acquired its joint venture partner’s 
50% shareholding in De Beers Jewellers (DBJ). With full 
ownership of the business (and the De Beers corporate 
brand), the process of integrating the DBJ brand and 
network of 30 stores in 16 key consumer markets around 
the world is well under way. 

Forevermark™ continued to expand its retailer network  
and is now available in more than 2,200 outlets in 25 
markets, an increase of 10% since the end of 2016. By  
May 2017, Forevermark™ had inscribed its two-millionth 
diamond, the second million having taken only half the  
time it took to inscribe the first million. For the peak holiday 
sales period, the brand launched ‘Forevermark Tribute™ 
Collection’, a significant marketing investment across 
multiple channels in the key US market. The Tribute™ 
Collection, and its supporting campaign, symbolises and 
celebrates the many facets of the wearer, and reflects the 
growing trend for women to self-purchase.

In February 2017, De Beers unveiled its next-generation 
automated melée screening instrument (AMS2™), which  
is significantly less expensive, screens 10 times faster, can 
handle stones three times smaller, and has lower referral 
rates than its predecessor. In addition, an industry-first 
synthetic-screening device for stones in set jewellery 
(SYNTHdetect™) was launched in June 2017, along with the 
roll-out by the International Institute of Diamond Grading & 
Research of a synthetics-detection training course.

During 2017, De Beers invested more than $140 million in 
marketing (19% more than in 2016) through a combination 
of proprietary and partnership activity centred on the US, 
China and India. De Beers also substantially increased its 
investment in the Diamond Producers Association, a 
producer-wide body that works to enhance consumer 
demand by promoting the appeal, integrity and reputation  
of diamonds.

De Beers also began the development of a new digital 
platform for the diamond industry, backed by highly  
secure blockchain technology, which will provide a single 
immutable record for every diamond that is registered. 
Currently in the pilot phase, this initiative is being designed 
to underpin confidence in diamonds and the diamond 
industry for all stakeholders, while streamlining existing 
manual processes and creating new efficiencies in the  
value chain.

OUTLOOK

Improving global macro-economic conditions remain 
supportive of consumer demand growth for polished 
diamonds in 2018. The degree of global economic growth, 
however, will be dependent upon a number of factors, 
including the extent of the positive impact on growth in 
consumer spending from US tax cuts, the strength of the 
dollar on consumer demand in non-dollar-denominated 
countries, and how successfully China manages its 
adjustment to a more domestic, consumer-driven economy. 

For 2018, forecast diamond production (on a 100% basis 
except Gahcho Kué on an attributable 51% basis) is 
expected to be in the range of 34-36 million carats, subject 
to trading conditions.

48

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  STRATEGIC REPORT COPPER

COPPER

In Chile, we have interests in two major copper operations: a 50.1% interest in the  
Los Bronces mine, which we manage and operate, and a 44% share in the Collahuasi 
mine; we also manage and operate the El Soldado mine and Chagres smelter  
(50.1% interest in both). In Peru, we have an 81.9% interest in the Quellaveco project.

HIGHLIGHTS

KEY PRIORITIES

INCREASE IN UNDERLYING EBITDA

Hennie Faul 
CEO  
Copper

67%

Duncan Wanblad 
CEO  
Base Metals 

UNDERLYING EBITDA

$1.5 billion

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED

16%

 • Replacement of a ball mill stator motor on the key Line 3  
at Collahuasi (responsible for c. 60% of plant throughput) 
during 2018 

 • Productivity improvements and cost reductions will 

continue to be the focus at Los Bronces, to address the 
challenges of increased ore hardness and, in the longer 
term, lower grades and longer haulage distances

 • The Quellaveco project in southern Peru remains a high 

value expansion option. The feasibility study is expected to 
be finalised and presented to the Board for development 
consideration during 2018. 

PREDICTING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE 

Los Bronces (50.1% 
owned) in the Chilean 
Andes is one of the 
world’s great copper 
mines. In collaboration 
with prominent 
specialists, we have 
developed a climate-
scenario model, which 
is being fed into a life 
of mine plan designed 
to make the operation 
more climate-resilient.

As understanding the potential physical and social 
impacts of climate change on our mining operations  
and host communities is of material importance to 
Anglo American, we have been working with the  
UK Met Office to understand which of our operations 
would be most at risk from these impacts. This work 
highlighted two countries where risk is significant – Peru 
and Chile. As a result, a state of the art climate modelling 
analysis was carried out for the Los Bronces district to 
better understand the potential impacts of climate 
change and prepare appropriate adaptation strategies. 

Although the area around the mine is semi-arid, the 
glaciers found there are natural stores of water that 
influence the run-off of mountain rivers, especially during 
the dry season. Understanding the effects of mining and 
climate change on the hydrological cycle within this area 
is important, both for operations and the communities 
located downstream.

Once a robust and accurate climate model had been 
established, scenarios were run up to the years 2030, 
2040 and beyond. Specific weather parameters  
were fed into the model to understand the effects of 
temperature and rainfall changes over time at different 
altitudes, and how they could potentially affect 
geomorphology, air emissions, natural hazards and  
water availability and security.

Predictions for rain, snowfall, snow melt and glacial 
meltwater were all linked to how they influence water 
security, and are now factored into the water balance  
of the mine’s catchment area. These climate variability 
findings will feed into Los Bronces’ life of mine plan, 
including closure and post-closure of the mine, to better 
inform planning decisions. The recent drought from 
2012-2015, and the subsequent high precipitation events 
in 2016, highlight the potential value of these models in 
building climate-resilient operations.

49

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT COPPER

Financial and operational metrics

Copper 

Prior year
Los Bronces
Prior year
Collahuasi(4)
Prior year

Other operations

Prior year

Projects and corporate

Prior year

Production
volume
(kt)

Sales 
volume

(kt)(1)

Realised 
price 
(c/lb)

C1 unit 
cost◊
(c/lb)(2)

Revenue◊ 
($m)

Underlying
EBITDA◊
($m)

Underlying
EBITDA
margin(3)

Underlying
EBIT◊
($m)

Capex◊ 
($m)

579
577
308
307
231
223
40
47
–
–

580
578
307
308
232
223
41
47
–
–

290
225
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

147
137
169
156
113
111
–
–
–
–

4,233
3,066
1,839
1,386
1,314
1,068
1,080
612
–
–

1,508
903
737
326
806
569
76
83
(111)
(75)

41%
31%
40%
24%
61%
53%
16%
18%
–
–

923
261
401
(49)
594
342
39
43
(111)
(75)

665
563
245
241
243
144
177
178
–
–

ROCE◊

16%
6%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(1)  Excludes 111 kt third-party sales.
(2)  C1 unit cost includes by-product credits.
(3)  Excludes impact of third-party sales.
(4)  44% share of Collahuasi production, sales and financials.

At Collahuasi, Anglo American’s attributable share of  
copper production was 230,500 tonnes, an increase of  
3% (2016: 222,900 tonnes). It was another year of record 
copper in concentrate production for the operation, building 
on 2016’s record output. Production benefited from higher 
grades, as well as strong sustained plant performance 
following the completion of a two-month planned 
maintenance at the processing plant in the second quarter. 
C1 unit costs were 113 c/lb (2016: 111 c/lb), with the 
increase in production and continued cost-saving initiatives 
partly offsetting the effects of the stronger Chilean peso, 
cost inflation and lower by-product credits. 

Production at El Soldado decreased by 14% to 40,500 
tonnes (2016: 47,000 tonnes), owing largely to the 
temporary suspension of mine operations from 18 February 
to 28 April 2017, which resulted in 6,000 tonnes of lost 
production. C1 unit costs increased by 27% to 233 c/lb 
(2016: 184 c/lb) as a result of the lower output, the stronger 
Chilean peso and cost inflation.

OPERATIONAL OUTLOOK 

Production in 2018 is expected to increase with the planned 
mining of higher ore grades at Collahuasi and Los Bronces. 
Production guidance for 2018 has been tightened to 
630,000-660,000 tonnes.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING OVERVIEW 

Underlying EBITDA increased by 67% to $1,508 million 
(2016: $903 million), primarily as a result of a 27% increase 
in the average LME copper price, as well as a continued 
focus on cost-reduction initiatives. Production increased to 
579,300 tonnes, with solid performances at Los Bronces 
and Collahuasi partly offset by the impact of lost production 
at El Soldado, owing to the temporary suspension of mining 
operations in the first half. At 31 December 2017, 108,000 
tonnes of copper were provisionally priced at 328 c/lb.

MARKETS

Average market price (c/lb)
Average realised price (c/lb) 

2017
280 
290

2016
221
225

The differences between market price and realised price  
are largely a function of the timing of sales across the year 
and provisional pricing adjustments.

The increase in price in 2017 reflects improved demand and 
a slowdown in mine supply, stimulating more favourable 
investor sentiment.

     For more information, refer to the Marketplace review section   
See pages 11-13

OPERATING PERFORMANCE 

At Los Bronces, production in 2017 increased marginally  
to 308,300 tonnes (2016: 307,200 tonnes). Higher grades 
(2017: 0.71% vs 2016: 0.67%) were partly offset by lower 
throughput, following a failure in the ball mill stator at the 
processing plant during the third and fourth quarters.  
C1 unit costs increased by 8% to 169 c/lb (2016: 156 c/lb), 
reflecting the effect of the stronger Chilean peso and  
cost inflation.

50

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  STRATEGIC REPORT PLATINUM

PLATINUM

Anglo American is the leading primary producer of platinum group metals, extracting 
and processing around 40% of all newly mined platinum. All of our operations are 
located in the Bushveld Complex in South Africa, with the exception of Unki mine on  
the Great Dyke formation in Zimbabwe.

HIGHLIGHTS

KEY PRIORITIES

INCREASE IN UNDERLYING EBITDA

Chris Griffith 
CEO   
Platinum

63%

UNDERLYING EBITDA

$866 million

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED

10%

 • Contain unit costs to between R19,600 and R20,200  
per platinum ounce produced (metal in concentrate) 

 • Complete construction of the Unki smelter 

 • Advance expansion of the Amandelbult chrome plant 

 • Continue to develop the market for PGMs.

THE ROLE OF PLATINUM IN A CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE

Anglo American is a 
founding member of  
the Hydrogen Council, 
which is seeking practical 
energy solutions based 
on hydrogen technology. 
This image from an 
Anglo American- 
supported film on fuel 
cell electric vehicles 
(FCEVs), which use 
platinum as the catalyst 
to change hydrogen gas 
into electrical power, 
features (left) one of the 
company’s own FCEVs.

Demand for platinum group metals (PGMs) from the 
automotive sector accounts for just over 40%, 70%  
and more than 80% of total platinum, palladium and 
rhodium demand, respectively. As governments enact 
ever-tighter emissions legislation, these three metals, 
which are used in catalytic converters, have a key role  
to play in the move to reduce vehicle emissions. 

In the short term, such legislation is likely to mean higher 
metal loadings on catalytic converters to improve their 
efficiency. As automotive producers look to produce 
larger numbers of hybrid vehicles, which run on both 

an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a battery,  
PGMs will remain in high demand as the catalysts  
require metal loadings similar to those found in current 
ICE cars. 

Looking further ahead, hydrogen fuel cell electric 
vehicles (FCEVs) offer a zero emissions alternative to 
ICE vehicles, without the need for consumers to change 
their behaviour. Platinum is used in FCEVs as the catalyst 
which turns hydrogen gas into electrical power. We 
believe that our actions can help shape this demand in 
the future.

We are a founding member of the Hydrogen Council, a 
global initiative of leading energy, transport and industry 
companies that is leading the way in the transition from 
fossil fuel based sources of power. Three key initiatives 
frame Anglo American’s approach to developing the use 
of hydrogen technology: 

 • The support of dedicated market development 

activities, including strategic investment in hydrogen 
refuelling infrastructure and in R&D 

 • Strategic investment in companies with expertise in  

the advancement of hydrogen fuel cells and hydrogen 
storage solutions

 • Taking a positive policy-advocacy stance through 

initiatives such as the Hydrogen Council. 

51

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT PLATINUM

Financial and operational metrics

Production 
volume 
platinum

Production 
volume 
palladium

(koz)(1)

(koz)(1)

Sales 
volume 
platinum 
(koz)

Basket 
price 
($/Pt oz)(2)

Unit cost◊
($/Pt oz)(3)

Revenue◊
($m)

Underlying
EBITDA◊
($m)

Underlying
EBITDA
margin

Underlying
EBIT◊
($m)

Capex◊ 
($m)

ROCE◊

Platinum

Prior year
Mogalakwena
Prior year
Amandelbult(4)
Prior year

Purchase of concentrate(5)

Prior year

Other operations

Prior year

Projects and corporate

Prior year

2,397 
2,382 
464 
412 
438 
459 
1,021 
652 
474 
859 
–
–

1,557 
1,539 
509 
452 
202 
207 
549 
388
297 
492 
–
–

2,505
 2,416
467
415 
459
 466 
1,082
656
497
879
–
–

1,966
1,753
2,590
2,345
1,868
1,567
–
–
–
–
–
–

1,443
1,330
1,179
1,257
1,596
1,254
–
–
–
–
–
–

5,078
4,394
1,211
968
858
727
1,884
1,033
1,125
1,666
–
–

866
532
578
393
88
97
173
96
83
(14)
(56)
(40)

17%
12%
48%
41%
10%
13%
9%
9%
7%
(1)%
–
–

512
185
448
269
34
41
145
77
(59)
(162)
(56)
(40)

355
314
151
157
34
25
–
–
170 
129
–
3

10%
4%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(1)  Production disclosure reflects own-mined production and purchase of metal in concentrate. 
(2)  Average US$ basket price.
(3)  Total cash operating costs – includes on-mine, smelting and refining costs only.
(4)  Excludes 8 koz (2016: 8 koz) of platinum production now included in purchase of concentrate.
(5)  Purchase of concentrate from joint ventures, associates and third parties for processing into refined metal.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING OVERVIEW 

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Underlying EBITDA increased by 63% to $866 million 
(2016: $532 million), largely as a result of higher sales 
volumes (platinum, palladium and some minor metals)  
and stronger prices for palladium and rhodium. Lower  
local currency costs, driven by ongoing cost improvement 
initiatives, were offset by the stronger South African  
rand, resulting in an 8% increase in US dollar costs to 
$1,443/ounce (2016: $1,330/ounce). 

MARKETS

Average platinum market price ($/oz) 
Average palladium market price ($/oz) 
Average rhodium market price ($/oz) 
Average gold market price ($/oz) 
US$ realised basket price ($/Pt oz) 
Rand realised basket price (R/Pt oz) 

2017
950
871
1,097
1,258
1,966
26,213

2016
989
615
681
1,248
1,753
25,649

An increase in palladium and rhodium prices, driven by 
strong demand, supported a stronger basket price in both 
dollars and rand, despite a lower average platinum price 
during the year. 

     For more information, refer to the Marketplace review section   
See pages 11-13

Total platinum production (metal in concentrate),  
including both own-mined production and purchase  
of concentrate, increased by 1% to 2,397,400 ounces  
(2016: 2,381,900 ounces). Total palladium production 
(metal in concentrate), including both own-mined  
production and purchase of concentrate, was also 1% 
higher at 1,557,300 ounces (2016: 1,538,700 ounces). 

Production from own-managed mines
Platinum produced from own-managed mines,  
excluding projects, increased by 3% to 1,130,900 ounces 
(2016: 1,096,200 ounces), while palladium production  
grew by 7% to 847,200 ounces (2016: 789,600 ounces).

Platinum’s flagship Mogalakwena mine produced a record 
463,800 ounces of platinum (2016: 411,900 ounces) and 
508,900 ounces of palladium (2016: 452,000 ounces), a 
13% increase for both. The increase resulted from improved 
concentrator throughput and recoveries following 
implementation of the North concentrator plant optimisation 
project, as well as higher average grades. 

Amandelbult complex yielded 438,000 ounces of platinum 
(2016: 458,600 ounces) and 202,500 ounces of palladium 
(2016: 207,300 ounces), representing decreases of 4% and 
2% respectively. This was caused primarily by excessive 
rainfall in the first quarter, which constrained production 
from the surface operations, lower immediately available 
Ore Reserves, and increased development as the mine 
makes its transition from the Tumela Upper to the Dishaba 
Lower mining areas. Production was further affected by 
three fatal incidents and their subsequent associated  
safety stoppages. 

Unki mine in Zimbabwe maintained its platinum  
production level for the year at 74,600 ounces  
(2016: 74,500 ounces), while raising its palladium output  
by 5% to 64,400 ounces (2016: 61,400 ounces). This 
performance was largely driven by more efficient mining, 
which reduced waste mining, resulting in higher-grade ore 
being delivered to the concentrator. Owing to planned 
maintenance at the concentrator in the fourth quarter,  
Unki had an ore stockpile at the end of 2017, which will be 
processed in 2018. 

52

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  Purchase of concentrate from third parties
Increased third-party purchases of concentrate led  
to a yearly total of 510,400 ounces of platinum  
(2016: 119,800 ounces) and 259,200 ounces of palladium 
(2016: 82,600 ounces). Production from Rustenburg  
has been purchased since 1 November 2016, when the 
operation was sold to Sibanye. The Maseve operation, 
owned by Platinum Group Metals, was placed onto care  
and maintenance in the third quarter. No further third-party 
purchase of concentrate is currently expected from the 
Maseve mine. 

Refined production 
Refined platinum production increased by 8% to 2,511,900 
ounces (2016: 2,334,700 ounces), and refined palladium 
production by 14% to 1,668,500 ounces (2016: 1,464,200 
ounces). Refined production in 2016 was materially affected 
by a Section 54 safety stoppage at the Precious Metals 
Refinery, as well as by a run-out at the Waterval smelter in 
September of that year; the subsequent recovery from 
these developments was largely responsible for the 
increase in output in 2017. 

The planned rebuild of the Waterval No. 2 furnace in the  
first quarter of 2017, and a high-pressure water leak at the 
converter plant in June 2017, delayed refining the backlog  
of material from 2016 to the second half of the year, with  
the full additional 100,000 ounces refined by year end. 

Platinum sales volumes increased by 4% to 2,504,600 
ounces (2016: 2,415,700 ounces), while palladium sales 
volumes rose by 3% to 1,571,700 ounces (2016: 1,532,100 
ounces), in line with higher refined production.

OPERATIONAL OUTLOOK

Platinum production (metal in concentrate) for 2018  
is expected to be 2.3-2.4 million ounces. 

Palladium production (metal in concentrate) for 2018  
is expected to be 1.5-1.6 million ounces. 

Union mine produced 154,500 ounces of platinum 
(2016: 151,200 ounces) and 71,400 ounces of palladium 
(2016: 68,900 ounces), increases of 2% and 4% 
respectively, as a result of improved stoping efficiencies.  
As announced by Platinum on 26 January 2018, Union  
Mine has now been sold to Siyanda Resources Proprietary 
Limited, effective 1 February 2018. With effect from this 
date, Union’s output is being recognised as third-party 
purchase of concentrate.

Joint venture production
Platinum and palladium production from the Mototolo, 
Modikwa and Kroondal joint ventures, inclusive of both 
own-mined share and purchase of concentrate production, 
decreased by 3% and 1% respectively, to 490,600 ounces  
of platinum (2016: 505,600 ounces) and 323,100 ounces  
of palladium (2016: 327,800 ounces). The decrease was 
largely due to the stoppage of the Mototolo concentrator  
for remedial work to stabilise the tailings storage facility.  
This resulted in a 27% reduction in platinum output to 
85,300 ounces (2016: 116,700 ounces) and a 26% 
reduction in palladium output to 52,500 ounces  
(2016: 70,700 ounces). 

Modikwa platinum production rose by 10% to 126,700 
ounces (2016: 114,800 ounces), and palladium production 
by 9% to 122,700 ounces (2016: 112,200 ounces) on the 
back of increased underground mining efficiencies and 
improved concentrator recoveries. Kroondal’s production 
was slightly higher owing to increased underground 
productivity, with platinum and palladium production both 
2% higher at 278,600 ounces (2016: 274,100 ounces) and 
147,900 ounces (2016: 144,900 ounces) respectively.

Purchase of concentrate from associates
Total platinum production from associates decreased by  
5% to 265,500 ounces (2016: 279,300 ounces), while 
palladium production was 10% lower at 127,900 ounces 
(2016: 141,700 ounces). 

BRPM produced 211,900 ounces of platinum  
(2016: 195,900 ounces) and 87,600 ounces of palladium 
(2016: 81,300 ounces), both increasing by 8%, as the 
Styldrift project continued its ramp-up. 

On 31 October 2017, Bokoni mine was placed onto care  
and maintenance by Platinum’s joint venture partner,  
Atlatsa Resources, resulting in a 36% reduction in platinum 
output to 53,600 ounces (2016: 83,400 ounces) and a  
33% decrease in palladium output to 40,300 ounces  
(2016: 60,400 ounces). No further loss-making production 
will be produced from Bokoni while the mine and 
concentrator remain on care and maintenance.

53

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT IRON ORE AND MANGANESE

IRON ORE AND 
MANGANESE

Anglo American’s iron ore operations provide customers with niche, high iron  
content ore, a large percentage of which is direct-charge product for blast furnaces.  
In South Africa, we have a majority share (69.7%) in Kumba Iron Ore, while in Brazil  
we have developed the integrated Minas-Rio operation. In manganese, we have a  
40% shareholding in Samancor, with operations based in South Africa and Australia.

HIGHLIGHTS

KEY PRIORITIES

INCREASE IN UNDERLYING EBITDA

Ruben Fernandes 
CEO   
Anglo American 
Brazil

53%

UNDERLYING EBITDA

$2.4 billion

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED

21%

 • Focus on securing the Step 3 operating licence so  

that Minas-Rio is in a position to access the full range  
of run-of-mine ore grades and target its nameplate 
capacity of 26.5 Mtpa (wet basis)

 • Unlock the full potential of Kumba’s operations through  
the continued delivery of operational efficiencies across  
all primary and secondary equipment

 • Continue to rationalise expenditure across  

Kumba’s operations

 • Expand new technologies to process Kumba’s  

low-grade material.

CRESCER – CREATING LASTING CHANGE

Crescer is our enterprise development programme in 
Brazil. Its focus is on supporting the agricultural sector, 
local youth employment, and capacity development in 
areas close to Minas-Rio’s mine. It works closely with  
our leading supplier-development programme in the 
country, Promova, through adopting an integrated 
approach that leverages our core business activities  
to foster enterprise and workforce development. 

This approach is further strengthened by the  
involvement of TechnoServe, our Group NGO 
enterprise-development implementing partner, 

and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with 
which we have a $6 million partnership ($2 million from 
the IDB and $4 million from Anglo American) invested  
in Brazil, Peru and Chile. Together, the IDB and 
TechnoServe provide invaluable access to capital and 
markets, business advice and mentoring.

The money is being used to develop rural entrepreneurs 
and local production chains, to empower local youth  
so that they are in a better position to take advantage  
of opportunities in the labour market, and in building 
capacity in local municipalities in order to foster a 
self-sustaining environment that is ripe for growth.

Crescer supports production chains in dairy products, 
beekeeping, horticulture and tourism. The value of the 
local procurement proportion of municipal school meals 
in Conceição do Mato Dentro Municipality has increased 
more than tenfold. Furthermore, all vegetables 
consumed at the dining facilities in Minas-Rio’s 
operational area are supplied locally by a producer 
supported by Crescer. 

In Brazil, our partnership with TechnoServe, has 
supported 471 enterprises (37% women-owned), 
helped 77 young people to graduate, and has stimulated 
revenue of $6.3 million from local procurement activities 
– in turn, supporting 1,900 jobs.

Themba Mkhwanazi 
CEO  
Kumba Iron Ore

Seamus French 
CEO  
Bulk Commodities  
and Other Minerals

Each month, Minas-Rio 
hosts the Quitanda Real 
fair, where local producers 
can raise awareness of 
their enterprises and sell 
their products. 

54

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  Financial and operational metrics

Iron Ore and Manganese

Prior year
Kumba Iron Ore
Prior year

Iron Ore Brazil (Minas-Rio)

Prior year
Samancor (4)
Prior year

Projects and corporate

Prior year

(1) 

Iron Ore Brazil production is Mt (wet basis).

Production
volume

(Mt)(1)

Sales 
volume
(Mt)

Price 
($/t)(2)

Unit cost◊
($/t)(3)

Revenue◊ 
($m)

Underlying
EBITDA◊
($m)

Underlying
EBITDA
margin

Underlying
EBIT◊
($m)

–
–
45.0
41.5
16.8
16.1
3.6
3.3
–
–

–
–
44.9
42.5
16.5
16.2
3.6
3.4
–
–

–
–
71
64
65
54
–
–
–
–

–
–
31
27
30
28
–
–
–
–

5,831
3,426
3,486
2,801
1,405
–
940
625
–
–

2,357
1,536
1,474
1,347
435
(6)
529
258
(81)
(63)

40%
45%
42%
48%
31%
–
56%
41%
–
–

1,978
1,275
1,246
1,135
335
(6)
478
209
(81)
(63)

Capex◊ 
($m)

(5)

252
269
229
160
23
109
–
–
–
–

ROCE◊

21%
12%
47%
51%
6%
(1)%
115%
59%
–
–

(2)  Prices for Kumba Iron Ore are the average realised export basket price (FOB Saldanha). Prices for Iron Ore Brazil are the average realised export basket price (FOB Açu) (wet basis).
(3)  Unit costs for Kumba Iron Ore are on an FOB dry basis. Unit costs for Iron Ore Brazil are on an FOB wet basis.
(4)  Production, sales and financials include ore and alloy.
(5)  $80 million of capital expenditure offset by capitalised cash inflows of $31 million relating to working capital in place at 31 December 2016, in addition to a $25 million inflow relating to capex hedges.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING OVERVIEW

Kumba
Underlying EBITDA of $1,474 million was 9% higher  
(2016: $1,347 million), with a 6% improvement in total sales 
volumes and an 11% increase in the realised price being 
offset by a 15% increase in FOB unit costs. The increase in 
unit costs was largely driven by the impact of the stronger 
South African rand (rand FOB unit costs increased by 2%) 
and cost inflation, including higher rail costs. This was  
partly offset, however, by productivity gains in mining and 
processing that led to an 8% rise in production, and through 
a higher premium achieved for lump product.

MARKETS

Iron ore

Average market price  
(IODEX 62% Fe CFR China – $/tonne) 
Average market price  
(MB 66% Fe Concentrate CFR – $/tonne) 
Average realised price  
(Kumba export – $/tonne)  
(FOB Saldanha)
Average realised price  
(Minas-Rio – $/tonne) (FOB wet basis) 

2017

2016

71

87

71

65

 58

69

64

54

In line with higher production volumes, export sales volumes 
increased by 7% to 41.6 Mt (2016: 39.1 Mt). Total finished 
product stock also increased to 4.3 Mt (2016: 3.5 Mt), 
reflecting the increase in output.

Kumba’s outperformance over the IODEX (Platts) 62% Fe 
CFR China index is primarily representative of the higher 
iron (Fe) content and the relatively high proportion 
(approximately 66%) of lump in the overall product portfolio. 

Iron Ore Brazil
Underlying EBITDA amounted to $435 million  
(2016: $6 million loss), reflecting the operation’s continued 
ramp-up to its current operating capacity and the cessation  
of capitalisation of operating results since January 2017.  
The average FOB realised price of $65/wet metric tonne 
(equivalent to $71/dry metric tonne) was $11/tonne,  
or 20%, higher than that achieved in 2016. FOB unit  
costs increased by 7% to $30/wet metric tonne  
(2016: $28/wet metric tonne) as higher production volumes 
and the implementation of cost reduction initiatives only 
partly offset the strengthening of the Brazilian real.

Samancor
Underlying EBITDA increased by $271 million to  
$529 million (2016: $258 million), driven mainly by 
significantly higher realised manganese ore and alloy  
prices and a 7% increase in ore sales.

Minas-Rio produces higher grade products than the 
reference product used for the IODEX 62% Fe index. The 
pricing of Minas-Rio’s products reflects the higher Fe 
content and lower gangue of those products compared with 
the IODEX 62% reference. IODEX 62% is referred to for 
comparison purposes only.

Manganese
During 2017, the average benchmark manganese ore price 
(benchmark CRU 44% CIF China) increased by 36% to 
$5.97/dmtu (2016: $4.38/dmtu), largely attributable to 
higher Chinese steel production and limited ore supply in 
the market, resulting from production cuts made in late 2015 
and early 2016.

     For more information, refer to the Marketplace review section   
See pages 11-13

55

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT IRON ORE AND MANGANESE

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

OPERATIONAL OUTLOOK 

Kumba
Sishen’s production increased by 10% to 31.1 Mt  
(2016: 28.4 Mt) following improvements in mining 
productivity resulting from fleet efficiencies and higher  
plant yields, brought about from the implementation of  
the Operating Model. Consequently, the amount of waste 
mined rose, as planned, to 162 Mt (2016: 137 Mt), an  
18% increase. Additional operator training, changed shift 
patterns, together with higher workforce attendance rates, 
yielded positive results in the form of increased direct 
operating hours, enabling the mine to reduce its reliance  
on contractors. 

Kolomela’s production increased by 9% to 13.9 Mt  
(2016: 12.7 Mt), also reflecting productivity improvements 
following the roll-out of the Operating Model. Waste mining 
volumes grew by 11% to 55.6 Mt (2016: 50.2 Mt), supporting 
higher production levels. The Kolomela modular plant 
delivered 0.5 Mt, although performance was affected by 
delays in the ramp-up of the crushing plant. 

Iron Ore Brazil
Minas-Rio’s production of 16.8 Mt (wet basis) was 4%  
higher (2016: 16.1 Mt) as the operation continued to ramp 
up its current operating capacity. The ramp-up schedule 
was affected as mining operations were restricted to the 
remaining Ore Reserves in the Step 2 licence area, which 
included lower grade ore. 

Samancor
Manganese ore output increased by 11% to 3.5 Mt 
(attributable basis) (2016: 3.1 Mt). Production from the 
Australian operations was 7% higher owing to increased 
concentrator throughput and higher yields as a result of 
favourable weather and the availability of suitable feed 
types. The South African operations increased production 
by 18%, taking advantage of stronger demand and pricing 
and the sale of lower quality fines product.

Production of manganese alloys increased by 8% to 
149,200 tonnes (attributable basis) (2016: 137,800 tonnes), 
mainly as a result of improved power availability at the 
Australian operations. In South Africa, manganese alloy 
production continued to utilise only one of the operation’s 
four furnaces.

Kumba
Kumba’s full year production guidance for 2018 has  
been increased to 44-45 Mt following the recent  
strong performance at both Sishen and Kolomela. 

Sishen is expected to produce 30-31 Mt of product  
and mine 170-180 Mt of waste. 

Kolomela is expected to produce around 14 Mt, while  
waste removal, in support of the increased annual output,  
is expected to be around 55-57 Mt.

Iron Ore Brazil
Minas-Rio continues to focus on obtaining the Step 3 
operating licence required for the operation to access  
the full range of run-of-mine ore grades and target the 
operation’s nameplate capacity of 26.5 Mt (wet basis). The 
Step 3 installation licence was granted in January 2018, 
following delays during 2017, which will allow the Step 3 
construction work to proceed. As a consequence of 
receiving the installation licence, the Provisional Operational 
Authorisation (‘APO’) is expected before November 2018 
and the full Step 3 operational licence by mid-2019. 

Production guidance for 2018 has been lowered to 13-15 Mt 
(previously 15-18 Mt) as a result of the lower ore grades at 
the remaining Step 2 area and the delays to the Step 3 
operational licence process. 

In 2018, unit costs are expected to increase as a result  
of lower production volumes, and to be in the region of 
$35/wet metric tonne. 

Samancor
Australian manganese ore production guidance of 
2.1 Mwmt (100% basis) for 2018 remains unchanged.  
South African manganese ore production guidance has 
increased by 8% to 3.4 Mwmt (100% basis), subject to 
continued strong market demand.

Legal
Sishen consolidated mining right granted
Sishen’s application to extend the mining right by the 
inclusion of the adjacent Prospecting Rights was granted  
on 6 July 2017, and the process to amend the Sishen mining 
right continues. Mining operations in this area will only 
commence once the required environmental authorisation 
has been approved, which is expected soon. The grant 
allows Sishen mine to expand its current mining operations 
within the adjacent Dingleton area.

56

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  STRATEGIC REPORT COAL

COAL

Our coal portfolio is geographically diverse, with metallurgical coal assets in Australia, 
and thermal coal assets in South Africa and Colombia, which mine products attuned to 
the individual requirements of our diversified customer base. We are the world’s third 
largest exporter of metallurgical coal.

HIGHLIGHTS

KEY PRIORITIES

RECORD PRODUCTION AT MORANBAH

July Ndlovu 
CEO 
Coal South Africa

5.4 Mt

UNDERLYING EBITDA

$2.9 billion

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED

67%

 • Safety and the elimination of fatalities, focusing on 

strengthening critical controls and work management, 
further developing our front line supervisors and 
enhancing the safety culture at all levels of the business

 • Complete the roll-out of the Operating Model at all 

Metallurgical Coal operations

 • In South Africa, replicate the productivity and cost 

improvements realised at the underground trade mines  
in the open cut trade mines.

PRIORITISING ENVIRONMENTAL RISK AT METALLURGICAL COAL

Grosvenor colliery in Australia is trialling the Operational 
Risk Management (ORM) process to give greater priority 
to environmental risk. 

Risk management leads to critical controls that keep 
employees healthy and safe, protect the environment 
and maintain Anglo American’s social licence to operate. 

But environmental risk is sometimes seen as a 
reputational issue with a lower priority than safety or 
financial issues, and is not always built into ORM systems. 

Metallurgical Coal has set out to give environmental 
issues the necessary focus at its operations. Its 
environmental specialists came together to evaluate  
and benchmark the risks associated with coal mining, 
and looked at 12 priority unwanted events (PUEs) in a 
baseline risk assessment. 

Six specific PUEs were identified, along with 13 
associated critical controls. Following internal 
consultation, the controls were assigned for monitoring 
and evaluation, typically by engineering and 
maintenance teams, in addition to the mine’s 
environment department. 

One such critical-control monitoring activity is the 
six-monthly check on the state of pumping infrastructure 
that allows the automated transfer of water between 
facilities. This ensures the operation can comply with 
dam operational limits, while reducing the risk of an 
unplanned release of water. Another example is the 
verification that sediment- and erosion-control structures 
have been maintained effectively before and after the 
wet season to ensure sediment-laden run-off is managed 
in accordance with Grosvenor’s environmental licence. 
Monitoring recently identified that additional work is 
required to prepare sediment traps ahead of the rains. 

Environmental risk has high priority at Grosvenor, with 
learnings being applied across Metallurgical Coal and 
other operations.

57

David Diamond 
CEO   
Metallurgical Coal 

Seamus French 
CEO  
Bulk Commodities  
and Other Minerals

Chief executive  
Mark Cutifani addresses 
employees at Metallurgical 
Coal’s Grosvenor mine in 
2017, where the operational 
risk management (ORM) 
process is being trialled. 

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT COAL

Financial and operational metrics

Coal

Prior year

Metallurgical Coal

Prior year

Coal South Africa

Prior year

Cerrejón

Prior year

Projects and corporate

Prior year

Production
volume

(Mt)(1)

Sales 
volume

(Mt)(2)

Price 
($/t)(3)

Unit cost◊
($/t)(4)

Revenue◊ 
($m)

Underlying
EBITDA◊
($m)

Underlying
EBITDA
margin(5)

Underlying
EBIT◊
($m)

Capex◊ 
($m)

48.9
50.7
19.7
20.9
18.6
19.1
10.6
10.7
–
–

49.0
50.6
19.8
20.7
18.6
19.1
10.6
10.8
–
–

–
–
185
112
76
60
75
56
–
–

–
–
61
51
44
34
31
28
–
–

7,211
5,263
3,675
2,547
2,746
2,109
790
607
–
–

2,868
1,646
1,977
996
588
473
385
235
(82)
(58)

46%
36%
54%
39%
32%
33%
49%
39%
–
–

2,274
1,112
1,594
661
466
366
296
143
(82)
(58)

568
613
416
523
152
90
–
–
–
–

ROCE◊

67%
29%
86%
30%
54%
41%
35%
17%
–
–

(1)  Production volumes are saleable tonnes. South African production volume is export production only and excludes Eskom-tied operations volumes of 23.9 Mt  

(2016: 24.8 Mt) and other domestic production of 7.5 Mt (2016: 9.9 Mt). Metallurgical Coal production volumes exclude thermal coal production volumes of 1.6 Mt  
(2016: 9.5 Mt, including 5.6 Mt of domestic thermal coal).

(2)  South African sales volumes exclude all domestic sales of 32.0 Mt (2016: 34.5 Mt) and non-equity traded sales of 7.6 Mt (2016: 6.1 Mt). Metallurgical Coal sales volumes  

exclude thermal coal sales volumes of 1.8 Mt (2016: 9.6 Mt, including 5.4 Mt of domestic thermal coal). 

(3)   Metallurgical Coal is the weighted average hard coking coal and PCI sales price achieved. Coal South Africa is the weighted average export thermal coal price achieved. 
(4)   FOB cost per saleable tonne, excluding royalties. Metallurgical Coal excludes study costs and Callide. Coal South Africa unit cost is for the export operations.
(5)   Excludes impact of third-party sales and Eskom-tied operations.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING OVERVIEW

Metallurgical Coal
Underlying EBITDA doubled to $1,977 million  
(2016: $996 million), owing to a 65% increase in the 
metallurgical coal realised price and higher production at  
all three underground operations. This was partly offset  
by planned production cuts at Dawson and Capcoal open 
cut operations and the impact of divestments on output. 
Following the divestments of Foxleigh (a PCI producer)  
and Callide (a domestic and export thermal coal producer), 
and the cessation of mining activities at Drayton (an export 
thermal coal producer), the business now produces a 
greater proportion of higher-margin hard coking coal  
(80% of total production, compared with 53% in 2016).

Coal South Africa
Underlying EBITDA increased by 24% to $588 million 
(2016: $473 million), mainly attributable to a 27% increase 
in the export thermal coal price. US dollar unit costs for the 
export trade operations increased by 29% to $44/tonne 
(2016: $34/tonne), owing to the stronger South African rand 
($4/tonne impact), lower production ($4/tonne impact), 
mainly at Khwezela, and cost-inflation pressures ($2/tonne).

The sale of the Eskom-tied domestic thermal coal 
operations consisting of New Vaal, New Denmark, and  
Kriel collieries, as well as four closed collieries (together, 
‘Eskom-tied operations’) by Anglo Operations Proprietary 
Limited and Anglo American Inyosi Coal Proprietary Limited 
to a wholly owned subsidiary of Seriti Resources Holdings 
Proprietary Limited was announced on 10 April 2017 for  
a consideration payable, as at 1 January 2017, of R2.3 billion 
(approximately $164 million). The transaction is expected to 
complete on 1 March 2018. 

The sale of the New Largo thermal coal project and Old  
New Largo closed colliery in South Africa (together,  
‘New Largo’) by Anglo American Inyosi Coal Proprietary 
Limited to New Largo Coal Proprietary Limited for  
R850 million (approximately $71 million), was announced on 
29 January 2018. The sale is subject to conditions precedent 
customary for a transaction of this nature, including 
regulatory approvals in South Africa. The transaction is 
expected to close in the second half of 2018.

The financial results reported for the period ended 
31 December 2017 include the Eskom-tied domestic 
thermal coal operations and New Largo.

Cerrejón
Underlying EBITDA increased to $385 million  
(2016: $235 million), owing mainly to higher export  
thermal coal prices, partly offset by a 2% decrease  
in sales volumes.

MARKETS

Metallurgical coal

Average market price for premium 
low-volatility hard coking coal ($/tonne)(1)
Average market price for premium 
low-volatility PCI ($/tonne)(1)
Average realised price for premium 
low-volatility hard coking coal ($/tonne)
Average realised price for PCI ($/tonne) 

2017

2016

188 

 119

187 
125

143

97

119
77

(1)  Represents average spot prices. Prior year prices were previously based on the 

quarterly average benchmark and have been restated accordingly.  

Average realised prices differ from the average market  
price owing to differences in material grade and timing  
of contracts. 

Prices in 2017 were supported by higher steel prices  
and strong demand globally, as well as by supply  
constraints arising from wet weather in Queensland  
in the second quarter.

58

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  Coal South Africa
Export production decreased by 3% to 18.6 Mt  
(2016: 19.1 Mt), with continued productivity improvements 
at the underground operations more than offset by a 
self-enforced 100-hour safety stoppage at all operations 
following the third fatality of the year. In addition, at Khwezela 
there were operational challenges with the waste fleet and 
coal recovery operations. Total production from trade mines 
decreased by 11% to 22.0 Mt (2016: 24.6 Mt), mainly owing 
to the planned ramp-down of Khwezela’s Eskom pit, which 
reached its end of life in the first half of 2017. 

Production from Eskom-tied operations decreased by 4% 
to 23.9 Mt (2016: 24.8 Mt) due to lower Eskom offtake from 
New Vaal and reserve constraints at Kriel as it approaches 
the end of its mine life.

Cerrejón
Anglo American’s attributable output from its 33.3% 
shareholding in Cerrejón was 10.6 Mt, in line with the  
prior year.

OPERATIONAL OUTLOOK 

Metallurgical coal 
Export metallurgical coal production guidance for 2018 is 
unchanged at 20-22 Mt.

Export thermal coal
Full year production guidance for 2018 for export thermal 
coal from South Africa and Cerrejón is unchanged at  
29-31 Mt.

Thermal coal

2017

2016

Average market price – 
($/tonne, FOB Australia)
Average market price – 
($/tonne, FOB South Africa) 
Average market price – 
($/tonne, FOB Colombia)
Average realised price –  
Export Australia ($/tonne, FOB) 
Average realised price –  
Export South Africa ($/tonne, FOB) 
Average realised price –  
Domestic South Africa ($/tonne) 
Average realised price –  
Colombia ($/tonne, FOB) 

 89

84 

78 

91 

76 

21 

75

66

64

58

55

60

17

56

The average realised price for thermal coal will differ  
from the average market price owing to timing and quality 
differences relative to the industry benchmark. The 
difference in the realised price compared with the 
benchmark price, between 2016 and 2017, reflects 
changing quality mix owing to a higher proportion of 
secondary products being sold into the export market. 

The thermal coal market saw the positive price effects of  
the Chinese domestic coal production rationalisation, which 
supported coal imports into China and lifted seaborne 
pricing. On the supply side, Australia was stable, while 
Indonesia was constrained owing to mining issues 
associated with ongoing wet weather. The Atlantic region 
saw coal prices supported by higher electricity prices, partly 
driven by nuclear outages in France.

     For more information, refer to the Marketplace review section   
See pages 11-13

OPERATING PERFORMANCE 

Metallurgical Coal 
Production from the underground longwall operations was 
14% higher at 12.3 Mt (2016: 10.8 Mt), and included 0.3 Mt 
from the ramp-up of Grosvenor and record production of 
5.4 Mt from Moranbah. Both Capcoal open cut and Dawson 
recorded lower production as the sites established 
alternative pit areas and removed higher-cost production.

Following a recovery from the geological issues 
experienced in the first six months, and a strong operational 
performance through the third quarter, Grosvenor 
completed its first longwall panel during the final quarter  
of 2017, and also completed an extended longwall move  
in order to rectify defective components identified during 
the first panel. Production on the second longwall panel 
commenced in December and is in line with the  
ramp-up plan.

59

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT NICKEL

NICKEL

Our Nickel business is well placed to serve the global stainless steel industry,  
which depends on nickel and drives demand for it. Our assets are in Brazil, with  
two ferronickel production sites: Barro Alto and Codemin, in the state of Goiás. 

HIGHLIGHTS

KEY PRIORITIES

INCREASE IN UNDERLYING EBITDA

Ruben Fernandes 
CEO  
Anglo American 
Brazil

42%

UNDERLYING EBITDA

$81 million

Seamus French 
CEO  
Bulk Commodities  
and Other Minerals

NICKEL PRODUCTION

43,800 tonnes

 • Ensure operational stability following the planned 40 day 

maintenance stoppage at the beginning of 2018

 • Progress stability of the coal pulverisation plant to realise 

further cost efficiencies

 • Continue studies for the implementation of a briquetting 
plant, which would improve charge permeability in the 
electric furnaces, thereby improving process safety  
and stability. 

REPROLATINA – AN INVESTMENT IN HEALTH – AND SOCIETY

In Brazil, where we have substantial iron ore and  
nickel businesses, we have a longstanding partnership 
with Reprolatina, an NGO which aims to improve  
health services for women, men and adolescents in 
disadvantaged communities in Latin American countries.

Since 2010, Reprolatina, in partnership with the 
Municipality of Barro Alto, and with the financial support 
of Anglo American, has been undertaking a project to 
reduce the high rates of pregnancy in adolescents and to 
build a culture of prevention and promotion of sexual and 
reproductive health. 

Over the past eight years, more than 63,000 individuals 
have benefited from the education activities, centred on 
sexual and reproductive health, promoted by Reprolatina 
in our operations’ neighbouring communities. As a result, 
adolescent pregnancy reduced from 40% in 2013,  
to 15% in 2017, against a national average of 21%.

Reprolatina’s success lies in its ability to integrate  
public policy with private-sector initiatives while, at a 
grassroots level, it is involved in the classroom, the 
workplace and the community. It is also engaging with 
various organisations, including at an international level, 
in promoting women’s health – thereby contributing  
to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable 
Development Goals.

Anglo American is an 
active supporter of 
Reprolatina, an NGO 
that aims to improve 
health services for the 
disadvantaged. The 
organisation has been 
able to link private- 
sector initiative and 
public policy with 
remarkable success, 
helping to substantially 
reduce high rates of 
adolescent pregnancy, 
and promoting sexual 
and reproductive health 
in general.

The sustainability of Anglo American’s business is 
inextricably linked to the ongoing development of 
communities in the areas where it has operations. Our 
large footprint in parts of the developing world mean  
that our capacity to contribute to the social and  
economic progress of vulnerable communities today, 
and for long after our mines have reached the end of  
their lives, is significant.

Health outcomes are a primary concern for host 
communities. Failing to provide decent healthcare in 
early years can have lifelong consequences in health, 
well-being and employability. 

60

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  Financial and operational metrics

Nickel

Prior year 

Production
volume
(t)

43,800
44,500

Sales 
volume
(t)

43,000
44,900

Price 
(c/lb)

476
431

C1unit
cost◊
(c/lb)

365
350

Revenue◊
($m)

451
426

Underlying
EBITDA◊
($m)(1)

Underlying
EBITDA
margin

Underlying
EBIT◊
($m)(1)

81
57

18%
13%

0
(15)

Capex◊ 
($m)

28
62

ROCE◊

0%
(1)%

(1)  Nickel segment includes $3 million projects and corporate costs (2016: $10 million).

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING OVERVIEW

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Underlying EBITDA increased by 42% to $81 million  
(2016: $57 million), reflecting a higher nickel price, partly 
offset by the unfavourable impact of the stronger Brazilian 
real and cost inflation. 

Nickel unit costs increased by 4% to 365 c/lb  
(2016: 350 c/lb) as adverse exchange rates and inflation 
were only partly compensated by other cost-saving efforts, 
including lower energy costs. 

Nickel output decreased by 2% to 43,800 tonnes  
(2016: 44,500 tonnes) as instabilities at both smelting 
operations negatively affected Barro Alto’s production 
performance in February 2017. The root causes were 
addressed and the operations returned to stable 
performance from the second quarter. Codemin’s 
production of metal was in line with the prior year at  
9,000 tonnes. 

MARKETS

Average market price (c/lb) 
Average realised price (c/lb) 

OPERATIONAL OUTLOOK

2017
472
476

2016
436
431

Production guidance for 2018 has been lowered to 
42,000-44,000 tonnes, as a result of planned maintenance 
at Barro Alto’s plant.

The average market price is the LME nickel price, from 
which ferronickel pricing is derived. Ferronickel is traded 
based on discounts or premiums to the LME price, 
depending on market conditions, supplier products and 
consumer preferences.

Differences between market prices and realised prices  
are largely due to variances between the LME and the 
ferronickel price.

     For more information, refer to the Marketplace review section   
See pages 11-13

61

Strategic reportAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
STRATEGIC REPORT CORPORATE AND OTHER

CORPORATE AND OTHER

Financial metrics

Segment

Prior year

Niobium and Phosphates

Prior year
Exploration
Prior year

Corporate activities and unallocated costs

Prior year

Revenue◊ 
($m)

Underlying
EBITDA◊
($m)

Underlying
EBIT◊
($m)

Capex◊ 
($m)

5
499
–
495
–
–
5
4

(292)
(5)
–
118
(103)
(107)
(189)
(16)

(313)
(71)
–
79
(103)
(107)
(210)
(43)

9
40
–
26
–
–
9
14

FINANCIAL AND OPERATING OVERVIEW

Corporate and other reported an underlying EBITDA  
loss of $292 million (2016: $5 million loss).

Niobium and Phosphates
The sale of the Niobium and Phosphates business  
to China Molybdenum Co Ltd. was completed on 
30 September 2016.

Exploration
Exploration expenditure decreased to $103 million  
(2016: $107 million), reflecting a general reduction  
across most of the commodities, driven primarily by  
lower drilling activities.

Corporate activities and unallocated costs
Underlying EBITDA amounted to a $189 million loss  
(2016: $16 million loss), driven primarily by a year-on-year  
loss recognised in the Group’s self-insurance entity, 
reflecting lower premium income and higher net claims  
and settlements during 2017.

62

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017  GOVERNANCE CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

GOVERNANCE

“  I am a strong believer in the importance  
of good governance and that the actions  
and behaviours of the Board set the tone  
for the organisation as a whole.”

Stuart Chambers, Chairman

This section of the Annual Report provides an overview 
of the means by which the Anglo American Group is 
directed and controlled. The Board of directors is there 
to support and challenge management and to ensure 
that we operate in a manner that promotes the 
long-term sustainable success of the Company, 
generates value for shareholders and contributes to 
wider society. Over the next few pages we describe  
the ways in which we seek to achieve this. 

BOARD COMPOSITION

As described in my statement on pages 4-5, there were a 
number of changes to the Board in 2017. These ensured  
that we replaced the skills and experience lost due to recent 
resignations and retirements, and aimed to achieve gender 
and ethnic diversity on the Board as a whole. 

At the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in 
April, René Médori retired as finance director. Over a period 
of 12 years, René’s steady hand, his integrity, and the quality 
of his astute leadership were greatly appreciated by the 
Board. René was succeeded by Stephen Pearce, who has a 
wealth of financial and commercial experience gained 
across the extractive and related industries. Stephen has 
already made considerable progress on, for example, 
extending our debt maturity profile.

At the AGM in 2017, we also welcomed Nolitha Fakude  
as a non-executive director. Nolitha has had many years  
of experience across a diverse range of industry sectors, 
and was until recently an executive board member of  
South Africa-based petrochemicals company, Sasol. In  
July, Ian Ashby was appointed as a non-executive director. 
Ian has almost four decades of experience in the mining 
industry, and has held a variety of roles across businesses  
in Australia, Chile and the US.

The last Board change in the year was, of course, Sir John 
Parker’s retirement as chairman at the end of October 2017. 
On behalf of the Board, management and employees of the 
Group, I would like to thank Sir John for everything he has 
done for us during his tenure.

The processes we followed to refresh the Board are 
described on page 73. 

BOARD VISITS TO OPERATIONS

Given the number of new members joining the Board, the 
opportunity for directors to visit operations and learn more 
about the business was perhaps more important than ever 
in 2017. Even those directors who have been on the Board 
for some time find the visits invaluable as they have the 
opportunity to interact with employees from a range of 
backgrounds and seniority, as well as gaining a better 
understanding of the operations in their local context. There 
are also opportunities to meet with local stakeholders and 
understand their interests and concerns. The site visits are 
described on pages 76-77.

BOARD EVALUATION

Internal Board evaluations were carried out in 2016 and 
2017, and the processes used and the results obtained  
are described on pages 74-75. Each committee and the 
Board itself have an action plan to address the points raised 
by the evaluations and to ensure that we act upon them  
to improve performance. In 2018 we will ask an external 
consultant to evaluate the Board, its committees and each  
of us who serve as directors. We will report on the findings  
of that evaluation next year in the 2018 Annual Report. 

COMMITTEE GOVERNANCE

Starting on page 78, each of the Board committee chairmen 
presents a report on the activities of their committees during 
2017. The efficient operation and interaction of the Board 
and its committees are vital to ensure that matters receive  
the necessary attention in a timely manner. I am grateful to 
the members and the chairmen of those committees in 
particular for the work that they do throughout the year in 
this regard. 

Last year we presented our remuneration policy to 
shareholders for approval, and received strong support  
for it. There is clearly more we can do in this area, especially 
as regards the gender pay gap, and we are committed to 
addressing this. The report of the Remuneration Committee 
appears on pages 88-115.

63

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION

COMPLIANCE WITH THE UK CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE CODE

The Board supports the principles and provisions of the  
UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) issued by  
the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). The Company has 
complied throughout the year with the Code, which is 
available on the FRC’s website (www.frc.org.uk). Ways in 
which the Code has been applied can be found on the 
following pages:

Code section and where to find details
Section A: Leadership
Pages 65-70 give details of the Board and executive 
management and the Board governance structure

Section B: Effectiveness
Pages 72-115 describe the activities of the Board 
committees and the induction and evaluation of  
the directors

Section C: Accountability
The role of the Board in this area is primarily shown on  
pages 80-87, with further detail on the Group’s strategic 
objectives and the principal risks to the business in the 
Strategic Report

Section D: Remuneration
The Group’s remuneration policy and the report of the 
Remuneration Committee are found on pages 88-115

Section E: Relations with shareholders
This is shown on page 75.

I hope you find this report useful and informative. I look 
forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our  
AGM and would encourage you to vote your shares even  
if you cannot attend in person, so that we gain a better 
understanding of the views of our shareholders as a whole.

Stuart Chambers
Chairman 

64

CHAIRMAN’S INDUCTION

From the date my appointment was announced  
in June 2017, I have spent a significant amount  
of time getting to know the business. This has 
afforded me the opportunity to understand the 
key issues facing the business and ensure I was 
well positioned to ‘hit the ground running’ on day 
one as chairman of Anglo American. 

My extensive induction programme included  
internal briefings with senior leaders across the 
Group, site visits to the Group’s operations, and 
external meetings with corporate advisers and  
major investors. I have met managers and other 
employees in our mines and offices around the  
world and visited around 15 of our operations.

Key highlights:

 • One-to-one meetings with all 12 members of  

the Group Management Committee

 • Around 40 meetings with Group business unit  

and functional leaders

 • One-to-one meetings with each of the  

non-executive directors

 • In August, undertook an internal orientation session 

on the Anglo American Operating Model

 • In September, spent time visiting operations in 

South Africa, accompanied by Norman Mbazima, 
deputy chairman of Anglo American South Africa. 
Over the course of a week I visited De Beers’ 
Venetia mine, Platinum’s Mogalakwena mine and 
Amandelbult complex, the Zibulo coal mine and 
Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen mine

 • Joined the Sustainability Committee’s site visit  
to the Platinum Precious Metals Refinery in  
South Africa

 • In October, travelled to Brazil to visit the Minas-Rio 

(Iron Ore) and Barro Alto (Nickel) operations 
accompanied by Ruben Fernandes, CEO Brazil

 • In October, travelled to Chile for an Anglo American 
Board meeting, operational site visits and joined 
Copper as they celebrated Anglo American’s 
centenary celebrations with external stakeholders.  
I was also able to take part in my first Global Safety 
Day at Quellaveco in southern Peru

 • In early 2018, toured De Beers Technologies and 
Element Six Global Innovation Centre in the UK,  
and visited De Beers’ Jwaneng mine and Global 
Sightholder Sales in Botswana, accompanied by 
Bruce Cleaver, CEO of De Beers. I also travelled to 
Singapore to spend time at the Group’s Marketing 
business, accompanied by Peter Whitcutt, CEO  
of Marketing. 

My induction programme will continue into 2018 with 
further operational visits and meetings with senior 
leaders and other stakeholders.

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS

Stuart Chambers (61)  N   S  
Chairman

BSc 

Mark Cutifani (59)  S  
Chief Executive

BE (Mining–Hons), FAusIMM, 
CEngFIMMM, DBA (Hon), DoL (Hon) 

Stephen Pearce (53)  
Finance Director

BBus (Acc), FCA, GIA, MAICD

Tony O’Neill (60)  S  
Technical Director

MBA, BASc (Eng)

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP KEY

 Audit Committee
 Nomination Committee
  Remuneration Committee

  Sustainability Committee
  Chair of Committee 
  Member of Committee

Appointed to the Board on 1 September 2017 and as Chairman on 1 November 2017

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Stuart brings to Anglo American significant global 
executive and boardroom experience across the 
industrial, logistics and consumer sectors. 

Stuart previously served as chairman of ARM 
Holdings plc and Rexam plc until 2016; and as a 
non-executive director on the boards of Tesco plc 
(2010-2015), Manchester Airport Group plc 
(2010-2013), Smiths Group plc (2006-2012) and 
Associated British Ports Holdings plc (2002-2006). 
His executive career included 13 years at Pilkington 

plc and its subsequent parent company Nippon 
Sheet Glass until 2010, in a number of executive roles 
and ultimately as chief executive of both companies.  
Prior to that, Stuart gained 10 years of sales and 
marketing experience at Mars Corporation,  
following 10 years at Shell. 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Chairman and a non-executive director at  
Travis Perkins PLC, and a member of the  
UK Takeover Panel.

Appointed to the Board as Chief Executive on 3 April 2013

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Mark brings to Anglo American over 40 years’ 
experience of the mining industry across a wide 
range of geographies and commodities.

Mark is chairman of the Group Management 
Committee (GMC), and a member of the Corporate 
and Operational committees. He is a non-executive 
director of Anglo American Platinum, chairman of 
Anglo American South Africa and chairman of 
De Beers. Mark was previously CEO of AngloGold 
Ashanti Limited, a position he held from 2007-2013. 

Before joining AngloGold Ashanti, Mark was  
COO at Vale Inco, where he was responsible for 
Vale’s global nickel business. Prior to this he held 
senior executive positions with the Normandy  
Group, Sons of Gwalia, Western Mining Corporation, 
Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines and CRA  
(Rio Tinto).

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Independent director of Total S.A.

Appointed to the Board as Finance Director on 24 April 2017 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Stephen brings to Anglo American more than 16 
years of public company director experience and 
over 30 years of financial and commercial experience 
in the mining, oil and gas, and utilities industries.

Stephen joined Anglo American in January 2017.  
He is a member of the GMC, and chairman of the 
Corporate and Investment committees. He is  
also a non-executive director of Kumba Iron Ore, 
Anglo American Platinum and De Beers. Before 
joining Anglo American, Stephen served as CFO  

and an executive director of Fortescue Metals Group 
from 2010-2016. Prior to that, he held the positions  
of managing director and CEO of Southern Cross 
Electrical Engineering Ltd and was CFO of Alinta Ltd. 
He is a former non-executive director of Cedar 
Woods Properties Ltd. 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
None

Appointed to the Board as Technical Director on 22 July 2015 

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Tony brings to Anglo American 37 years’ experience 
in the mining industry across numerous geographies, 
and commodities spanning iron ore, copper, nickel 
and gold.

Tony joined Anglo American in 2013 and has 
responsibility for the Group’s Technical and 
Sustainability function. He is a member of the GMC, 
chairman of the Operational Committee, and a 
member of the Corporate and Investment 
committees. He is also a non-executive director  

of Anglo American Platinum and De Beers. Tony  
was previously EVP – Business and Technical 
Development at AngloGold Ashanti from 2008, 
where he served as joint acting CEO during 2013.  
His extensive career in the mining industry  
includes roles as Operations Executive at Newcrest 
Mining and Head of the Gold business at Western 
Mining Corporation.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
None

65

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
DIRECTORS CONTINUED

Appointed to the Board on 9 November 2009 and  
as the Senior Independent Director on 24 April 2014

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Sir Philip brings to Anglo American significant 
financial, strategic and boardroom experience across 
a number of industries. 

Lazards and a non-executive director of  
RMC Group plc and Belgacom SA.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Chairman of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plc. 

Sir Philip Hampton (64)  A   N   R  
Senior Independent Director

MA, ACA, MBA

Sir Philip’s previous appointments include being 
chairman of The Royal Bank of Scotland and 
J Sainsbury plc, finance director of Lloyds TSB  
Group plc, BT Group plc, BG Group plc, British Gas 
plc and British Steel plc, an executive director of 

Appointed to the Board on 25 July 2017

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Ian brings to Anglo American substantial knowledge 
of the minerals industry across a wide range of 
commodities, combined with global operating, major 
projects and capital development experience.

Ian served as President of Iron Ore for BHP Billiton 
between 2006 and 2012, when he retired from the 
company. During his 25-year tenure with BHP Billiton, 
Ian held numerous roles in its iron ore, base metals 
and gold businesses in Australia, the US, and Chile, 
as well as project roles in the corporate office. 

He began his 37-year mining career as an 
underground miner at the Mount Isa Mines base 
metals operations in Queensland, Australia. Ian  
has previously served as a non-executive director  
of New World Resources PLC and Genco Shipping  
& Trading, and in an advisory capacity with Apollo 
Global Management and Temasek.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Chairman of Petropavlovsk PLC and a non-executive 
director of Nevsun Resources Ltd and Alderon Iron 
Ore Corp.

Appointed to the Board on 24 April 2017

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Nolitha brings to Anglo American significant 
management experience in various functional 
leadership roles across the oil and energy, chemicals, 
financial services and retail industries. 

and operations in the retail and financial sectors. 
Nolitha has previously served as deputy chairman 
and lead independent director of Datacentrix 
Holdings Limited, and as a non-executive director  
of Harmony Gold and Woolworths Holdings.

Until 2016, Nolitha served as an executive director at 
Sasol Limited and as EVP of strategy and sustainability, 
following an 11-year career with the company where 
she held executive roles in human resources and 
business transformation. Prior to that she held senior 
management positions in corporate affairs, strategy 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Deputy chair of South African Airways, a  
non-executive director of the JSE Limited and 
African Oxygen Limited (AFROX), and a Patron  
of Guild Cottage home for girls. 

Appointed to the Board on 19 April 2013

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Byron contributes to Anglo American broad 
business, financial and board experience in 
numerous geographies.

Byron has extensive management experience across 
the oil and gas industry. He served on the BP plc 
board from 2000 until 2013 and was BP’s chief 
financial officer during much of that period. He was 
previously a non-executive director of Unilever NV 
and Unilever PLC.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Vice chairman of the supervisory board of Akzo 
Nobel NV and a non-executive director of Standard 
Chartered PLC and Tesco PLC. A member of the 
European Audit Committee Leadership Network  
and an emeritus member of the Cornell University 
Johnson Advisory Council.

Ian Ashby (60)  S  
Non-executive Director

B Eng (Mining)

Nolitha Fakude (53)  A   S  
Non-executive Director

BA Hons

Byron Grote (69)  A   N   R  
Non-executive Director

PhD Quantitative Analysis

66

GOVERNANCE DIRECTORSAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP KEY

 Audit Committee
 Nomination Committee
  Remuneration Committee

  Sustainability Committee
  Chair of Committee 
  Member of Committee

serving as founding board member of  
Women in Business in Lesotho.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS 
Executive vice president of HIV/AIDS and 
Tuberculosis programmes for the Clinton Health 
Access Initiative, and the vice chair of the Global 
Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

to joining Capital Group, Jim was an investment 
analyst covering the South American mining and 
metals industry for HSBC James Capel in New York. 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Chairman of Dalradian Resources Inc., chairman of 
the Queen’s University Belfast Foundation Board, 
and an independent director of the Tantallon India 
Fund Board.

Dr Mphu Ramatlapeng (65)  S  
Non-executive Director

MD, MHSc

Jim Rutherford (58)  A   R   S  
Non-executive Director

BSc (Econ), MA (Econ)

Appointed to the Board on 8 July 2013

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 
Mphu is a highly experienced leader who brings to 
Anglo American a broad range of global health 
expertise at board level across both the public and 
private sectors.

Mphu served as Minister of Health and Social 
Welfare of Lesotho between 2007 and 2012. In this 
role, she championed Lesotho’s significant 
achievements in reducing the transmission of HIV 
from mother to child. Across her career, she has been 
a leading advocate for women in business, including 

Appointed to the Board on 4 November 2013

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Jim has over 25 years’ experience in investment 
banking and investment management. He has 
extensive international experience, and brings to the 
Board considerable financial insight from the 
perspective of the capital markets and a deep 
understanding of the mining industry.

Between 1997 and 2013, Jim was a senior vice 
president of Capital International Investors, a  
division of Capital Group, and had responsibility for 
investments in the mining and metals industry. Prior 

Appointed to the Board on 14 May 2012

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Anne brings to the Board a wealth of experience and 
wide-ranging commercial acumen from a number of 
global industries in North, Central and South America.

Corporation, where she held roles in engineering, 
product development, and sales and marketing. 
Anne is a former non-executive director of Lockheed 
Martin Corporation and GKN plc.

Anne Stevens (69)  A   N   R  
Non-executive Director

BSc, PhD

Anne served as chairman and CEO of SA IT Services 
from 2011 until her retirement in December 2014. 
From 2006-2009, Anne was chairman and CEO of 
Carpenter Technology Corporation. Prior to this, she 
was COO for the Americas at Ford Motor Company 
until 2006, the culmination of her 16-year career with 
the company. Her early career was spent at Exxon 

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
Chief executive of GKN plc and a non-executive 
director of XL Catlin.

Appointed to the Board on 16 November 2009

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE 
Jack brings to Anglo American a wealth of 
experience gained at all levels of the mining industry 
and extensive boardroom experience in both 
executive and non-executive roles.

Jack has received wide recognition as a mining 
executive during a long and distinguished career in 
the industry. He was previously chairman and CEO  
of Homestake Mining Co., vice chairman of Barrick 
Gold Corp. and has served on the boards of  
Tidewater Inc., Molycorp Inc., Centerra Gold Inc., 

Century Aluminum Co., Phelps Dodge Corp.,  
Rinker Group Ltd and Stillwater Mining.

CURRENT EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS
None

Jack Thompson (67)  N   R   S   
Non-executive Director

BSc, PhD

In addition, the following directors  
served during the year:

René Médori stepped down from the Board as Finance Director on 24 April 2017 
Sir John Parker stepped down from the Board as Chairman on 31 October 2017 

67

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

GROUP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Mark Cutifani 
Chief Executive

See page 65 for  
biographical details.

Member since  
April 2013

Stephen Pearce 
Finance Director

See page 65 for  
biographical details.

Member since  
January 2017

Tony O’Neill 
Technical Director

See page 65 for  
biographical details.

Member since  
September 2013

Bruce Cleaver (52) 
CEO of De Beers Group

BSc, LLB, LLM

Member since  
January 2016

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  
Bruce has served as CEO of De Beers since July 2016. He has previously 
served as Group Director, Strategy and Business Development at 
Anglo American, as well as Executive Head of Strategy and Corporate 
Affairs for De Beers, having joined the Group in 2005. Before joining 
De Beers, he was a partner at Webber Wentzel, the largest law firm in 
Africa, specialising in commercial matters.

Seamus French (55) 
CEO of Bulk Commodities  
and Other Minerals

B Eng (Chemical)

Member since  
October 2009

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  
Seamus has responsibility for the Group’s Coal, Iron Ore and Nickel 
businesses. He is a non-executive director of Kumba Iron Ore. Seamus 
joined the Group in 2007 and was CEO of Metallurgical Coal between 2009 
and 2013, and CEO of Coal until 2015. Prior to his career at Anglo American, 
Seamus joined WMC Resources in Australia in 1994 in a strategic planning 
and business development role, and progressed to various operational 
management roles, gaining extensive experience in the gold and nickel 
businesses before being appointed executive general manager of the 
Copper-Uranium Division. Seamus joined BHP Billiton as Global Vice 
President, Business Excellence, following its takeover of WMC in 2005.

Didier Charreton (54) 
Group Director –  
People and Organisation

MSc

Member since  
December 2015

Chris Griffith (53) 
CEO of Anglo American 
Platinum

B Eng (Mining) Hons, Pr Eng

Member since  
October 2009

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  
Didier joined Anglo American in December 2015. He has held a number 
of senior HR roles in his more than 25-year career. From 2007 until 2014, 
Didier was Chief Human Resources Officer for Baker Hughes, the 
US-based oilfield services company. Prior to 2007, he was HR director  
at Coats plc in the UK, and before that held a number of HR roles at 
Schlumberger, based in the US, Argentina, Venezuela and France.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  
Chris has served as CEO of Anglo American Platinum since September 
2012. He was previously CEO of Kumba Iron Ore from 2008 to 2012 and 
prior to this, served as Anglo American Platinum’s head of operations for 
joint ventures. Chris has been with the Group for over 25 years, joining 
Anglo American Platinum, where he progressed from shift supervisor to 
one of the youngest general managers in the company at that time.

68

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Norman Mbazima (59) 
Deputy Chairman of  
Anglo American South Africa

FCCA, FZICA

Member since  
October 2009

Duncan Wanblad (51) 
CEO of Base Metals and  
Group Director – Strategy  
and Business Development

BSc (Eng) Mech, GDE  
(Eng Management)

Member since  
October 2009

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  
Norman has served as Deputy Chairman of Anglo American South Africa 
since June 2015. From 2012 to 2016, he was CEO of Kumba Iron Ore. 
Norman joined Anglo American in 2001 at Konkola Copper Mines plc and 
was subsequently appointed global CFO of Coal. He became finance 
director of Anglo American Platinum in 2006 and later stepped in as joint 
acting CEO. Norman was CEO of Scaw Metals from 2008 and later CEO 
of Thermal Coal from 2009 to 2012.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  
Duncan has served in his current role since July 2016. He is a  
non-executive director of De Beers. 

Between 2009 and 2013, Duncan held the position of Group Director, 
Other Mining and Industrial. He was appointed joint acting CEO  
of Anglo American Platinum in 2007, before taking over as CEO of 
Anglo American’s Copper operations in 2008. Duncan began his  
career at Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Company Limited  
in 1990.

Anik Michaud (50) 
Group Director – Corporate 
Relations

LL.L (Law)

Member since  
March 2015

Peter Whitcutt (52) 
CEO of Marketing

Bcom (Hons), CA (SA), MBA

Member since  
October 2009

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  
Anik has served as Group Director – Corporate Relations since June 
2015. Her remit includes corporate communication, international and 
government relations, social performance and engagement, and the 
office of the chief executive. Anik joined Anglo American in 2008 as 
Group head of corporate communication. Prior to that, she was director  
of public affairs for Rio Tinto Alcan, following 10 years with the Alcan 
group. Anik began her career as the political attaché to the Minister of 
Finance for Quebec.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  
Peter has served as CEO of Marketing since January 2016. He is a 
non-executive director of De Beers.

Peter joined the Group in 1990 within the Corporate Finance division.  
He worked on the merger of Minorco with Anglo American Corporation  
of South Africa, the listing of Anglo American plc in 1999 and the 
subsequent unwinding of the cross-holding with De Beers. Peter was 
appointed Group head of finance in 2003, CFO of Base Metals in 2008 
and, from 2013 to 2015, he served as Group Director – Strategy, Business 
Development and Marketing.

René Médori served as a member of the GMC during the year, before 
stepping down on 31 December 2017.

Richard Price (54) 
Group General Counsel

BA (Hons), LL.B

Member since  
May 2017

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE  
Richard joined Anglo American as Group General Counsel in May 2017. 
From 1996 to 2017, he held a number of senior roles at Shearman & 
Sterling, the international law firm. In 1999, he transferred from Canada  
to the Singapore office as head of its South East Asian and Indian capital 
markets practice. Richard moved to London in 2003 as a senior corporate 
partner, and acted for clients across the metals, mining, energy and 
financial services sectors, amongst others. He served as co-head of the 
firm’s global mining and metals practice and head of its EMEA capital 
markets and EMEA corporate practices.

69

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE THE BOARD IN 2017

THE BOARD IN 2017

THE ROLE OF THE BOARD

The Board provides leadership to the Group and is 
collectively responsible for promoting and safeguarding  
the long-term success of the business. The Board is 
supported by a number of committees, to which it has 
delegated certain powers. The role of these committees is 
summarised below, and their membership, responsibilities 
and activities during the year are detailed on pages 78-114.

Some decisions are sufficiently material that they can only 
be made by the Board as a whole. The schedule of ‘Matters 
Reserved for the Anglo American plc Board’, and the 

BOARD COMPOSITION

The Board currently comprises the chairman, chief 
executive, two further executive directors and eight 
independent non-executive directors. The broad range  
of skills and experience our Board members bring to 
Anglo American are set out on pages 65-67 and 
illustrated in the table on page 72. The Board is supported 
by the Group company secretary.

There is a clear separation of responsibilities at the head 
of the Company between the running of the Board (one  
of the chairman’s key responsibilities) and the executive 
responsibility for the running of the Company’s business 
(the responsibility of the chief executive).

The roles and of key responsibilities of the Board are 
described below. 

Chairman
Stuart Chambers leads the Board, ensuring it works 
constructively as a team. His main responsibilities include: 
chairing the Board and the Nomination Committee and setting 
their agendas; Board composition and succession planning; 
providing support and counsel to the chief executive and his 
team; promoting the highest standards of integrity and 

committees’ terms of reference, explain which matters  
are delegated and which are retained for Board approval. 
These documents can be found on the Group’s website.

Executive structure
The Board delegates executive responsibilities to the chief 
executive, who is advised and supported by the Group 
Management Committee (GMC). The GMC comprises the 
chief executive, business unit CEOs, Group directors of 
corporate functions and the Group general counsel. The 
names of the GMC members, their roles and biographical 
details appear on pages 68-69.

governance; facilitating effective communication between 
directors; effective dialogue with shareholders and other 
stakeholders; and acting as ambassador for the Group.

Chief executive
Mark Cutifani manages the Group. His main responsibilities 
include: executive leadership; formulation and implementation 
of Group strategy as agreed by the Board; approval and 
monitoring of business plans; organisational structure  
and senior appointments; business development; and 
stakeholder relations.

Senior independent director
Sir Philip Hampton is available to shareholders on matters 
where the usual channels of communication are deemed 
inappropriate. He acts as an intermediary between the  
other directors and as a sounding-board for the chairman.

Independent non-executive directors (NEDs)
The role of the NEDs is to constructively challenge and  
provide advice to executive management; effectively 
contribute to the development of the Group’s strategy; 
scrutinise the performance of management in meeting  
agreed goals; and monitor the delivery of Group strategy.

Board

Audit Committee
Oversight of financial 
reporting, audit, internal 
control and risk 
management.

For more details
See page 80

Nomination Committee
Responsible for Board 
composition, appointment  
of directors and senior 
management and  
succession planning.

For more details
See page 79

Remuneration Committee
Determines the 
remuneration of executive 
directors, the chairman and 
senior management and 
oversees remuneration 
policy for all employees.

For more details
See page 88

Sustainability Committee
Oversees management  
of sustainability issues, 
including safety, health, 
environment, social and 
government relations.

For more details
See page 78

Group Management 
Committee
Principal executive committee. 
Responsible for developing and 
executing strategy, setting 
budgets, monitoring 
performance and managing 
the Group’s portfolio.

Chief executive

Corporate Committee 
Reviews corporate and 
ethical policies and 
processes, and financial 
performance and budgets  
at business unit level.

Operational Committee
Responsible for driving 
operational best practices  
across the Group and the  
setting of technical 
standards.

Investment Committee
Responsible for making 
recommendations to  
the GMC and chief executive 
on capital investment 
proposals.

70

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017BOARD DISCUSSIONS

The rolling agenda of matters discussed by the Board is 
described and explained below. The Board is scheduled  
to meet at least six times a year, but meets more often 
should circumstances warrant this. In addition, a full day 
strategy session is held, during which strategy 

formulated by management is debated, stress-tested, 
modified if necessary, and finally approved by the Board. 
At least once a year, each of the Group’s business unit 
heads presents to the Board in some depth on key aspects 
of their business.

BOARD DISCUSSIONS

TOPIC AND LINK  
TO PILLARS OF VALUE

Safety and Health

Environment

Socio-political

People

Operations

Financial

AREAS COVERED

COMMENTS

Fatal incidents,  
total recordable case  
frequency rate (TRCFR), 
health and medical 
incidents

The chief executive reports at each Board meeting on Group safety 
performance and this topic is always the first item on the agenda. The causes 
of fatal incidents and those causing injury are examined in detail by the 
Sustainability Committee and the findings discussed by the Board as a whole. 
Management performance in reducing such incidents and to improve 
occupational health is reviewed.

Environmental incidents, 
energy and climate 
change, water availability 
and rehabilitation

Material environmental incidents are reported on, together with efforts made 
to reduce energy and natural resource consumption, and to generally reduce 
the impact of the Group’s operations on the environment.

Social incidents  
and performance, 
government, media, 
investor and stakeholder 
relations

Community comments about environmental matters, and any health and 
safety issues are reported. Investor and media relations updates are given. 
Feedback from external stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, global 
influencers and governments on their expectations of the Group are 
presented and discussed. 

Employee feedback, 
organisational restructure, 
key appointments and 
resignations, business 
integrity and Code of 
Conduct

The results of employee engagement surveys on how employees feel the 
Group is doing and what could be done better are reviewed. Progress on 
organisational restructuring and changes in headcount are monitored. Targets 
for areas such as diversity are agreed and reported on. The Board is updated 
on compliance with our Code of Conduct and the business integrity policy. 

Operational performance  
by each business unit and 
progress of key projects

A report on each business unit is received and each business unit head 
presents in detail on its performance, operations, strategy, safety and 
sustainable development, technological innovation and risks once a year. 

Key financial measures, 
liquidity and balance 
sheet strength, cost 
improvements

Progress against the annual budget and three-year plan is monitored and 
discussed. Liquidity, balance sheet strength and debt are reviewed and,  
if any corrective actions are necessary, these are agreed.

Economic outlook  
and commodity  
prices

Macro-economic 
environment and 
commodity price  
outlook

The Board receives briefings from internal teams and external advisers on 
trends in relevant areas and likely scenarios for global economic growth. 
Commodity prices, and the effect of these on the Group, are noted and taken 
into account for strategy and planning purposes.

Strategy

Disposals, three-year 
plan, progress on  
critical tasks

As well as having a dedicated strategy meeting each year, the Board reviews 
progress against the Group’s agreed strategy at each meeting and considers  
if any changes are needed. There are annual presentations on exploration 
activities.

Board governance

Reports from 
committees, legislative 
and regulatory 
compliance

Each of the committee chairmen report on recent meetings and on any 
developments which need the attention of the Board as a whole. Reports are 
received on the Group’s compliance with relevant legislation and regulation, 
and any actions needed to respond to recent developments. The Board 
receives biannual updates on material litigation across the Group. Matters 
which generally assist the effective functioning of the Board and Group as  
a whole are considered and actions agreed.

For more information on our strategy and how we measure our performance through our pillars of value 
See pages 10 and 34-35

71

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GOVERNANCE THE BOARD IN 2017

BOARD INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

All directors have full and timely access to the information 
required to discharge their responsibilities fully and 
effectively. They have access to the advice and services  
of the Group company secretary, other members of the 
Group’s management and staff, and external advisers. 
Directors may take independent professional advice in the 
furtherance of their duties, at the Company’s expense.

Where a director is unable to attend a Board or committee 
meeting, he or she is provided with all relevant papers and 
information relating to that meeting and encouraged to 
discuss issues arising with the respective chairman and 
other Board and committee members.

BOARD INDUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

Following appointment and as required, directors receive 
training appropriate to their level of experience and 
knowledge. This includes the provision of a tailored 
induction programme and individual briefings with GMC 
members and their teams so as to provide newly appointed 
directors with information about the Group’s businesses  
and other relevant information to assist them in effectively 
performing their duties. In addition to scheduled Board 
operational site visits, non-executive directors are 
encouraged to spend time at the Group’s operations to  
meet management and staff. Further information about  
the Board’s visits to operations in 2017 can be found on 
pages 76-77.

Highlights
 • On joining Anglo American in January 2017, Stephen 

Pearce undertook an intensive orientation programme 
designed to ensure familiarisation with the Group’s 
businesses, people, and governance and control 
processes ahead of his appointment as finance director  
in April.

 • On joining the Board as a non-executive director in April 

2017, Nolitha Fakude received a briefing on the obligations 
and responsibilities of directors of UK listed companies,  
to complement her considerable knowledge and 
experience of serving on the boards of South African 
companies. In October, Nolitha accompanied Stuart 
Chambers to Brazil to visit the Minas-Rio (Iron Ore) and 
Barro Alto (Nickel) operations. 

 • On joining the Board as a non-executive director in July 
2017, Ian Ashby undertook internal ‘deep dive’ briefings  
on the Anglo American Operating Model and the Group’s 
Quellaveco copper project.

 • Ahead of his appointment as chairman, Stuart Chambers 

undertook an extensive induction programme – described 
in detail on page 64 of the chairman’s introduction to 
governance.

 • As part of their onboarding process, Nolitha Fakude,  

Ian Ashby and Stuart Chambers attended meetings of  
the Audit and Sustainability committees at the invitation  
of the respective committee chair prior to their formal 
appointment date.

Board experience and diversity

Diversity

Professional experience

Directors

Nationality

Female Mining Engineering

Large  
project 
management

Construction  
in mining/ 
oil and gas

Finance

Safety, 
health, 
environment

Broad- 
based 
international 
business 
experience

Previous  
NED 
experience

Previous  
chief 
executive

Economics 
and global 
economy

Experience  
as an  
investor

Stuart Chambers UK

Mark Cutifani*

Australia

Stephen Pearce*

Australia

Tony O’Neill*

Ian Ashby

Australia

Australia

Nolitha Fakude

South Africa

Byron Grote

USA/UK

Sir Philip Hampton UK

Mphu Ramatlapeng Lesotho

Jim Rutherford

Anne Stevens

UK

USA

Jack Thompson

USA(6)

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•

•
•

•
•

•
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•

•
•
•
•
•

•

•

•

•(3)
•(3)

•

•
•
•
•
•
•

•
•

•
•

•
•
•

•
•
•
•

•
•
•

•
•(1)
•(2)

•
•
•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

•(4)

•(5)
•

•

•
•

•
•

Independent director of Total S.A.

(1) 
(2)  Former non-executive director of Cedar Woods Properties Limited
(3)  Audit Committee members determined to have ‘recent and relevant’ financial experience in 

accordance with UK Corporate Governance Code Provision C.3.1

(4)  Government minister
(5)  COO, South America at Ford; chief executive of GKN plc
(6)  Born in Cuba, naturalised US citizen
*  Also GMC members

•

72

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS 2017 – FREQUENCY AND ATTENDANCE OF MEMBERS

The table below shows the attendance of directors at meetings of the Board and committees during the year.  
Attendance is expressed as the number of meetings attended out of the number eligible to be attended.

Sir John Parker(1)
Stuart Chambers(2)
Mark Cutifani
René Médori(3)
Stephen Pearce(4)
Tony O’Neill
Ian Ashby(5)
Nolitha Fakude(6)
Byron Grote
Sir Philip Hampton 
Mphu Ramatlapeng
Jim Rutherford(7)
Anne Stevens
Jack Thompson(8)

Independent 
n/a
n/a
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Board
5/5
3/3
6/6
1/1
5/5
6/6
4/4
5/5
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6

Board Strategy
1/1
–
1/1
–
1/1
1/1
–
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1

Audit
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2/2
4/4
4/4
–
4/4
4/4
–

Nomination
5/5
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
5/5
5/5
–
–
5/5
–

Remuneration
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3/3
3/3
–
1/1
3/3
3/3

Sustainability
2/3
1/1
4/4
–
–
4/4
2/2
3/3
–
–
4/4
4/4
–
4/4

(1)  Resigned 31 October 2017. Sir John was unable to attend the February 2017 

Sustainability Committee meeting due to a diary conflict.

(2)  Appointed as a non-executive director and chairman designate, and a member  
of the Nomination Committee, on 1 September 2017. Appointed as chairman of 
the Board, chairman of the Nomination Committee and a member of the 
Sustainability Committee on 1 November 2017.

(3)  Resigned 24 April 2017. 
(4)  Appointed 24 April 2017. 

(5)  Appointed 25 July 2017. 
(6)  Appointed 24 April 2017.
(7)  Appointed to the Remuneration Committee on 25 July 2017.
(8)  Appointed to the Nomination Committee on 25 July 2017. 
(9)  As part of their onboarding process, new Board and committee members attended 
meetings at the invitation of the respective committee chair prior to their formal 
appointment date. Attendance is not reflected in the table above. 

PROCESS USED IN RELATION TO  
BOARD APPOINTMENTS

The Board is committed to ensuring that it has the right 
balance of skills, experience and diversity, taking into 
account the targets of the Davies and Parker Reports. 
Currently, the Board comprises 12 directors, of whom  
25% are female and two of whom are people of colour.  
In terms of nationality, nine members of the Board have  
a nationality other than British, with two of them being  
from southern Africa. 

During 2017, the Nomination Committee led search 
processes to recruit two new non-executive directors and a 
successor for Sir John Parker as chairman of the Company. 
The processes were led by Spencer Stuart (South Africa)  
for the recruitment of Nolitha Fakude, by Heidrick & 
Struggles for the recruitment of Ian Ashby and by Zygos 
Partnership for the recruitment of Stuart Chambers. These 
consultancies were chosen as they had previously worked 
for the Group in recruiting for senior appointments and 
accordingly had a good understanding of the Board’s 
requirements, given the markets in which the most suitable 
candidates were likely to be found. They are also accredited 
under The Enhanced Code of Conduct for Executive  
Search firms which acknowledges those with a strong  
track record in and promotion of gender diversity in 
FTSE 350 companies. 

In each case, prior to the search commencing, the 
Nomination Committee agreed the skills and experience 
they thought were necessary for the roles and provided 
these to the consultancies with the request to include 
female candidates and people of colour. A list of potential 
candidates was then identified by the relevant consultancy 
and discussed with the committee members (excluding   
Sir John Parker in the case of the recruitment for his 
successor) to agree a shorter list to be interviewed. The  
non-executive directors were invited to apply for the position 
of chairman if they wished to be considered for the role. In 
each case, the initial list of potential candidates included 
both female and male participants and people of colour. 
Shortlisted candidates were interviewed by all members of 
the committee (again with the exception of Sir John Parker 
in the case of the recruitment for his successor) and, where 
practical, other directors. The final two candidates for the 
role of chairman were interviewed by all the directors. 
References were sought for each preferred candidate prior 
to an offer being made to them. 

73

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE THE BOARD IN 2017

Committee evaluations
The committee evaluations looked at ways in which the 
committees could improve their overall efficiency, their 
performance in the current year and the areas they needed 
to address in the coming year. All the committees were 
believed to be performing satisfactorily and were 
appropriately constituted. 

Audit Committee
The results of the 2016 review suggested a greater focus  
on actions mitigating risk and the effectiveness of controls 
and remediating actions, and an understanding of critical 
operating issues and risks, and their potential financial 
outcomes. As the Group’s priorities changed, and the 
business moved into a phase where capital allocation was 
once again desirable, the work of the committee changed  
to reflect this. The 2017 evaluation results suggested the 
committee should build on these changes and continue the 
work started in the year. 

Nomination Committee
From late 2016 until the middle of 2017 the committee  
was focused on Board succession planning and recruitment. 
While these processes were believed to have gone well,  
the 2016 review identified the following goals: 

 • better communication of succession planning work for  
key executives, including the pipeline target for female 
members of the GMC 

 • improving the ethnic diversity of the Board and in senior 

management

 • making the plans in these areas broader and more 

forward-looking.

In addition, the 2017 evaluation identified the development 
of internal candidates for the executive board positions. 

Remuneration Committee
The 2016 review highlighted the need to address the 
expectations of stakeholders in drafting the current 
remuneration policy, and to have a good understanding of 
the trends and initiatives in other FTSE 100 companies in 
relation to remuneration when doing this. The 2017 review 
prioritised the need to continue this work to ensure 
remuneration targets are aligned with strategic goals and 
Group performance, and to evaluate the range of emerging 
remuneration ideas. 

BOARD, COMMITTEE AND INDIVIDUAL  
DIRECTORS’ EVALUATION

Each year, the Board evaluates its own performance, that of 
its committees and of the individual directors. In 2016 and 
2017, the directors completed online, questionnaire-based, 
internal evaluations. To allow the Board and its committees 
to judge progress over the two years, the evaluations 
explored similar areas on each occasion. The results were 
collated, summarised and considered by the Nomination 
Committee before being submitted to the relevant 
committee and the Board itself. 

Action plans were developed based on the results and 
progress against these measured at various points 
throughout the year. The results of the findings and the 
actions taken in response to the 2016 evaluation are 
summarised below. Action plans based on the 2017 
evaluations were approved in February 2018, and will be 
progressed this year. The questionnaires completed by  
the individual directors were used as part of their 
performance evaluation by the chairman, with the 
chairman’s performance evaluation being led by the  
senior independent director. 

In 2018, an external evaluation exercise will be undertaken 
using a consultancy with no other connection to the 
Company, and this will be reported on in the 2018  
Annual Report. 

Board evaluation
Areas of focus for the evaluations in 2016 and 2017 included 
strategic oversight, the support provided to the Board and 
the management of meetings, and priorities for the coming 
year. From the 2016 exercise, the top priorities for the Board 
in 2017 were identified by the respondents as: 

 • making Board member appointments to replace the  
skills and experience lost towards the end of 2016 

 • focusing on strategy and growth options 

 • succession planning 

 • progressing the implementation of new technology. 

Changes were made to address these priorities,  
including to the Board agendas and to the information  
the Board receives. 

The 2017 evaluation identified the following priorities  
for 2018: 

 • driving demonstrable and sustainable safety and  

operating improvements

 • execution against the asset-led strategy 

 • identifying additional growth opportunities while targeting 

credit strength, debt reduction and refinancing

 • ensuring the Group has a suitably diverse workforce with 
the capability and skills to drive continuous improvement 

 • deploying winning technologies (especially in the areas of 

water reduction and safety improvements).

An action plan is being developed to progress these areas  
in 2018.

74

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Sustainability Committee
The oversight of management of people issues was a  
new responsibility for the committee in 2016, and it was 
agreed that more effort was needed in 2017 to improve 
performance in this area. Suggestions from the 2017 
evaluation for improving the performance of the  
committee included:

 • placing greater emphasis on forward-looking measures 
and initiatives that will improve performance around 
critical controls to avoid fatalities and injuries 

 • a more rigorous follow-up process on major incidents

 • ensuring a tighter link to risk identification and mitigation

 • developing reporting to include a fuller, more robust 

analysis of country risks. There was also recognition of  
the need to continue focus on the major risks facing the 
Group, such as those around tailings storage facilities. 

These suggestions informed the committee’s planning  
and discussions in the year. 

The 2017 review acknowledged that avoiding fatalities 
remains the key priority, and that: 

 • more work is needed to address recurring incidents 

leading to injury or death 

 • more information is sought on people issues and  

talent management 

 • there is a need to ensure there is the right balance  
of resource management across all aspects of the 
committee’s responsibilities. 

INVESTOR RELATIONS

The Company has an active engagement programme  
with its key financial audiences, including institutional 
shareholders and buy- and sell-side analysts, as well 
as potential shareholders.

The Group’s investor relations department manages 
the interactions with these audiences and regular 
presentations take place at the time of the interim  
and final results, as well as during the rest of the  
year. An active programme of communication with 
potential shareholders is also maintained. Any 
significant concerns raised by a shareholder in 
relation to the Company and its affairs are 
communicated to the Board.

The Board receives a briefing at each meeting from 
the investor relations department and analysts’ 
reports are circulated to the directors when available. 
Feedback from meetings held between executive 
management or the investor relations department, 
and institutional shareholders, is also communicated 
to the Board.

During the year there were regular presentations to, 
and meetings with, institutional investors in the UK, 
South Africa, continental Europe and North America 
to communicate the strategy and performance of 
Anglo American. Executive directors and key 
executives, including business unit heads, host such 
presentations, which include seminars for investors 
and analysts and one-to-one meetings. Throughout 
the year, executive management also present at 
industry conferences that are organised mainly by 
investment banks for their institutional investor base.

Private shareholders are encouraged to attend the 
Company’s general meetings or to submit questions 
to the Company via the Group’s website. The website 
also provides the latest news and historical financial 
information, details about forthcoming events for 
shareholders and analysts, and other information 
regarding Anglo American.

Voting levels at the AGM in 2017 were around 67%, 
with no more than 1.7% of that total being votes 
withheld. This is broadly in line with 2016 levels. All 
resolutions submitted to the meeting in 2017 were 
passed with more than 83% of the shareholders 
voting in favour, and only two resolutions (the 
re-election of the auditors and the authority for 
directors to allot shares) received fewer than 90%  
of the votes cast in favour.

75

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE THE BOARD IN 2017

BOARD VISITS TO GROUP  
OPERATIONS IN 2017

Undertaking regular site visits allows directors to  
gain a better understanding of the Group’s operations 
and affords Board members the opportunity to meet 
and interact with employees. During 2017, the Board 
met on two occasions outside the UK at locations in 
which the Group operates. In September, the Board 
met in South Africa to coincide with Anglo American’s 
centenary celebrations; and in October the Board met 
in Santiago, as described below. In 2017, non-executive 
directors visited Group operations in Brazil, Chile,  
Peru, South Africa and the UK.

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS’ VISITS

In July 2017, De Beers’ senior management hosted a visit  
by Nolitha Fakude and Ian Ashby to De Beers Technologies 
UK, the world-leading diamond research and technological 
development centre which specialises in diamond sorting 
and valuing technology, and synthetics detection.

In September 2017, non-executive directors, including 
members of the Sustainability Committee, visited Platinum’s 
Precious Metals Refinery in South Africa accompanied by 
Chris Griffith, CEO of Platinum.

In October 2017, Nolitha Fakude accompanied Stuart 
Chambers to Brazil to visit the Minas-Rio (Iron Ore) and 
Barro Alto (Nickel) operations.

“ Site visits are an integral part  
of performing your duties as a 
director. They are invaluable in 
enabling board members to develop 
a greater understanding of the 
issues affecting the business. In 
turn, that helps inform discussion 
around the board table.”
  Jim Rutherford, Non-executive Director

BOARD VISIT TO SOUTH AMERICA

In October 2017, the Anglo American plc Board met in 
Santiago, Chile. During the course of the visit, the Board 
received detailed presentations from Copper and Base 
Metals management on their strategy and operations,  
asset base and outlook. Directors undertook an operational 
visit to the Los Bronces copper mine, located around 3,500 
metres above sea level. The Board joined Copper as they 
celebrated Anglo American’s centenary celebrations with 
external stakeholders, including Chile’s Minister of Mining.

A number of directors also visited Anglo American’s 
Quellaveco copper project in southern Peru, accompanied 
by Duncan Wanblad, CEO of Base Metals. During the course 
of the visit, directors participated in on-site activities with 
employees and contractors organised for the Group’s 
annual Global Safety Day campaign. Directors received 
detailed briefings on Quellaveco, and toured the project’s 
main sites, including the open pit, the Asana river diversion 
works and the concentrator plant site. In addition, directors 
visited agricultural and female empowerment social 
development and community projects in the Moquegua 
Region which are supported by Anglo American in Peru.  
In Lima, the chairman, finance director and CEO of Base 
Metals met with national and regional leaders.

For more information on Quellaveco 
See page 19

Top: Copper’s CEO 
Hennie Faul (left) and  
NED Jack Thompson  
at Los Bronces mine.

Bottom left: NED Anne 
Stevens (centre) with 
Los Bronces’ head of 
shift mine operations 
Pablo Gomez (left)  
and vice president – 
operations Patricio 
Chacana (right) at  
the mine.

Bottom right: Hennie 
Faul (left) and Base 
Metals’ CEO Duncan 
Wanblad with the  
Board at their meeting  
in Santiago.

76

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Left: Directors visiting 
the Quellaveco copper 
project in Peru.

Right: (left to right) 
Quellaveco project  
vice president 
Domenico Pelliccia,  
Duncan Wanblad  
and Anglo American 
chairman Stuart 
Chambers listen to  
a presentation for 
employees and 
contractors at 
Quellaveco on  
Global Safety Day. 

Above: Directors and 
executives participating 
in Global Safety Day  
at Quellaveco.

Left and right: Directors 
and executives at social 
projects around the town 
of Moquegua, which lies 
close to the Quellaveco 
project.

Bottom right: (left to 
right) Angela Marca 
Flores, Mary Atencio 
Colque and Irene 
Quispe, who have 
received assistance 
from Mujures 
Emprendedoras, a 
project supported by 
Anglo American, helping 
women set up their  
own businesses.

Bottom left: In 
Moquegua, NED  
Mphu Ramatlapeng  
addresses directors  
and Quellaveco 
management at  
Casa Informativa,  
an information  
centre established  
by Anglo American 
where members of  
the public can obtain 
information about the 
Quellaveco project.

77

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE

Jack Thompson 
Chairman, Sustainability Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

(See pages 65-67 for biographies and Board experience details)

 • Jack Thompson – Chairman
 • Ian Ashby (appointed 25 July 2017)
 • Stuart Chambers (appointed 1 November 2017)
 • Mark Cutifani
 • Nolitha Fakude (appointed 25 April 2017)
 • Tony O’Neill
 • Sir John Parker (resigned 31 October 2017)
 • Mphu Ramatlapeng
 • Jim Rutherford

Business unit heads, Group directors of people and 
organisation, and corporate relations, the Group general 
counsel and the Group head of safety and sustainable 
development also participate in meetings of the committee.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The committee oversees, on behalf of the Board, material 
management policies, processes, and strategies designed 
to manage safety, health, environment, socio-political and 
people risks, to achieve compliance with sustainable 
development responsibilities and commitments and strive 
for an industry leadership position on sustainability.

The committee is responsible for reviewing the causes of 
any fatal or significant sustainability incidents and ensuring 
learnings are shared across the Group.

The committee’s terms of reference are available to  
view online.

For more information, visit 
www.angloamerican.com/aboutus/governance

During 2017, the committee held one of its  
four meetings in South Africa, and committee 
members visited Platinum’s Precious Metals 
Refinery, the site of a fatal incident during the 
year. In addition, committee members visited  
two social projects supported by Anglo American 
in Peru and participated in the Group’s annual 
Global Safety Day campaign at the Quellaveco 
copper project in southern Peru.

COMMITTEE DISCUSSIONS IN 2017 

The committee met four times in 2017. At each meeting, the 
committee reviews a detailed quarterly report covering the 
Group’s performance across a range of sustainability areas, 
including: safety, health, political and regulatory risk, and 
environmental and social performance.

Significant social, safety, health and environmental incidents 
are reviewed at each meeting, as are the results from 
operational risk reviews. 

In 2017, nine members of the workforce lost their lives at 
Group operations. Preliminary observations from each of 
these fatal incidents were reported to the next committee 
meeting following their occurrence, noting the factors 
surrounding the incidents, mitigation steps being taken and 
the process for formal investigation. Following completion 
of independent investigations, findings are presented to the 
committee.

In addition to the committee’s standing agenda items, the 
following matters were discussed during 2017: 

 • development of Anglo American’s new Sustainability 

Strategy

 • business unit and business function reports on safety and 
sustainability performance, including: Platinum, Copper, 
De Beers, and Group Discovery and Geosciences

 • workforce engagement and development

 • engagement with faith-based organisations

 • tailings storage facility risk management

 • air quality management at Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen mine

 • mercury monitoring at De Beers’ Victor mine

 • safety intervention plan at Coal South Africa operations

 • the new integrated Anglo American Safety, Health and 

Environment Way

 • 2016 Social Way assessment results – improvements in 
performance on managing the social impacts of mining

 • sustainability benchmarking – comparing performance 

and global trends across the industry

 • climate change: progress on actions to meet  

disclosure commitments under the ‘Aiming for A’ 
shareholder resolution

 • water management

 • mine closure liabilities

 • key legislative developments in the sustainability area

 • Sustainability Committee annual evaluation and  

action plan.

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Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017COMMITTEE DISCUSSIONS IN 2017 

The committee met five times during 2017. Discussions  
at the meetings covered the responsibilities outlined  
above with a particular focus on Board recruitment and 
committee membership. 

The process used for Board recruitment is described on 
page 73 of this Report and the results of the evaluation of 
the committee are on page 74. 

The committee also considered the composition of the 
Board and its committees, the leadership needs of the 
organisation, and recommended that the Board support  
the election or re-election of each of the directors standing 
at the AGM in 2017. The length of tenure of non-executive 
directors was taken into account when considering 
supporting their re-election, to ensure they remain 
independent and recognising the need to progressively 
refresh the Board. Changes to committee membership 
were recommended to the Board and the appropriate 
committee following the appointment of Nolitha Fakude  
and Ian Ashby as non-executive directors. 

GOVERNANCE NOMINATION COMMITTEE

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

Stuart Chambers 
Chairman, Nomination Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

(See pages 65-67 for biographies and Board experience details)

 • Sir John Parker – Chairman (resigned 31 October 2017)
 • Stuart Chambers – Chairman (appointed 1 September 2017, 

Chairman from 1 November 2017)

 • Byron Grote
 • Sir Philip Hampton
 • Anne Stevens
 • Jack Thompson (appointed 25 July 2017)

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 • Agreeing a skills and experience matrix for all directors 
(with the approval of the Board) to identify and address 
any skills gaps when recruiting new directors.

 • Making recommendations as to the composition of the 
Board and its committees and the balance between the 
executive directors and non-executive directors in order  
to maintain a diverse Board with the appropriate mix of 
skills, experience, independence and knowledge.

 • With the assistance of external search consultants, 

identifying and reviewing, in detail, potential candidates 
available in the market and agreeing a ‘longlist’ of 
candidates for each directorship. Following further 
discussion and research, deciding upon a shortlist of 
candidates for interview. Committee members interview 
the shortlisted candidates and make a recommendation  
to the Board.

 • Ensuring that the Human Resources function of the Group 
regularly reviews and updates the succession plans for the 
directors and senior managers. These are presented to the 
Board by the chief executive (in the absence of other 
executive directors) and discussed.

The committee’s terms of reference are available to  
view online.

For more information, visit 
www.angloamerican.com/aboutus/governance

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Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Byron Grote 
Chairman, Audit Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

FAIR, BALANCED AND UNDERSTANDABLE

A key requirement of our financial statements is for the 
report to be fair, balanced and understandable. The Audit 
Committee and the Board are satisfied that the Annual 
Report and Accounts meet this requirement, as appropriate 
weight has been given to both positive and negative 
developments in the year.

In justifying this statement, the Audit Committee has 
considered the robust process which operates in creating 
the Annual Report and Accounts, including:

(See pages 65-67 for biographies and Board experience details)

 • clear guidance and instruction is provided to all 

 • Byron Grote – Chairman
 • Nolitha Fakude (appointed 25 April 2017)
 • Sir Philip Hampton
 • Jim Rutherford
 • Anne Stevens

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 • Monitoring the integrity of the annual and interim  

financial statements.

 • Making recommendations to the Board concerning the 
adoption of the annual and interim financial statements.

 • Overseeing the Group’s relations with the external auditor.

 • Reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of the Group’s 

risk management and internal control mechanisms.

 • Approving the terms of reference of the internal audit 

function and assessing its effectiveness.

 • Approving the internal audit plan and reviewing regular 
reports from the head of internal audit on effectiveness  
of the internal control system.

 • Receiving reports from management on the principal risks 
of the Group. Details of the principal risks are contained on 
pages 42-45. Overseeing completion of the Viability 
Statement.

 • Overseeing implementation of the Group’s Code of 

Conduct.

The committee’s terms of reference are available to  
view online.

contributors

 • revisions to regulatory requirements are provided to 

contributors and monitored on an ongoing basis

 • reviewing the use and disclosure of Alternative 

Performance Measures, taking into account feedback 
from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) following the 
FRC’s review of the Group’s disclosures for the year  
ended 2017 

 • early-warning meetings are conducted between business 

unit management and the auditor in advance of the 
year-end reporting process

 • a thorough process of review, evaluation and verification  
of the inputs from business units is undertaken to ensure 
accuracy and consistency

 • external advisers provide advice to management and the 
Audit Committee on best practice with regard to creation 
of the Annual Report and Accounts

 • a meeting of the Audit Committee was held in February 

2018 to review and approve the draft 2017 Annual Report 
and Accounts in advance of the final sign-off by the  
Board. This review included the critical accounting 
judgements explained in the notes to the consolidated 
financial statements

 • the Audit Committee considered the conclusions of the 
external auditor over the key audit risks that contributed  
to their audit opinion, specifically impairments, taxation, 
special items and remeasurements, and corporate  
asset transactions.

For more information, visit 
www.angloamerican.com/aboutus/governance

COMMITTEE DISCUSSIONS IN 2017

Throughout the course of 2017, the Audit Committee paid 
particular attention to the valuation of assets, tax matters, 
the Group’s liquidity position and reinstatement of the 
dividend. The committee oversaw the introduction of the 
new Code of Conduct and reviewed the system of internal 
control and risk management. 

An evaluation of the committee was undertaken, the results 
of which are described on page 74.

The Audit Committee held four meetings in 2017, covering 
the key topics set out on the following pages. 

80

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017SIGNIFICANT ISSUES CONSIDERED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE 
IN RELATION TO THE GROUP’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RESPONSE OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE 

Impairment and impairment reversals of assets
The value of mining operations is sensitive to a range of characteristics 
unique to each asset. Management is required to apply judgement in the 
estimation of Ore Reserves, and price and production forecasts which 
drive cash flow projections.

The committee exercises oversight over the impairment review process, 
including the identification of impairment and impairment reversal 
indicators, the review of changes in the valuation of cash generating units 
and associated sensitivity analysis. During 2017, the most significant 
assets considered were the following: 

Sishen 
The Sishen mine was impaired by $0.5 billion in 2015, following a 
reduction in the Group’s long-term iron ore price forecast. The committee 
considered whether recent improvements in the near-term pricing 
outlook and operating performance at the mine justified an impairment 
reversal, taking into account the sensitivity analysis presented by 
management. While the valuation is sensitive to changes in key 
assumptions, significant downside changes to the base case assumptions 
are required to remove all headroom. The committee therefore 
concluded that a full reversal of the impairment recorded in 2015  
should be recognised at the December 2017 year end. 

Minas-Rio 
The valuation of Minas-Rio continues to be in line with the carrying value, 
but is subject to uncertainty in relation to licensing as well as being highly 
sensitive to changes in pricing assumptions. The committee considered 
the status of the licensing process for the operation and the scenarios 
presented by management. It was concluded that an impairment should 
not be recorded at Minas-Rio as the valuation was at break-even  
following receipt of the Step 3 installation licence in January 2018. 

El Soldado 
El Soldado was fully impaired in 2016, following suspension of  
operations due to licensing uncertainty. Following receipt of the mining 
permit, operations resumed in April 2017, resulting in an impairment 
reversal of $194 million in the Group’s 2017 interim results. 

Moranbah-Grosvenor 
Moranbah-Grosvenor was impaired by $1.25 billion in 2016, as a result  
of a reduction in the Group’s expected long-term metallurgical coal 
prices. The Grosvenor operation encountered mixed operational results 
during 2017. The committee concluded that, while recent performance 
was promising, a sustained period of strong performance would be 
necessary before an impairment reversal would be considered. 

OTHER ISSUES CONSIDERED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE  
IN RELATION TO THE GROUP’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RESPONSE OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Reinstatement of the dividend
Reviewing management’s recommendation to the Board that the 
dividend be reinstated at the 2017 interim results announcement, based 
on a payout ratio driven dividend policy.

The committee reviewed the proposal for timing and method of 
reinstatement of the dividend, in particular the payout ratio driven 
dividend policy based on 40% of underlying earnings.

Following discussion, the committee endorsed the proposal to adopt  
the new policy and to pay an interim dividend for 2017, for final approval  
by the Board.

Legal matters
A provision is recognised where, based on the Group’s legal views and,  
in some cases, independent advice, it is considered probable that an 
outflow of resources will be required to settle a present obligation that  
can be measured reliably. This requires the exercise of judgement.

The committee was updated by the Group’s general counsel on the status 
of legal matters over the course of the year.

At 30 June 2017, a charge of $101 million was recognised in respect of  
the consolidated class action certification application filed in South Africa 
on behalf of former mineworkers (and dependants of deceased 
mineworkers) who allegedly contracted silicosis or tuberculosis as a 
result of working for various gold mining companies, including some in 
which Anglo American South Africa (AASA) was a shareholder and to 
which AASA provided services.

Whilst a final settlement had not yet been reached between the  
parties and the outcome of discussions remained uncertain, the 
committee approved the recognition of a provision based on  
the status of negotiations.

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GOVERNANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE

OTHER ISSUES CONSIDERED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE  
IN RELATION TO THE GROUP’S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RESPONSE OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Special items and remeasurements
The Group’s criteria for recognising a special item or remeasurement 
involves the application of judgement in determining whether an  
item, due to its size or nature, should be separately disclosed in the 
income statement.

The committee reviewed each of the items classified as special items or 
remeasurements in the financial statements, and the related disclosures, 
to ensure that the separate disclosure of these items was appropriate.

New accounting standards
The impact of new accounting standards, and any elections made in their 
application, involves judgement to ensure their adoption is managed 
appropriately.

The committee reviewed management’s impact assessment of the 
adoption of IFRS 9 Financial Instruments and IFRS 15 Revenue from 
contracts with customers, both of which become effective in 2018  
but are not expected to have a material impact on the Group.

Going concern basis of accounting in preparing the  
financial statements
The ability of the Group to continue as a going concern depends upon 
continued access to sufficient financing facilities. Judgement is required 
in the estimation of future cash flows and compliance with debt covenants 
in future years.

Retirement benefits
The ability of the Group to recover surpluses within pension schemes 
involves judgement. The estimation of retirement benefits requires 
judgement over the estimation of scheme assets and liabilities. Areas of 
judgement include assumptions for discount and inflation rates, returns 
on assets and life expectancy. Changes in the assumptions used would 
affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

The committee also received an update on progress in the 
implementation of IFRS 16 Leases which will become effective  
in 2019.

The committee assessed the forecast levels of net debt, headroom on 
existing borrowing facilities and compliance with debt covenants. This 
analysis covered a range of downside sensitivities, including the impact  
of lower commodity prices and higher costs.

The committee reviewed the changes in assumptions behind the 
calculations of the asset and liability positions of the Group’s pension and 
medical plans. In addition, the committee reviewed the adequacy of the 
level of funding provided to the plans and the overall expense recognised 
for the year. 

The committee assessed the appropriateness of the Group’s overall  
risk management approach to retirement benefits, and the Group’s ability 
to recover surpluses within schemes in the UK and South Africa.

Provision for restoration, rehabilitation and  
environmental costs
The estimation of environmental restoration and decommissioning 
liabilities is inherently uncertain given the long time periods over which 
these expenditures will be incurred, and the potential for changes in 
regulatory frameworks and industry practices over time.

The committee oversees the periodic update to estimates of 
environmental and decommissioning liabilities which are based on the 
work of external consultants and internal experts. It reviews the changes 
in assumptions and drivers of movements in the amounts provided on the 
balance sheet.

Taxation
The Group’s tax affairs are governed by complex domestic tax 
legislations, international tax treaties between countries and the 
interpretation of both by tax authorities and courts. Given the many 
uncertainties that could arise from these factors, judgement is often 
required in determining the tax that is due.

The Group head of tax provided the committee with an update on  
tax matters, including the status of tax audits, the current global tax 
environment and the ongoing entity simplification programme.

The committee discussed the recoverability of the Group’s deferred  
tax assets, and uncertain tax provisions.

The committee were presented with the Tax Strategy for approval prior  
to publication on the Anglo American website as required under Schedule 
19 of the Finance Act 2016.

82

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017OTHER ISSUES CONSIDERED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

RESPONSE OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Viability Statement
The Viability Statement, and the underlying process to analyse various 
scenarios that support the development of the Viability Statement, are 
found on pages 40-45.

The committee reviewed the time period over which the assessment  
is made, along with the scenarios that are analysed, the potential  
financial consequences and assumptions made in the preparation of  
the statement.

Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves statements
The year-on-year changes to Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves for 
operations and projects across the Group.

Internal audit work
Reviewing the results of internal audit work and the 2018 plan.

Risk management
The Group’s risk profile and the process by which risks are identified  
and assessed.

Code of Conduct
The implementation of the Code of Conduct and specific actions to 
mitigate risk of bribery and corruption.

Various risk matters
The committee oversees the implementation of work to mitigate  
a variety of key risks.

External audit
Reviewing the results of extended audit work and the 2017 year-end plan.

The committee concluded that the scenarios analysed were sufficiently 
severe but plausible and the time period of the Viability Statement was 
appropriate given the alignment with the budgeting and strategy process.

The committee reviewed the significant year-on-year changes, satisfying 
itself that appropriate explanations existed. The committee also 
discussed issues and improvements in the process to measure Mineral 
Resources and Ore Reserves including adoption of a new software 
platform and updated guidelines. 

The committee received reports on the results of internal audit work, 
satisfying itself that the 2017 plan was on track, and discussed areas 
where control improvement opportunities were identified. The committee 
reviewed the progress in completion of agreed management actions.

The committee reviewed the proposed 2018 internal audit plan, 
assessing whether the plan addressed the key areas of risk for the 
business units and Group. The committee approved the plan having 
discussed the scope of work and its relationship to the Group’s risks.

The committee assessed the Group’s risk profile, in particular the 
principal risks (see pages 42-45). The committee discussed the key risks,  
the mitigation plans in place and the appropriate executive management 
responsibilities. The committee also considered the process by which the 
risk profile is generated, the changes in risk definitions and how the risks 
aligned with the Group’s risk appetite. Following discussion and 
challenge, the risk profile was approved.

The committee reviewed the implementation plan for the new Code of 
Conduct that was rolled out across the Group in 2017. The committee 
received updates on the progress with implementation and sought 
assurance that implementation would be continued beyond the initial 
communication to employees. The committee reviewed and approved  
the work to embed the Code of Conduct in recruitment, induction, 
performance management and employee development programmes.

The committee also assessed the work being conducted to mitigate the 
risk of bribery and corruption. Specifically, the committee reviewed work to 
assess risk from use of intermediaries, approving plans to strengthen risk 
mitigation in this area. The committee approved work plans associated 
with the Group’s anti-bribery and corruption programme for 2018. 

The committee reviewed work to mitigate cyber risk, data protection  
risk, plus marketing and trading risks, during the course of 2017. The 
committee evaluated the work being performed, progress made  
and provided challenge to satisfy itself that these risks were being 
adequately managed. 

The committee received the results of the interim work of the external 
auditor in the July meeting and approved the preliminary planning  
report for the 2017 year-end audit, having reviewed the audit approach, 
materiality levels and audit risks. The final audit plan and fee for the  
audit were approved at the December meeting.

Throughout the year, the committee sought input from the auditor on  
all significant accounting matters and the judgements made by 
management. In February 2018, the committee reviewed the output  
of the external audit work that contributed to the auditor’s opinion.

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GOVERNANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

ENSURING INDEPENDENCE  
OF THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR

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 an auditor’s independence  
is a lack of control over non-audit services provided by the 
external auditor. The external auditor’s independence is 
deemed to be impaired if the auditor provides a service that:

 • results in the auditor acting as a manager or employee of 

the Group

 • puts the auditor in the role of advocate for the Group

 • creates a mutuality of interest between the auditor and  

the Group.

Anglo American addresses this issue through three primary 
measures, namely:

 • disclosure of the extent and nature of non-audit services

 • the prohibition of selected services – this includes the 

undertaking of internal audit services

 • prior approval by the Audit Committee chairman of 
non-audit services where the cost of the proposed  
service is likely to exceed $100,000. This was increased 
from the prior limit of $50,000, which had been in place for 
many years.

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 the 
auditor’s independence and with the Ethical Standards 
issued by the Audit Practices Board in the UK.

Non-audit work is only undertaken where there is 
commercial sense in using the auditor without jeopardising 
auditor independence; for example, where the service is 
related to the assurance provided by the auditor or benefits 
from the knowledge the auditor has of the business. 
Non-audit fees represented 31% of the 2017 audit fee  
of $9.5 million. A more detailed analysis is provided on  
page 173.

OTHER SAFEGUARDS

 • The external auditor is required to adhere to a rotation 

policy based on best practice and professional standards 
in the UK. 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, Kari 
Hale, was appointed in 2015, and will rotate off at the end 
of the 2019 audit in accordance with this requirement.

 • 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.

 • The external auditor is required to assess periodically 
whether in their professional judgement, they are 
independent of the Group.

 • The Audit Committee ensures that the scope of the 

auditor’s work is sufficient and that the auditor is fairly 
remunerated.

 • The Audit Committee has primary responsibility for 

making recommendations to the Board on the 
appointment, re-appointment and removal of the  
external auditor.

 • The Audit Committee has the authority to engage 

independent counsel and other advisers as they determine 
necessary to resolve issues on the auditor’s independence.

 • An annual assessment is undertaken of the auditor’s 
effectiveness through a structured questionnaire and 
input from all business units and Group functions covering 
all aspects of the audit process. The Audit Committee 
members also participate in this assessment, which 
evaluates audit planning, execution, communications and 
reporting. The assessment identifies strengths and areas 
for improvement which are discussed with the auditor and 
action plans agreed. The assessment conducted in 2017 
for the 2016 audit showed an improvement from the 
previous assessment due to actions taken. 

84

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Audit tender
Anglo American will undertake a tender and rotation of the 
audit appointment no later than at the time of the rotation of 
the lead engagement partner, which is due after completion 
of the 2019 audit. Deloitte has been the auditor since 1999.

Anglo American confirms compliance during the year with 
the provisions of the Competition and Markets Authority 
Order on mandatory tendering and audit committee 
responsibilities.

FRC Audit Quality Review
The FRC’s Audit Quality Review team selected the audit of 
the 2016 Anglo American plc financial statements to review 
as part of their 2017/18 annual inspection of audit firms. The 
focus of the review and their reporting is on identifying areas 
where improvements are required rather than highlighting 
areas performed to or above the expected level. The 
chairman of the Audit Committee, who also met with the 
Audit Quality Review team as part of the process, received  
a full copy of the findings of the Audit Quality Review team 
and has discussed these with Deloitte. The Audit Committee 
confirms that there were no significant areas for 
improvement identified within the report. The Audit 
Committee is also satisfied that there is nothing within the 
report which might have a bearing on the audit appointment.

Conclusions of the Audit Committee for 2017
The Audit Committee has satisfied itself that the external 
auditor’s independence was not impaired.

The Audit Committee held meetings with the external 
auditor without the presence of management on two 
occasions, and the chairman of the Audit Committee held 
regular meetings with the lead audit engagement partner 
during the year.

Consideration given to the appointment of the 
external auditor
The Audit Committee’s assessment of the external  
auditor’s performance and independence underpins its 
recommendation to the Board to propose to shareholders 
the re-appointment of Deloitte LLP as auditor until the 
conclusion of the AGM in 2019. Resolutions to authorise the 
Board to re-appoint and determine the remuneration of 
Deloitte LLP will be proposed at the AGM on 8 May 2018.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk management is the responsibility of the Board and is 
integral to the achievement of our objectives. The Board 
establishes the system of risk management, setting risk 
appetite and maintaining the system of internal control to 
manage risk within the Group. The Group’s system of risk 
management and internal control is monitored by the Audit 
Committee under delegation from the Board.

The system of risk management is designed to ensure 
awareness of risks that threaten the achievement of 
objectives. The controls that mitigate those risks are 
identified so that assurance can be provided on the 
effectiveness of those controls and a determination can  
be made as to whether the risk is operating within the 
Group’s risk appetite. We seek to embed a culture of risk 
awareness into the development of our strategic and 
operational objectives.

The process for identification and assessment of the 
principal risks combines a top-down and bottom-up 
approach. At the operations level, a process to identify  
all risks that prevent the achievement of objectives is 
undertaken. Detailed analysis of the material risks at  
each location is performed to ensure management 
understanding of the risk and controls that reduce 
likelihood of occurrence and impact should the risk 
materialise. These operational risk profiles contribute to the 
assessment of risks at the business unit level. Executive 
management at each business unit assesses risks that 
threaten achievement of the business unit objectives and 
the status of controls, or actions, that mitigate those risks.  
At the Group level, risks are identified through assessment 
of global factors affecting the industry and the Group 
specifically, as well as the risks arising from the business 
unit assessments. Materiality of risk is determined through 
assessment of the various impacts that may arise and 
likelihood of occurrence. An exception relates to those  
risks deemed catastrophic in nature, where the focus of 
assessment is on impact and status of internal controls, 
given the very low likelihood of occurrence. When 
considering the impact of any risk, we assess financial, 
safety, environmental, legal or regulatory, social and 
reputational consequences.

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Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The robust process of identifying and evaluating the 
principal risks is ongoing and was in place during 2017. 
Regular reports on the status of risks and controls are 
presented to executive management teams throughout the 
year. The Audit Committee reviews reports on the overall 
Anglo American risk profile on two occasions during the 
year and conducts in-depth reviews of specific risks during 
its meetings over the course of the year. Each principal risk  
is assigned to either the Board or the relevant Board 
committees to oversee executive management actions in 
response to that risk. The Audit Committee reviews that 
oversight process on an annual basis.

Details of the principal risks are provided on pages 42-45.

Risk appetite
We define risk appetite as ‘the nature and extent of risk that 
Anglo American is willing to accept in relation to the pursuit 
of its objectives’. Each principal risk is assessed as to 
whether it is operating within the limit of appetite for the 
Group, based on review of the external factors influencing 
that risk, the status of management actions to mitigate or 
control the risk and the potential impact should the risk 
materialise. For risks operating beyond the limit of appetite, 
a change in strategy may be required. For risks operating 
within, but approaching the limit of, appetite, specific 
management actions may be required to ensure the risk 
remains within the limit of appetite.

Risk management and the system  
of internal control
Controls either reduce the likelihood or impact of any risk 
once it has occurred, while the identification of material 
controls – i.e. those controls that have the most influence in 
mitigating a risk – is an important input for audit planning.

The system of internal control operates on a traditional 
‘three lines of defence’ approach, with operating 
management implementing and monitoring controls on  
a day-to-day basis, and business unit or functional 
management providing a second line of defence through 
regular and frequent oversight of operating management’s 
implementation of controls. A centrally managed internal 
audit department provides the third line of defence by 
reviewing the design and operating effectiveness of the 
internal control environment, which includes the work 
performed by the first and second lines of defence 
management teams. Internal audit operated in all of the 
Group’s managed businesses in 2017, reporting its work  
to executive management and the Audit Committee on a 
regular basis. The internal audit department’s mandate  
and annual audit coverage plans were approved by the  
Audit Committee.

The scope of internal audit work covers the broad  
spectrum of risk to which the Group is exposed. The audit  
of controls associated with major operating/technical risks 
is undertaken in conjunction with relevant experts from  
the Technical and Sustainability function, the results of 
which were shared with the Sustainability Committee and 
Audit Committee.

In determining its opinion that the internal control 
environment was effective during 2017, the Audit 
Committee considered the following factors:

 • the results of internal audit work, including the response  
of management to completion of actions arising from  
audit work

 • the output of risk management work

 • the output of external audit work and other  

assurance providers

 • issues identified by management or reported through 

whistleblowing arrangements, and the results of 
investigations into allegations of breaches of our  
values and business principles.

Reviewing the effectiveness of the system  
of risk management and internal control 
The Board, through the Audit Committee, fulfils its 
responsibility in reviewing the effectiveness of the system  
of risk management and internal control through review of 
reports submitted over the course of the year covering the 
risk management process, adequacy of the internal control 
environment, consideration of risk appetite, in-depth 
reviews of specific risks and the results of external audit 
work. The Sustainability Committee also reviews technical 
and safety risks in detail and reports its findings to the Board.

Reviewing the effectiveness of Internal Audit
During the latter part of 2016, the Audit Committee 
commissioned and participated in an external review of 
internal audit to assess its effectiveness in the delivery of  
its assurance work. This is a regular assessment performed 
every five years. The review assessed the purpose and 
remit, position and organisation, process and technology, 
people and knowledge, and performance and 
communication practices of the internal audit team. The 
results of the assessment, which concluded internal audit  
is effective in its duties, were discussed in detail by the 
committee and the recommendations submitted for 
improvement were evaluated. During the course of 2017, the 
Audit Committee reviewed progress on the implementation 
of agreed actions to address the recommendations made. 
The committee also assesses the work of internal audit 
through its annual committee evaluation.

86

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Whistleblowing programme
The Group has a whistleblowing facility operating in all its 
managed operations as well as a Group-wide stakeholder 
complaints and grievance procedure (see the 2017 
Sustainability Report for more details). The whistleblowing 
programme, which is monitored by the Audit Committee, is 
designed to enable employees, customers, suppliers, 
managers or other stakeholders to raise concerns on a 
confidential basis where conduct is deemed to be contrary 
to our values.

During 2017, 272 (2016: 413) reports were received via  
the global ‘Speak Up’ facility, covering a broad spectrum  
of concerns, including:

 • ethical

 • criminal

 • supplier relationships

 • health and safety

 • HR issues.

The majority of reports were received on an anonymous 
basis. Of the cases closed in 2017, 19% were proven to 
support the allegations received and resulted in some form 
of management action.

In addition, more than 600 alerts were received in respect of 
an attempted purchasing fraud committed by third parties 
against other companies in South Africa using email domain 
addresses similar to Anglo American Platinum. These alerts 
are being used as evidence by authorities in a criminal 
investigation which is ongoing.

87

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

“  The role of Anglo American’s Remuneration 
Committee is to ensure that the remuneration 
arrangements for executive directors offer 
every encouragement for them to deliver our 
strategy and create stakeholder value in a 
sustainable manner.”

Sir Philip Hampton, Chairman, Remuneration Committee

1.  INTRODUCTORY LETTER

Dear Shareholder,

The role of Anglo American’s Remuneration Committee 
(committee) is to ensure that the remuneration 
arrangements for executive directors and other members 
of the Group Management Committee (GMC) offer them 
every encouragement to deliver our strategy and create 
stakeholder value in a sustainable and responsible manner. 
It is also our task to ensure that the remuneration received 
by executive directors is proportionate to the levels of 
performance achieved and the returns received by you  
as shareholders. As a committee, therefore, we have to  
give full consideration to the Group’s strategy, its 
performance, your interests and the interests of the wider 
communities we affect. As such, we were delighted to 
receive overwhelming shareholder support for our revised 
remuneration policy at the 2017 AGM. We believe that the 
policy ensures that pay outcomes are fair, responsibly 
delivered and genuinely reflective of individual and 
business performance.

Pay for performance
As reported by the chief executive in his introduction to  
this year’s Annual Report, Anglo American’s pursuit since 
2013 of greater operational efficiency and of upgrading  
the quality of its asset portfolio is reflected in further 
improvements in financial and operational performance. 
Free cash flow increased strongly to $4.9 billion, with profit 
for the financial year attributable to equity shareholders 
doubling to $3.2 billion and underlying EBITDA improving 
by 45% to $8.8 billion.

Underlying earnings per share (EPS) was $2.57 and 
net debt has been reduced to $4.5 billion from $8.5 billion 
at the end of 2016, well below the target of $7.0 billion.

The performance of the business, up to and during 2017, is 
reflected in the long- and short-term remuneration received 
by the executive directors. Specifically:

 • The committee has decided to increase the executive 

directors’ salaries in 2018 by 2.5%. This increase is felt to 
be appropriate in the light of the directors’ contribution to 
the Group’s improved financial position over 2017 and is 
consistent with the increase awarded to the general UK 
employee population

 • Strong operational performance, delivery of the $1.1 billion 
cost and volume improvement target and higher copper 
and bulks commodity prices supported the EPS targets 
being achieved as to 98%. The committee measures  
EPS performance against a set of established outcomes; 
half is measured at ‘fixed’ commodity prices and foreign 
exchange (FX) rates and the other half assessed at actual 
results. The EPS at ‘fixed’ prices achieved an outcome of 
95%, and 100% at actual results. The ‘fixed’ price element 
eliminates the impact of commodity price and exchange 
rate fluctuations, which are largely outside of management 
control, thereby assessing the underlying business 
performance in terms of productivity and cost 
management. The assumptions used for the ‘fixed’ prices 
and FX rates were consistent with the budget assumptions 
and in line with market expectations at the time. The range 
for actual outcomes was established using a series of price 
and exchange rate parameters taking into account FX spot 
rates, analysts’ consensus and with full delivery of the 
stretch improvement target

 • Safety performance during the year led to an overall 

modifier of (3.85)%, which incorporates the maximum 
deduction in respect of the disappointing number of  
fatalities in 2017. This led to overall bonus outcomes of 
between 76.90% and 81.70% of maximum opportunity. 
The committee has carefully reviewed the bonus 
outcomes and is satisfied that they are appropriate. A full 
explanation can be found on page 103

88

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017 • The Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) awards granted in 

2015 will vest as to 50%, reflecting full achievement of the 
three-year ROCE target. The Total Shareholder Return 
(TSR) target was not met, resulting in the lapse of the 
remaining 50% of the award.

Executive director changes
Stephen Pearce joined Anglo American in January 2017,  
and was elected to the Board as finance director at the  
2017 AGM. 

As disclosed in the 2016 remuneration report, his 
remuneration package comprises:

 • Annual base salary of £775,000

 • Annual bonus and LTIP participation consistent with the 

Group’s remuneration policy

 • Compensation for incentives forfeited from his previous 
employer, including a performance-related cash bonus  
of £300,000 and performance-related share awards of 
382,235 shares in total, vesting over three years (the first 
tranche of which has now lapsed)

 • Other benefits including pension, medical insurance  

and relocation from Australia to the UK. 

Full details of each element of Stephen’s remuneration are 
included in the appropriate places throughout the 
remuneration report.

René Médori stepped down from his position as finance 
director at the 2017 AGM. Details of his remuneration up to 
that point are included in the appropriate places throughout 
the remuneration report.

Non-executive director fees
As mentioned in the 2016 remuneration report, fees payable 
to our non-executive directors (NEDs) were reviewed by the 
Board during 2017. Full details can be found on page 108.

Pay fairness more generally
The committee is primarily responsible for the governance 
of pay for the most senior employees at Anglo American. 
However, we are acutely aware of our duty to oversee 
remuneration principles at all levels, ensuring that pay is fair 
and competitive for our whole population. We have 
therefore taken a keen interest in the new gender pay gap 
reporting requirements in the UK and have included some 
information about this on page 115.

Sir Philip Hampton 
Chairman, Remuneration Committee

89

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT

 REMUNERATION AT A GLANCE  
 POLICY

The remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the 2017 AGM, as it will be  
applied during 2018, is set out below. Each component of remuneration is designed  
to reward the accomplishment of aspects of the Group’s strategy. For more  
information on the pillars of value, refer to page 10. 

OUR REMUNERATION POLICY

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LINK TO STRATEGY

KEY FEATURES

SALARY

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BONUS –  
CASH

BONUS –  
DEFERRED  
SHARES

LTIP

Recruitment and retention 
of high-calibre executives

 • Reviewed annually by Remuneration committee

 • Increases based on Group performance, individual 
performance, levels of increase for the broader UK 
population and inflation.

Rewards delivery of 
strategic priorities and 
financial success

 • Maximum bonus award of 210% of salary

 • Outcome based on EPS and individual/strategic 

objectives subject to a safety modifier

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Encourages sustained 
performance in line with 
shareholder interests

 • 40% of bonus is paid in cash

 • 60% of bonus is deferred into shares (Bonus Shares)

 • Two-thirds of Bonus Shares will vest after three  
years, with the remaining Bonus Shares vesting  
after a further two years

 • Unvested Bonus Shares are subject to malus  

and clawback.

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Encourages long-term 
shareholder return and 
accomplishment of  
longer-term strategic 
objectives

 • Shares granted with a face value of 300% of salary

 • Shares vest after a three-year performance period 
and released after a further two-year holding period

 • Vesting based on TSR performance and achievement 
against a balanced scorecard of financial and strategic 
measures and subject to malus and clawback.

Executive directors are expected to build up and hold a percentage of their salary in shares (300% for the chief executive, 200% for other executive directors).

KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS FROM 2018

Metrics
Underlying EPS (bonus)◊

Safety modifiers (bonus)

TSR (LTIP)

Pillars of value

Rationale
 • EPS links reward to delivery of in-year underlying equity returns to shareholders

 Financial
 Safety and Health  • Employee health and safety is a top priority and core value for the Company

 Financial

 • Creates a direct link between executive pay and shareholder value
 • Measure is split between comparison against sector index (Euromoney Global Mining Index)  

Group attributable ROCE (LTIP)◊
Attributable free cash flow (LTIP)◊

 Financial
 Financial

Sustainability strategy (LTIP)

Concurrent rehabilitation (LTIP)

 Environment
 Safety and Health
 Socio-political

90

and comparison against local peers (constituents of FTSE 100 index)

 •  ROCE promotes disciplined capital allocation by linking reward to investment return

 • Attributable free cash flow incentivises cash generation for use either as incremental capital 

investment, for capital returns to shareholders, or debt reduction

 • All operations must have a five-year site level sustainability strategy in place by the end of 2020

 • 100% rehabilitation to be achieved for open-cast mining operations

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 REMUNERATION AT A GLANCE  
 2017 PAY OUTCOMES

UNDERLYING EPS◊

THREE-YEAR SHAREHOLDER RETURN

GROUP ATTRIBUTABLE ROCE◊

$2.57/share

21%

19%

$2.57/share 2017
$1.72/share 2016

(12)%

2016

2017

21%

2017

2016

19%

11%

2017 PAY OUTCOMES £’000

MARK CUTIFANI

2017

2016

£1,706

£1,675

STEPHEN PEARCE

£2,077

£2,317

£2,783

2017

£1,877

£1,529

TONY O’NEILL

2017

2016

£1,081

£1,060

£1,060

£1,365

£1,441

£1,498

RENE MEDORI

2017

£363

£442

£1,521

2016

£1,094

£1,430

Fixed

Bonus paid

LTIP paid 

• Fixed pay comprises salary, benefits and pension
• Bonus figures include deferred shares
• LTIP paid includes dividend equivalent amounts

2017 ANNUAL BONUS OUTCOME

EPS – 50% of overall opportunity
 • The Group’s actual EPS was $2.57/share. 
 • This is above the target for maximum vesting of $2.40/share.
 • The Group’s fixed price and FX rates EPS was $1.66/share;  

$0.02 below the target for maximum vesting of $1.68. 

 •  As a result, 98% of the EPS component of the annual bonus will pay out  

(50% of overall opportunity).

Personal KRAs – 40% of overall opportunity

 •  Each executive director has a set of personal objectives for the year. 
 •  The vesting for each executive director is as follows: 
Mark Cutifani: 80.0% (32.0% of overall opportunity) 
Stephen Pearce: 92.0% (36.8% of overall opportunity)  
Tony O’Neill: 90.0% (36.0% of overall opportunity) 
René Médori: 92.0% (36.8% of overall opportunity).

A modifier of (3.85)% of overall opportunity was applied to reflect safety target outcomes in 2017 (out of a possible range of (10)% to +10%).  
The overall vesting level for the annual bonus award was 76.9% of maximum for Mark Cutifani and 81.7%, 80.9% and 81.7% for Stephen Pearce,  
Tony O’Neill, and René Médori, respectively.

2015 LTIP VESTING

TSR vesting – 50% of overall opportunity
 • The Group’s TSR performance for the performance period was 21%.
 • This is below both the sector index and FTSE 100 median performance.
 •  As a result, 0% of the TSR component of the 2015 LTIP will vest.  

Group attributable ROCE vesting – 50% of overall opportunity
 • The Group’s attributable ROCE for 2017 was 19%.
 • This is above the maximum performance for vesting of 15%.*
 • As a result, 100% of the ROCE component of the 2015 LTIP will vest.

* The ROCE target range was restated from 10-14% to 11-15% as a result of impairments and 
portfolio changes from the time of target setting.

The overall vesting level for the 2015 LTIP award is 50%.

91

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

(See pages 66-67 for biographies and Board experience details)

 • Sir Philip Hampton – Chairman
 • Byron Grote
 • Jim Rutherford (appointed 25 July 2017)
 • Anne Stevens 
 • Jack Thompson

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 • establishing and developing the Group’s general policy  
on executive and senior management remuneration

 • determining specific remuneration packages for the 

chairman, executive directors and members of the GMC 
for review and approval by the Board

 • designing the Group’s share incentive schemes.

The committee’s terms of reference are available to  
view online.

For more information, visit 
www.angloamerican.com/aboutus/governance

COMMITTEE DISCUSSIONS IN 2017 

The committee held three meetings in 2017:

 • review of executive director personal key performance 

indicators (KPIs) for 2017 and Group financial and safety 
targets to ensure alignment with the Group strategy

 • discussion of the executive directors’ and GMC 

performance in 2016 to adjudicate on bonus outcomes

 • approval of joining awards for the new finance director

 • approval of remuneration package for the new Group 

general counsel

 • approval of the retirement details for the outgoing  

finance director

 • confirmation of the full lapsing of the 2014 LTIP award

 • approval of the proposed performance targets for the  

2017 LTIP awards

 • approval of the methodology and application of the  

vesting cap to the GMC

 • review of the directors’ shareholdings

 • approval of, the revised remuneration policy ahead of 

publication and shareholder vote

 • review and discussion of the 2016 Directors’  

Remuneration Report

 • confirmation of the vesting of 2014 BSP awards and the 

granting of 2017 BSP and LTIP awards

 • approval of the 2017 key performance indicators, 

confirmation of the Group financial and safety targets

 • consideration of 2017 AGM feedback on remuneration 

policy and report

 • review and approval of directors’ salaries, taking into 
account the general salary review for the broader 
employee population

 • review of the outline approach and high-level performance 

conditions for the 2018 LTIP awards

 • approval of the operation of the Share Incentive Plan (SIP) 

free shares for 2017

 • review of the gender pay gap draft disclosure.

92

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

2. DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY

2.1 Future policy table
The Company’s remuneration policy, as set out in the  
2016 Annual Report and Accounts, received approval  
from shareholders at the AGM held on 24 April 2017.  
The Company intends that this policy should apply until  
the Company’s 2020 AGM.

For ease of reference, the committee has decided to 
reproduce the remuneration policy in full in the following 
sections, excluding the paragraphs explaining the changes 
from the 2014 remuneration policy. Some minor updates 
have been made, e.g. to reflect the outcomes of the NED  
fee review mentioned in the 2016 remuneration report. The 
table below therefore sets out the key components of 
executive directors’ pay packages, including the rationale  
for use and practical operation considerations.

Figure 1: Key aspects of the remuneration policy for executive directors

Basic salary

Purpose
To recruit and retain high-calibre executives.

Maximum opportunity
Maximum increase of 5% of salary per annum. 

Operation
Basic salary levels are reviewed annually by the 
committee, taking account of Company performance, 
individual performance, levels of increase for the  
broader UK population and inflation.

Reference may also be made to median levels  
within relevant FTSE 50 and natural resources 
companies. Alternative peer groups may be  
considered as appropriate.

The committee also considers the impact of any basic 
salary increase on the total remuneration package.

Increases awarded each year will be set out in the 
statement of implementation of policy.

Assessment of performance
Individual performance is considered for context when 
considering any salary increases awarded.

Discretion
There may be occasions when the committee needs  
to recognise, for example, development in role, change  
in responsibility and/or specific retention issues.  
External factors such as sustained high inflation may  
also be a consideration.

In these circumstances, the committee may offer a higher 
annual increase, the rationale for which will be explained  
to shareholders in the relevant remuneration report.

93

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
Maximum opportunity
210% of salary.

Assessment of performance
At least 50% – EPS. The final performance measurement 
will be 50% based on actual prices and FX rates and 50% 
based on fixed prices and FX rates.

Up to 50% – scorecard of measures based on individual 
objectives linked to the Company’s strategic priorities  
and safety. 

A modifier to the above is applied depending on the extent 
to which safety targets are met.

Where relevant, targets will be disclosed retrospectively  
as they are considered to be commercially sensitive.

Outcome at threshold
EPS: 25% of award portion.

Discretion
Under the BSP Rules, the Company has the standard 
discretion to take appropriate action in the event of 
unforeseen events which affect the Bonus Shares  
(for example, on a variation in share capital) and to settle  
the Bonus Shares in cash (for example, on a termination).

Should circumstances change such that EPS is no longer 
considered to be the most appropriate financial measure, 
the committee retains the discretion to replace EPS with 
one or more alternative financial measures. Full details of 
any such change would be given in the relevant 
remuneration report.

Figure 1: Key aspects of the remuneration policy for executive directors

Annual bonus

Purpose
To encourage and reward delivery of the Company’s  
strategic priorities.

To help ensure, through the share-based elements,  
that any resulting performance is sustained over the 
longer-term in line with shareholder interests.

Operation
Each year, executive directors participate in the annual 
bonus, which rewards EPS, individual performance 
targets and improvements in safety over the full year.  
Part of the award is deferred into Bonus Shares under  
the Company’s BSP.

The EPS measure has been chosen as it continues to  
link reward to the delivery of earnings and returns to 
shareholders. The EPS targets are set each year to 
ensure they are demanding yet realistic. Consideration  
is given to internal budgets and price expectations  
for the year, as well as prior performance and  
external expectations.

The individual objectives measure was chosen to  
provide a balance and reflect management’s underlying 
activity towards delivering the Company’s strategy 
regardless of price or other volatility. The individual 
objectives are based on the Company’s strategic priorities 
for the year and will be fully disclosed in the relevant 
remuneration report.

Form and timing of payment
 • 40%: cash award at end of year

 • 40%: Bonus Shares vesting three years after  

end of bonus year

 • 20%: Bonus Shares vesting five years after  

end of bonus year.

Dividends are paid on Bonus Shares.

Malus and clawback 
The committee is able to reduce any unvested Bonus 
Share awards, or future awards in the event of a material 
misstatement in the Company’s results, misconduct or a 
material failing in risk management processes that has 
given, or is likely to give, rise to significant and lasting 
value destruction for the Company.

94

GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICYAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017Figure 1: Key aspects of the remuneration policy for executive directors

Long-Term 
Incentive Plan 
(LTIP)

Purpose
To encourage and reward the generation of long-term 
sustainable shareholder returns and the delivery of 
financial/strategic priorities.

Operation
The committee makes an annual conditional award of 
shares to each executive director.

The TSR measures have been selected to reflect the extent 
to which value is being delivered to shareholders and the 
balanced scorecard to reflect the Company’s financial and 
strategic priorities.

Each year, the committee reviews the performance  
targets prior to grant. The relative TSR targets are set so 
that only a quarter of the relevant portion of the award is 
payable for index/median performance, while maximum 
vesting requires exceptional relative performance.

The balanced scorecard will be based on a small number  
of measurable financial and/or strategic performance 
indicators. The measures may vary each year to reflect the 
Company’s financial and/or strategic priorities and will be 
set out in the statement of implementation in the year of 
grant to the extent that they are not commercially sensitive. 

Dividend equivalents are paid on any shares that vest.

In order to mitigate potential excessive gains brought about 
by the volatile nature of the mining industry, the value that 
can be delivered on an award vesting will be limited to twice 
the face value of the award on grant. Any gains above this 
level will be forfeit before the start of the two-year holding 
period or, in exceptional circumstances and at the 
committee’s discretion, deferred for a further period. 

Performance period
Three years.

Additional holding period
Two years.

Malus and clawback
The committee is able to reduce any unvested awards, 
vested awards subject to a holding period or future grants 
in the event of a material misstatement in the Company’s 
results, misconduct or a material failing in risk management 
processes that has given, or is likely to give, rise to 
significant and lasting value destruction for the Company.

Maximum opportunity
300% of salary.

The value that can be received in the year of vesting will  
be limited to twice the face value of the award at grant, with  
any value above that level being forfeit or, in exceptional 
circumstances and at the committee’s discretion, deferred  
for a further period. 

Performance measures
70%: TSR relative to sector index and leading UK-listed  
comparator companies.

30%: Balanced scorecard of key performance indicators, 
linking to the Company’s KPIs.

Vesting at threshold
TSR: 25% of award portion.

Balanced scorecard: 25% of award portion.

Discretion
The committee does not intend to make adjustments to the 
method by which it measures LTIP performance conditions. 
However, it reserves the discretion to make adjustments to 
outcomes in very exceptional circumstances, whether related 
to internal or external factors (for example, on a sequestration 
of assets). Shareholders would be given details of any 
exercise of this discretion in the relevant remuneration report.

Under the LTIP Rules, the Company also has the standard 
discretion to take appropriate action in the event of 
unforeseen events during an award cycle (for example, on  
a variation in share capital) and to settle the awards in cash 
(for example, on a termination).

The committee may, in exceptional circumstances, allow  
the value delivered in the year of vesting to be above the limit 
described under ‘Operation’ and ‘Maximum opportunity’. 
Should this discretion be applied, consideration would be 
given to deferring any gains above the normal limit for an 
extended time period. In addition, the committee would take 
account of the Company’s overall financial performance, the 
magnitude of commodity and share price movements and 
overall remuneration outcomes in recent years. The exercise 
of any such discretion would be fully explained in the relevant 
remuneration report.

Pension

Purpose
To offer market-competitive levels of pension provision.

Maximum opportunity
30% of basic salary.

Operation
Executive directors participate in defined contribution 
pension arrangements.

Executive directors have the option for contributions which 
may not be paid to a UK-registered pension scheme as a 
result of HMRC limits (either annual allowance or lifetime 
allowance) to be treated as if paid to an unregistered 
unfunded retirement benefit scheme (a UURBS). 

Executive directors may request a pension allowance to  
be paid in place of defined contribution arrangements.

Purpose
As UK employees, UK-based executive directors are 
eligible to participate in the Company’s Save As You  
Earn (SAYE) scheme and SIP.

Operation
The plans are registered with HMRC and do not have 
performance conditions.

SAYE/SIP

95

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
Figure 1: Key aspects of the remuneration policy for executive directors

Other benefits

Purpose
To provide market-competitive benefits. 

Maximum opportunity
Capped at 10% of salary.

Discretion
The committee reserves the discretion to exceed the 
ongoing maximum level for certain situation-specific 
benefits, such as relocation. Full details of the exercise  
of any such discretion will be provided to shareholders  
in the following remuneration report.

Operation
The Company provides the following ongoing benefits:

 • 28 days’ leave and encashment of any accumulated 

leave in excess of 20 days

 • car-related benefits

 • medical insurance

 • death and disability insurance

 • directors’ liability insurance

 • limited personal taxation and financial advice

 • club membership

 • other ancillary benefits, including attendance at  

relevant public events.

In addition, the Company pays additional benefits  
when specific business circumstances require it,  
including costs and allowances related to relocation  
and international assignments.

The Company reimburses all necessary and reasonable 
business expenses.

Figure 2: Recruitment and promotion arrangements

Purpose 
To secure the appointment and promotion of  
high-calibre executives. 

Operation
The remuneration arrangements for a newly recruited  
or promoted executive director will reflect the 
remuneration policy in place for executive directors at  
the time of the appointment. The arrangements will 
therefore comprise basic salary, annual bonus, LTIP 
awards, benefits, pension and SAYE/SIP on the bases  
set out above.

The initial basic salary level for a newly recruited or 
promoted executive director will be set to reflect the 
individual’s experience, salary levels within the Company 
and market levels. Where basic salary is set below the 
level that might be expected, given the executive’s  
relative inexperience and the executive then develops 
successfully into the role, the committee has the 
discretion to give a salary increase in the year(s) after 
appointment above the standard maximum level of 5%. 
For external appointments, the committee may also 

offer additional cash and/or share-based elements 
(including in-flight LTIPs) to replace any remuneration 
forfeited, when it considers this to be in the best interests 
of the Company and its shareholders. The terms of any 
share-based elements offered will reflect the nature, time 
horizons and performance requirements of remuneration 
forfeited and will have equivalent performance conditions 
attached. Shareholders will be informed of any such 
payments at the time of appointment. If necessary, the 
Company can go outside of existing plans as currently 
permitted under the Listing Rules.

Pensions for new hires will be set at a level commensurate 
with the wider workforce and will be no greater than 25% 
of salary.

For internal appointments, any commitments made 
before appointment and not relating to appointment are 
allowed to pay out according to their terms. For external 
and internal appointments, the committee may agree  
that the Company will meet certain relocation expenses 
as appropriate.

96

GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICYAnglo American plc Annual Report 20172.2  Supplementary information
2.2.1 Shareholding targets
Within five years of appointment, executive directors are 
expected to hold Anglo American plc shares with a value  
of three times basic salary in respect of the chief executive 
and two times basic salary in respect of other executive 
directors. The committee takes into consideration 
achievement against these targets when making grants 
under the Company’s various incentive plans.

2.2.2 Policy in rest of company
The remuneration arrangements for the executive directors 
outlined in Figure 1 are consistent with those for other 
executives serving on the GMC, although opportunity  
levels vary. The majority of our employees are located in 
South Africa and South America, and the remuneration 
arrangements of these employees are aligned to local 
market practices and levels.

Figure 3: Key aspects of the remuneration policy for non-executive directors

Chairman –  
Fees

Chairman –  
Benefits

Purpose
To attract and retain a high-  
calibre chairman by offering a 
market-competitive fee level.

Maximum increase 
Equivalent to annual increase  
of 5% of fee level. 

Purpose
To provide market-competitive 
benefits.

Maximum benefits
£35,000. 

Non-executive 
directors –  
Fees

Purpose
To attract and retain high-calibre 
non-executive directors by 
offering market-competitive fees.

Maximum increase for each 
type of fee 
Equivalent to annual increase  
of 5% of fee level. 

Other fees/
payments

Purpose
To have the flexibility to  
provide additional fees/benefits  
if required. 

Maximum additional fee
£30,000.

Operation
The chairman is paid a single fee for all of his responsibilities. The level of this fee is 
reviewed every two to three years by the committee and chief executive, with reference 
to UK market levels (FTSE 50 companies), and a recommendation is then made to the 
Board (in the absence of the chairman).

Fees are paid in cash, with the flexibility to forgo all or part of the net fees to acquire 
shares in the Company. 

Operation
The chairman is provided with reasonable use of a car and driver. 

Reasonable and necessary expenses are reimbursed.

Operation
The non-executives are paid a basic fee. The chairmen of the main Board committees 
and the senior independent director are paid an additional fee to reflect their extra 
responsibilities. These fee levels are reviewed every few years by the chairman and 
executive directors, with reference to UK market levels (FTSE 50 companies), and a 
recommendation is then made to the Board.

Fees are paid in cash with the flexibility to forgo all or part of the net fees to acquire 
shares in the Company.

Reasonable and necessary expenses are reimbursed.

Non-executive directors’ fees were reviewed during 2017. The Board decided to 
increase base fees to make them market-competitive. Prior to this, base fees had not 
increased since 2010. Committee fees were also introduced. Full details can be found 
on page 108.

Operation
The Company has the discretion to pay an additional fee, up to the equivalent of the 
committee chairmanship fee (currently £30,000), to a non-executive director should 
the Company require significant additional time commitment in exceptional or 
unforeseen circumstances. 

97

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
2.3 Indicative total remuneration levels
Figure 4 illustrates how the total pay opportunities  
for the chief executive, the finance director and  
the technical director vary under three different  
performance scenarios:

Figure 4: Indicative executive director total remuneration at different levels of performance

£8.5m

£6.1m

10.0

8.0

6.0

4.0

2.0

0

)

m
£
(
y
a
p

l

a
t
o
t
e
v
i
t
a
c
d
n

i

I

£5.1m

£5.3m

£3.7m

£3.8m

£1.7m

£1.1m

£1.1m

Above

Target
Performance Level
Chief executive

Below

Above

Target
Performance Level
Finance director

Below

Above

Target
Performance Level
Technical director

Below

2018 basic salary, benefits and pension
Annual bonus (cash and Bonus Shares)
LTIP

Note:
Pay element

Fixed

Annual bonus

Above

Target

Below

2018 basic salary, benefits and pension

2018 basic salary, benefits and pension

2018 basic salary, benefits and pension

100% of maximum bonus opportunity 
(60% deferred into shares)

65% of maximum bonus opportunity 
(60% deferred into shares)

None

LTIP

100% of maximum LTIP opportunity

65% of maximum LTIP opportunity

None

 • Estimates of £34,000 £36,000 and £36,000 have been used for ongoing non-pension benefits for the chief executive, finance director and technical director, respectively.
 • Share price movement and dividend accrual have been excluded from all figures.
 • Participation in the SAYE and SIP has been excluded, given the relative size of the opportunity levels.
 • Charts have not been included for the non-executive directors as their fees are fixed and do not vary with performance.

98

GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICYAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
 
 
2.4 Policy on termination and change in control
2.4.1 Executive directors
Figure 5 sets out the Company’s policy on termination. This 
policy is consistent with provisions relating to termination of 
employment in the executive directors’ service agreements 
and with provisions in the incentive plan rules. 

Figure 6 sets out key provisions relating to change of control,  
where there is no termination. There are no provisions for 
enhanced payments in the event of a change of control of 
the Company. 

2.4.2 Non-executive directors
All non-executive directors have letters of appointment  
with the Company for an initial period of three years, subject 
to annual re-appointment at the AGM. The chairman’s 
appointment may be terminated by the Company with six 
months’ notice. The appointment letters for the chairman 
and non-executive directors provide that no compensation 
is payable on termination, other than any accrued fees  
and expenses.

Figure 5: Principles of determining payments for loss of office

Notice periods

Notice periods do not exceed 12 months.

Upon appointment the committee can agree an extended Company notice period for the first year following appointment.

‘Good Leaver’

Voluntary resignation

Circumstances 
of departure of 
executive 
directors

Typical reasons include retirement, redundancy, death, 
ill health, injury, disability or as defined by the committee.

Where departure is on mutually agreed terms, the committee 
may treat the departing executive as a ‘Good Leaver’ in terms 
of one or more elements of remuneration. The committee 
uses this discretion judiciously and shareholders will be 
notified of any exercise as soon as reasonable. 

Salary and 
benefits for 
notice period

Salary and benefits continue to be paid to the date of 
termination of employment, including any notice period  
and/or gardening leave period.

The Company may terminate employment with immediate 
effect and, in lieu of the unexpired portion of any notice 
period, make a series of monthly payments based on salary 
and benefits (or make a lump sum payment based on salary 
only). Any monthly payments will be reduced to take account 
of any salary received from alternative employment.

Bonus accrued 
prior to 
termination

A time pro rated bonus award may be made by the  
Company, with the committee’s approval, and will  
be paid wholly in cash.

Unvested  
Bonus Shares

Normal circumstances
Bonus Shares are released in full on the normal  
release date (i.e. awards will not be released early).

Exceptional circumstances 
(e.g. death or other compassionate grounds).

Bonus Shares are released in full, and eligible for  
immediate release.

‘Bad Leaver’

Typically, 
termination  
for cause.

Immediate 
termination with 
no notice period.

No accrued 
bonus is payable.

Salary and benefits continue to be  
paid to the date of termination of 
employment, including any notice 
period and/or gardening leave period.

The Company may terminate 
employment with immediate effect  
and, in lieu of the unexpired portion of 
any notice period, make a series of 
monthly payments based on salary and 
benefits (or make a lump sum payment 
based on salary only). Any monthly 
payments will be reduced to take 
account of any amounts received from 
alternative employment.

No accrued bonus is payable.

Forfeit.

Forfeit.

99

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
Figure 5: Principles of determining payments for loss of office

‘Good Leaver’

Voluntary resignation

Five-year Bonus 
Shares during 
final two years  
of vesting period

Normal circumstances
Released in full to the employee at the end of the  
five-year period.

Exceptional circumstances 
(e.g. death or other compassionate grounds).

Bonus Shares are released in full, and eligible for  
immediate release.

If an employee resigns to join a 
competitor (as defined by the 
committee) during the final two  
years of the five-year vesting period, 
then the Bonus Shares will be forfeit.

Outside of these circumstances, Bonus 
Shares are released to the employee  
at the end of the five-year period.

‘Bad Leaver’

Forfeit.

Unvested LTIP 
awards

Normal circumstances
LTIP awards will vest subject to the performance conditions  
at the end of the normal performance period and, if 
applicable, released at the end of the holding period.

Forfeit.

Forfeit.

Forfeit.

If an employee resigns to join a 
competitor (as defined by the 
committee), then even those vested 
LTIP awards that remain subject only  
to the holding period will be forfeit.

Outside of these circumstances, such 
awards are released to the employee  
at the end of the holding period.

Generally forfeit.

Forfeit.

According to HMRC rules.

According to 
HMRC rules.

None.

All awards are time pro rated.

Exceptional circumstances 
(e.g. death or other compassionate grounds).

LTIP awards may be released on departure, subject to 
assessment of the performance conditions at that time.

All awards are time pro rated.

Vested LTIP 
awards subject 
to a holding 
period

Normal circumstances
Vested LTIP awards that are subject only to a holding  
period are released in full to the employee at the end  
of the holding period.

Exceptional circumstances 
(e.g. death or other compassionate grounds).

Vested LTIP awards subject to a holding period may be 
released on departure.

There is no standard policy in respect of the treatment  
of any restricted share awards to executive directors.  
Terms are set on a case-by-case basis.

Outstanding shares and/or options under the Company’s  
SIP and SAYE vest in accordance with the relevant  
HMRC requirements.

Unvested 
Restricted 
Shares

SAYE and SIP

Other

Limited disbursements (for example, legal costs, relocation 
costs, untaken holiday).

None.

Malus and 
clawback

Malus and clawback provisions in the relevant incentive plan 
rules apply.

100

GOVERNANCE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICYAnglo American plc Annual Report 2017Figure 6: Policy on change in control 

Incentive plan 
provisions  
relating to  
change of  
control (without 
termination)

Bonus Shares
The Bonus Shares awarded under the BSP will be released.

LTIP awards
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.

Vested LTIP awards subject to holding period
LTIP awards will be released.

2.5 Development of directors’ remuneration policy
In developing and reviewing the Group’s remuneration 
policy for executive directors and other senior executives, 
the committee is receptive to the views of shareholders and 
sensitive to the relationship between the arrangements for 
executive directors and those for other employee groups. 

Specifically:

 • last year, the committee responded to concerns raised in 
relation to the possibility of windfall gains by introducing 
two caps (one backward looking, one from 2017 onwards) 
on the value that can be received from awards on vesting. 
The caps have now been extended to the GMC

 • each year the committee also reviews in detail how  

the arrangements for the executive directors compare  
to those for other members of the GMC to ensure an 
appropriate relationship and to support career 
development and succession

 •  in light of the expected new Corporate Governance 

regulations, the committee is currently considering how to 
better engage with the workforce and wider stakeholders. 
During 2017, an employee engagement survey was 
undertaken across the Group. Management is working to 
respond to the feedback gained, and part of this relates to 
employee remuneration. For example, our global benefits 
offering is currently under review.

2.6 Payments under previous policies
The committee reserves the right to make any remuneration 
payments and payments for loss of office, notwithstanding 
that they are not in line with the policy set out above, where 
the terms of the payment were agreed:  
(i) under a previous policy, in which case the provisions of 
that policy shall continue to apply until such payments have 
been made; (ii) before the policy or the relevant legislation 
came into effect; or (iii) at a time when the relevant individual 
was not a director of the Company and, in the opinion of the 
committee, the payment was not in consideration for the 
individual becoming a director of the Company. For these 
purposes, ‘payments’ includes the satisfaction of awards of 
variable remuneration and, in relation to awards of shares, 
the terms of the payment which are agreed at the time the 
award is granted.

101

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE ANNUAL REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

3.  ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

The information set out in this section (which constitutes the 
Implementation Report) has been subject to external audit.

3.1 Executive director remuneration in 2017
Figure 7 sets out the remuneration paid to the executive 
directors for 2017.

Figure 7: Single total figure of remuneration for executive directors

Executive directors

Mark Cutifani 

Mark Cutifani (2016)

Stephen Pearce(2)

Stephen Pearce (2016)

Tony O’Neill

Tony O’Neill (2016)

René Médori(3) 

René Médori (2016)

Total basic 
salary
£’000

Section 
3.1.1

1,286

1,261

Benefits 
in kind
£’000

Section 
3.1.2

34 

36

716

946

–

804

788

257

804

–

36

36

28 

49

Annual 
bonus – cash 
and Bonus 
Shares 
£’000

Section  
3.1.3

2,077

2,317

1,229

–

1,365

1,441

 LTIP(1)
award 
vesting
£’000

Section 
3.1.4

2,783

–

–

–

Pension
£’000

Section  
3.1.5

386

378

 215

–

Other(4)
£’000

Total
2017
£’000

Total
2016
£’000

 128

6,693

5

3,996

301

3,408

–

–

1,498

 241

 79

4,023

–

442

1,521

1,430

–

236

77

241

3

78

5

2,405

2,504

2,529

(1)  The LTIP vesting level was confirmed by the Remuneration Committee at its meeting on 19 February 2018. As LTIP awards are due to vest after publication of this report, the 
average share price between 1 October 2017 and 31 December 2017 (£14.42) has been used to calculate the value and will be trued up in the 2018 report. The shares were 
awarded in 2015 based on a share price of £12.18. The values shown include dividend equivalent amounts of £170,511 for Mark Cutifani, £91,780 for Tony O’Neill and £93,226 
for René Médori. The value received from the LTIP awards vesting in 2018 does not breach the limits under the vesting cap. 

(2)  For Stephen Pearce, the figures relate to the period between joining and year-end. ‘Other’ comprises free and matching shares awarded under the SIP and a £300,000 cash 

award granted on joining and paid following the committee’s determination of satisfactory individual performance at payment date.

(3)  For René Médori, the figures relate to the period between the start of the year up until retirement from the Board, with the exception of the LTIP vesting figures, which relate to 

the entire award. 
‘Other’ comprises free and matching shares awarded under the SIP and dividend payments from unvested Bonus Shares.

(4) 

Figure 8: Basic salaries for 2017 
(all amounts in ’000)

3.1.1 Basic salaries for 2017
Figure 8 sets out the basic salaries for 2017. 

3.1.2 Benefits in kind for 2017
Benefits for executive directors with a value over £5,000 are set out in Figure 9. The 
executive directors also receive club membership, death and disability insurance, 
directors’ liability insurance, medical insurance and other ancillary benefits. 

Figure 9: Benefits in kind for 2017

Car-related benefits

Tax advice

Relocation(3)

Mark Cutifani

Stephen Pearce(1)

Tony O’Neill

René Médori(2)

30,010

26,526

28,940

9,191

250

6,800

–

16,893

–

909,356

–

–

(1)  For Stephen Pearce, the figures relate to the period between joining and year-end.
(2)  For René Médori, the figures relate to the period between the start of the year and retirement from the Board.
(3)  One-off relocation support for Stephen Peace on joining, comprising housing assistance, including stamp duty on 

property purchase and other related amounts. Amounts were grossed up for tax.

MARK CUTIFANI
(2016: £1,261)

£1,286

STEPHEN PEARCE(1)  
(2016: N/A)

£716

TONY O’NEILL  
(2016: £788)

£804

RENE MEDORI(2)
(2016: £804)

£257

(1)  For the period between joining and year-end.

(2)  For the period between the start of the year and  

retirement from the Board.

102

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
Figure 10: Annual bonus 
outcomes for 2017  
(cash and Bonus Shares)
(all amounts in ’000)

MARK CUTIFANI
(2016: £2,317)

£2,077

STEPHEN PEARCE(1)
(2016: N/A)

£1,229

TONY O’NEILL 
(2016: £1,441)

£1,365

RENE MEDORI(2)
(2016: £1,430)

£442

(1)   For the period between joining and year-end.
(2)   For the period between the start of the year  

and retirement from the Board.

Figure 11: Safety performance modifier

Safety target 

Modifier range

2017 modifier

Fatal injury frequency rate (FIFR)

Total recordable case frequency rate 
(TRCFR)

HIV prevention

Level 4/5 environmental incidents

Operational Risk Management (ORM) 
implementation

Net modifier

Up to 7.0% 
deduction

Up to 3.0%  
uplift

Up to 3.0%  
uplift

Up to 3.0% 
deduction

Up to 4.0%  
uplift

(7.00)%

0.00%

0.00%

(0.00)%

3.15%

(3.85)%

3.1.3 Annual bonus outcomes for 2017
Figure 10 shows the annual bonus outcomes for 2017. Figure 12 summarises  
the individual objectives for the 2017 annual bonus.

At the beginning of 2017, the committee approved threshold performance 
expectations for the EPS element of the bonus outcome. For the first time,  
50% of the earnings element of the annual bonus was evaluated against fixed 
prices and FX rates, with the remaining portion evaluated at actual prices and  
FX rates. The fixed EPS portion is designed to monitor Group operational 
performance excluding the impact of the variations in price and currency 
fluctuations. Budget prices and FX rates were selected for the fixed price/FX 
rates, given the budget’s importance as the primary comparative used for 
measuring performance internally. The budget was based on prices stabilising  
at above 2016 averages, with increases in metallurgical coal prices, but offset  
by stronger producer currencies.

Both target ranges are illustrated in the table below, with 25% vesting taking  
place with performance at threshold.

Actual prices and FX rates 

Fixed prices and FX rates 

Threshold 

Maximum 

Outcome

Vesting

$1.60/
share 

$1.38/
share 

$2.40/
share

$1.68/
share

$2.57/
share 

$1.66/
share 

100%

95%

Strong operational performance and delivery of the underlying EBITDA 
improvement target supported by strong bulks and copper prices, particularly in 
the second half of the year, resulted in the outperformance of the actual price/FX 
element of the award. Average market prices for the Group’s basket of 
commodities and products increased by 16% from 2016, significantly exceeding 
expectations at the time of target-setting. However, even without the 
improvement in prices, EPS vested at 95%, with the Group achieving $1.1 billion 
in operating cost and volume improvements. This performance was driven mainly 
by the ongoing ramp-up of Minas-Rio, strong sales volumes at De Beers in the 
first quarter and Platinum’s solid recovery from the operational challenges 
experienced in 2016. The impact of the Group’s ongoing cost-efficiency 
programme also played a significant role in exceeding our improvement target for 
the year. Measurement of both these targets, therefore, resulted in vesting of the 
overall EPS element (relating to 50% of the annual bonus award) of 98%.

The executives’ individual objectives were set at the start of the year and reflect 
the Group’s strategic priorities for the year. Each category contained between  
one and four specific objectives, incorporating a combination of quantitative and 
qualitative metrics. Following the end of the year, the committee made a detailed 
assessment of performance against each objective, leading to the evaluations 
shown in Figure 12.

The Group’s safety performance in 2017 was assessed through both additive  
and deductive component measures. Figure 11 sets out the outcome in each 
category, resulting in a net modifier of (3.85)%. The disappointing number  
of fatalities in 2017 led to the maximum possible FIFR deduction being applied.

103

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE ANNUAL REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Figure 12: Annual bonus performance assessment for 2017

50% of each executive director’s bonus outcome was dependent  
on an EPS target, which has been met at 98%. 40% of the bonus 
outcomes related to a set of individual objectives for the year. The  
achievement and outcomes of these objectives are set out for  
each executive director below. In addition, bonuses are subject to  
a safety modifier of between (10)% and 10%, which has resulted  
in a deduction of (3.85)%. Refer to page 103 for more detail on  
the modifier.

Mark Cutifani
Objectives

Strategic development (12%)
 • Actions to reduce net debt to below $7 billion
 • Progress asset disposal programme and  

portfolio upgrade.

Business improvement (12%)
 • Deliver operational improvements and cost savings:

 – $1 billion EBITDA improvement
 – Capital discipline

 • Projects ramp-up on schedule.

People (8%)
 • Continue to strengthen the GMC and functional teams
 • Embed Organisation Model.

Endowment and stewardship (8%)
 • Progress options on project portfolio
 • Continue extensive engagement with stakeholders
 • Deploy Code of Conduct, develop Sustainability Strategy.

Overall individual performance

Achievement

 • Completed the disposal of the Pandora platinum joint venture and 

Platinum’s long-dated Amandelbult resources. Disposal of Platinum’s 
Union mine completed in February 2018. Snap Lake (De Beers) and 
Bokoni (Platinum) were placed onto care and maintenance. 
South African Eskom-tied coal operations share purchase agreement was 
signed in April 2017. DMR and competition approval received, with the 
transaction expected to complete 1 March 2018. The sale of New Largo 
(South Africa – thermal coal) was announced in January 2018. The sale is 
expected to close in the second half of 2018

 • Net debt reduced to $4.5 billion.
 • Delivered $1.1 billion in cost and volume improvements
 • Capital expenditure $300 million lower than guidance
 • Increased copper equivalent production by 5% vs 2016
 • Operating Model deployment underway at all key operations
 • Gahcho Kué ramp-up challenges addressed, with the mine now  

producing at full capacity

 • Grosvenor geotechnical challenges addressed – first longwall completed
 • Minas-Rio Step 3 installation licence awarded in January 2018.
 • Successfully onboarded the new finance director
 • Appointment and transition of Group general counsel
 • Continued the implementation of the Functional Model, progressed skills 

development and structures to support future of the business

 • Negligible turnover of high potential and key staff.
 • Continued constructive engagements with host country governments – 

South African support secured for key disposals

 • Focused engagements with stakeholders to articulate the successful 

execution of strategy – share price outperformance continued

 • Progressed portfolio options, including Quellaveco
 • Deployment of the Code of Conduct completed
 • Sustainability Strategy approved by the Board, with launch due in March 2018.

Outcome

8.0%

10.4%

7.2%

6.4%

32.0%

104

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Figure 12: Annual bonus performance assessment for 2017

Stephen Pearce 
Objectives

Strategic development (20%)
 • Actions to reduce net debt below $7 billion
 • Optimise debt maturity profile and maintain  

liquidity levels

 • Engage with credit ratings agencies to support  

credit re-rating of Group

 • Develop and implement appropriate dividend policy
 • Continue to progress Group portfolio restructuring.

Business improvement (12%)
 • Progress resolution of critical legal matters
 • Enhance and improve capital allocation process 
 • Identify opportunities and support the business  

to deliver cost cutting targets and business  
improvement opportunities.

People (4%)
 • Successfully transition as new finance director  

and appoint new Group general counsel

 • Build finance function to support business and 

implementation of global best practices.

Investor relations (4%)

Overall individual performance

Outcome

18.4%

Achievement

 • Further reduced net debt by $4.0 billion to $4.5 billion, through continued 
business operational improvements delivering an additional $1.1 billion in 
underlying EBITDA, capital discipline leading to a $0.2 billion decrease in 
capital expenditure and working capital reduction of $0.9 billion

 • Reinstatement of Group’s investment grade credit rating
 • Reintroduced the dividend in July 2017, six months ahead of target, based  

on a targeted payout level of 40% of underlying earnings

 • Increased Group liquidity to $16.8 billion. Successful bond issuances  
of $3.0 billion and early bond redemptions of $3.1 billion, coupled with  
$1.9 billion of bond maturities, increased the weighted average maturity  
of outstanding bonds by approximately one year to 4.4 years

 • Continued to upgrade the Group’s asset portfolio – completing the disposal of 
small Australian coal mines and Exxaro Resources Ltd, while announcing the 
sale of Coal South Africa’s Eskom-tied assets and Platinum’s Union mine.

 • Progressed various legal matters to resolution, or near completion,  

10.8%

including settlements with various revenue authorities, former  
mineworkers’ occupational health claims, and other litigation items

 • New project governance model implemented, in conjunction with Technical 
and Sustainability function, with a focus on improved visibility and forecasting 
of capital expenditure, approval processes and assessment criteria

 • Achievement of $1.1 billion of operational improvements.
 • Successfully established as the finance director and transitioned 

responsibilities and activities from previous incumbent 

 • Supported transition of new Group general counsel and continued to  

build finance function capabilities

 • Continued implementation of finance functional model and organisational 

structures to support future of the business.

 • Developed positive investor and shareholder engagements, articulating 
Group strategy, outlining financial targets and business performance.

4.0%

3.6%

36.8%

105

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE ANNUAL REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

Figure 12: Annual bonus performance assessment for 2017

Tony O’Neill 
Objectives

Achievement

Safety and Environment (4%)
 • Develop integrated and complete safety and sustainable 
development framework based on Operating Model 
 • Ensure critical controls for operating sites are integrated 

 • Continued strengthening of critical controls delivering an 11% decrease  

in the Group’s TRCFR compared with 2016

 • Zero Level 4 and 5 environmental incidents in 2017
 • Top 10 Priority Unwanted Events: continued critical control monitoring  

into Operating Model work management.

and improvement at each operation: 86% completed

Outcome

3.0%

 • Per-operation high-risk job risk assessments reviewed: 77% completed.
 • Delivered $1.1 billion cost and volume improvements
 • Operating Model deployment and associated processes underway at  

16.0%

all key operations

 • Supply Chain strategy on track and progressing to plan.

Business improvement (16%)
 • Drive operational improvements and cost savings:

 – $1.0 billion of EBITDA improvement
 – Integrate Operating Model with business tools
 – Develop Operating Model audit process

 • Develop strategy and pathway for Supply Chain systems 

to be state of the art by 2020.

People (4%)
 • Implement Functional Model with associated deliverables
 • Continue to attract and retain necessary skills and 

expertise.

 • Further progressed implementation of the functional model in  

the Technical and Sustainability function; delivery on track

 • Continued skills development and structures to support future  

of the business.

Endowment projects and R&D (16%)
 • Develop 5-year asset management plans for each site
 • Progress Quellaveco plans to project commitment stage
 • Continue focus on Group exploration and  

 • 5-year asset management plans in progress
 • Asset integrity integration with operating model well advanced
 • Quellaveco project studies and options progressed as scheduled, with 

milestones established for 2018

geology projects

 • Step-change elevation of structural geology capabilities and outcomes  

 • Deliver improvements in cyber security capability  

in place

and performance

 • Continued development of cyber security capability and performance 

 • Provide thought leadership in technology development.

improvements

 • Consistent delivery confirming the potential of future technologies  

including through the FutureSmart Mining™ approach. 

Overall individual performance

René Médori
Objectives

Strategic development (20%)
 • Actions to reduce net debt to below $7 billion
 • Optimise debt maturity profile and maintain liquidity levels
 • Engage with credit ratings agencies to support credit 

re-rating of Group

 • Develop and implement appropriate dividend policy
 • Continue to progress Group portfolio restructuring.

Achievement

 • Further reduced net debt by $4.0 billion to $4.5 billion, through continued 
business operational improvements delivering an additional $1.1 billion in 
underlying EBITDA, capital discipline leading to a $0.2 billion decrease in 
capital expenditure and working capital reduction of $0.9 billion

 • Reintroduced the dividend in July 2017, based on a target payout level  

of 40% of underlying earnings

 • Increased Group liquidity to $16.8 billion. Successful bond issuances of  
$3.0 billion and early bond redemptions of $3.1 billion, coupled with  
$1.9 billion of bond maturities, increased the weighted average maturity  
of outstanding bonds by approximately one year to 4.4 years

 • Delivered the disposal of Platinum’s Union mine and progressed with the 

disposal of small Australian coal mines and Coal South Africa’s Eskom-tied 
assets, as well as other smaller platinum operations.

3.0%

14.0%

36.0%

Outcome

19.2%

Business improvement (12%)
 • Progress resolution of critical legal matters.

 • Progressed various legal matters to resolution, or near resolution, including 

10.4%

settlements with various revenue authorities and former employee 
occupational health claims. 

People (4%)
 • Successfully transition new finance director and appoint 

new Group general counsel

 • Build finance function to support business and 

implementation of global best practices.

 • Successfully onboarded the new finance director from 24 April 2017 and 

4.0%

relinquished Board responsibilities across the Group

 • Supported appointment and transition of new Group general counsel
 • Continued the implementation of finance functional model and organisational 

structures to support future of the business.

Investor relations (4%)

Overall individual performance

 • Increased shareholder engagement providing updates on the Group  

3.2%

strategy, financial performance and expectations for 2017.

36.8%

106

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Figure 13: Performance assessment for 2015 LTIP awards

Threshold 
performance  
(25% vesting)

33% 
(index TSR) 

22% 
(median TSR) 

Stretch 
performance 
(100% vesting)

51%
(index TSR  
+ 6% p.a.)

73%
(upper quartile 
TSR)

Actual 
performance

21%

Vesting 
outcome

0%

21%

0%

11%

15%

19%

100%

Measure

Euromoney Global 
Mining Index TSR  
(25% of total award)

FTSE 100  
constituents TSR  
(25% of total award)

Group attributable 
ROCE  
(50% of total award)

Total outcome (% of total award)(1)

Mark Cutifani (£’000) (maximum opportunity: 350% of salary)

Tony O’Neill (£’000) (maximum opportunity: 300% of salary)

René Médori (£’000) (maximum opportunity: 300% of salary)

50%

£2,783

£1,498

£1,521

(1)  2015 LTIP vesting includes dividend equivalents and does not breach the limits under the vesting cap. Values 

based on share price of £14.42; see note (1) to figure 7 for further information.

Figure 14: Pension for 2017

DC contribution 
(£’000)

Cash allowance 
(£’000)

UURBS 
contribution 
(£’000)

NIC paid by 
Company 
(£’000)

Total 
(£’000)

Mark Cutifani

Stephen Pearce(1)

Tony O’Neill

René Médori(2)

10

7

193

189

159

157

54

77

27

26

22

386

215

241

77

(1)  For the period between joining and year end.
(2)  For the period between the start of the year and retirement from the Board.

Critical tasks are identified in each of the performance 
categories at the start of the year. These form the basis of 
measurement, but are overlaid with an assessment of 
executive performance in the round in the relevant category. 
The assessment for 2017 took place against a backdrop of 
improved operational and financial performance through a 
continued focus on greater operational efficiency and 
upgrading the asset portfolio.

The personal performance outcomes set out on the 
previous pages, combined with 98% EPS achievement and 
the safety modifier of (3.85%), have generated overall bonus 
outcomes of 76.9%, 81.7%, 80.9% and 81.7%. When 
applied to the maximum bonus of 210% of salary, these 
performance outcomes translate into bonuses of 
£2,076,655, £1,228,935, £1,365,421 and £441,740 for the 
chief executive, finance director, technical director and 
former finance director, respectively.

40% of the total bonus is payable in cash, with 60% deferred 
into Bonus Shares. Two-thirds of the Bonus Shares will vest 
after three years, subject to continued employment; the 
remaining third will vest after five years. René Médori’s 
bonus will be delivered entirely in cash.

3.1.4 LTIP award vesting
In 2015, Mark Cutifani, Tony O’Neill and René Médori 
received LTIP grants of 362,275, 195,000 and 198,072 
conditional shares respectively, with vesting subject to:

(a) the Group’s TSR performance relative to:

(i)  the Euromoney Global Mining Index; and 
(ii) FTSE 100 constituents over the three-year period  

to 31 December 2017; and 

(b) Group Attributable ROCE to 31 December 2017.

Figure 13 sets out further details of the measures and the 
Group’s performance against each, resulting in an overall 
vesting level of 50%.

3.1.5 Pension
The pension contribution amounts in Figure 14 should be 
read in conjunction with the following information:

 • The amounts stated for Mark Cutifani, Stephen Pearce 
and Tony O’Neill for 2017 include a cash allowance of 
£192,625 (2016: £317,000), £188,828 and £158,905 
(2016: £208,000) respectively

 • During 2017, both Mark Cutifani and Tony O’Neill joined 
the UURBS. The amounts of pension contributions  
treated as having been paid into the scheme were  
£156,575 and £54,448

 •  For René Médori, the total amount of pension 

contributions treated as having been paid into the  
UURBS for his time on the Board during 2017 was 
£77,239 (2016: £241,000)

 • Contributions treated as being paid into the UURBS earn  
a return equivalent to the Group’s pre-tax sterling nominal 
cost of debt, capped at a rate determined by the 
Remuneration Committee. The total return earned in  
2017 was £1,480 for Mark Cutifani, £260 for Tony O’Neill, 
and for René Médori £107,142 (2016: £90,000) 

 • As at 31 December 2017, the total balance due to 
executive directors in relation to the UURBS was 
£212,763. Retirement benefits can only be drawn from  
the UURBS if a member has attained age 55 and has left 
Group service.

107

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE ANNUAL REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

3.1.6 External directorships
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 only one such appointment.

In the year, Mark Cutifani retained fees for one external 
directorship, amounting to €53,500 for the period between 
26 May 2017 and 31 December 2017.

René Médori retained fees amounting to £27,308 in  
respect of one external directorship.

3.2 Other director remuneration in 2017
3.2.1 Non-executive director remuneration
Figure 15 sets out the remuneration paid to the NEDs of  
the Company in 2017. Fees shown include any additional 
fees paid in respect of chairmanships of committees or 
other roles such as senior independent director.

As disclosed in the 2016 remuneration report, the NED fees 
were reviewed during 2017. This led to the Board approving 
an increase in base fees of £5,000 to £85,000, with effect 
from 1 July 2017. The base fee will be increased by a further 
£5,000 in July 2018. In addition, the Board approved the 
introduction of committee fees, which are being phased in 
between 2017 and 2019.

Figure 15: Single total figure of remuneration for non-executive directors

Total fees 
2017
£’000

Benefits in 
kind 2017

£’000(5)

Total
2017 
£’000

Total fees 
2016 
£’000

Benefits  
in kind  
2016
£’000

Total
2016 
£’000

Non-executive directors

Stuart Chambers(1)

Sir John Parker(2)

Ian Ashby(3)

Nolitha Fakude(4)

Byron Grote

Sir Philip Hampton

Mphu Ramatlapeng

Jim Rutherford

Anne Stevens

Jack Thompson

175

 583

 37

 63

 115

 145

 83

 93

 90

 115

25

175

608

37

63

115

145

83

93

90

700

29

729

110

140

80

80

80

–

–

–

–

–

–

110

140

80

80

80

110

115

110

(1)  Stuart Chambers was appointed as a non-executive director and chairman-designate on 1 September 2017, and chairman on 1 November 2017.
(2)  Sir John Parker resigned from the Board with effect from 31 October 2017.
(3) 

Ian Ashby was appointed to the Board with effect from 25 July 2017.

(4)  Nolitha Fakude was appointed to the Board on 24 April 2017.
(5)  Benefits comprised car-related benefits and medical insurance.

3.2.2 Payments for past directors
In addition to retirement benefits, the Company continues  
to provide seven former executive directors with private 
medical insurance arrangements. The annual cost to  
the Company is minimal. The committee continues to  
meet these longstanding commitments, but no new 
commitments have been made recently or will be made  
in future. There were no other payments to past directors 
during 2017 in respect of qualifying services.

108

Anglo American plc Annual Report 20173.3 Scheme interests granted during 2017
The information in this section has been subject to  
external audit.

Figure 16 summarises the longer-term, conditional share 
awards granted to executive directors during 2017.  
Receipt of these awards is dependent on the Group’s 
performance over 2017-2019 and to the maximum vesting 
value imposed by the committee, as detailed below. 

The value of Bonus Shares awarded to directors in 
respect of 2017 is included in the annual performance 
bonus figures, set out in Figure 10. They are also 
included in Figure 17.

Figure 16: Summary of conditional share awards and options granted in 2017

Type of award

LTIP share 
awards

Performance 
measure

Vesting schedule

Performance
period end

Director

Basis of award

Number of 
shares awarded

Face value 
at grant(1)

31/12/2019 Mark Cutifani

300% of salary

366,606

£3,857,795

Stephen Pearce

300% of salary

220,944

 £2,324,994

Tony O’Neill

300% of salary

229,129

£2,411,124

TSR vs. 
Euromoney 
Global Mining 
Index (47%)

25% for TSR
equal to the Index;
100% for the Index
+6% pa or above

TSR vs. 
FTSE 100 
constituents 
(23%)

25% for TSR  
equal to median;  
100% for 80th percentile 
or above

Balanced 
Scorecard 
30%

ROCE (10%)
25% for 10%;
100% for 20%

Cumulative attributable 
free cash flow (10%)

CO2 emissions (5%)
Inhalable hazards (5%)

Non-cyclical 
awards(2)

Vesting outcome to mirror actual 
percentage achieved at Fortescue Metals 
Group (FMG).

June 2017

Stephen Pearce  Sign-on award

 80,773(3)

June 2018

203,692

Anglo American relative TSR January 
2017 to June 2018 
–  50% of the shares: 25% will vest if the 

Group’s TSR is equal to the median TSR 
of the constituents of the FTSE 100, with 
100% vesting if the Group’s TSR is equal 
to or above the 80th percentile of the 
constituents of the FTSE 100.

 –  the remaining 50% of the shares: 25% 
will vest if the Group’s TSR is equal to 
that of the Euromoney Global Mining 
Index, with 100% vesting if the Group’s 
TSR exceeds that of the Euromoney 
Global Mining Index by 6% per annum 
or more.

Aligned with 2016 Anglo American LTIP 
–  subject to the 50% ROCE and 50% 

December 
2018

TSR-based conditions applicable to the 
awards granted to executive directors 
and other PDMRs under the LTIP in 
March 2016. Any shares vesting 
pursuant to this award will be subject to a 
holding period of two years from vesting.

97,770

(1)  The face value of each award has been calculated using the share price at time of grant (£10.523 for the LTIP awards). As receipt of these awards is conditional on performance,  
the actual value of these awards may be nil. In addition, the maximum value that may be received in the year of vesting of the awards granted from 2017 onwards is limited for  
each executive director to 200% of the face value at grant. Any value over this level will be forfeit. Vesting outcomes will be disclosed in the Remuneration Report for 2019.

(2)  Conditional awards were made to Stephen Pearce on joining Anglo American, to compensate for incentives forfeited from his previous employer. 
(3)  Lapsed in full in September 2017, as Fortescue Metals Group performance conditions were not met.

109

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE ANNUAL REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

3.4 Total interests in shares
Figure 17 summarises the total interests of the directors  
in shares of Anglo American plc as at 31 December 2017. 
These include beneficial and conditional interests, and 
shareholdings of their connected persons. 

As already disclosed, Mark Cutifani is expected to hold 
interests in shares to a value of three times basic salary  

(built up over five years), Stephen Pearce and Tony O’Neill  
to a value of two times salary. At the date of preparation  
of this report, Mark Cutifani and Tony O’Neill have net 
shareholdings (including Bonus Shares) equal to 656%  
and 515% of basic salary, respectively. Stephen Pearce  
has five years from appointment to build up shareholdings  
to the value of two times salary.

Figure 17: Shares in Anglo American plc at 31 December 2017

Beneficial

Conditional 
(no performance conditions)

Conditional 
(with performance conditions)

Total

Directors

Mark Cutifani

Stephen Pearce(1)

Tony O’Neill

Stuart Chambers

Ian Ashby

Nolitha Fakude

Byron Grote(2)

Sir Philip Hampton

Mphu Ramatlapeng

Jim Rutherford

Anne Stevens

Jack Thompson(2)

Former directors(3)

René Médori(4)

Sir John Parker

BSP 
Bonus Shares 

 191,439 

 332,309 

 – 

–

 51,322 

 205,608 

SAYE/SIP

LTIP

Other

 7,911 

 3,057 

 4,395 

 1,722,691 

 220,944 

 956,527 

 425 

 – 

 1,035 

 30,000 

 22,184 

 5,663 

 26,041 

 2,122 

 14,950 

–

–

–

 – 

 – 

 – 

–

–

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 223,860 

 206,095 

 9,746 

 741,432 

 62,696 

–

 – 

 – 

 – 

 2,254,350 

 301,462 

 525,463 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

 1,217,852 

 425 

 – 

 1,035 

 30,000 

 22,184 

 5,663 

 26,041 

 2,122 

 14,950 

 1,181,133 

 62,696 

(1)  The award listed as ‘Other’ is in relation to awards received on joining with performance conditions attached.
(2) 

Included in the beneficial interests of Byron Grote and Jack Thompson are shares held via unsponsored ADRs, representing 0.5 ordinary shares of $0.54945 each.

(3)  For former directors, interests are shown as at their respective dates of resignation. 
(4) 
Included in the beneficial interests of René Médori are his wife’s interests in shares. 

Differences from 31 December 2017 to 21 February 2018
Mark Cutifani’s and Stephen Pearce’s interests increased by 34 shares each from 31 December 2017 to 21 February 2018, as a result of the 
acquisition of shares under the SIP. Their total holdings therefore increased to 2,254,384 and 525,497 respectively.

110

Anglo American plc Annual Report 20173.5 Statement of implementation of policy in 2018
The Group’s policy on executive director remuneration for 
2018 is summarised in the policy statements in Figure 1. 
Figure 18 summarises how that policy will be implemented 
in 2018. 

The EPS performance range for 2018 is considered by  
the Board to be commercially sensitive, although it will  
be disclosed in the 2018 remuneration report. Further details 
of the individual performance targets for 2018 bonuses will 
also be included in the 2018 remuneration report.

The financial elements of the balanced scorecard for the  
2018 LTIP awards will remain the same as 2017. The value 
that may be derived on vesting of the awards will, as in 2017, 
be limited to 200% of their face value on grant. ROCE (10%)
has again been selected to maintain focus on disciplined 
capital allocation. A free cash flow target (10%) has also  
been included to continue to ensure linkage between 
management’s remuneration outcomes and the Group’s  
goal of reducing net debt through cash generation, thereby 
maintaining the Group’s net debt/EBITDA ratio below 1.5. 

The remaining 10% of the balanced scorecard for 2018  
will be based on delivery of the sustainability strategy (7%) 
and achievement of concurrent rehabilitation targets (3%). 
The sustainability strategy target, relates to sustainability 
planning and will ensure that operations have a five year 
site-level sustainability plan strategy in place by the end  
of 2020. The concurrent rehabilitation is essential to 
ensuring that the post-mining land-use, as agreed with  
our stakeholders, is achieved. The target is based on 100% 
of planned rehabilitation being achieved for open-cast 
mining operations.

The three-year cumulative attributable free cash flow  
target within the LTIP is considered by the Board  
to be commercially sensitive; disclosing it would enable 
competitors to derive information as to our detailed business 
plan. The actual targets, along with the outcomes, will be 
disclosed in the 2020 remuneration report. The definition  
of attributable free cash flow can be found on page 196.  

Figure 18: Summary of key remuneration aspects in 2018

Element

Performance measure 1,  
weighting and component detail

Performance measure 2,  
weighting and component detail

Basic salary –

–

Annual  
bonus 

EPS (50%)
Half on performance at  
outturn prices and FX and  
half on performance at fixed 
prices and FX

Long-Term 
Incentive 
Plan (LTIP)

TSR (70%)
TSR vs. Euromoney Global 
Mining Index (47%)
25% for TSR equal to Index 
100% for Index +6% pa  
or above

TSR vs. FTSE 100 (23%)
25% for TSR equal to median 
100% for 80th percentile  
or above

Individual objectives and  
safety modifier (50%)
Personal and strategic objectives supporting  
the Group’s delivery on projects, business 
improvement, capital allocation, commercial 
activities, employee development and 
stakeholder engagement, subject to the 
application of a safety modifier

Balanced Scorecard (30%)
ROCE (10%) 
25% for 13% 
100% for 23%

Cumulative attributable free cash flow (10%)

Sustainability strategy (7%) 
All operations to have a five-year site-level 
sustainability strategy in place by the end of  
2020, meeting Group requirements as defined 
and assessed by the Sustainability Strategy 
Steering committee

Concurrent rehabilitation (3%)
100% of planned rehabilitation to be achieved  
for open-cast mining operations.

Director

Level

Mark Cutifani

£1,318,082 
(2.5% increase)

Stephen Pearce £794,375 (2.5% increase)

Tony O’Neill

£823,802 (2.5% increase)

Mark Cutifani

210% of salary

Stephen Pearce 210% of salary

Tony O’Neill

210% of salary

Mark Cutifani

300% of salary

Stephen Pearce 300% of salary

Tony O’Neill

300% of salary

111

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE ANNUAL REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

3.5.1 Outstanding LTIP awards
As explained in the 2016 remuneration report, the 
committee has imposed a limit on the value that can be 
delivered on vesting for recent awards. The delivered value 
for the awards granted in 2015 and 2016 (the 2014 awards 
lapsed in full) is limited to 100% of the total face value 
(number of shares granted multiplied by share price on 
grant) of the awards granted in 2014, 2015 and 2016. The 
value that can be received from awards granted from 2017 
onwards is limited to twice the face value at grant. 

3.6 Remuneration disclosures
3.6.1 Nine-year remuneration and returns
Figure 19 shows the Group’s TSR performance against the 
performance of the FTSE 100 Index from 1 January 2008 to 
31 December 2017. 

The FTSE 100 Index was chosen as being a broad equity 
market index which includes companies of a comparable 
size and complexity to Anglo American. 

TSR is calculated in US dollars, and assumes all dividends 
are reinvested. 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.

Figure 20 shows the total remuneration earned by the 
incumbent chief executive over the same nine-year period, 
along with the proportion of maximum opportunity earned 
in relation to each type of incentive. The total amounts are 
based on the same methodology as for Figure 7. 

For the period 2010 to 2011, the TSR performance of the 
Company, and the remuneration received by Cynthia Carroll 
as chief executive, demonstrates that this was a period of 
strong operational performance and high commodity 
prices. These led to a doubling of profits and almost a 
doubling of underlying EPS in 2010. 

Cynthia Carroll’s remuneration levels in 2011 also reflect 
record profits and strong EPS performance for the year 
in addition to the increase in value of the LTIP awards that 
vested at the end of 2011 – when granted, the Group’s share 
price was £12.61; the share price at vesting was £26.00. 

The vesting levels of long term incentives from 2012  
have been much lower, reflecting, in part, the impact of  
the severe decline in commodity prices on earnings and  
the returns delivered to shareholders. 

Mark Cutifani’s remuneration levels in 2013 and 2014  
are not reflective of his underlying remuneration, given  
that he received a compensatory share award in 2013  
and compensation for tax on relocation benefits in  
2014. The impact of longer term incentives was only  
realised in 2015 as a consequence of the vesting of the  
2013 LTIP award. 

Figure 19: Nine-year TSR performance

t
n
e
m
t
s
e
v
n

i

0
0
1
$

l

a
c
i
t
e
h
t
o
p
y
h
a
f
o
e
u
a
V

l

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

2015

2016

2017

Source: Datastream Return Index

Figure 20: Chief executive’s remuneration

Financial year ending

Cynthia Carroll

Total remuneration  
(single figure, £’000)

Annual bonus (% of maximum)

LTIP (% of maximum)

BSP Enhancement Shares  
(% of maximum)

Mark Cutifani

Total remuneration  
(single figure, £’000)

Annual bonus (% of maximum)

LTIP (% of maximum)

31 December 
2009

31 December 
2010

31 December 
2011

31 December 
2012

31 December 
2013

31 December 
2014

31 December 
2015

31 December 
2016

31 December 
2017

4,379

4,235

99%

61%

88%

50%

8,113

94%

96%

3,203

1,462

35%

50%

67%

28%

0%

0%

100%

0%

0%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,305

3,725

3,462

3,996

6,693

65%

60%

36.5%

87.5%

76.9%

–

–

50%

–

50%

112

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017 
 
 
 
 
3.6.2 Change in the chief executive’s remuneration  
in 2017 relative to London employees 
Figure 21 sets out the chief executive’s basic salary,  
benefits and annual bonus amounts for 2017 and the 
year-on-year change. We show the average change in each 
element for London employees below GMC level, which is 
considered to be the most relevant employee comparator 
group given the Group-wide nature of roles performed at 
the corporate head office.

3.6.3 Distribution statement for 2017
Figure 22 sets out the total expenditure on employee  
reward over 2017, compared to profit generated by  
the Company and the dividends received by investors. 
Underlying earnings are shown, as this is one of the Group’s 
key measures of performance, while employee numbers 
help put the payroll costs of employees into context.

Figure 21: Change in chief executive’s remuneration compared to UK employees

Chief executive

London employees(1) 

£’000

% change 

Average  
% change 

Salary

1,286

2.0

4.49

Benefits

34

(4.9)

7.87

Bonus

2,077

(10.36)

30.15

(1)   Benefits for London employees comprise pension and car allowances (where applicable), these being the most material.

Figure 22: Distribution statement for 2017

Distribution statement

Underlying earnings(1)

$m

% change 

Dividends payable for year to Company shareholders

$m

% change

Dividends payable for year to non-controlling interests

$m

Payroll costs for all employees

Employee numbers

(1)  Please see page 195 for details on how underlying earnings are calculated.

Figure 23: Response to 2017 AGM shareholder voting

% change

$m

% change

’000

% change

2017

3,272

48

618

100

672

1,580

3,370 

(10)

69

(14)

2016

2,210

167

–

(100)

40

(79)

3,738

(16)

80

(12)

Vote

2016 
Implementation 
report

2017 
Remuneration 
policy

For

Against

Abstain

Company response to issues raised

Number of votes

897,721,384
(95.05%)

46,760,152 
(4.95%)

875,719,701 
(92.91%)

66,854,666 
(7.09%)

1,245,949

3,153,118

Shareholders were generally  
highly supportive of the new policy 
proposed at the 2017 AGM. 
Shareholders’ views differ  
and the committee engaged 
extensively with major investors  
to understand their concerns.

113

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
GOVERNANCE ANNUAL REPORT ON DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION

3.7 Remuneration committee in 2017
3.7.1 Membership
The committee comprised the non-executive directors 
listed on page 92 on 31 December 2017. 

3.7.2 External advisers to the committee
Figure 24 details the external advisers to the committee  
and the fees paid for services provided during 2017.  
The fees are charged in accordance with the terms and 
conditions set out in each relevant engagement letter.

PwC is a signatory, and adheres to, the Code of Conduct  
for Remuneration Consultants (which can be found at  
www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com). In addition,  
the committee chairman has regular direct dialogue with 
advisers. For these reasons, the committee considers  
that the advice it receives is independent.

Figure 24: External advisers and fees

Advisers

Pricewaterhouse 
Coopers LLP 
(PwC)

Deloitte LLP 
(Deloitte)

Appointed by the Company, with  
the agreement of the committee,  
to support and advise on the Group’s 
incentive arrangements, in addition  
to the provision of specialist  
valuation services and market 
remuneration data.

In its capacity as Group auditor,  
Deloitte undertakes an audit of 
sections 3 and 4 of the remuneration 
report annually. However, it provides  
no advice to the committee.

Other services provided  
to the Company

Investment advice, actuarial and  
audit work for various pension  
schemes; advice on internal audit 
projects; taxation, payroll and  
executive compensation advice.

Fees for committee 
assistance

£50,623

n/a

Note: Certain overseas operations within the Group are also provided with audit-related services from Deloitte’s and PwC’s worldwide member firms.

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

21 February 2018

114

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017It is this imbalance between women and men at the most senior 
levels which is driving our gender pay gap; we are confident that  
our remuneration structures in themselves do not favour any one 
group. This is borne out by the fact that the proportion of women 
who received a bonus during 2017 was almost the same as that  
of men (and the slight difference can be explained by non-gender-
related factors). The Board and GMC are determined to address  
the wider gender imbalance. 

How is the gender pay gap being addressed? 
The leadership teams recognise that we are still at the early stages 
of our work towards greater inclusion and diversity in all its forms, 
and more information about the work being done in this regard can 
be found on pages 21-24 of the Sustainability Report. 

We are taking a series of practical steps to address the gender  
pay imbalance, including targeted changes to our recruitment, 
succession planning and talent management processes.

Remuneration committee’s commitment
Reducing the gender imbalance, and therefore the gender pay  
gap, will of course take time, and the gap is unlikely to reduce 
significantly in the short term. However, we are confident that as  
we progress our inclusion and diversity work, the more our annual 
gender pay gap will narrow. The Remuneration committee’s 
responsibility is to continue to critically review our pay structures to 
make sure that they support inclusion and diversity for our whole 
population; we take this responsibility very seriously. 

For more information on the UK gender pay gap, visit  
www.angloamerican.com

GENDER PAY 

Summary
The UK Gender Pay Gap reporting requirement, designed to 
provide public transparency in relation to the difference between 
men’s and women’s earnings within a company, came into effect  
on 6 April 2017. As a UK registered company that employed, at the 
snapshot date of 5 April 2017, 258 people in the UK, Anglo 
American Services (UK) Limited is required to disclose the 
specifically defined information by 4 April 2018. Anglo American 
disclosed this information on 5 March 2018, and the full disclosure 
can be found on the Anglo American website. The following 
provides a summary of the position and the actions the Board and 
GMC are taking to address it. 

Equal pay at Anglo American
Equal pay legislation has been in place for many years in the UK, 
giving men and women the legal right to be paid equally for doing 
equal work. We are confident that we comply fully with this 
legislation. 

Anglo American’s hourly pay gap
The key measure that is required to be reported, and which has 
been the focus of much public attention, is the hourly pay gap. 
Anglo American Services (UK) Limited’s gap is 55% on a mean 
basis, and 49% on a median basis. 

We recognise that this hourly pay gap is sizeable and is higher  
than that of many other global companies. The gap is primarily a 
function of the disproportionate number of men in the most senior 
management roles in the corporate head office, as shown by the 
fact that while women make up 42% of Anglo American’s UK roles, 
they occupy just 14% of the highest paid quartile:

Lower Quartile

Lower Middle Quartile

Upper Middle Quartile

Upper Quartile

Percentage 
males in 
Quartile 

Percentage 
females in 
Quartile

21.54

60.94

64.62

85.94

78.46

39.06

35.38

14.06

115

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017Governance 
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. The directors are 
required to prepare the Group financial statements in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS), 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 
Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure 
Framework’. 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:

 • select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently

 • make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent

 • state whether Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced 
Disclosure Framework’ has been followed, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained in the 
financial statements

 • 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, IAS 1  
requires that directors:

 • properly select and apply accounting policies

 • present information, including accounting policies, in a 

manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and 
understandable information

 • provide additional disclosures when compliance with the 
specific requirements in IFRS 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

 • make an assessment of the Group’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 Group’s transactions, 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 Group’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
for the year ended 31 December 2017

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 

(c)  the Annual Report and financial statements, taken as  
a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and 
provide the information necessary for shareholders  
to assess the Group’s performance, business model  
and strategy.

(b)  the strategic report includes a fair review of the 

By order of the Board

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

Mark Cutifani 
Chief Executive 

21 February 2018

Stephen Pearce
Finance Director

116

Anglo American plc Annual Report 2017FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONTENTS 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Anglo American plc 

118

Primary statements
Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated balance sheet 
Consolidated cash flow statement 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 

Notes to the financial statements
Financial performance
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 

Operating profit from subsidiaries and joint operations 
Financial performance by segment 
Earnings per share 
Net finance costs 
Income tax expense 
Dividends 

Significant items
7 
8 

Significant accounting matters 
Special items and remeasurements 

Capital by segment 
Intangible assets 

Capital base
9 
10 
11  Property, plant and equipment 
12  Capital expenditure 
13 
14  Financial asset investments 
15  Provisions for liabilities and charges 
16  Deferred tax 

Investments in associates and joint ventures 

Working capital
17 
Inventories 
18  Trade and other receivables 
19  Trade and other payables 

Net debt and financial risk management
20  Net debt 
21  Borrowings 
22  Financial instruments and derivatives 
23  Financial risk management 

Equity
24  Called-up share capital and consolidated equity analysis 
25  Non-controlling interests 

Employees
26  Employee numbers and costs 
27  Retirement benefits 
28  Share-based payments 

Unrecognised items and uncertain events
29  Events occurring after end of year 
30  Commitments 
31  Contingent liabilities 

Group structure
32  Assets and liabilities held for sale 
33  Disposals 
34  Basis of consolidation 
35  Related undertakings of the group 

Other items
36  Related party transactions 
37  Auditor’s remuneration 
38  Accounting policies 

Financial statements of the Parent Company 

Summary by operation 

Key financial data 

Exchange rates and commodity prices 

i

F
n
a
n
c

i

a

l

s
t
a
t
e
m
e
n
t
s

122
122
123
124
125

126
127
128
129
130
131

132
134

136
137
137
138
139
140
140
141

143
143
144

145
146
147
150

153
154

155
156
160

161
161
161

162
162
163
165

173
173
174

181

184

185

186

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

117

 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 
TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO AMERICAN PLC

REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Opinion
In our opinion:

 • the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s 
and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2017 and of the 
Group’s profit for the year then ended;

 • the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the 
European Union;

 • the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in 

accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, 
including Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure 
Framework; and

 • 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.

We have audited the financial statements of Anglo American plc (the ‘Parent 
company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) 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 1 to 38; and

Conclusions relating to going concern, principal risks and 
viability statement
Going concern
We have reviewed the directors’ statement in note 38 to the financial 
statements about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going 
concern basis of accounting in preparing them and their identification of any 
material uncertainties to the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue to do 
so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the 
financial statements.

We are required to state whether we have anything material to add or draw 
attention to in relation to that statement required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) 
and report if the statement is materially inconsistent with our knowledge 
obtained in the audit.

We confirm that we have nothing material to add or draw attention to 
in respect of these matters.

Principal risks and viability statement
Based solely on reading the directors’ statements and considering whether 
they were consistent with the knowledge we obtained in the course of the 
audit, including the knowledge obtained in the evaluation of the directors’ 
assessment of the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going 
concern, we are required to state whether we have anything material to add 
or draw attention to in relation to:

 • the disclosures on pages 41-45 that describe the principal risks and explain 

how they are being managed or mitigated;

 • the directors’ confirmation on page 41 that they have carried out a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing the Group, including those that 
would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or 
liquidity; or

 • the Balance sheet of the Parent Company and related information.

 • the directors’ explanation on page 41 as to how they have assessed the 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation 
is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The financial 
reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Parent 
Company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework 
(United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on 
Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for 
the audit of the financial statements section of our report. 

We are independent of the Group and the Parent Company in accordance 
with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial 
statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed 
public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities 
in accordance with these requirements. We confirm that non-audit services 
prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group or 
the Parent Company.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

prospects of the Group, over what period they have done so and why they 
consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether 
they have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue 
in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their 
assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any 
necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We are also required to report whether the directors’ statement relating to 
the prospects of the Group required by Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially 
inconsistent with our knowledge obtained in the audit.

We confirm that we have nothing material to report, add or draw 
attention to in respect of these matters.

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement,  
were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the 
current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material 
misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) that we identified. These matters 
included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; 
the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the 
engagement team.

Our assessment of the Group’s key audit matters is consistent with 2016 
except for Corporate Asset Transactions which is no longer considered a key 
audit matter as a result of the significant reduction in the scale of the Group’s 
planned and completed disposals during 2017.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial 
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters.

118 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

Impairment
Refer to the Audit Committee report on pages 80-87 and the disclosures in notes 7 and 8 on pages 132-135.

Key audit matter – 
description

As a consequence of licensing and operational developments during the year and continued volatility in commodity prices and 
foreign exchange rates, the assessment of the recoverable amount of operating assets and development projects remains a 
key judgement. 

Management assessed whether indicators of impairment or impairment reversal exist for assets in accordance with IAS 36 
‘Impairment of Assets’. During the year, this included El Soldado and the Sishen mine in South Africa (where impairment reversals 
of $194 million and $468 million have been recorded during the year) as well as other specific assets including Minas-Rio that 
experienced licensing delays during the year and the coal operations in Australia where impairments had previously been 
recorded.

How the scope of our 
audit responded  
to the key audit matter

We reviewed management’s assessment as to whether indicators of impairment or impairment reversal exist. Where such 
indicators were identified we obtained copies of the valuation models used to determine the value in use or fair value less costs 
of disposal of the relevant asset. 

We challenged the assumptions made by management in relation to these models, including the discount rate used, the 
commodity prices, capital expenditure and operating cost forecasts and the expected production profiles, by comparison to 
recent analyst forecast commodity price data, reference to third party documentation where available, utilisation of Deloitte 
valuation specialists, review of Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource reports, consultation with operational management and 
consideration of sensitivity analyses. 

We assessed whether the assumptions had been determined and applied on a consistent basis across the Group.

Key observations

We found that the assumptions used were reasonable and had been determined and applied on a consistent basis across the 
Group. No additional impairments or impairment reversals were identified from the work performed.

We found that the impairment reversal recorded at the Sishen mine in South Africa was appropriate, primarily due to the 
increased forecast production in the updated Life of Mine Plan and continued improvements in the operational performance of 
the mine.

Taxation
Refer to the Audit Committee report on pages 80-87 and the disclosures in notes 5 and 16 on pages 130-131 and 141-142 respectively.

Key audit matter – 
description

The recognition and measurement of certain of the Group’s deferred tax assets and liabilities requires management judgement 
and is a key area of audit effort due to the complexity of tax regulations across the jurisdictions where the Group operates.

At 31 December 2017, the deferred tax assets recognised by the Group totalled $1,191 million, with the most significant asset 
related to Minas-Rio. Management has performed an assessment of the forecast taxable profits against which the Group’s tax 
losses and other tax attributes can be offset in future periods.

The deferred tax liabilities recognised across the Group at 31 December 2017 totalled $4,188 million.

How the scope of our 
audit responded  
to the key audit matter

Through the close involvement of our tax specialist teams at both a Group and business unit level we assessed the appropriateness 
of the deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised by the Group through discussions with the Group’s taxation department and 
review of supporting documentation and calculations.

In relation to assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, we reviewed and challenged the basis and underlying assumptions 
in the supporting taxable profit forecasts in order to assess the appropriateness of the assets recognised. In particular, we 
challenged management’s assessment that, in measuring the Minas-Rio deferred tax asset, taxable profit forecasts considered 
probable should be limited by reference to the criteria set out in IAS 12 ‘Income taxes’.

In relation to deferred tax liabilities recognised across the Group, we tested the relevant deferred tax calculations and challenged 
management’s underlying assumptions.

Key observations

We are satisfied that deferred tax assets and liabilities are properly recognised.

Special items and remeasurements 
Refer to the Audit Committee report on pages 80-87 and the disclosures in note 8 on pages 134-135.

Key audit matter – 
description

The Group disclosed ‘Special items and remeasurements’ in the Consolidated income statement. These items primarily relate to 
impairment reversals, adjustments arising on the sale or acquisition of operations, adjustments relating to former operations and 
financing special items and remeasurements which are further defined in note 8 to the financial statements. The assessment of the 
appropriateness of items disclosed within ‘Special items and remeasurements’ is a key judgement because of their impact upon 
the reporting of the underlying financial performance achieved by the Group and is therefore an area where potential management 
bias could occur. In addition, management considered the guidance from the European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA) in 
making this assessment. 

How the scope of our 
audit responded  
to the key audit matter

In the context of our audit of the overall income statement we considered and challenged each item disclosed within ‘Special items 
and remeasurements’ with reference to the guidance from ESMA. 

We determined whether such categorisation is appropriate and consistent with the Group’s stated policy and past practice for 
recognition of such items, and whether, taken as a whole, the income statement is fair and balanced in its presentation.

Key observations

We are satisfied that all items included within ‘Special items and remeasurements’ display no indication of management bias in the 
categorisation and that where relevant the categorisation was consistent with prior practice. 

We consider that the related disclosures are also appropriate.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

119

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ANGLO AMERICAN PLC

Our application of materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial 
statements that makes it probable that the economic decisions of a 
reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use 
materiality both in planning the scope of our audit work and in evaluating the 
results of our work. 

The Senior Statutory Auditor and/or a senior member of the Group audit team 
visits the principal location of each significant business unit at least once 
every year and key operational assets on a rotating basis.

The Parent Company is located in the United Kingdom and audited directly by 
the Group audit team.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the 
financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group revenue

Full audit scope 

Specified procedures 

Underlying EBIT

Full audit scope 

Specified procedures 

Net assets

Full audit scope 

Specified procedures 

%

95

5

%

92

8

%

97

3

Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information 
comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the 
financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon.

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information 
and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility 
is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other 
information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our 
knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated.

If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material 
misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material 
misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the 
other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that 
there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to 
report that fact.

In this context, matters that we are specifically required to report to you as 
uncorrected material misstatements of the other information include where 
we conclude that:

 • Fair, balanced and understandable – the statement given by the directors 
that they consider the Annual Report and financial statements taken as a 
whole is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information 
necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy, is materially inconsistent with 
our knowledge obtained in the audit; or

 • Audit Committee reporting – the section describing the work of the Audit 
Committee does not appropriately address matters communicated by us 
to the Audit Committee; or

 • Directors’ statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code – the parts of the directors’ statement required under the Listing 
Rules relating to the Company’s compliance with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code containing provisions specified for review by the auditor 
in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.10R(2) do not properly disclose a 
departure from a relevant provision of the UK Corporate Governance Code.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Materiality

Basis for 
determining 
materiality

Rationale  
for the  
benchmark  
applied

Group
$200 million (2016: $200 million)

Parent Company 
$76 million (2016: $67.5 million)

Group
We have considered both asset and profit bases in the 
determination of materiality. $200 million equates to 0.7% 
(2016: 0.8%) of net assets and 5.8% (2016: 6.2%) of 
normalised three year pre-tax profit before special items 
and remeasurements.

The use of a combination of bases is consistent with our 
approach in 2016.

Parent Company
The Parent Company materiality represents below 
1% (2016: below 1%) of shareholders’ equity. When 
determining this materiality, we also considered the 
appropriateness of this materiality for the consolidation 
of this set of financial statements to the Group’s results.

Group
Given the continued volatility in commodity prices and 
the cyclical nature of the mining industry we believe that 
incorporating balance sheet metrics in our assessment 
in addition to pre-tax profit before special items and 
remeasurements is a more appropriate approach as it 
reflects the capital invested, the changes in production, 
the volume of commodities sold and the scale of the 
Group’s operations.

Parent Company
Due to the Parent Company’s primary role as a holding 
company, owning investments in other Group entities, 
shareholders’ equity is the key metric driving shareholder 
value. As such we considered shareholders’ equity the 
most appropriate benchmark to determine the Parent 
Company materiality.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee 
all audit differences in excess of $10 million (2016: $10 million) for the Group 
and $3.8 million (2016: $3.4 million) for the Parent Company, as well as 
differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on 
qualitative grounds. We also report to the Audit Committee on disclosure 
matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the 
financial statements.

An overview of the scope of our audit
Our audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group, the Parent 
Company and their environment, including internal control, and assessing the 
risks of material misstatement.

All business units were subject to a full scope audit with the exception of 
Manganese and Nickel where specific procedures were performed. This 
represents a change from 2016 where Nickel had been subject to full audit 
scope procedures. Our approach in 2017 has been designed to focus on the 
key audit matters identified within that business unit and to perform 
appropriate procedures on the rest of the business unit’s financial information 
noting its financial significance in the context of the Group as a whole.

The work performed by the component audit teams at each business unit is 
guided by the Group audit team and is executed at levels of materiality 
applicable to each individual entity which were lower than Group materiality 
and ranged from $90 million to $110 million (2016: $90 million to $110 million). 

120 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

   
   
   
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement, the 
directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and 
for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal 
control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of 
financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for 
assessing the Group’s and the Parent Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and 
using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend 
to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have 
no realistic alternative but to do so.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our 
opinion:

 • we have not received all the information and explanations we require for 

our audit; or

 • adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, 
or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches 
not visited by us; or

 • the Parent Company financial statements are not in agreement with the 

accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion 
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration have not been made or the part 
of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited is not in agreement with 
the accounting records and returns.

We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.

Other matters
Auditor tenure
Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, Deloitte and Touche 
were appointed by the shareholders on 24 May 1999 to audit the financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 1999 and subsequent financial 
periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement including previous 
renewals and reappointments of the firm is 18 years, covering the years ended 
31 December 1999 to 31 December 2017.

Consistency of the audit report with the additional report to  
the Audit Committee
Our audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit 
Committee we are required to provide in accordance with ISAs (UK).

Kari Hale, ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Deloitte LLP 
Statutory Auditor 
London, UK 
21 February 2018

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the  
financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. 
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that 
an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and 
are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken 
on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at:  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our 
auditor’s report.

Use of our report
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.

REPORT ON OTHER LEGAL AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the  
Companies Act 2006
In our opinion the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited 
has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 • the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ report for the 
financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent 
with the financial statements; and

 • the strategic report and the directors’ report have been prepared in 

accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent 
Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have 
not identified any material misstatements in the strategic report or the 
directors’ report.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

121

Financial statements 
2016

Total
 21,378 
(19,712) 
 1,666 
 1,203 

 278 
 3,147 
 306 
(535) 
(294) 
(523) 
 2,624 
(698) 
 1,926 

 332 
 1,594 

 7 
(455) 
 120 
(45) 
(389) 
(314) 
(769) 
 44 
(725) 

(109) 
(616) 

(0.48)
(0.47)

1.24
1.23

2017
 4,059 

2016
1,926

 204 

(179) 

 1,725 
(81) 

 23 
(43) 

–
(1) 

 1,827
 5,886

 1,240 
 4,646

 1,150

(50) 

 122
(151) 

(11)
– 
881
 2,807

514
 2,293 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION PRIMARY STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
for the year ended 31 December 2017

US$ million
Revenue
Operating costs
Operating profit
Non-operating special items
Net income from associates and  
joint ventures
Profit before net finance costs and tax

Investment income
Interest expense
Other net financing losses

Net finance 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

Before special 
items and 
remeasurements
 26,243 
(21,001) 
 5,242 
–

Special items and 
remeasurements 
(note 8)
–
 287 
 287 
(5) 

 577 
 5,819 
 268 
(694) 
(47) 
(473) 
 5,346 
(1,324) 
 4,022 

 750 
 3,272 

(10) 
 272 
 –
(99) 
(14) 
(113) 
 159 
(122) 
 37 

 143 
(106) 

2017

Total
 26,243 
(20,714) 
 5,529 
(5) 

 567 
 6,091 
 268 
(793) 
(61) 
(586) 
 5,505 
(1,446) 
 4,059 

 893 
 3,166 

 2.57 
 2.53 

(0.09) 
(0.08) 

 2.48 
 2.45 

Note
2

1, 2
8

13

4

5

25

3
3

Before special 
items and 
remeasurements
 21,378 
(18,047) 
 3,331 
–

Special items and 
remeasurements 
(note 8)
 –

(1,665) 
(1,665) 
 1,203 

 271 
 3,602 
 186 
(490) 
 95 
(209) 
 3,393 
(742) 
 2,651 

 441 
 2,210 

1.72
1.70

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 31 December 2017

US$ million
Profit for the financial year
Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement (net of tax)(1)
Remeasurement of net retirement benefit obligation
Items that have been or may subsequently be reclassified to the income statement (net of tax)(1)
Net exchange differences:

Net gain (including associates and joint ventures)
Cumulative gain transferred to the income statement on disposal of foreign operations 

Revaluation of available for sale investments:

Net revaluation gain
Cumulative revaluation gain transferred to the income statement on disposal

Revaluation of cash flow hedges:

Transferred to the income statement
Share of associates' and joint ventures' other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income for the financial year (net of tax)
Total comprehensive income for the financial year (net of tax)
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests
Equity shareholders of the Company

(1)  Tax amounts are shown in note 5C.

122 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION PRIMARY STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
as at 31 December 2017

US$ million
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Environmental rehabilitation trusts
Investments in associates and joint ventures
Financial asset investments
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax assets
Derivative financial assets
Other non-current assets
Total non-current assets
Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Current tax assets
Derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Total current assets
Assets classified as held for sale
Total assets

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Short term borrowings
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Current tax liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities
Total current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Medium and long term borrowings
Retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities
Provisions for liabilities and charges
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
Own shares
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
Total equity

Note

2017

2016

10
11
15
13
14
18
16
22

17
18

22
20

32

19
20, 21
15

22

19
20, 21
27
16
22
15

32

24

24

25

3,323
30,643
421
1,956
561
937
1,191
309
487
39,828

4,441
2,136
146
81
7,800
14,604
129
54,561

(4,501)
(1,351)
(562)
(601)
(336)
(7,351)

(89)
(10,620)
(695)
(4,188)
(460)
(2,235)
(18,287)
(41)
(25,679)

3,217
28,719
353
1,974
835
812
1,013
484
293
37,700

3,727
2,232
330
109
6,051
12,449
–
50,149

(3,384)
(1,806)
(621)
(442)
(272)
(6,525)

(116)
(11,363)
(778)
(3,520)
(1,603)
(1,919)
(19,299)
–
(25,824)

28,882

24,325

772
4,358
(6,191)
(8,702)
32,735
22,972
5,910
28,882

772
4,358
(6,090)
(10,000)
29,976
19,016
5,309
24,325

The financial statements of Anglo American plc, registered number 03564138, were approved by the Board of directors on 21 February 2018 and signed on its 
behalf by:

Mark Cutifani 
Chief Executive 

Stephen Pearce
Finance Director

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

123

Financial statements 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION PRIMARY STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
for the year ended 31 December 2017

US$ million
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax
Net finance costs including financing special items and remeasurements
Net income from associates and joint ventures
Non-operating special items 
Operating profit
Operating special items and remeasurements
Cash element of special items
Depreciation and amortisation 
Share-based payment charges
Decrease in provisions and net retirement benefit obligations
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
Decrease/(increase) in operating receivables
Increase in operating payables
Other adjustments
Cash flows from operations
Dividends from associates and joint ventures
Dividends from financial asset investments
Income tax paid
Net cash inflows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Expenditure on property, plant and equipment
Cash flows from derivatives related to capital expenditure
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Investments in associates and joint ventures
Purchase of financial asset investments
Net redemption of financial asset loans and receivables
Interest received and other investment income
Net cash inflow on disposals
Return of capital and repayments of capitalised loans by associates and joint ventures
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
Proceeds from issuance of bonds
Proceeds from other borrowings
Repayments of bonds and borrowings
Proceeds from issue of shares to non-controlling interests
Purchase of shares by Group companies for employee share schemes
Other financing activities
Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) 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

Note

2017

2016

 5,505 
 586 
(567) 
 5 
 5,529 
(287) 
(102) 
 2,390 
 180 
(311) 
(294) 
 23
 1,150 
 97 
 8,375 
 506 
 11 
(843) 
 8,049 

(2,278) 
 40 
 52 
(86) 
 (6) 
 168 
 165 
52 
–
(54) 
(1,947) 

(542) 
(419) 
(618) 
(601) 
2,998
35 
(5,189) 
 36 
(242) 
(11) 
(4,553) 

 2,624 
 523 
(278) 
(1,203) 
 1,666 
 1,665 
(144) 
 2,138 
 174 
(139) 
 301 
(365) 
 455 
 87 
 5,838 
 167 
 5 
(611) 
 5,399 

(2,418) 
(22) 
 23 
(51) 
(3) 
 61 
 77 
 1,765 
 62 
(19) 
(525) 

(747) 
(414) 
 –
(15) 
 –
 694 
(5,213) 
 38 
(117) 
(6) 
(5,780) 

 1,549 

(906) 

 6,044 
 1,549 
 199 
 7,792 

 6,889 
(906) 
61
 6,044 

8
1
8

1

13

12
12
12
13
14
14

33
13

20
6
25

20

20

124 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION PRIMARY STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the year ended 31 December 2017

US$ million
At 1 January 2016
Total comprehensive income
Dividends payable 
Issue of shares to non-controlling interests
Equity settled share-based payment schemes
Tax recognised directly in equity(3)
At 31 December 2016
Total comprehensive income
Dividends payable 
Issue of shares to non-controlling interests
Equity settled share-based payment schemes
Other
At 31 December 2017

(1) 

Includes share capital and share premium.

Total share

capital(1)
 5,130 
–
–
–
–
–
 5,130 
–
–
–
–
–
 5,130 

Own
shares(2)
(6,051) 

–
–
–
(39) 
–
(6,090)
–
–
–
(101) 
–

(6,191) 

Cumulative 
translation 
adjustment 
reserve
(11,747) 
 896 
–
–
–
–

(10,851) 
 1,577 
–
–
–
–

(9,274) 

Other reserves 
(note 24)
 936 
(22) 
–
–
(63) 
–
 851 
(282) 
–
–
 6 
(3) 
 572 

Retained 
earnings
 28,301 
 1,419 
–
–
 146 
 110 
 29,976 
 3,351 
(618) 
–
 26 
–
 32,735 

Total equity 
attributable  
to equity 
shareholders 
of the 
Company
16,569
2,293 
–
–
 44 
 110 
19,016 
 4,646 
(618) 
–
(69) 
(3) 
 22,972 

Non-
controlling 
interests
4,773
 514 
(40) 
 38 
 24
–
 5,309 
 1,240 
(672) 
 36 
(3) 
–
 5,910 

Total equity
21,342
2,807 
(40) 
 38 
 68
 110 
24,325 
 5,886 
(1,290) 
 36 
(72) 
(3) 
 28,882 

(2)  Own shares comprise shares of Anglo American plc held by the Company (treasury shares), its subsidiaries and employee benefit trusts. 
(3)  See note 5D for further details.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

125

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Profit attributable to equity shareholders increased 99% to $3,166 million 
and underlying earnings increased 48% to $3,272 million.

PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE  
TO EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS

The following disclosures provide further information about the drivers of the Group’s financial 
performance in the year. This includes analysis of the respective contribution of the Group’s 
operating segments along with information about its operating cost base, net finance costs and 
tax. In addition, disclosure on earnings per share and the dividend is provided.

$3.2 bn

2017

2016

$1.6 bn

$3.2 bn

1. OPERATING PROFIT FROM SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT OPERATIONS

Overview

US$ million
Revenue
Operating costs:

Employee costs
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets
Third party commodity purchases
Consumables, maintenance and production input costs
Logistics, marketing and selling costs
Royalties
Exploration and evaluation
Net foreign exchange losses
Other net operating expenses

Operating profit before special items and remeasurements
Operating special items and remeasurements
Operating profit

Note

26

8

2017
26,243 

2016
21,378

(3,323)
(2,342)
(48)
(5,808)
(5,569)
(2,251)
(613)
(184)
(93)
(770)
5,242 
287 
5,529 

(3,336)
(2,096)
(42)
(4,676)
(5,072)
(1,452)
(377)
(185)
(31)
(780)
3,331 
(1,665)
1,666 

The table above presents costs by nature, with comparative information restated accordingly. The change in presentation better reflects the manner in which 
the Group manages its costs and excludes operating special items and remeasurements to improve the comparability of the operating profit analysis between 
reporting periods. 

Royalties exclude items which meet the definition of income tax on profit and accordingly have been accounted for as taxes.

Exploration and evaluation excludes associated employee costs. The full exploration and evaluation expenditure is presented below.

Operating profit before special items and remeasurements is stated after (charging)/crediting:

US$ million
Exploration expenditure
Evaluation expenditure
Rentals under operating leases
Research and development expenditure
Provisional pricing adjustment

2017
(103)
(125)
(137)
(78)
522

2016
(107)
(105)
(67)
(63)
893 

Further information
Included in revenue is a total (realised and unrealised) gain on provisionally priced sales of $601 million (2016: gain of $904 million). This comprises realised 
gains of $156 million (2016: gains of $21 million) relating to sales that were provisionally priced as at 31 December 2016 with the final price settled in the 
current year, realised gains of $198 million (2016: gains of $584 million) relating to sales fully priced during the year, and unrealised gains of $247 million 
(2016: gains of $299 million) relating to sales that were provisionally priced as at 31 December 2017. In addition, operating costs include losses on 
provisionally priced purchase contracts of $79 million (2016: losses of $11 million).

Accounting policy
See note 38C for the Group’s accounting policy on revenue.

New IFRS accounting standards not yet adopted
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers became effective for the Group from 1 January 2018 and further information on the new standard is provided 
in note 38A. Had the requirements of IFRS 15 been applied during the year ended 31 December 2017, the effect would have been to reduce revenue and 
operating costs respectively by $29 million with no impact on profit. Current assets and current liabilities as at 31 December 2017 would each have been 
higher by $39 million. 

126 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

2. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT

Overview
The Group’s segments are aligned to those business units that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate 
resources and in assessing performance.

The disclosures in this note include certain Alternative Performance Measures (APMs). For more information on the APMs used by the Group, including 
definitions, please refer to page 194.

Segment results

US$ million
De Beers
Copper
Platinum
Iron Ore and Manganese
Coal
Nickel 
Corporate and other

Less: associates and joint ventures
Subsidiaries and joint operations
Reconciliation:
Net income from associates and joint ventures
Special items and remeasurements
Closest equivalent IFRS measure

US$ million
De Beers
Copper
Platinum
Iron Ore and Manganese
Coal
Nickel 
Corporate and other

Less: associates and joint ventures
Subsidiaries and joint operations
Reconciliation:
Net income from associates and joint ventures
Special items and remeasurements
Closest equivalent IFRS measure

Group 
revenue
5,841
4,233
5,078
5,831
7,211
451
5
28,650
(2,407)
26,243

Underlying 
EBITDA
1,435
1,508
866
2,357
2,868
81
(292)
8,823
(1,191)
7,632

Depreciation 
and 
amortisation

(562)
(585)
(354)
(379)
(594)
(81)
(21)
(2,576)
186
(2,390)

Group 
revenue
6,068
3,066
4,394
3,426
5,263
426
499
23,142
(1,764)
21,378

Underlying 
EBITDA
1,406
903
532
1,536
1,646
57
(5)
6,075
(606)
5,469

Depreciation 
and 
amortisation

(387)
(642)
(347)
(261)
(534)
(72)
(66)
(2,309)
171
(2,138)

Net finance 
costs and 
income tax
expense
(244)
(440)
(218)
(507)
(484)
(4)
(326)
(2,223)(1)
426
(1,797)

Non-
controlling 
interests
(101)
(113)
(77)
(445)
(27)
–
11
(752)
2
(750)

Net finance 
costs and 
income tax
expense
(242)
(9)
(101)
(304)
(183)
(42)
(237)
(1,118)(1)
167
(951)

Non-
controlling 
interests
(110)
102
(19)
(405)
(16)
–
10
(438)
(3)
(441)

Underlying 
EBIT
873
923
512
1,978
2,274
–
(313)
6,247
(1,005)
5,242

567
282
6,091

Underlying 
EBIT
1,019
261
185
1,275
1,112
(15)
(71)
3,766
(435)
3,331

278
(462)
3,147

2017

Underlying 
earnings
528
370
217
1,026
1,763
(4)
(628)
3,272
(577)
2,695

567
(96)
3,166

2016

Underlying 
earnings
667
354
65
566
913
(57)
(298)
2,210
(271)
1,939

278
(623)
1,594

(1)   Comprises net finance costs of $526 million (2016: $253 million) and income tax expense of $1,697 million (2016: $865 million).

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). The ‘Corporate and other’ segment includes unallocated corporate costs, exploration costs and the Niobium and 
Phosphates business unit. Exploration costs represent the cost of the Group’s exploration activities across all segments. Comparative information for 
Corporate and other has been restated to include Niobium and Phosphates, which was sold in 2016.

The segment results are stated after elimination of inter-segment interest and dividends and include an allocation of corporate costs.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

127

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

2. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT continued
Further information
Segments predominantly derive revenue as follows – De Beers: rough and polished diamonds; Copper: copper; Platinum: platinum group metals; Iron Ore and 
Manganese: iron ore, manganese ore and alloys; Coal: metallurgical coal and thermal coal; Nickel: nickel. See note 38C for the Group’s accounting policy on 
revenue recognition.

Group revenue by product

US$ million
Diamonds
Copper
Platinum
Palladium
Rhodium
Iron ore
Manganese ore and alloys
Metallurgical coal
Thermal coal
Nickel
Niobium
Phosphates
Other

2017
5,841
4,128
2,454
1,417
327
4,489
940
3,357
3,854
728
–
–
1,115
28,650

2016
6,064
2,946
2,498
967
215
2,611
625
2,243
3,024
694
137
358
760
23,142

Group revenue by destination
The Group’s geographical analysis of segment revenue is allocated based on the customer’s port of destination. Where the port of destination is not known, 
revenue is allocated based on the customer’s country of domicile:

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

2017
1,876
1,709
422
432
9
875
41
6,451
3,636
2,625
5,514
1,571
3,489
28,650

2016
1,630
1,604
679
481
12
572
164
4,784
2,756
2,131
3,813
1,341
3,175
23,142

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Overview
The disclosures in this note include certain Alternative Performance Measures (APMs). For more information on the APMs used by the Group, including 
definitions, please refer to page 194.

US$
Earnings per share
Basic 
Diluted 
Underlying earnings per share
Basic 
Diluted 
Headline earnings per share
Basic 
Diluted 

Further information
The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the following data:

2017

2016

 2.48 
 2.45 

 2.57 
 2.53 

 2.29
 2.26

 1.24 
 1.23 

 1.72 
 1.70

 1.47 
 1.46 

Earnings (US$ million)
Basic and diluted earnings

Number of shares (million)
Basic number of ordinary shares outstanding
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares
Diluted number of ordinary shares outstanding

128 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

Profit attributable to  
equity shareholders  
of the Company

Underlying earnings

Headline earnings

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

3,166

1,594

3,272

2,210

2,920

 1,896 

 1,275 
18 
 1,293

1,288
12
1,300

 1,275 
18 
 1,293

1,288
12
1,300

 1,275
18 
 1,293

1,288
12
1,300

 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE continued
The average number of ordinary shares in issue excludes shares held by employee benefit trusts and Anglo American plc shares held by Group companies. 
The diluted number of ordinary shares outstanding including share options and awards is calculated on the assumption of conversion of all potentially dilutive 
ordinary shares. In the year ended 31 December 2017 there were 132,188 (2016: 274,815) share options which were potentially dilutive but not included in the 
calculation of diluted earnings because they were anti-dilutive.

Headline earnings, a Johannesburg Stock Exchange defined performance measure, is reconciled from underlying earnings as follows:

US$ million
Underlying earnings for the financial year 
Operating special items – restructuring
Other operating special items
Operating remeasurements
Non-operating special items – credits/(charges) relating to BEE transactions
Financing special items and remeasurements
Tax special items and remeasurements
Associates' and joint ventures' special items and remeasurements
Other reconciling items
Headline earnings for the financial year

The reconciling items above are shown net of tax and non-controlling interests. 

2017
 3,272 
 31 
(60)
(86) 
 14 
(114) 
(32) 
(8) 
(97) 

 2,920

2016
2,210
(90)
–
(25)
(36)
(318)
33
7
115
1,896

Other reconciling items principally relate to the settlement of class action claims (2016: principally relate to derecognition of contingent liabilities previously 
recognised in business combinations and losses on disposal of plant and equipment and other assets).

4. NET FINANCE COSTS

Overview

US$ million
Investment income
Interest income from cash and cash equivalents
Interest income from associates and joint ventures
Other interest income
Net interest income on defined benefit arrangements
Dividend income from financial asset investments

Less: interest income capitalised
Investment income before special items and remeasurements
Financing special items and remeasurements
Investment income

Interest expense
Interest and other finance expense
Net interest cost on defined benefit arrangements
Unwinding of discount relating to provisions and other liabilities

Less: interest expense capitalised
Interest expense before special items and remeasurements
Financing special items and remeasurements
Interest expense

Other net financing losses
Net foreign exchange (losses)/gains
Other net fair value gains
Other net financing (losses)/gains before special items and remeasurements
Financing special items and remeasurements
Other net financing losses

Net finance costs

2017

2016

154
35
52
16
11
268
–
268
–
268

(580)
(49)
(100)
(729)
35
(694)
(99)
(793)

(47)
–
(47)
(14)
(61)

(586)

78
50
43
20
5
196
(10)
186
120
306

(711)
(44)
(111)
(866)
376
(490)
(45)
(535)

84
11
95
(389)
(294)

(523)

Further information
Interest income recognised at amortised cost is $200 million (2016: $131 million) and interest expense recognised at amortised cost is $506 million 
(2016: $237 million).

Accounting policy
See note 38C for the Group’s accounting policy on borrowing costs.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

129

Financial statements 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

5. INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Overview
The effective tax rate for the year of 26.3% (2016: 26.6%) is higher (2016: higher) than the applicable weighted average statutory rate of corporation tax in the 
United Kingdom of 19.25% (2016: 20%). 

Calculation of effective tax rate (statutory basis)
Adjusted for:

Special items and remeasurements
Associates’ and joint ventures' tax and non-controlling interests

Calculation of underlying effective tax rate

Profit  
before tax  
US$ million
 5,505 

Tax (charge)/
credit  
US$ million

(1,446) 

(159)
 375 
 5,721 

122
(373) 
(1,697) 

2017

Effective 
tax rate
26.3%

29.7%

The underlying effective tax rate was 29.7% for the year ended 31 December 2017. This is higher than the equivalent underlying effective tax rate of 24.6% 
for the year ended 31 December 2016. The effective tax rate in 2017 has benefited from the reassessment of deferred tax balances primarily in Australia and 
Brazil, partially offset by the reassessment of withholding tax provisions primarily in relation to Chile and South Africa, and the impact of the relative levels of 
profits arising in the Group’s operating jurisdictions. In future periods, it is expected that the underlying effective tax rate will remain above the United Kingdom 
statutory tax rate. 

The disclosures in this note include certain Alternative Performance Measures (APMs). For more information on the APMs used by the Group, including 
definitions, please refer to page 194.

A. Analysis of charge for the year

US$ million
United Kingdom corporation tax
South Africa tax
Other overseas tax
Prior year adjustments
Current tax
Deferred tax
Income tax expense before special items and remeasurements
Special items and remeasurements tax (note 8)
Income tax expense

Current tax includes royalties which meet the definition of income tax and are in addition to royalties recorded in operating costs.

B. Factors affecting tax charge for the year
The reconciling items between the statutory effective tax rate and the income tax expense are:

US$ million
Profit before tax
Less: Net income from associates and joint ventures
Profit before tax (excluding associates and joint ventures)
Tax calculated at United Kingdom corporation tax rate of 19.25% (2016: 20%)

Tax effects of:
Items non-deductible/taxable for tax purposes

Temporary difference adjustments
Current year losses not recognised
Recognition of losses and temporary differences not previously recognised
Utilisation of losses and temporary differences not previously recognised
Write-off of losses and temporary differences previously recognised
Adjustment in deferred tax due to change in tax rate
Other temporary differences

Special items and remeasurements

Other adjustments
Dividend withholding taxes
Effect of differences between local and United Kingdom tax rates
Prior year adjustments to current tax
Other adjustments
Income tax expense

2017
29
649
689
(162)
1,205
119
1,324
122
1,446

2016
26
433
101
(176)
384
358
742
(44)
698

2017
5,505
(567)
4,938
951

2016
2,624
(278)
2,346
469

124

6

108
(305)
(32)
52
(4)
21

89

245
353
(162)
6
1,446

91
(15)
(70)
1
(9)
345

111

(118)
56
(176)
7
698

Included within other temporary differences for the year ended 31 December 2016 was an amount of $306 million in respect of enhanced tax depreciation in 
Chile, partially offset by an amount included within prior year adjustments of $200 million. There are no such inclusions in the year ended 31 December 2017.

The special items and remeasurements reconciling item of $89 million (2016: $111 million) relates to the net tax impact of total special items and 
remeasurements before tax calculated at the United Kingdom corporation tax rate less the associated tax recorded against these items and tax special items 
and remeasurements.

Associates’ and joint ventures’ tax included within Net income from associates and joint ventures for the year ended 31 December 2017 is a charge of 
$371 million (2016: charge of $117 million). Excluding special items and remeasurements, this becomes a charge of $373 million (2016: charge of $123 million).

130 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

5. INCOME TAX EXPENSE continued
C. Tax amounts included in other comprehensive income
The Consolidated statement of comprehensive income includes a tax charge on the remeasurement of net retirement benefit obligations recognised directly 
in equity that will not be reclassified to the income statement of $24 million (2016: credit of $35 million), and a tax charge on the net gain on revaluation of 
available for sale assets recognised directly in equity that may subsequently be reclassified to the income statement of $5 million (2016: $25 million). 
In addition, there is a tax credit on items transferred directly from equity to the income statement of $10 million (2016: $35 million) primarily in relation to 
the disposal of available for sale investments.

D. Tax amounts recognised directly in equity
Deferred tax of $10 million was credited directly to equity in the year ended 31 December 2017.

In 2016, deferred tax of $110 million was credited directly to equity in relation to the disposal of a 25.4% interest in Anglo American Sur S.A. in 2012 as 
a consequence of the reassessment of withholding tax provisions in Chile. 

Accounting judgement
The Group’s tax affairs are governed by complex domestic tax legislations, international tax treaties between countries and the interpretation of these by 
tax authorities and courts. Given the many uncertainties that could arise from these factors, judgement is often required in determining the tax that is due. 
Where management is aware of potential uncertainties that are judged more likely than not to result in a liability for additional tax, a provision is made for 
management’s best estimate of the liability, determined with reference to similar transactions and, in some cases, reports from independent experts.

Accounting policy
See note 38G for the Group’s accounting policy on tax.

6. DIVIDENDS

Proposed final ordinary dividend per share (US cents)
Proposed final ordinary dividend (US$ million)

These financial statements do not reflect the proposed final ordinary dividend as it is still subject to shareholder approval.

Dividends payable during the year are as follows:

US$ million
Final ordinary dividend for 2016 – Nil per ordinary share (2015: Nil per ordinary share)
Interim ordinary dividend for 2017 – 48 US cents per ordinary share (2016: Nil per ordinary share)

2017
 54 
 695 

2017
–
618
618

2016
–
–

2016
–
–
–

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

131

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

Special items and remeasurements are a net charge of $0.1 billion and 
include net impairment reversals of $0.4 billion, relating to the impairment 
reversals at Sishen (Iron Ore and Manganese) of $0.5 billion and El Soldado 
(Copper) of $0.2 billion, partially offset by impairments of the Group’s 
interest in BRPM (Platinum) and at Coal South Africa (Coal).

SPECIAL ITEMS AND 
REMEASUREMENTS

$(0.1) bn

(2016: $(0.6) bn)

During 2017, the significant accounting matters addressed by management included: 

 • the assessment of impairment and impairment reversal indicators; and

 • the estimation of cash flow projections for impairment testing. 

7. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING MATTERS

In the course of preparing financial statements, management necessarily 
makes judgements and estimates that can have a significant impact on  
the financial statements. The critical judgements and sources of estimation 
uncertainty that affect the results for the year ended 31 December 2017 are 
set out below. In addition to these items, further detail on other significant 
judgements and estimates determined by management is provided, where 
applicable, in the relevant note to the financial statements.

Impairment and impairment reversals of assets
i) Critical accounting judgements 
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there are any indicators 
that its assets and cash generating units (CGUs) may be impaired. Operating 
and economic assumptions, which could affect the valuation of assets using 
discounted cash flows, are updated regularly as part of the Group’s planning 
and forecasting processes. Judgement is therefore required to determine 
whether the updates represent significant changes in the service potential 
of an asset or CGU, and are therefore indicators of impairment or impairment 
reversal. The judgement also takes into account the Group’s long-term 
economic forecasts, market consensus and sensitivity analysis of the 
discounted cash flow models used to value the Group’s assets. 

Assets (other than goodwill) that have been previously impaired must be 
assessed for indicators of both impairment and impairment reversal. Such 
assets are, by definition, carried on the balance sheet at a value close to  
their recoverable amount at the last assessment. Therefore in principle any 
change to operational plans or assumptions, economic parameters, or the 
passage of time, could result in further impairment or impairment reversal  
if an indicator is identified. Significant operating assets that the Group has 
previously impaired include Minas-Rio and Sishen (Iron Ore and  
Manganese); Moranbah-Grosvenor, Capcoal, Dawson and Isibonelo (Coal); 
Barro Alto (Nickel) and El Soldado (Copper). These assets have a combined 
carrying value of $10.0 billion within Property, plant and equipment as at 
31 December 2017.

ii) Cash flow projections for impairment testing
Expected future cash flows used in discounted cash flow models are 
inherently uncertain and could materially change over time. They are 
significantly affected by a number of factors including Ore Reserves and 
Mineral Resources, together with economic factors such as commodity 
prices, exchange rates, discount rates and estimates of production costs and 
future capital expenditure. Where discounted cash flow models based on 
management’s assumptions are used, the resulting fair value measurements 
are considered to be at level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, as defined in 
IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement, as they depend to a significant extent on 
unobservable valuation inputs.

Cash flow projections are based on financial budgets and Life of Mine Plans 
or, for non-mine assets, an equivalent appropriate long-term forecast, 
incorporating key assumptions as detailed below:

 • Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources

Ore Reserves and, where considered appropriate, Mineral Resources are 
incorporated in projected cash flows, based on Ore Reserves and Mineral 
Resources 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 
required confidence to convert to Ore Reserves.

 • Commodity and product prices

Commodity and product prices are based on latest internal forecasts, 
benchmarked with external sources of information, to ensure they are within 
the range of available analyst forecasts. In estimating the forecast cash 
flows, management also takes into account the expected realised price from 
existing contractual arrangements.

 • Foreign exchange rates

Foreign exchange rates are based on latest internal forecasts, benchmarked 
with external sources of information for relevant countries of operation. 
Long-term foreign exchange rates are kept constant on a real basis.

 • Discount rates

Cash flow projections used in fair value less costs of disposal impairment 
models are discounted based on a real post-tax discount rate, assessed 
annually, of 7.0% (2016: 6.5%). Adjustments to the rate are made for any 
risks that are not reflected in the underlying cash flows, including the risk 
profile of the individual asset and country risk.

 • Operating costs, capital expenditure and other operating factors

Operating costs and capital expenditure are based on financial budgets 
covering a five year period. Cash flow projections beyond five years are 
based on Life of Mine 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 (for example, 
the grade of Ore Reserves varying significantly over time and unforeseen 
operational issues). Underlying input cost assumptions are consistent with 
related output price assumptions. Other operating factors, such as the 
timelines of granting licences and permits are based on management’s best 
estimate of the outcome of uncertain future events at the balance sheet 
date. For further information refer to the unaudited Ore Reserves and 
Mineral Resources Report 2017.

Where an asset has potential for future development through capital 
investment, to which a market participant would attribute value, and the 
costs and economic benefits can be estimated reliably, this development 
is included in the cash flows (with appropriate risk adjustments).

132 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

iii) Key sources of estimation uncertainty 
For assets where indicators of impairment or impairment reversal are 
identified, the Group performs impairment reviews to assess the recoverable 
amount of its operating assets principally with reference to fair value less 
costs of disposal, assessed using discounted cash flow models. Mining 
operations are large, complex assets requiring significant technical and 
financial resources to operate. Their value may be sensitive to a range of 
characteristics unique to each asset. Management applies judgement in 
determining the assumptions that are considered to be reasonable and 
consistent with those that would be applied by market participants as outlined 
in note 38D.

Sishen
The Sishen iron ore mine (Iron Ore and Manganese) is located in the Northern 
Cape Province in South Africa. It was impaired at year end 2015 by $0.5 billion 
based on a recoverable amount of $1.3 billion, as a result of a deterioration in 
the long-term outlook for iron ore prices, which led to a reconfiguration of the 
Sishen pit shell to improve cash flows. 

During 2017, Sishen has achieved improved levels of production and 
operating efficiencies. Additionally, whilst the long-term outlook for iron ore 
has remained broadly unchanged since 2015, the outlook for market 
conditions in the nearer term has improved. Consequently, the valuation of 
the Sishen mine has been assessed and the previous impairment has been 
reversed to the carrying value of $2.1 billion that would have been determined 
had no impairment loss been previously recognised, resulting in a gain of 
$468 million ($216 million after tax and non-controlling interests). Of the 
impairment reversal, $175 million has been recorded against plant and 
equipment, $169 million against mining properties and leases, $55 million 
against land and buildings and $69 million against capital works in progress, 
with an associated tax charge of $129 million.

The valuation, based on discounted cash flows, is sensitive to changes in input 
assumptions particularly in relation to future iron ore prices and South African 
rand foreign exchange rates. For example, a $5/tonne increase in the 
long-term price forecast for iron ore equates to a $0.3 billion increase in the 
valuation. The recoverable amount has been assessed under a range of 
valuation scenarios, incorporating downside adjustments to both operating 
and economic assumptions, all of which indicate headroom over the revised 
carrying value of $2.1 billion. For example, under the most conservative 
downside case considered the headroom is $0.4 billion.

Minas-Rio
The Minas-Rio iron ore project (Minas-Rio) (Iron Ore and Manganese) in 
Brazil was acquired in two separate transactions in 2007 and 2008. Prior to 
2016, impairment charges totalling $11.3 billion (before tax) were recorded 
against the carrying value of Minas-Rio. The valuation was reassessed as at 
31 December 2017 and the recoverable amount was considered to be in line 
with the carrying value of $4.2 billion. The valuation remains sensitive to 
economic and operational factors that provide both upside and downside risk, 
including price and the scheduling of required permits and licences. For 
example, a $5/tonne change in the long-term price forecast for iron ore, 
with all other valuation assumptions remaining the same, would change the 
valuation by $0.7 billion.

El Soldado
In 2016, an impairment of $200 million was recorded to fully impair El Soldado 
(Copper), following the suspension of mining operations in February 2017 
due to licensing uncertainty. In March 2017, the Group was notified that 
El Soldado’s mine permit application had been rejected by the Chilean mining 
authorities. Following an appeal, the mining permit was approved and mining 
operations were resumed in April 2017. As a result of the receipt of the permit, 
an impairment reversal of $194 million ($65 million after tax and non-
controlling interests) has been recorded.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

133

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

8. SPECIAL ITEMS AND REMEASUREMENTS

Overview

US$ million
Impairments and impairment reversals
Restructuring costs
Other operating special items
Operating remeasurements
Operating special items and remeasurements

Disposals of businesses and investments
Adjustments relating to business combinations
Adjustments relating to former operations
Credits/(charges) relating to BEE transactions
Non-operating special items

Financing special items and remeasurements
Tax special items and remeasurements
Total
Associates’ and joint ventures’ special items and remeasurements
Non-controlling interests on associates’ and joint ventures’ special items and remeasurements
Total special items and remeasurements

Before tax 
 442 
 31 
(91) 
(95) 
 287 

 4 
 59 
(84) 
 16 
(5) 

(113) 
–
 169 

Non-
controlling 
interests

(154) 
–
–
(3) 
(157) 

 20 
(6) 
(1) 
(2) 
 11 

(1) 
 2 
(145) 

Tax
(177) 
–
 31 
 12 
(134) 

 47 
–
(1) 
–
 46 

–
(34) 
(122) 

2017

2016

Net 
 111 
 31 
(60) 
(86) 
(4) 

 71 
 53 
(86) 
 14 
 52 

(114) 
(32) 
(98) 
(10) 
 2 
(106) 

Net 
(1,354) 
(90) 
–
(25) 
(1,469) 

 1,082 
 82 
 3 
(36) 
 1,131 

(318) 
 33 
(623) 
 7 
–
(616) 

Special items
Special items are those items of financial performance that, due to their size 
and nature, the Group believes should be separately disclosed on the face of 
the income statement. These items, along with related tax and non-controlling 
interests, are excluded from underlying earnings, which is an Alternative 
Performance Measure (APM). For more information on the APMs used by the 
Group, including definitions, please refer to page 194.

 • Operating special items are those that relate to the operating performance 
of the Group and principally include impairment charges and reversals and 
restructuring costs.

 • Non-operating special items are those that relate to changes in the Group’s 

asset portfolio. This category principally includes profits and losses on 
disposal of businesses and investments or closure of operations, 
adjustments relating to business combinations, and adjustments relating to 
former operations of the Group, such as changes in the measurement of 
deferred consideration receivable or provisions recognised on disposal or 
closure of operations in prior periods. This category also includes charges 
relating to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) transactions.

 • Financing special items are those that relate to financing activities and 

include realised gains and losses on early repayment of borrowings, and the 
unwinding of the discount on material provisions previously recognised as 
special items. 

 • Tax special items are those that relate to tax charges or credits where the 
associated cash outflow or inflow is anticipated to be significant due to its 
size and nature, principally including resolution of tax enquiries.

Remeasurements
Remeasurements are items that are excluded from underlying earnings in 
order to reverse timing differences in the recognition of gains and losses in 
the income statement in relation to transactions that, whilst economically 
linked, are subject to different accounting measurement or recognition 
criteria. Remeasurements include mark-to-market movements on derivatives 
that are economic hedges of transactions not yet recorded in the financial 
statements, in order to ensure that the overall economic impact of such 
transactions is reflected within the Group’s underlying earnings in the period 
in which they occur. When the underlying transaction is recorded in the 
income statement, the realised gains or losses are reversed from 
remeasurements and are recorded in underlying earnings within either 
revenue, operating costs or net finance costs as appropriate. If the underlying 
transaction is recorded in the balance sheet, for example capital expenditure, 
the realised amount remains in remeasurements on settlement of the 
derivative. 

 • Operating remeasurements include unrealised gains and losses on 

derivatives relating to revenue, operating costs or capital expenditure 
transactions. They also include the reversal through depreciation and 
amortisation of a fair value gain or loss, arising on revaluation of a previously 
held equity interest in a business combination.

 • Financing remeasurements include unrealised gains and losses on financial 
assets and liabilities that represent economic hedges, including accounting 
hedges, related to financing arrangements.

 • Tax remeasurements include foreign exchange impacts 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. 

Operating special items 
Impairments and impairment reversals
Net impairments and impairment reversals of $442 million ($111 million after 
tax and non-controlling interests) for the year ended 31 December 2017 
principally comprise the impairment reversals of Sishen (Iron Ore and 
Manganese) of $468 million ($216 million after tax and non-controlling 
interests) and El Soldado (Copper) of $194 million ($65 million after tax and 
non-controlling interests), the impairment of the investment in Bafokeng–
Rasimone Platinum Mine (BRPM) (Platinum) of $147 million ($116 million 
after tax and non-controlling interests) and an impairment of $61 million 
($44 million after tax) in Coal South Africa (Coal). Further information on 
significant accounting matters relating to impairments and impairment 
reversals is provided in note 7.

BRPM impairment
The Group holds a 33% interest in BRPM (Platinum) and an 11.44% 
shareholding in Royal Bafokeng Platinum Limited (RBPlat), the Johannesburg 
Stock Exchange listed controlling shareholder of the operation. Given the 
reduction in the market capitalisation of RBPlat, the carrying value of the 
investment in BRPM has been assessed for impairment. This has resulted in 
an impairment of $147 million ($116 million after tax and non-controlling 
interests) which has been recorded against investments in associates to bring 
the carrying amount into line with its recoverable amount of $0.2 billion.

2016
Net impairments of $1,354 million after tax and non-controlling interests for 
the year ended 31 December 2016 principally related to the impairment of the 
Moranbah North and Grosvenor cash generating unit (Coal).

Other operating special items
The loss of $91 million ($60 million after tax) relates to the cost to the Group 
of an arbitration settlement relating to a commercial dispute arising during the 
construction of the Barro Alto Nickel project.

134 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SIGNIFICANT ITEMS

8. SPECIAL ITEMS AND REMEASUREMENTS continued
Restructuring costs
Following the finalisation of the Driving Value programme and the decision to 
continue metallurgical coal operations in Australia, restructuring provisions 
recognised in 2016 relating to the closure of the Brisbane Corporate Office 
have been derecognised, resulting in a credit of $31 million ($31 million after 
tax). Restructuring costs for the year ended 31 December 2016 were 
$120 million ($90 million after tax and non-controlling interests).

Operating remeasurements
Operating remeasurements reflect a net loss of $95 million ($86 million after 
tax and non-controlling interests) which principally relates to a $118 million 
depreciation and amortisation charge arising due to the fair value uplift on the 
Group’s pre-existing 45% shareholding in De Beers, which was required on 
acquisition of a controlling stake. This was partially offset by net gains on 
derivatives of $23 million, principally related to economic hedges of capital 
expenditure.

Operating remeasurements reflected a net loss of $33 million ($25 million 
after tax and non-controlling interests) for the year ended 31 December 2016.

Non-operating special items
Disposals of businesses and investments
On 15 February 2017, the Group announced that it had agreed the sale of its 
interests in the Union platinum mine and Masa Chrome Company Proprietary 
Limited (Platinum) to a subsidiary of Siyanda Resources Proprietary Limited 
for consideration comprising upfront cash of R400 million ($34 million) and 
deferred consideration based on the operation’s free cash flow generation 
over a ten year period.

The fair value of the Union mine and its associated Mineral Resources is 
expected to be recovered principally through the sale. An impairment of 
$197 million ($113 million after tax and non-controlling interests) has been 
recorded to bring the operation’s carrying value into line with its fair value less 
costs of disposal. The impairment charge has been recorded principally 
against Property, plant and equipment.

On 1 February 2018, the Group completed the sale.

In addition, a gain on disposal of $76 million ($76 million after tax) was 
recorded on the disposal of the Group’s 83.3% interest in the Dartbrook mine 
(Coal) and a further gain on disposal of $82 million ($65 million after 
non-controlling interests) was recorded on disposal of long-dated Mineral 
Resources in Platinum.

In October 2017, the Group recorded a net gain of $43 million ($43 million 
after tax) on the disposal of its 11.18% interest in Dreamvision Investments 
15 Proprietary Limited through a share buy back which formed part of the 
unwinding of Exxaro Resources Limited’s original BEE transaction. This 
holding equated to a 2.28% interest in Exxaro.

2016
Non-operating special items in the year ended 31 December 2016 of 
$1,131 million after tax and non-controlling interests principally included net 
gains on the disposals of Callide (Coal), Niobium and Phosphates (Corporate 
and other) and the Group’s investment in Exxaro Resources Limited 
(Corporate and other) and a net loss on the disposal of the Rustenburg 
mine (Platinum).

Adjustments relating to business combinations
Of the gain of $59 million, $39 million ($33 million after non-controlling 
interests) relates to the acquisition of the remaining 50% share in De Beers 
Jewellers (De Beers) in March 2017. The remaining $20 million gain relates 
to adjustments in respect of business combinations in prior periods.

Adjustments relating to former operations
Anglo American South Africa Limited
Anglo American South Africa Limited (AASA) is named as one of 32 
respondents in a consolidated class certification application filed in the South 
Gauteng High Court (Johannesburg) on behalf of former mineworkers (or 
their dependants or survivors) who allegedly contracted silicosis or 
tuberculosis as a result of having worked for various gold mining companies 
including some in which AASA was a shareholder and to which AASA 
provided various technical and administrative services (the ‘class action 

claims’). The High Court has certified two classes of claimants: those with 
silicosis or who died from silicosis and those with tuberculosis or who died 
from tuberculosis. AASA and other respondents are appealing the ruling 
which had been set down for hearing from 19 to 23 March 2018, but was 
subsequently postponed indefinitely based on the progress made in the 
settlement negotiations with the claimants’ representatives.

AASA, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Harmony Gold and Sibanye Gold 
announced in November 2014 that they had formed an industry working 
group to address issues relating to compensation and medical care for 
occupational lung disease in the gold mining industry in South Africa. The 
working group was subsequently extended in 2015 to include African 
Rainbow Minerals. At the same time, the industry working group has been 
engaging all stakeholders on these matters, including government, organised 
labour, other mining companies and legal representatives of claimants who 
have filed legal suits against the companies. These engagements have sought 
a comprehensive solution to address legacy compensation issues and future 
legal frameworks that is fair to past and current employees and enables 
companies to continue to be competitive over the long term. The companies 
in the working group continue to defend the legal proceedings filed 
against them.

As a consequence of the status of negotiations between the working group 
and affected stakeholders, a charge of $101 million was recognised at 
30 June 2017 within non-operating special items ($101 million after tax), 
representing management’s best estimate of the cost to the Group of a 
settlement of the class action claims and related costs. The ultimate outcome 
of these matters remains uncertain, with a possible failure to reach a 
settlement or to obtain the requisite court approval of the settlement, and the 
provisions recorded in the financial statements are consequently subject to 
adjustment or reversal in the future, depending on the progress of the 
working group discussions and stakeholder consultations, and the ongoing 
legal proceedings.

Other
The remaining net gain of $17 million before tax and non-controlling interests 
relates to adjustments in respect of disposals completed in prior years.

Credits relating to BEE transactions 
The net gain of $16 million ($14 million after tax and non-controlling interests) 
relates to the revaluation of provisions associated with De Beers BEE 
transactions recorded in prior years. In 2016 the net charge of $36 million 
principally included $24 million ($20 million after tax and non-controlling 
interests) related to the repurchase of shares in Ponahalo Holdings Limited 
awarded to certain employees and their dependents as part of DBCM’s 2006 
empowerment transaction.

Financing special items and remeasurements
Financing special items and remeasurements principally comprise a loss 
of $95 million (2016: net gain of $120 million) arising on bond buybacks 
completed in the period and a net fair value loss of $14 million 
(2016: $389 million) on derivatives hedging net debt.

Tax associated with special items and remeasurements
This includes a tax remeasurement charge of $34 million (2016: credit 
of $74 million) principally arising on Brazilian deferred tax assets.

Of the total tax charge of $122 million, there is a net current tax charge 
of $1 million (2016: charge of $129 million) and a net deferred tax charge 
of $121 million (2016: credit of $173 million).

Associates’ and joint ventures’ special items and 
remeasurements
Associates’ and joint ventures’ special items and remeasurements relates 
to the Coal and Platinum segments (2016: Coal and Iron Ore and 
Manganese segments).

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

135

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CAPITAL BASE

We have a value-focused approach to capital allocation with 
clear prioritisation: maintain asset integrity; ensure a strong 
balance sheet; and pay dividends to our shareholders.

Value-disciplined capital allocation throughout the cycle is critical to 
protecting and enhancing our shareholders’ capital, given the long-term 
and capital intensive nature of our business. 

The Group uses attributable return on capital employed (ROCE) to monitor 
how efficiently assets are generating profit on invested capital for the equity 
shareholders of the Company. Attributable ROCE is an Alternative 
Performance Measure (APM). For more information on the APMs used by 
the Group, including definitions, please refer to page 194.

US$ million
De Beers
Copper
Platinum
Iron Ore and Manganese
Coal
Nickel
Corporate and other

Attributable ROCE %

2017
9%
16%
10%
21%
67%
–
n/a
19%

2016
11%
6%
4%
12%
29%
(1)%
n/a
11%

Attributable ROCE increased to 19% in 2017 (2016: 11%), primarily because 
of higher attributable underlying EBIT. Average attributable capital employed 
remained flat at $27.4 billion as disposals in 2016 and reductions in working 
capital were offset by the impact of the strengthening South African rand and 
Australian dollar on assets denominated in those currencies.

9. CAPITAL BY SEGMENT

The disclosures in this note include certain Alternative Performance Measures (APMs). For more information on the APMs used by the Group, including 
definitions, please refer to page 194.

Capital employed by segment
Capital employed is the principal measure of segment assets and liabilities reported to the Group Management Committee. Capital employed is defined as net 
assets excluding net debt and financial asset investments.

US$ million
De Beers
Copper
Platinum
Iron Ore and Manganese
Coal
Nickel
Corporate and other
Capital employed
Reconciliation to Consolidated balance sheet:
Net debt
Debit valuation adjustment attributable to derivatives hedging net debt
Financial asset investments
Net assets

Non-current assets by location

US$ million
South Africa
Botswana
Other Africa
Brazil
Chile
Other South America
North America
Australia and Asia
United Kingdom (Anglo American plc's country of domicile)
Other Europe
Non-current assets by location
Unallocated assets
Total non-current assets

Capital employed

2017
9,294
5,899
4,510
8,008
3,384
1,959
(241)
32,813

(4,501)
9
561
28,882

2016
8,725
6,073
4,457
7,472
3,509
2,003
(335)
31,904

(8,487)
73
835
24,325

Total non-current assets 
2016
10,488
4,266
1,025
5,804
6,089
1,915
787
2,451
1,321
125
34,271
3,429
37,700

2017
11,638
4,536
1,127
5,729
6,282
2,128
739
2,798
1,247
128
36,352
3,476
39,828

Intangible assets and  
Property, plant and equipment

2017
10,818
4,536
1,121
5,589
6,281
1,282
741
2,302
1,168
128
33,966

2016
9,554
4,266
1,019
5,674
6,089
1,106
784
2,078
1,263
103
31,936

Total non-current assets by location primarily comprise Intangible assets, Property, plant and equipment, Environmental rehabilitation trusts and Investments 
in associates and joint ventures.

136 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CAPITAL BASE

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Overview
Intangible assets comprise goodwill acquired through business combinations, brands, contracts and other non-mining assets.

US$ million
Net book value
At 1 January
Additions
Amortisation charge for the year
Impairments
Disposals
Remeasurements
Currency movements
At 31 December

Cost
Accumulated amortisation

2017

2016

Brands, 
contracts  
and other
intangibles

1,203 
22 
(65)
–
–
–
41 
1,201 
1,609 
(408)

Goodwill

Total

2,014 
–
–
(8)
–
–
116 
2,122 
2,122 
–

3,217 
22
(65)
(8)
–
–
157 
3,323 
3,731 
(408)

Brands, 
contracts  
and other 
intangibles

 1,224 
 12 
(61) 
–
(2) 
– 
 30 
 1,203 
 1,521 
(318) 

Goodwill

Total

 2,170 
– 
–
–
(224) 
 17 
 51 
 2,014 
 2,014 
–

 3,394 
12
(61) 
–
(226) 
 17 
 81 
 3,217 
 3,535 
(318) 

Brands, contracts and other intangibles includes $1,174 million (2016: $1,172 million) relating to De Beers, principally comprising assets that were recognised 
at fair value on acquisition of a controlling interest in De Beers in August 2012. Of these, $517 million (2016: $517 million) have indefinite useful lives.

Further information
Goodwill relates to the following cash generating units (CGUs) or groups of CGUs:

US$ million
De Beers
Copper
Platinum
Coal South Africa
Other

2017
1,721 
124 
181 
88 
8 
2,122 

2016
 1,604 
 124 
 189
 88 
 9 
 2,014

Accounting judgement
Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment by assessing the recoverable amount of the related CGU or group of CGUs. The recoverable amounts have 
been determined based on fair value less costs of disposal using discounted cash flow projections. The key assumptions used in determining the recoverable 
amount are set out in note 7. 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. 

Accounting policy
See note 38D for the Group’s accounting policies on intangible assets.

11. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Overview
Property, plant and equipment comprises the physical assets that make up the Group’s operations. These include acquired mineral rights, capitalised waste 
stripping and mine development costs, processing plant and infrastructure, vehicles and other equipment. 

US$ million
Net book value
At 1 January
Additions
Depreciation charge 

for the year

Impairments
Impairments reversed
Disposals
Reclassifications
Currency movements
At 31 December

Cost
Accumulated 
depreciation

Mining 
properties
and leases

9,620 
281 

(1,024)
(144)
212 
(10)
1,673 
928 
11,536 
25,709 

Land and 
buildings

Plant and 
equipment

Capital works
in progress

2017

Total

2,682 
4 

(152)
(9)
58 
(122)
83 
125 
2,669 
4,367 

8,814 
78 

(1,276)
(68)
296 
(3)
4,607 
400 
12,848 
30,516 

7,603 
2,088 

28,719 
2,451 

–
(23)
85 
(3)
(6,363)
203 
3,590 
3,796 

(2,452)
(244)
651 
(138)
– 
1,656 
30,643 
64,388 

Mining 
properties
and leases

 8,973 
 285 

(829) 
(446)
2 
(64)
 1,094 
 605 
 9,620 
 22,655 

Land and 
buildings

Plant and 
equipment

Capital works
in progress

2016

Total

 2,771 
 6 

(166) 
(251)
–
(283)
 463 
 142 
 2,682 
 4,395 

 8,930 
 27 

 8,947 
 2,350 

 29,621 
 2,668 

(1,233) 
(749)
9 
(595)
 2,072 
 353 
 8,814 
 20,153 

–
(62)
–
(161)
(3,629) 
 158 
 7,603 
 13,297 

(2,228) 
(1,508)
11 
(1,103)
–
 1,258 
 28,719 
 60,500 

(14,173)

(1,698)

(17,668)

(206)

(33,745)

(13,035) 

(1,713) 

(11,339) 

(5,694) 

(31,781) 

Additions include $35 million (2016: $366 million) of net interest expense incurred on borrowings funding the construction of qualifying assets which has been 
capitalised during the year.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

137

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CAPITAL BASE

11. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT continued
Depreciation includes $2,342 million (2016: $2,096 million) of depreciation within operating profit, $101 million (2016: $85 million) of depreciation arising 
due to the fair value uplift on the pre-existing 45% shareholding in De Beers which has been included within operating remeasurements (see note 8), and 
$9 million (2016: $47 million) of pre-commercial production depreciation which has been capitalised.

Disposals includes disposal of assets, businesses, and transfers to Assets classified as held for sale. 

Accounting judgements
Impairment testing
For the purposes of impairment testing, the recoverable amount of each of the CGUs or group of CGUs has been determined based on a fair value less costs of 
disposal basis. The key assumptions used in determining fair value less costs of disposal are set out in note 7.

Deferred stripping
In certain mining operations, rock or soil overlying a mineral deposit, known as overburden, and other waste materials must be removed to access the orebody. 
The process of removing overburden and other mine waste materials is referred to as stripping.

The Group defers stripping costs onto the balance sheet where they are considered to improve access to ore in future periods. Where the amount to be 
capitalised cannot be specifically identified it is determined based on the volume of waste extracted compared with expected volume for the identified 
component of the orebody. This determination is dependent on an individual mine’s design and Life of Mine Plan and therefore changes to the design or Life 
of Mine Plan will result in changes to these estimates. Identification of the components of a mine’s orebody is made by reference to the Life of Mine Plan. 
The assessment depends on a range of factors including each mine’s specific operational features and materiality.

Accounting policy
See note 38D for the Group’s accounting policies on property, plant and equipment.

12. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

The disclosures in this note include certain Alternative Performance Measures (APMs). For more information on the APMs used by the Group, including 
definitions, please refer to page 194.

Capital expenditure by segment

US$ million
De Beers
Copper
Platinum
Iron Ore and Manganese
Coal
Nickel
Corporate and other
Capital expenditure
Reconciliation to Consolidated cash flow statement:
Cash flows from derivatives related to capital expenditure
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment
Direct funding for capital expenditure received from non-controlling interests
Expenditure on property, plant and equipment

2017
 273 
 665 
 355 
252
568
 28 
9
2,150

40
52
36
2,278

2016 
 526 
 563 
 314 
269
613
 62 
40
 2,387 

(22) 
 23 
 30 
 2,418 

Comparative information for Corporate and other has been restated to include Niobium and Phosphates, which was sold in 2016.

Capitalised operating cash flows
Capital expenditure includes net capitalised operating cash inflows of $78 million (2016: net inflows of $150 million) generated by operations prior to reaching 
commercial production for accounting purposes. 

Capital expenditure by category

US$ million
Expansionary
Stay-in-business
Stripping and development
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

2017
306
1,310
586
(52)
2,150

2016
817
 1,042
 551 
(23) 
 2,387 

Expansionary capital expenditure includes the cash flows from derivatives related to capital expenditure and is net of direct funding for capital expenditure 
received from non-controlling interests.

138 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CAPITAL BASE

13. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES

Overview
Investments in associates and joint ventures represent businesses the Group does not control, but instead exercises joint control or significant influence. 
These include the associate Cerrejón (Coal) and the joint ventures Ferroport (Iron Ore and Manganese) and Samancor (Iron Ore and Manganese).

US$ million
At 1 January
Net income from associates and joint ventures
Dividends received
Investments in equity and capitalised loans
Return of capital and repayment of loans
Impairments
Other movements
Currency movements
At 31 December

Associates
 1,371 
 296 
(263) 
 86 
–
(164) 
(21) 
 45
 1,350 

Joint  
ventures
 603 
 271 
(243) 
–
–
–
(24) 
(1) 
 606 

2017

Total
 1,974 
 567 
(506) 
 86 
–
(164) 
(45) 
 44 
 1,956 

Associates
1,374
 148 
(139) 
 34 
(58) 
(19) 
–
 31
 1,371 

Joint  
ventures
443
 130 
(28) 
 17 
(4) 
– 
 36 
 9 
603

2016

Total
1,817
278
(167) 
 51 
(62) 
(19) 
 36 
 40
 1,974 

Further information
The Group’s total investments in associates and joint ventures include long-term loans of $330 million (2016: $273 million) which in substance form part of the 
Group’s net investment. These loans are not repayable in the foreseeable future.

The Group’s share of the results of the associates and joint ventures is as follows:

Income statement

US$ million
Revenue
Operating costs (before special items and remeasurements)
Associates' and joint ventures' underlying EBIT
Net finance costs
Income tax expense
Non-controlling interests
Net income from associates and joint ventures (before special items and remeasurements)
Special items and remeasurements
Special items and remeasurements tax
Net income from associates and joint ventures

2017
 2,407 
(1,402) 
 1,005 
(53) 
(373) 
(2) 
 577 
(12) 
 2 
 567

Joint  
ventures
 865 
 457 
(248) 
(468) 
 606 
 603 

2016
 1,764 
(1,329) 
 435 
(44) 
(123) 
 3 
 271 
 1 
 6 
278

Total
 2,314 
 1,051 
(561) 
(848) 
 1,956 
 1,974 

Associates
 1,449 
 594 
(313) 
(380) 
 1,350 
 1,371 

Revenue

Underlying EBIT

Depreciation and amortisation

Underlying EBITDA

2017
 18 
 148 
 1,021 
 1,220 
–
 2,407 

2016
73
156
625
910
–
1,764

2017
 2 
(16) 
 534 
 486 
(1) 

 1,005

2016
3
(8)
209
236
(5)
435

2017
 1 
 26 
 55 
 104 
–
 186 

2016
3
16
49
103
–
171

2017
 3
 10 
 589
 590 
(1) 
 1,191 

2016
6
8
258
339
(5)
606

Aggregate investment

2017
 23 
 200 
 584 
 1,127 
 22 
 1,956 

2016
 50 
 289 
 559 
 1,055 
 21 
 1,974 

Accounting policy
See note 38I for the Group’s accounting policy on associates and joint arrangements, which includes joint ventures. 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

139

Balance sheet

US$ million
Non-current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets as at 31 December 2017
Net assets as at 31 December 2016

Segmental information

US$ million
De Beers
Platinum
Iron Ore and Manganese
Coal
Corporate and other

US$ million
De Beers
Platinum
Iron Ore and Manganese
Coal
Corporate and other

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CAPITAL BASE

14. FINANCIAL ASSET INVESTMENTS

Overview
Financial asset investments include two main categories. Loans and receivables principally comprise loans to and deposits with third parties including the 
Group’s associates and joint ventures. Assets classified as available for sale represent investments in equities of other companies.

US$ million
At 1 January
Additions
Interest receivable
Net loans repaid
Disposals
Impairments
Fair value and other movements
Currency movements
At 31 December

Loans and 
receivables

701
–
35
(168)
–
(77)
(48)
3
446

Available  
for sale 
investments
134
6
–
–
(55)
–
18
12
115

2017

Total
835
6
35
(168)
(55)
(77)
(30)
15
561

Loans and 
receivables
662 
 – 
 47 
(61) 
(27) 
(16) 
– 
 96 
 701 

Available  
for sale 
investments
184
 3 
– 
– 
(233) 
 – 
 147 
 33 
 134 

2016

Total
846
 3 
 47 
(61) 
(260) 
(16) 
 147 
 129 
 835 

Accounting policy
See note 38D for the Group’s accounting policies on financial asset investments.

15. PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES

Overview

US$ million
At 1 January 2017
Charged to the income statement
Capitalised
Unwinding of discount
Amounts applied
Unused amounts reversed
Other movements
Currency movements
At 31 December 2017

Current
Non-current

Environmental

restoration Decommissioning
(538)
(16)
(66)
(33)
2 
47 
15
(41)
(630)
(12)
(618)

(1,208)
(91)
(65)
(63)
41 
7 
6
(115)
(1,488)
(133)
(1,355)

Employee 
benefits
(350)
(85)
–
(1)
191 
84 
–
(21)
(182)
(154)
(28)

Onerous 
contracts
(87)
–
–
(5)
24 
20 
(22)
(6)
(76)
(19)
(57)

Other
(357)
(193)
(4)
–
99 
53 
(2)
(17)
(421)
(244)
(177)

Total
(2,540)
(385)
(135)
(102)
357 
211 
(3)
(200)
(2,797)
(562)
(2,235)

Further information
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, based on management’s best estimate of the legal 
and constructive obligations incurred. Changes in legislation could result in changes in provisions recognised. It is anticipated that the majority of 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 the majority of 
these costs will be incurred over a period in excess of 20 years.

The pre-tax, real discount rates that have been used in calculating the environmental restoration and decommissioning liabilities as at 31 December 2017 and 
31 December 2016, in the principal currencies in which these liabilities are denominated, are as follows: US dollar: 2.1%; South African rand: 4%; Australian 
dollar: 3%; Chilean peso: 3%; and Brazilian real: 6%.

Employee benefits
Provision is made for statutory or contractual employee entitlements where there is significant uncertainty over the timing or amount of settlement. It is 
anticipated that these costs will be incurred when employees choose to take their benefits.

Onerous contracts
Provision is made for the present value of certain long-term contracts where the unavoidable cost of meeting the Group’s obligations is expected to exceed the 
benefits to be received. It is anticipated that the majority of these costs will be incurred over a period of up to nine years.

Other
Other provisions primarily relate to restructuring costs, indemnities, legal and other claims. A provision for $101 million (2016: nil) is included for the 
settlement of class action claims (see note 8 for further details). It is anticipated that the majority of these costs will be incurred over a period of up to five years.

140 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CAPITAL BASE

15. PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES continued
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 
in South Africa. The funds comprise the following investments:

US$ million
Equity
Bonds
Cash

2017
160 
186 
75
421 

2016
 135 
 153 
 65 
 353 

These assets are primarily denominated in South African rand. 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 8.0% (2016: 8.0%) for an average period of three years (2016: three years). Equity investments are recorded 
at fair value through profit and loss and bonds are recorded at amortised cost.

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 stated above.

Accounting policy
See note 38D for the Group’s accounting policy on environmental restoration and decommissioning obligations.

16. DEFERRED TAX

Overview
The movement in net deferred tax liabilities during the year is as follows:

US$ million
At 1 January
Charged to the income statement
(Charged)/credited to the statement of comprehensive income 
Credited directly to equity
Transfers to held for sale
Disposal of business
Currency movements
At 31 December
Comprising:

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

Further information
The amount of deferred tax recognised in the Consolidated balance sheet is as follows:

US$ million
Deferred tax assets
Tax losses
Post employment benefits
Share-based payments
Enhanced tax depreciation
Depreciation in excess of capital allowances
Other temporary differences

Deferred tax liabilities
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation
Fair value adjustments
Tax losses
Provisions
Withholding tax
Other temporary differences

2017
(2,507)
(240)
(19)
10 
(4)
– 
(237)
(2,997)

1,191 
(4,188)

2016
(2,339)
(185)
43
110
–
38
(174)
(2,507)

1,013
(3,520)

2017

2016

292 
29 
33 
430 
500 
(93)
1,191

(3,030)
(853)
27 
385 
(396)
(321)
(4,188)

363 
31 
15 
362 
372 
(130)
1,013

(2,642)
(775)
27
324
(237)
(217)
(3,520)

The deferred tax liability on other temporary differences of $321 million (2016: $217 million) arises primarily in relation to deferred stripping costs, partially 
offset by an amount related to post-employment benefits.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

141

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CAPITAL BASE

16. DEFERRED TAX continued 
The amount of deferred tax (charged)/credited to the Consolidated income statement is as follows:

US$ million
Capital allowances in excess of depreciation
Fair value adjustments
Tax losses
Provisions
Withholding tax
Other temporary differences

2017
(182)
15 
49 
164 
(159)
(127)
(240)

2016
(384)
(25)
(48)
22
163
87
(185)

Deferred tax charged to the income statement includes a charge of $34 million (2016: credit of $74 million) relating to deferred tax remeasurements and 
a charge of $87 million (2016: credit of $99 million) relating to deferred tax on special items.

The Group has the following balances in respect of which no deferred tax asset has been recognised:

US$ million
Expiry date
Greater than one year, less than five years
Greater than five years
No expiry date

Tax  
losses – 
revenue

17 
38 
3,536 
3,591 

Tax  
losses – 
capital

Other 
temporary 
differences

– 
– 
715 
715 

– 
2,556 
2,473 
5,029 

2017

Total

17 
2,594 
6,724 
9,335 

Tax  
losses – 
revenue

575
–
2,784
3,359

Tax  
losses – 
capital

Other 
temporary 
differences

–
–
1,051
1,051

–
3,186
3,363
6,549

2016

Total

575
3,186
7,198
10,959

No deferred tax has been recognised in respect of temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, branches, associates and interests in 
joint arrangements 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, 
associates and interests in joint arrangements is represented by the contribution of those investments to the Group’s retained earnings and amounted to 
$18,609 million (2016: $17,804 million).

Accounting policy
See note 38G for the Group’s accounting policy on tax.

142 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WORKING CAPITAL

This section includes analysis of inventories, receivables and payables. These balances principally relate to current assets  
and liabilities held to support operating activities. 

US$ million
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables

2017
 4,441 
 3,073 
(4,590) 
 2,924 

2016
 3,727 
 3,044 
(3,500) 
 3,271 

During the year there were net cash inflows of $0.9 billion on inventories and 
operating receivables and payables. The net reduction in inventories, trade 
and other receivables and trade and other payables of $0.3 billion also 
includes other movements such as foreign exchange.

17. INVENTORIES

Overview
Inventories represent goods held for sale in the ordinary course of business (finished products), ore being processed into a saleable condition (work in 
progress) and spares, raw materials and consumables to be used in the production process (raw materials and consumables).

US$ million
Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished products

2017
 817 
 1,703 
 1,921 
 4,441 

2016
882
 1,220 
 1,625 
 3,727 

Further information
The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales amounted to $16,264 million (2016: $14,006 million). The write-down of 
inventories to net realisable value (net of revaluation of provisionally priced purchases) amounted to $105 million (2016: $96 million).

Accounting judgements
Accounting for inventory involves the use of judgements and estimates, particularly related to the measurement and valuation of work in progress inventory 
within the production process. Certain estimates, including expected metal recoveries and work in progress volumes, are calculated by engineers using 
available industry, engineering and scientific data. Estimates used are periodically reassessed by the Group taking into account technical analysis and 
historical performance.

Accounting policy
See note 38E for the Group’s accounting policy on inventories.

18. TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Overview
Trade receivables are amounts due from the Group’s customers for commodities and services the Group has provided. Many of the Group’s sales are 
provisionally priced, which means that the price is finalised at a date after the sale takes place. When there is uncertainty about the final amount that will be 
received, the receivable is marked to market based on the forward price.

This balance also includes amounts receivable for VAT and other indirect taxes, prepaid expenses and amounts receivable from others for non-sale 
transactions.

US$ million
Trade receivables
Tax receivables
Prepayments and accrued income
Other receivables

Due within 
one year
 1,355 
 407 
 166 
 208 
 2,136 

Due after  
one year
 206 
 353 
 50 
 328 
 937 

2017

Total
 1,561 
 760 
 216 
 536 
 3,073 

Due within 
one year
1,570
 316 
 154 
 192 
 2,232 

Due after  
one year
158
 294 
 37 
 323 
 812 

2016

Total
1,728
 610 
 191 
 515 
 3,044 

Further information
Of the year end trade receivables balance, $42 million (2016: $29 million) were past due, stated after an associated impairment provision of $18 million 
(2016: $13 million). The overdue debtor ageing profile is typical of the industry in which certain of the Group’s businesses operate. Given this, the use of 
payment security instruments (including letters of credit from acceptable financial institutions), and the nature of the related counterparties, these amounts 
are considered recoverable. The historical level of customer default is minimal and as a result the credit quality of year end trade receivables is considered 
to be high.

Trade receivables do not incur any interest, are principally 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, see note 38C), net of appropriate provision for estimated 
irrecoverable amounts. Such provisions are raised based on an assessment of debtor ageing, past experience or known customer circumstances.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

143

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WORKING CAPITAL

19. TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Overview
Trade and other payables include amounts owed to suppliers, tax authorities and other parties that are typically due to be settled within 12 months. The total 
also includes deferred income, which represents monies received from customers but for which we have not yet delivered the associated service. These 
amounts are recognised as revenue when the service is provided. Other payables includes deferred consideration in respect of business combinations, 
dividends payable to non-controlling interests and employee-related payables.

US$ million
Trade payables
Accruals
Deferred income
Tax and social security
Other payables

2017
 2,214 
 1,366 
 453 
 68 
 489 
 4,590 

2016
1,700
 815 
 166 
 54 
 765 
 3,500 

Further information
Trade payables are non interest bearing and are measured at their nominal value (with the exception of payables relating to provisionally priced commodity 
purchases which are marked to market using the appropriate forward price) until settled. Other payables, of which $89 million (2016: $116 million) is included 
within non-current liabilities, includes deferred consideration in respect of business combinations, dividends payable to non-controlling interests and 
employee-related payables.

144 

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NET DEBT AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Net debt decreased from $8.5 billion to $4.5 billion during the year, driven by operating cash inflows. Gearing has decreased 
from 26% at 31 December 2016 to 13% at 31 December 2017 as net debt decreased coupled with an increase in total capital. 

US$ million
Net assets
Net debt including related derivatives (note 20)
Total capital
Gearing

2017
 28,882 
 4,501 
 33,383 
13%

2016
24,325
8,487
32,812
26%

Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents 
(including derivatives that provide an economic hedge of net debt).  
Total capital is calculated as ‘Net assets’ (as shown in the Consolidated 
balance sheet) excluding net debt. 

20. NET DEBT

Overview
The disclosures in this note include certain Alternative Performance Measures (APMs). For more information on the APMs used by the Group, including 
definitions, please refer to page 194.

Movement in net debt

US$ million
At 1 January 2016
Cash flow
Reclassifications
Movement in fair value
Other non-cash movements
Currency movements
At 31 December 2016
Cash flow
Reclassifications
Movement in fair value
Other non-cash movements
Currency movements
At 31 December 2017

Further information
Reconciliation to the Consolidated balance sheet

US$ million
Balance sheet
Balance sheet – disposal groups
Bank overdrafts
Net cash/(debt) classifications

Cash 
and cash
equivalents
 6,889 
(906) 
–
–
–
 61
 6,044 
 1,549 
–
–
–
 199 
 7,792 

Short term 
borrowings

Medium and 
long term 
borrowings

Net debt 
excluding 
derivatives

(1,634) 
 1,834 
(1,977) 
 19 
(12) 
(29) 
(1,799) 
 1,838 
(1,077) 
(7) 
(151) 
(128) 
(1,324) 

(16,318) 
 2,685 
 1,977 
 79 
 59 
 155 
(11,363) 
 318 
 1,077 
 210 
(144) 
(718) 
(10,620) 

(11,063) 
 3,613 
–
 98 
 47 
187
(7,118) 
 3,705 
–
 203 
(295) 
(647) 
(4,152) 

Derivatives 
hedging
net debt
(1,838) 
 414 
–
 55 
–
–

(1,369) 
 419 
–
 601 
–
–
(349) 

Net debt  
including 
derivatives

(12,901) 
 4,027 
–
 153 
 47 
187 
(8,487) 
 4,124 
 –
 804 
(295) 
(647) 
(4,501) 

Cash and cash equivalents

Short term borrowings

2017
 7,800 
 19
(27) 

 7,792

2016
 6,051 
–
(7) 

6,044

2017
(1,351) 
– 
 27 
(1,324) 

2016
(1,806) 

–
 7 
(1,799)

Medium and  
long term borrowings

2017

(10,620) 

2016
(11,363) 

–
–

–
–

(10,620) 

(11,363) 

South Africa net cash
The Group operates in South Africa where the existence of exchange controls may restrict the use of certain cash balances. The Group therefore monitors the 
cash and debt associated with these operations separately. These restrictions are not expected to have a material effect on the Group’s ability to meet its 
ongoing obligations. Below is a breakdown of net cash in South Africa.

US$ million
Cash and cash equivalents
Short term borrowings
Medium and long term borrowings
Net cash excluding derivatives
Derivatives hedging net debt
Net cash including derivatives

2017
 4,276 
(34) 
(798) 
 3,444 
 2 
 3,446 

2016
 2,749 
(61) 
(1,130) 
 1,558 
–
1,558

Debit valuation adjustment
The debit valuation adjustments reduce the valuation of derivative liabilities hedging net debt reflecting the impact of the Group’s own credit risk. These 
adjustments are excluded from the Group’s definition of net debt (as detailed on page 195). The movement in the debit valuation adjustments are as follows:

US$ million
At 1 January
Movement in fair value
At 31 December

Accounting policy
See note 38F for the Group’s accounting policy on cash and debt.

2017
73 
(64) 
9 

2016
 555 
(482)
73

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NET DEBT AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

21. BORROWINGS

Overview
The Group accesses borrowings mostly in capital markets through bonds issued under the Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) programme, the  
South African Domestic Medium Term Note (DMTN) programme, the Australian Medium Term Note (AMTN) programme and through accessing the  
US bond markets. The Group uses interest rate and cross currency swaps to ensure that the majority of the Group’s borrowings are floating rate US dollar 
denominated.

In March 2017, the Group completed a bond buyback transaction consisting of Euro and Sterling denominated bonds with maturities from April 2018 
to June 2019. The Group used $1.27 billion of cash to retire $1.25 billion of contractual repayment obligations (including derivatives hedging the bonds).

In April 2017, the Group issued $300 million 3.75% senior notes due 2022 and $700 million 4.75% senior notes due 2027 through accessing the 
US bond markets.

In September 2017, the Group completed a bond buyback transaction consisting of Euro and US dollar denominated bonds with maturities from September 
2018 to November 2020. The Group used $1.93 billion of cash to retire $1.86 billion of contractual repayment obligations (including derivatives hedging 
the bonds).

In September 2017, the Group issued $650 million 3.625% senior notes due 2024 and $650 million 4% senior notes due 2027 through accessing the US bond 
markets. The Group also issued €600 million 1.625% senior notes due 2025 under the EMTN programme.

On 7 February 2018, the Group gave notice that it will redeem in full its outstanding $750 million 9.375% US bond due April 2019 on 9 March 2018.

Further information 

US$ million
Secured
Bank loans and overdrafts
Obligations under finance leases

Unsecured
Bank loans and overdrafts
Bonds issued under EMTN programme

1.75% €594m bond due November 2017
1.75% €258m bond due April 2018(1)
6.875% £92m bond due May 2018(1)
2.5% €160m bond due September 2018(1)
1.028% JPY10,000m bond due December 2018
2.75% €357m bond due June 2019(1)
1.5% €205m bond due April 2020(1)
2.875% €354m bond due November 2020(1)
2.5% €750m bond due April 2021
3.5% €750m bond due March 2022
3.25% €750m bond due April 2023
1.625% €600m bond due September 2025

US bonds

2.625% $452m bond due April 2017
2.625% $635m bond due September 2017
9.375% $750m bond due April 2019
3.625% $352m bond due May 2020 (1)
4.45% $281m bond due September 2020(1)
4.125% $500m bond due April 2021
3.75% $300m bond due April 2022
4.125% $600m bond due September 2022
3.625% $650m bond due September 2024
4.875% $650m bond due May 2025
4.75% $700m bond due April 2027
4% $650m bond due September 2027

Bonds issued under AMTN programme

5.75% AUD500m bond due November 2018

Bonds issued under DMTN programme

JIBAR+1.38% R600m bond due March 2017
9.27% R1,400m bond due March 2019
9.49% R650m bond due April 2021
JIBAR+1.47% R400m bond due April 2021

Interest payable and other loans 

Total borrowings

Short term 
borrowings

Medium and 
long term 
borrowings

Total 
borrowings

2017

Contractual 
repayment at 
hedged rates

Short term 
borrowings

Medium and 
long term 
borrowings

Total 
borrowings

2016

Contractual 
repayment at 
hedged rates

 18 
 13 
 31 

 24 

–
 309 
 125 
 194 
 89 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

 397 

–
–
–
–
 182 
 1,320 
 1,351 

 39 
 68 
 107 

 123 

–
–
–
–
–
 439 
 264 
 426 
 930 
 979 
 954 
 710 

–
–
 763 
 346 
 285 
 499 
 295 
 583 
 631 
 638 
 693 
 629 

–

 57 
 81 
 138 

 147 

–
 309 
 125 
 194 
 89 
 439 
 264 
 426 
 930 
 979 
 954 
 710 

–
–
 763 
 346 
 285 
 499 
 295 
 583 
 631 
 638 
 693 
 629 

 397 

 57 
 81
 138

 147 

–
 355 
 181 
 204 
 97 
 448 
 226 
 477 
 977 
 992 
 1,033 
 714 

–
–
 750 
 352 
 281 
 500 
 300 
 600 
 650 
 650 
 700 
 650 

 470 

 13 
 8 
 21 

 12 

 633 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

 453 
 633 
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

 48 
 53 
 101 

 457 

–
 574 
 348 
 521 
 86
 823 
 638 
 669 
 830 
 884 
 857 
–

–
–
 781 
 841 
 515 
 504 
–
 586 
–
 640 
–
–

 371 

 61 
 61 
 122 

 469 

 633 
 574 
 348 
 521 
 86
 823 
 638 
 669 
 830 
 884 
 857 
–

 453 
 633 
 781 
 841 
 515 
 504 
–
 586 
–
 640 
–
–

 371 

61
 61 
122 

 469 

 799 
 741 
 529 
 616 
 97 
 941 
 659 
 807 
 977 
 992 
 1,033 
–

 452 
 635 
 750 
 850 
 500 
 500 
–
 600 
–
 650 
–
–

 470 

–
 114 
 54 
 31 
 127 
 10,513 
 10,620 

–
 114 
 54 
 31 
 309 
 11,833 
 11,971 

–
 114 
 53 
 32 
 309 
 12,262 
 12,400 

 44 
–
–
–
 10 
 1,785 
 1,806 

–
 102 
 48 
 29 
 158 
 11,262 
 11,363 

 44 
 102 
 48 
 29 
 168 
13,047
13,169

 44 
 102 
 47 
 29 
 168 
 14,457 
 14,579 

(1)  Outstanding value of bond shown subsequent to bond buyback transactions completed in March and September 2017.

Accounting policy
See note 38F for the Group’s accounting policy on bank borrowings.

146 

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NET DEBT AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES

Financial instruments overview
For financial assets and liabilities which are traded on an active market, such as listed investments or listed debt instruments, fair value is determined by 
reference to market value. For non-traded financial assets and 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, and based on observable market data where available (for example forward exchange 
rate, interest rate or commodity price curve), unless carrying value is considered to approximate fair value.

Where discounted cash flow models based on management’s assumptions are used, the resulting fair value measurements are considered to be at level 3 in 
the fair value hierarchy, as defined in IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement, as they depend to a significant extent on unobservable valuation inputs.

All derivatives that have been designated into hedge relationships have been separately disclosed.

US$ million
Financial assets
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Financial asset investments

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial liabilities
Borrowings

Net financial (liabilities)/assets

US$ million
Financial assets
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Financial asset investments

Financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial liabilities
Borrowings

Net financial (liabilities)/assets

At fair value 
through profit  
and loss

Loans and 
receivables

Available 
for sale

Designated  
into hedges

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised cost

 796 
 83 
– 
– 
 879 

(706) 
(738) 
– 
(1,444) 
(565) 

 1,356 
– 
 7,800 
 446 
 9,602 

– 
– 
– 
– 
 9,602 

–
–
–
 115 
 115 

–
–
–
–
 115 

–
 307 
–
–
 307 

–
(58) 
(11,496) 
(11,554) 
(11,247) 

–
–
–
–
–

(3,363) 
– 
(475) 
(3,838) 
(3,838) 

At fair value  
through profit  
and loss

Loans and 
receivables

Available 
for sale

Designated  
into hedges

Financial 
liabilities at 
amortised cost

 1,090 
 110 
–
–
 1,200 

(591) 
(1,865) 

–

(2,456) 
(1,256) 

 1,199
–
 6,051 
 701 
7,951

–
–
–
–
 7,951

–
–
–
 134 
 134 

–
–
–
–
 134 

–
 483 
–
–
 483 

–
(10) 
(12,337) 
(12,347) 
(11,864) 

–
–
–
–
–

(2,689) 

–
(832) 
(3,521) 
(3,521) 

Trade and other receivables exclude prepayments and tax receivables. Trade and other payables exclude tax, social security and deferred income.

Fair value hierarchy
An analysis of financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value is set out below:

US$ million
Financial assets
At fair value through profit and loss

Provisionally priced trade receivables
Other receivables
Derivatives hedging net debt
Other derivatives
Designated into hedges

Derivatives hedging net debt

Available for sale investments
Financial asset investments

Financial liabilities
At fair value through profit and loss

Provisionally priced trade payables
Other payables
Derivatives hedging net debt
Other derivatives
Designated into hedges

Derivatives hedging net debt

Debit valuation adjustment to derivative liabilities

Net assets/(liabilities) carried at fair value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

–
–
–
–

–

 69 
 69 

–
–
–
(2) 

–
–
(2) 
 67 

 558 
–
 30 
 53 

 307 

–
 948 

(594) 
–
(628) 
(117) 

(58) 
 9 
(1,388) 
(440) 

 –
 238 
–
–

–

 46 
 284 

–
(112) 
–
–

–
–
(112) 
 172 

2017

Total

 558 
 238 
 30 
 53 

 307 

 115 
 1,301 

(594) 
(112) 
(628) 
(119) 

(58) 
 9 
(1,502) 
(201) 

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

– 
– 
– 
6

– 

 77 
 83 

– 
–
– 
(21) 

– 
– 
(21) 
 62

 877 
–
 10 
94

 483 

–
 1,464

(466) 
–

(1,852) 
(65) 

(10) 
 73 
(2,320) 
(856) 

 – 
 213 
–
–

–

 57 
 270 

–
(125)
–
–

–
–
(125) 
 145 

2017

Total

 2,152 
 390 
 7,800 
 561 
 10,903 

(4,069) 
(796) 
(11,971) 
(16,836) 
(5,933) 

2016

Total

 2,289 
 593 
 6,051 
 835 
 9,768 

(3,280) 
(1,875) 
(13,169) 
(18,324) 
(8,556) 

2016

Total

877
213
 10 
 100 

 483 

 134 
1,817

(466)
(125)
(1,852) 
(86) 

(10) 
 73 
(2,466) 
(649) 

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NET DEBT AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES continued

Fair value hierarchy
Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Valuation technique
Valued using unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments. This category 
includes listed equity shares and quoted futures.
Instruments in this category are valued using valuation techniques where all of the inputs that have a 
significant effect on the valuation are directly or indirectly based on observable market data. This category 
includes provisionally priced trade receivables and payables and over-the-counter derivatives.
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. This category includes 
contingent consideration, receivables relating to disposals and unlisted equity investments.

The movements in the fair value of the level 3 financial assets and liabilities are shown as follows:

US$ million
At 1 January
Net profit/(loss) recorded in the income statement
Net profit recorded in the statement of comprehensive income
Additions
Settlements and disposals
Currency movements
At 31 December 

2017
 270 
 2 
 34 
19
(59) 
 18 
 284 

Assets

2016
109

(3) 
 31 
 131 
–
2
270

2017
(125) 
 17 
–
–
–
(4) 
(112) 

Liabilities

2016
(555) 
 39 
– 
(136) 
526 
 1 
(125) 

For the level 3 financial assets and liabilities, changing certain estimated inputs to reasonably possible alternative assumptions does not change the fair value 
significantly. 

Further information on financial instruments
Borrowings designated in fair value hedges represent listed debt which is held at amortised cost, adjusted for the fair value of the hedged interest rate risk. 
The fair value of these borrowings is $11,900 million (2016: $12,405 million), which is measured using quoted indicative broker prices and consequently 
categorised as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value of the remaining borrowings at amortised cost of $475 million (2016: $832 million), 
principally comprising bank borrowings, is considered to approximate the fair value.

Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities
The Group offsets financial assets and liabilities and presents them on a net basis in the Consolidated balance sheet only where there is a legally enforceable 
right to offset the recognised amounts, and the Group intends to either settle the recognised amounts on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the 
liability simultaneously.

At 31 December 2017, certain over-the-counter derivatives entered into by the Group and recognised at fair value through profit and loss are both subject 
to enforceable ISDA master netting arrangements and intended to be settled on a net basis. In accordance with the requirements of IAS 32 Financial 
Instruments: Presentation, the positions of these derivatives have been offset; those in an asset position totalling $62 million (2016: $45 million) were offset 
against those in a liability position totalling $165 million (2016: $57 million). The net liability position of $103 million (2016: $12 million) is presented within 
derivative liabilities in the Consolidated balance sheet.

Derivatives overview
The Group utilises derivative instruments to manage certain market risk exposures. 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 are classified as ‘Held for trading’ 
and fair value movements are recorded in the Consolidated income statement.

The use of derivative instruments is subject to limits and the positions are regularly monitored and reported to senior management. 

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 recognised in the 
Consolidated income statement as financing remeasurements. Recognised in the Consolidated income statement is a gain on fair value hedged items of 
$203 million (2016: $98 million), offset by a loss on fair value hedging instruments of $213 million (2016: $106 million).

Held for trading
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 Consolidated income statement, as is the case for 
certain cross currency swaps of non-US dollar debt. Fair value changes on these derivatives are recognised in the Consolidated income statement as 
remeasurements or within underlying earnings in accordance with the policy set out in note 8.

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NET DEBT AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND DERIVATIVES continued
Further information on derivatives
Fair value of derivative positions
The fair value of the Group’s open derivative positions at 31 December (excluding normal purchase and sale contracts held off balance sheet), recorded within 
‘Derivative financial assets’ and ‘Derivative financial liabilities’, is as follows:

US$ million
Derivatives hedging net debt
Fair value hedge

Interest rate swaps

Held for trading

Forward foreign currency contracts
Cross currency swaps
Debit valuation adjustment to derivative 
liabilities

Other derivatives
Total derivatives

Asset

2017

Liability

 21 

 7 
–

–
 28 
 53 
 81 

–

(10) 
(209) 

 –
(219) 
(117) 
(336) 

Asset

9

 10 
–

–
 19 
 90 
 109 

Current

2016

Liability

Asset

2017

Liability

Non-current

2016

Liability

Asset

–

 286 

(58) 

474

(10)

(9) 
(178) 

1
(186) 
(86) 
(272) 

–
 23 

–
 309
 –
 309

–
(409) 

 9 
(458) 
(2) 
(460) 

–
–

–
 474 
 10 
 484 

–

(1,665) 

72

(1,603) 

–

(1,603) 

Other derivatives primarily relate to forward foreign currency contracts hedging capital expenditure, forward commodity contracts and other commodity 
contracts that are accounted for as ‘Held for trading’. These marked to market valuations are not 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 31 December, at market prices and rates available at 
the time.

Accounting judgement
Fair value of financial instruments
Certain of the Group’s financial instruments, principally derivatives, are required to be measured on the balance sheet at fair value. Where a quoted market 
price for an identical instrument is not available, a valuation model is used to estimate the fair value based on the net present value of the expected cash flows 
under the contract. Valuation assumptions are usually based on observable market data (for example forward foreign exchange rate, interest rate or 
commodity price curves) where available.

Accounting policies
See notes 38D and 38F for the Group’s accounting policies on financial asset investments, impairment of financial assets, derivative financial instruments and 
hedge accounting. 

New IFRS accounting standards not yet adopted
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
The impact of applying IFRS 9 Financial Instruments for the year ended 31 December 2017 would have been to reduce the Group’s opening retained earnings 
at 1 January 2017 by $18 million, to decrease the Group’s operating costs by $17 million and increase the Group’s profit before tax and underlying earnings by 
$17 million for the year ended 31 December 2017. Further information is provided in note 38A.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

149

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NET DEBT AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

23. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Overview
The Board approves and monitors the risk management processes, including documented treasury policies, counterparty limits and 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 Consolidated balance sheet at 
31 December is as follows:

 • liquidity risk; 

 • credit risk;

 • commodity price risk;

 • foreign exchange risk; and

 • interest rate risk.

A. 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 may be financed by means of limited recourse project finance, if appropriate.

Certain borrowing facilities within the Group are the subject of financial covenants that vary from facility to facility, but which would be considered normal for 
such facilities, such as the ratio of net debt to tangible net worth, and the respective borrower was in compliance with these facilities throughout 2017.

The expected undiscounted cash flows of the Group’s net debt related and other financial liabilities, by remaining contractual maturity, based on conditions 
existing at the balance sheet date are as follows:

US$ million
Amount due for repayment within one year
Greater than one year, less than two years
Greater than two years, less than three years
Greater than three years, less than four years
Greater than four years, less than five years
Greater than five years 
Total due for repayment after more than one year
Total

US$ million
Amount due for repayment within one year
Greater than one year, less than two years
Greater than two years, less than three years
Greater than three years, less than four years
Greater than four years, less than five years
Greater than five years 
Total due for repayment after more than one year
Total

The Group had the following undrawn committed borrowing facilities at 31 December:

US$ million
Expiry date
Within one year
Greater than one year, less than two years
Greater than two years, less than three years
Greater than three years, less than four years
Greater than four years, less than five years

Net debt related financial liabilities

Expected  
future interest 
payments

Derivatives  
hedging  
net debt

(469) 
(382) 
(321) 
(280) 
(222) 
(513) 
(1,718) 
(2,187) 

(195) 
(19) 
(39) 
(72) 
(65) 
(79) 
(274) 
(469) 

Borrowings

(1,174) 
(1,338) 
(1,450) 
(1,592) 
(1,811) 
(4,313) 
(10,504) 
(11,678) 

Net debt related financial liabilities

Expected  
future interest 
payments
(466)
(460) 
(350) 
(268) 
(153) 
(252) 
(1,483) 
(1,949) 

Derivatives  
hedging  
net debt
(150)
(556) 
(121) 
(180) 
(166) 
(374) 
(1,397) 
(1,547) 

Borrowings
(1,801)
(1,895) 
(1,686) 
(3,090) 
(1,460) 
(2,900) 
(11,031) 
(12,832) 

2017

Total
(5,823) 
(1,761) 
(1,810) 
(1,944) 
(2,098) 
(5,133) 
(12,746) 
(18,569) 

2016

Total
(5,581)
(2,942) 
(2,157) 
(3,538) 
(1,779) 
(3,830) 
(14,246) 
(19,827) 

Other 
financial 
liabilities
(3,985) 
(22) 
– 
– 
– 
(228) 
(250) 
(4,235) 

Other  
financial 
liabilities
(3,164)
(31) 
–
–
–
(304) 
(335) 
(3,499) 

2017

2016

 490 
 598 
 7,676 
–
 244 
 9,008 

 660 
 1,446 
 1,175 
 6,203 
 223 
 9,707 

Undrawn committed borrowing facilities expiring within one year include undrawn South African rand facilities equivalent to $0.3 billion (2016: $0.5 billion) in 
respect of facilities with a 364 day maturity which roll automatically on a daily basis, unless notice is served.

150 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NET DEBT AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

23. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued
B. Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial instrument will cause a loss to the Group by failing to pay its obligation. 

The Group’s principal financial assets are cash, trade and other receivables, investments and derivative financial instruments. 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
Financial asset investments
Derivative financial assets

2017
 7,800 
 2,152 
 446 
 390 
 10,788 

2016
 6,051 
 2,289 
 701 
 593 
 9,634 

The Group limits credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments through diversification of exposures with a range of financial institutions 
approved by the Board. Counterparty limits are set for each financial institution with reference to credit ratings assigned by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and 
Fitch Ratings, shareholder equity (in case of relationship banks) and fund size (in case of asset managers).

Given the diverse nature of the Group’s operations (both in relation to commodity markets and geographically), and the use of payment security instruments 
(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.

The classification of trade and other receivables exclude prepayments and tax receivables and the classification of financial asset investments exclude 
available for sale investments.

C. Commodity price risk
The Group’s earnings are exposed to movements in the prices of the commodities it produces.

The Group’s policy is to sell its products at prevailing market prices and is generally not to hedge commodity price risk, although some hedging may be 
undertaken for strategic reasons. In such cases, the Group generally uses forward contracts and other derivative instruments to hedge the price risk.

Certain of the Group’s sales and purchases are provisionally priced, meaning that the selling price is determined normally 30 to 180 days after delivery  
to the customer, based on quoted market prices stipulated in the contract, 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)
Derivatives

2017

Commodity price linked

Commodity price linked

Subject to 
price
movements

 262 
(86) 
 176 

Not  
linked to 
commodity 
price

(6,167) 
(320) 
(6,487) 

Fixed
price

 378 
– 
 378 

Subject to 
price
movements

 421 
(28) 
 393 

Total

(5,527) 
(406) 
(5,933) 

Not  
linked to 
commodity 
price

(8,159) 
(1,254) 
(9,413) 

Fixed
price

 464 
–
 464 

2016

Total

(7,274) 
(1,282) 
(8,556) 

Commodity price linked financial instruments subject to price movements include provisionally priced trade receivables and trade payables.

Commodity price linked financial instruments at fixed price include receivables and payables for commodity sales and purchases not subject to price 
adjustment at the balance sheet date.

D. 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 revenue. 

The South African rand, Brazilian real and Australian dollar are the most significant non-US dollar currencies influencing costs. A strengthening of the US 
dollar against the currencies to which the Group is exposed has a positive effect on the Group’s earnings. The Group’s policy is generally not to hedge such 
exposures given the correlation, over the longer term, with commodity prices and the diversified nature of the Group, although exceptions can be approved 
by the Group Management Committee.

In addition, currency exposures exist in respect of non-US dollar approved capital expenditure projects and non-US dollar borrowings in US dollar functional 
currency entities. The Group’s policy is that such exposures should be hedged subject to a review of the specific circumstances of the exposure.

Net other financial liabilities (excluding net debt related balances and cash in disposal groups, but including the debit valuation adjustment attributable to 
derivatives hedging net debt) are $1,432 million. This includes net assets of $208 million denominated in Brazilian real, and net liabilities of $217 million 
denominated in US dollars, $295 million denominated in Australian dollars, $305 million denominated in Chilean pesos and $568 million denominated in 
South African rand. 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

151

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NET DEBT AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

23. FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued
E. 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. The Group is 
principally exposed to US and South African interest rates.

The Group’s policy is to borrow funds at floating rates of interest given the link with economic output and therefore the correlation, over the longer term, with 
commodity prices. The Group uses interest rate swap contracts to manage its exposure to interest rate movements on its debt.

In respect of financial assets, the Group’s policy is to invest cash at floating rates of interest and to maintain cash reserves in short-term investments (less than 
one year) in order to maintain liquidity.

Analysis of interest rate risk associated with net debt balances and the impact of derivatives to hedge against this risk is included within the table below. 
Net other financial liabilities (excluding net debt related balances and cash in disposal groups, but including the debit valuation adjustment attributable to 
derivatives hedging net debt) of $1,432 million (2016: $72 million) are primarily non-interest bearing. 

The table below reflects the exposure of the Group’s net debt to currency and interest rate risk.

US$ million
US dollar
Euro
South African rand
Brazilian real
Australian dollar
Sterling
Other
Impact of interest derivatives
Total

US$ million
US dollar
Euro
South African rand
Brazilian real
Australian dollar
Sterling
Other
Impact of interest derivatives
Total

Cash  
and cash 
equivalents
 5,975 
 15 
 1,445 
 99 
 121 
 20 
 117 
–
 7,792 

Cash  
and cash 
equivalents
 4,844
5 
 894 
 96 
 74 
 18 
 113
–
 6,044 

Floating  
rate 
borrowings

Fixed  
rate 
borrowings

Derivatives 
hedging  
net debt

Impact of 
currency 
derivatives

(154) 
–
(212) 
–
–
–
–

(11,497) 
(11,863) 

(5,481) 
(5,286) 
(178) 
–
(399) 
(130) 
(104) 
 11,497 
(81) 

(351) 
–
 2 
–
–
–
–
–
(349) 

(5,904) 
 5,286 
–
–
 399 
 130 
 89 
–
–

Floating  
rate 
borrowings

Fixed  
rate 
borrowings

(168) 
–
(594) 
–
–
–
–

(12,337) 
(13,099) 

(4,992) 
(6,429) 
(160) 
–
(371) 
(348) 
(100) 
 12,337 
(63) 

Derivatives 
hedging 
net debt
(1,369) 

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

(1,369) 

Impact of 
currency 
derivatives

(7,234) 
 6,429 
–
–
 371 
 348 
 86 
–
–

2017

Total
(5,915) 
 15 
 1,057 
 99 
 121 
 20 
 102 
–

(4,501) 

2016

Total
(8,919) 
5 
 140 
 96 
 74 
 18 
 99 
–

(8,487) 

Based on the net foreign currency and interest rate risk exposures detailed above, and taking into account the effects of the hedging arrangements in place, 
management considers that earnings and equity are not materially sensitive to reasonable foreign exchange or interest rate movements in respect of the 
financial instruments held as at 31 December 2017 or 2016. 

152 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EQUITY

Equity represents the capital of the Group attributable to Company 
shareholders and non-controlling interests, and includes share capital, 
share premium and reserves.

Total equity has increased from $24.3 billion to $28.9 billion in the year, principally reflecting the 
profit for the year and net exchange gains on foreign operations, partially offset by dividends to 
Company shareholders and non-controlling interests of $1.3 billion.

TOTAL EQUITY

$28.9 bn

2017

2016

$28.9 bn

$24.3 bn

24. CALLED-UP SHARE CAPITAL AND CONSOLIDATED EQUITY ANALYSIS

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 and 31 December

Number of shares

US$ million

Number of shares

US$ million

2017

2016

 50,000

–

 50,000 

–

 1,405,465,332 

 772 

 1,405,465,332 

772

Excluding shares held in treasury (but including the shares held by the Group in other structures, as outlined below) the number and carrying value of 
called-up, allotted and fully paid ordinary shares as at 31 December 2017 was 1,404,613,432 and $772 million (2016: 1,402,242,532 and $770 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.

Own shares

Own shares
Treasury shares
Own shares held by subsidiaries and employee benefit trusts
Total

The movement in treasury shares during the year is as follows:

Treasury shares
At 1 January
Transferred to employees in settlement of share awards
At 31 December

Number of shares

US$ million

Number of shares

US$ million

2017

2016

 851,900 
 134,642,359 
 135,494,259 

 53 
 6,138 
 6,191 

 3,222,800 
 123,743,483 
 126,966,283 

2017

 153 
5,937 
6,090 

2016

Number of shares

US$ million

Number of shares

US$ million

 3,222,800 
(2,370,900)
 851,900

 153 
(100) 
 53 

 3,603,824 
(381,024) 
 3,222,800 

 173 
(20) 
 153 

Included in Own shares are 112,300,129 (2016: 112,300,129) Anglo American plc shares held by Epoch Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited, Epoch Two 
Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited and Tarl Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited, which are consolidated by the Group by virtue of their contractual 
arrangements with Tenon Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anglo American South Africa Limited. Further details of 
these arrangements are provided in note 38B.

Included in the calculation of the dividend payable are 16,239,717 ($340 million) shares held in treasury and in the Employee Benefit Trust in respect of 
forfeitable share awards granted to certain employees. Under the terms of these awards, the shares are beneficially owned by the respective employees, who 
are entitled to receive dividends in respect of the shares. The shares are released to the employees on vesting of the awards, and any shares that do not vest 
are returned to the Company or the Employee Benefit Trust. These shares are recognised on the balance sheet within Own shares and are excluded from the 
calculation of basic earnings per share. They are included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share to the extent that the related share awards are dilutive 
(see note 3).

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

153

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EQUITY

24. CALLED-UP SHARE CAPITAL AND CONSOLIDATED EQUITY ANALYSIS continued
Consolidated equity analysis

Fair value and other reserves comprise:

US$ million
At 1 January 2016
Total comprehensive expense
Equity settled share-based payment schemes
At 31 December 2016
Total comprehensive expense
Equity settled share-based payment schemes
Other
At 31 December 2017

Share-based 
payment 
reserve
499
–
(63)
436
–
 6
–
 442

Available  
for sale 
reserve
303
(11)
–
292
(281) 
–
–
 11 

Cash  
flow hedge 
reserve
11
(11)
–
–
(1) 
–
–
(1) 

Other
reserves
123
–
–
123
–
–
(3) 
 120 

Total  
fair value  
and other 
reserves
936
(22)
(63)
851
(282) 
6
(3) 

 572

Other reserves comprise a capital redemption reserve of $115 million (2016: $115 million) and a legal reserve of $5 million (2016: $8 million).

25. NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

Overview
Non-controlling interests that are material to the Group relate to the following subsidiaries:

 • Kumba Iron Ore Limited (Kumba Iron Ore), which is a company incorporated in South Africa and listed on the JSE. Its principal mining operations are the 
Sishen and Kolomela iron ore mines which are located in South Africa. Non-controlling interests hold an effective 46.4% (2016: 46.8%) interest in the 
operations of Kumba Iron Ore, comprising the 29.7% interest held by other shareholders in Kumba Iron Ore and the 23.7% (2016: 23.7%) of Kumba Iron 
Ore’s principal operating subsidiary, Sishen Iron Ore Company Proprietary Limited, that is held by shareholders outside the Group.

 • Anglo American Sur S.A. (Anglo American Sur), which is a company incorporated in Chile. Its principal operations are the Los Bronces and El Soldado 

copper mines and the Chagres smelter, which are located in Chile. Non-controlling interests hold a 49.9% interest in Anglo American Sur.

US$ million
Profit/(loss) attributable to  
non-controlling interests

Equity attributable to non-controlling interests
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Kumba  
Iron Ore

Anglo 
American Sur

 562 
 1,726 
(239) 

 178 
 1,735 
(317) 

Other

 153 
 2,449 
(45) 

2017

Total

 893 
 5,910 
(601) 

Kumba  
Iron Ore

Anglo 
American Sur

 351 
 1,214 
– 

(162) 
 1,946 
– 

Other

 143 
 2,149 
(15) 

2016

Total

 332 
 5,309 
(15) 

Other non-controlling interests consist of individually immaterial non-controlling interests.

Further information
Summarised financial information on a 100% basis and before inter-company eliminations for Kumba Iron Ore and Anglo American Sur is as follows: 

US$ million
Non-current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets

Revenue
Profit/(loss) for the financial year(1)
Total comprehensive income/(expense)
Net cash inflow from operating activities

(1)  Stated after special items and remeasurements.

There were no material changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries in 2017 or 2016.

2017

2016

Kumba  
Iron Ore
 3,264 
 1,952 
(447) 
(973) 
 3,796 

Anglo 
American Sur
 4,266 
 1,056 
(635) 
(1,210) 
 3,477 

 3,486 
 1,288 
 1,658 
 1,315 

 2,152 
 362 
 368 
 895 

Kumba  
Iron Ore
 2,473 
 1,709 
(432) 
(1,079) 
 2,671 

Anglo 
American Sur
 4,122 
 1,188 
(379) 
(1,035) 
 3,896 

 2,801 
 775 
 1,024 
 933 

 1,676 
(324) 
(336) 
 529 

154 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EMPLOYEES

This section contains information about the Group’s current and former 
employees as well as the associated cost of employment and post 
employment benefits incurred by the Group. 

The Group had on average 69,000 employees during 2017, down 11,000 since the prior year 
principally as a result of divestments.

EMPLOYEES

69,000

2017

2016

69,000

80,000 

26. EMPLOYEE NUMBERS AND COSTS

Employee numbers
The average number of employees, excluding contractors and associates’ and joint ventures’ employees and including a proportionate share of employees 
within joint operations by segment, was:

Thousand
De Beers
Copper
Platinum
Iron Ore and Manganese
Coal
Nickel
Corporate and other

2017
10
4
36
8
9
1
1
69

2016
9
4
 45 
 7 
 10 
 2 
 3 
 80 

Comparative information for Corporate and other has been restated to include Niobium and Phosphates, which was sold in 2016.

The average number of employees, excluding contractors and associates’ and joint ventures’ employees and including a proportionate share of employees 
within joint operations, by principal location of employment was:

Thousand
South Africa
Other Africa
South America
North America
Australia and Asia
Europe

Employee costs
Payroll costs in respect of the employees included in the tables above were:

US$ million
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Post employment benefits
Share-based payments (note 28)
Total payroll costs
Reconciliation:
Less: employee costs capitalised
Less: employee costs included within special items
Employee costs included in operating costs

2017
52
4
8
1
2
2
69

2017
2,807
141
253
169
3,370

(71)
24
3,323

2016
61
 4 
 9 
 1 
 3 
 2 
 80

2016
 3,107 
 110 
 285 
 236 
 3,738

(258) 
(144) 

 3,336

Post employment benefits include contributions to defined contribution pension and medical plans, current and past service costs related to defined benefit 
pension and medical plans and other benefits provided to certain employees during retirement.

Key management
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. Key management comprises members of the Board and the Group 
Management Committee.

Compensation for key management was as follows:

US$ million
Salaries and short-term employee benefits
Social security costs
Termination benefits
Post employment benefits
Share-based payments

2017
23
3
–
3
23
52

2016
19
 3 
5
 3 
 17 
 47 

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 Part 3 and Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 
are included in the Remuneration report.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

155

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EMPLOYEES

27. RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Overview
The Group operates a number of defined contribution and defined benefit pension plans with the most significant plans being in South Africa and the  
United Kingdom. It also operates post employment medical plans the majority of which are unfunded, principally in South Africa. The post employment 
medical plans provide health benefits to retired employees and certain dependants.

Defined contribution plans 
The charge for the year for defined contribution pension plans (net of amounts capitalised and special items) was $158 million (2016: $180 million) and for 
defined contribution medical plans (net of amounts capitalised) was $74 million (2016: $64 million).

Defined benefit pension plans and post employment medical plans
Characteristics of 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 in the relevant jurisdiction. The responsibility for the governance of the funded 
retirement benefit plans, including investment and funding decisions, lies with the Trustees of each scheme. The unfunded liabilities are principally in relation 
to termination indemnity plans in Chile.

South Africa
The pension plans in South Africa are in surplus. All pension plans in South Africa are closed to new members and the majority of plans are closed to future 
benefit accrual. As the plans are in surplus no employer contributions are currently being made. The Group’s provision of anti-retroviral therapy to HIV positive 
staff does not significantly impact the post employment medical plan liability. 

United Kingdom
The Group operates funded pension plans in the United Kingdom. These plans are closed to new members and to the future accrual of benefits. The Group 
is committed to make payments to certain United Kingdom pension plans under deficit funding plans agreed with the respective Trustees. 

Other
Other pension and post employment medical plans primarily comprise obligations in Chile where legislation requires employers to provide for a termination 
indemnity, entitling employees to a cash payment made on the termination of an employment contract.

Contributions
Employer contributions are made in accordance with the terms of each plan and may vary from year to year. Employer contributions made to funded pension 
plans in the year ended 31 December 2017 were $100 million (2016: $105 million). In addition, $11 million (2016: $24 million) of benefits were paid to unfunded 
pension plans and $25 million (2016: $21 million) of benefits were paid in relation to post employment medical plans. The Group expects to contribute 
$119 million to its pension plans and $29 million to its post employment medical plans in 2018.

Income statement
The amounts recognised in the Consolidated income statement are as follows:

US$ million
Charge to operating costs
Net charge/(credit) to net finance costs
Total net charge to the income statement

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
 2 
 36 
 38 

Pension  
plans
 14 
(3) 
 11 

2017

Total 
 16 
 33 
 49 

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
 4 
 32 
 36 

Pension 
plans
 14 
(8) 
 6 

Net charge/(credit) to net finance costs includes interest expense on surplus restriction of $17 million (2016: $16 million).

Comprehensive income
The pre-tax amounts recognised in the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income are as follows:

US$ million
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income
Actuarial gains/(losses) on plan liabilities
Movement in surplus restriction
Remeasurement of net defined benefit obligation

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
–
 19 
–
 19 

Pension  
plans
 45 
 156 
 8 
 209 

2017

Total 
 45 
 175 
 8 
 228 

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
–
(10) 
– 
(10) 

Pension 
plans
627 
(858) 
 27 
(204) 

Actuarial gains/(losses) on plan liabilities comprise gains/(losses) from changes in financial and demographic assumptions as well as experience on  
plan liabilities. The tax amounts arising on remeasurement of the net defined benefit obligations are disclosed in note 5.

2016

Total 
 18 
 24 
 42 

2016

Total 
627 
(868) 
 27 
(214) 

156 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EMPLOYEES

27. RETIREMENT BENEFITS continued
Balance sheet
A summary of the movements in the net pension plan assets and retirement benefit obligations on the Consolidated balance sheet is as follows:

US$ million
Net liability recognised at 1 January 
Net income statement charge
Remeasurement of net defined benefit obligation
Employer contributions to funded pension plans
Benefits paid to unfunded plans
Other
Currency movements
Net liability recognised at 31 December
Amounts recognised as:
Defined benefit pension plans in surplus
Retirement benefit obligation – pension plans
Retirement benefit obligation – medical plans

2017
(508)
(49)
228 
100 
34
1
(33)
(227)

468 
(255)
(440)
(227)

Defined benefit pension plans in surplus are included in Other non-current assets on the Consolidated balance sheet.

Further information
Movement analysis
The changes in the fair value of plan assets are as follows:

US$ million
At 1 January
Interest income
Return on plan assets, excluding interest income
Contributions paid by employer to funded pension plans
Benefits paid
Other
Currency movements
At 31 December

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
 13
 1 
–
–
(1) 
–
 1 
 14 

Pension  
plans
 5,191 
 229 
 45 
 100 
(324) 
–
 490 
 5,731 

Benefits paid includes $2 million (2016: $6 million) of benefits paid to defined contribution plans.

The changes in the present value of defined benefit obligations are as follows:

US$ million
At 1 January
Current service costs
Interest costs
Actuarial gains/(losses)
Benefits paid
Other
Currency movements
At 31 December

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
(414) 
(2) 
(37) 
 19 
 26 
(1) 
(45) 
(454) 

Pension  
plans
(5,137) 
(14) 
(209) 
 156 
 333 
 2 
(462) 
(5,331) 

2017

Total 
 5,204 
 230 
 45 
 100 
(325) 
–
 491 
 5,745 

2017

Total 
(5,551) 
(16) 
(246) 
 175 
 359 
 1 
(507) 
(5,785) 

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
 13 
 1 
–
–
(1) 
–
– 
 13 

Pension  
plans
 5,051 
 257
 627 
 105 
(230) 
 (23) 
(596) 
 5,191 

Post 
employment 
medical  
plans
(350) 
(4) 
(33) 
(10) 
 22 
(3) 
(36) 
(414) 

Pension  
plans
(4,918) 
(14) 
(233) 
(858) 
 248 
21
 617 
(5,137) 

2016
(361) 
(42) 
(214) 
 105 
 39 
(5) 
(30) 
(508) 

 270 
(377) 
(401) 
(508) 

2016 

Total 
 5,064 
 258 
 627 
 105 
(231) 
 (23) 
(596) 
 5,204 

2016 

Total 
(5,268) 
(18) 
(266) 
(868) 
 270 
18
 581 
(5,551) 

The most significant actuarial gain arose from changing demographic assumptions on pension plans totalling $108 million (2016: loss from changing financial 
assumptions of $917 million).

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

157

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EMPLOYEES

27. 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 and the fair value of pension assets at 31 December is 
as follows:

US$ million
Corporate bonds
Government bonds
Equity
Cash
Other
Fair value of pension plan assets
Active members
Deferred members
Pensioners
Present value of funded obligations
Present value of unfunded obligations
Net surplus/(deficit) in pension plans
Surplus restriction
Recognised retirement benefit  
assets/(liabilities)
Other non-current assets – pension plans
Retirement benefit obligations – pension plans

South 
 Africa
 332 
 602 
 399 
 49 
–
 1,382 
(6) 
(8) 
(1,004) 
(1,018) 

–
 364 
(187) 

 177 
 177 
–

United  
Kingdom
 2,299 
 1,618 
 119 
 19 
 194 
 4,249 
(209) 
(1,526) 
(2,281) 
(4,016) 

–
 233 
–

 233 
 290 
(57) 

2017

Total
 2,636 
 2,307 
 526 
 68 
 194 
 5,731 
(227) 
(1,538) 
(3,377) 
(5,142) 
(189) 
 400 
(187) 

 213 
 468 
(255) 

Other
 5 
 87 
 8 
–
–
 100 
(12) 
(4) 
(92) 
(108) 
(189) 
(197) 
–

(197) 
 1 
(198) 

South 
 Africa
 267 
 510 
 400 
 54 
–
 1,231 
(6) 
(11) 
(929) 
(946) 
–
 285 
(161) 

 124 
 124 
 – 

United 
Kingdom
 1,561 
 1,699 
 402 
 15 
 207 
 3,884

(198) 
(1,550) 
(2,179) 
(3,927) 
– 
(43) 
–

(43) 
 146 
(189) 

2016

Total
 1,859 
 2,242 
 808 
 71 
 211 
 5,191

(220) 
(1,567) 
(3,174) 
(4,961) 
(176) 
 54 
(161) 

(107) 
 270 
(377) 

Other
 31 
 33 
 6 
2
4
 76
(16) 
(6) 
(66) 
(88) 
(176) 
(188) 
–

(188) 
–
(188) 

The fair value of assets is used to determine the funding level of the plans. The fair value of the assets of the funded plans was sufficient to cover 111% 
(2016: 105%) of the benefits that had accrued to members after allowing for expected increases in future earnings and pensions. The present value of 
unfunded obligations includes $178 million (2016: $166 million) relating to active members. All material investments are quoted.

In South Africa the asset recognised is restricted to the amount in the Employer Surplus Account. The Employer Surplus Account is the amount that the Group 
is entitled to by way of a refund, taking into consideration any contingency reserves as recommended by the funds’ actuaries.

Actuarial assumptions
The principal assumptions used to determine the actuarial present value of benefit obligations and pension charges and credits are detailed below (shown as 
weighted averages):

Defined benefit pension plans
Average discount rate for plan liabilities
Average rate of inflation
Average rate of increase of pensions in payment
Post employment medical plans
Average discount rate for plan liabilities
Average rate of inflation
Expected average increase in healthcare costs

South 
 Africa

United 
Kingdom

9.6%
6.7%
6.7%

9.6%
6.7%
8.4%

2.6%
3.2%
3.2%

n/a
n/a
n/a

2017

Other

5.7%
3.0%
2.8%

8.0%
5.6%
8.0%

South 
 Africa

United 
Kingdom

9.5%
7.0%
7.0%

9.4%
7.0%
8.8%

2.6%
3.3%
3.3%

2.6%
3.3%
7.8%

2016

Other

5.5%
3.3%
3.0%

6.9%
5.2%
8.0%

The weighted average duration of the South African plans is 10 years (2016: 11 years), United Kingdom plans is 19 years (2016: 19 years) and plans in other 
regions is 13 years (2016: 14 years). This represents the average period over which future benefit payments are expected to be made. 

Mortality assumptions are determined based on standard mortality tables with adjustments, as appropriate, to reflect experience of conditions locally. In South 
Africa, the PA90 tables are used. The main plans in the United Kingdom use CMI tables or Club Vita models with plan specific adjustments based on mortality 
investigations. The mortality tables used imply that a male or female aged 60 at the balance sheet date has the following future life expectancy (shown as 
weighted averages):

Years
South Africa
United Kingdom
Other

2017
 20.0 
 27.6 
 22.7 

Male

2016
 19.9 
 28.1 
 21.9 

2017
 24.8 
 29.0 
 26.6 

Female

2016
 24.7 
 29.8 
 26.0

The table below summarises the expected life expectancy from the age of 60 for a male or female aged 45 at the balance sheet date. When viewed together 
with the respective life expectancy at age 60 in the table above this indicates the anticipated improvement in life expectancy (shown as weighted averages):

Years
South Africa
United Kingdom
Other

2017
 20.0 
 28.3 
 24.7

Male

2016
 19.9 
 29.9 
 23.9 

2017
 24.8 
 30.2 
28.5

Female

2016
 24.7 
 32.2 
 27.9 

158 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EMPLOYEES

27. RETIREMENT BENEFITS continued
Risks of plans
The Group has identified the main risk to its defined benefit pension schemes as being interest rate risk due to the impact on the UK discount rate assumption:

Risk

Interest rate risk

Description
A fall in longer-term real and nominal 
interest rates expectations causes gilt 
yields and corporate bond yields to 
decrease, which results in a lower 
discount rate being applied to the UK 
pension liabilities and so, with all else 
being held equal, the value of the 
pension scheme liabilities increases.

If the pension scheme assets do not 
increase by the same amount as the 
increase in the pension scheme 
liabilities (caused by the fall in interest 
rates) then, all else being equal, this 
will result in a worsening of the 
pension scheme funding position.

Mitigation
The Trustees’ investment strategies vary by plan for the UK and include investing, with the 
intention of counter-balancing the movements in the liabilities, in fully owned (fully funded) 
physical credit and gilts, and by gaining unfunded exposure to gilts (via gilt repurchase 
agreements) and other fixed income based derivatives to match the real and nominal interest 
rate sensitivity of the pension scheme liabilities.

Approximately 75-100% (depending on the scheme) of the pension scheme liabilities are 
currently hedged against movements in real and nominal interest rates.

The Trustees’ hedging strategies are typically designed to protect the respective schemes’ 
funding plans against volatility in market yields. The discount rate used to calculate any funding 
requirement for the schemes is linked to gilt yields rather than to corporate bond yields as 
required under IAS 19. Consequently the valuation of the net retirement benefit obligation 
for accounting purposes remains susceptible to movements in value due to the difference 
between corporate bond and gilt yields. In addition, since corporate bond yields are typically 
higher than gilt yields, this can result in the recognition of accounting surpluses in respect of 
schemes where cash contributions continue to be made to meet funding shortfalls.

Sensitivity analysis
Significant actuarial assumptions for the determination of pension and medical plan liabilities are the discount rate, inflation rate and mortality. The sensitivity 
analysis below has been provided by local actuaries on an approximate basis based on changes in the assumptions occurring at the end of the year, assuming 
that all other assumptions are held constant and the effect of interrelationships is excluded. The effect on plan liabilities is as follows:

US$ million
Discount rate – 0.5% decrease
Inflation rate – pension plans – 0.5% increase
Inflation rate – medical plans – 0.5% increase
Life expectancy – increase by 1 year

South  
Africa

United 
Kingdom

(61) 
(42) 
(18) 
(59) 

(398) 
(153) 
–
(178) 

Other

(19) 
(11) 
(4) 
(5) 

2017

Total
(478) 
(206) 
(22) 
(242) 

Independent qualified actuaries carry out full valuations at least every three years using the projected unit credit method. The actuaries have updated the 
valuations to 31 December 2017. Assumptions are set after consultation with the qualified actuaries. While management believes the assumptions used are 
appropriate, a change in the assumptions used would impact the Group’s other comprehensive income.

Accounting policy
See note 38H for the Group’s accounting policy on retirement benefits.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

159

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EMPLOYEES

28. SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Overview
During the year ended 31 December 2017 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, as well as any non-cyclical awards, are equity settled either by award of 
ordinary shares (BSP, LTIP, SIP and Non-cyclical) or award of options to acquire ordinary shares (SAYE). These awards have a contractual life of three years 
and are conditional on three years continuous employment. LTIP awards granted prior to 2017 are conditional on a Group ROCE target and market based 
performance conditions being achieved and LTIPs granted in 2017 are conditional on a Group ROCE target, market based performance conditions, an 
attributable free cash flow target and environmental and occupational health targets.

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

2017
 73 
 57 
 11 
 141 

2016
100
 49 
 12 
 161 

In addition, there are equity settled share-based payment charges of $10 million (2016: $43 million) relating to Kumba Iron Ore Limited shares, $14 million 
(2016: $28 million) relating to Anglo American Platinum Limited shares and $2 million (2016: $2 million) of other equity settled share-based payment charges. 
Certain business units also operate cash settled employee share-based payment schemes. These schemes had a charge of $2 million (2016: $2 million). 

Further information
The movements in the number of shares for the more significant share-based payment arrangements are as follows:

Bonus Share Plan
Ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents may be awarded under the terms of this scheme for no consideration. 

Number of awards
Outstanding at 1 January
Conditionally awarded in year
Vested in year
Forfeited or expired in year
Outstanding at 31 December

Further information in respect of the BSP, including performance conditions, is shown in the Remuneration report. 

Long-Term Incentive Plan
Ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents may be awarded under the terms of this scheme for no consideration. 

Number of awards
Outstanding at 1 January
Conditionally awarded in year
Vested in year
Forfeited or expired in year
Outstanding at 31 December

2017

2016
 17,382,925   12,623,762 
 11,369,105 
 5,728,412 
(4,118,111)  (4,413,116) 
(941,277)  (2,196,826) 
 18,051,949   17,382,925 

2016
2017
8,558,889
 16,811,778 
 11,424,827 
 4,988,350 
(1,466,485)  (1,800,261) 
(1,886,934)  (1,371,677) 
 18,446,709   16,811,778 

The early vesting of share awards is permitted at the discretion of the Company upon, inter alia, termination of employment, ill health or death. 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.

Accounting policy
See note 38H for the Group’s accounting policy on share-based payments.

160 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UNRECOGNISED ITEMS AND UNCERTAIN EVENTS

This section includes disclosure of items and transactions that are not reflected in the Group’s results because they are 
uncertain or have been incurred after the end of the year. These disclosures are considered relevant to an understanding 
of the Group’s financial position and the effect of expected or possible future events.

29. EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER END OF YEAR

With the exception of the completion of the sale transaction for the Union platinum mine detailed in note 32, the redemption of a bond detailed in note 21 and 
the proposed final dividend for 2017, there have been no reportable events since 31 December 2017.

30. COMMITMENTS

Overview
A commitment is a contractual obligation to make a payment in the future which is not provided for in the balance sheet. The Group also has purchase 
obligations relating to take or pay agreements which are legally binding and enforceable.

Capital commitments for subsidiaries and joint operations relating to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment are $1,444 million (2016: $1,317 million), 
of which 50% (2016: 45%) relate to expenditure to be incurred within the next year.

The Group’s outstanding commitments relating to take or pay agreements are $14,698 million (2016: $15,494 million), of which 11% (2016: 8%) relate to 
expenditure to be incurred within the next year.

At 31 December the Group’s total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

US$ million
Within one year
Greater than one year, less than two years
Greater than two years, less than five years
Greater than five years

2017
 168 
 101 
 129 
 115 
 513 

2016
 92 
 50 
 48 
 22 
 212 

Operating leases relate principally to corporate offices, diamond jewellery retail outlets and shipping vessels.

Accounting policy
See note 38C for the Group’s accounting policy on leases.

New IFRS accounting standards not yet adopted
IFRS 16 Leases
IFRS 16 Leases will be effective for the Group from 1 January 2019. It is expected that on adoption of this standard there will be a material increase in lease 
liabilities representing the present value of future payments under arrangements currently classified as operating leases, along with a corresponding increase 
in property, plant and equipment right of use assets. Further information is provided in note 38A.

31. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Overview
The Group is subject to various claims which arise in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, the Group has provided indemnities against certain liabilities 
as part of agreements for the sale or other disposal of business operations. Having taken appropriate legal advice, the Group believes that a material liability 
arising from the indemnities provided is remote.

The Group is required to provide guarantees in several jurisdictions in respect of environmental restoration and decommissioning obligations. The Group has 
provided for the estimated cost of these activities.

Accounting judgement
A provision is recognised where, based on the Group’s legal views and, in some cases, independent advice, it is considered probable that an outflow of 
resources will be required to settle a present obligation that can be measured reliably.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

161

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GROUP STRUCTURE

This section includes details about the composition of the Group and how this is reflected in the Consolidated  
financial statements. It also includes disclosures of significant corporate transactions such as disposals.

32. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE

Assets classified as held for sale as at 31 December 2017 of $129 million and associated liabilities of $41 million relate to the Union mine (Platinum) in South 
Africa and the former head office of De Beers in the UK. The sale transaction for the Union mine was announced on 15 February 2017 and subsequently 
completed on 1 February 2018.

33. DISPOSALS

During the year, the Group completed the disposal of the Group’s 83.3% interest in the Dartbrook coal mine (Coal), realising net cash proceeds of $13 million 
and resulting in a net gain on disposal of $76 million, including recycling of a cumulative translation gain of $81 million from reserves. Platinum disposed of 
long-dated Mineral Resources for proceeds of $82 million.

In addition, the Group made net cash payments of $126 million principally in respect of disposals completed in prior years, which included payments for 
in-process inventories from the Rustenburg mine (Platinum) held at the date of disposal following the disposal of the operation in 2016 of $117 million. 
This resulted in a net cash outflow on disposals of subsidiaries and joint operations of $31 million.

The Group also received proceeds of $61 million on the sale of financial asset investments, including Dreamvision Investments (see note 8), and proceeds 
of $22 million on the disposal of interests in associates.

This resulted in a net cash inflow on disposals of $52 million.

2016

Disposals in 2016 principally comprised the sale of the Callide thermal coal mine in Queensland (Coal), the sale of the Niobium and Phosphates businesses 
(Corporate and other), the sale of the Rustenburg mine (Platinum) and the sale of the Group’s 70% interest in the Foxleigh metallurgical coal mine in 
Queensland (Coal).

162 

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GROUP STRUCTURE

34. BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

Overview
The principal subsidiaries, joint operations, joint ventures and associates of the Group and the Group percentage of equity capital are set out below. All these 
interests are held indirectly by the Parent Company and are consolidated within these financial statements. 

A complete list of the Group’s related undertakings can be found in note 35.

Segment and asset
De Beers(1)
Debswana(2), comprising:

Jwaneng
Orapa
Damtshaa
Letlhakane

Namdeb Holdings(3), comprising:
Namdeb Diamond Corporation
Debmarine Namibia

Location

Accounting treatment

Botswana

Joint operation

Percentage of equity owned

2017
85%
19.2%

2016
85%
19.2%

Namibia

Joint operation

50%

50%

De Beers Consolidated Mines(4), comprising:

South Africa

Full consolidation

100%

100%

Venetia
Voorspoed

De Beers Canada, comprising:

Snap Lake
Victor
Gahcho Kué
Sales, comprising:

De Beers Global Sightholder Sales
De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa
Auction Sales
DTC Botswana
Namibia DTC

Element Six, comprising:

Element Six Technologies
Element Six Abrasives

Brands, comprising: 
Forevermark
De Beers Jewellers(5)

Copper
Los Bronces
El Soldado
Chagres
Collahuasi
Quellaveco

Platinum(6)
Mogalakwena mine
Amandelbult complex(7)
Twickenham mine
Unki mine
Union mine
Platinum refining
Modikwa Platinum Joint Operation
Mototolo Joint Operation
Kroondal Pooling and Sharing Agreement
Bokoni
Bafokeng-Rasimone

See page 164 for footnotes.

Canada
Canada
Canada

Botswana
South Africa
Singapore
Botswana
Namibia

Global
Global

Global
Global

Chile
Chile
Chile
Chile
Peru

South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
Zimbabwe
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa

Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Joint operation

Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Joint operation
Joint operation

Full consolidation
Full consolidation

Full consolidation
Full consolidation  
(2016: Equity accounted joint venture)

Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Joint operation
Full consolidation

Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Joint operation
Joint operation
Joint operation
Equity accounted associate
Equity accounted associate

100%
100%
51%

100%
100%
100%
50%
50%

100%
60%

100%
100%

50.1%
50.1%
50.1%
44%
81.9%

78%
100%
100%
100%
100%
85%
100%
50%
50%
50%
49%
33%

100%
100%
51%

100%
100%
100%
50%
50%

100%
60%

100%
50%

50.1%
50.1%
50.1%
44%
81.9%

78%
100%
100%
100%
100%
85%
100%
50%
50%
50%
49%
33%

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163

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GROUP STRUCTURE

34. BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION continued

Segment and asset
Iron Ore and Manganese
Kumba Iron Ore
Sishen(8)
Kolomela(8)

Minas-Rio

Ferroport(9)

Samancor(10)

Coal
Coal Australia and Canada, comprising:

Moranbah North
Grosvenor
Capcoal(11)
Dawson(11)
Drayton(11)
Dartbrook(12)
Jellinbah(10)(13)
Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal
Newcastle Coal Shippers
Peace River Coal

Coal South Africa, comprising:

Goedehoop
Greenside
Kleinkopje(14)
Landau(14)
Khwezela(14)
Mafube
Zibulo(15)
Kriel(15)
New Denmark
New Vaal
Isibonelo
Richards Bay Coal Terminal

Carbones del Cerrejón

Nickel
Barro Alto

Location

Accounting treatment

Percentage of equity owned

2017

2016

South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
Brazil
Brazil
South Africa  
and Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Canada

South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
Colombia

Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Equity accounted joint venture
Equity accounted joint venture

Joint operation
Full consolidation
Joint operation
Joint operation
Joint operation
Joint operation
Equity accounted associate
Equity accounted associate
Equity accounted associate
Full consolidation

Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Joint operation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Full consolidation
Equity accounted associate
Equity accounted associate

69.7%
76.3%
76.3%
100%
50%
40%

88%
100%
70%
51%
88.2%
–
33.3%
25.3%
17.6%
100%

100%
100%
–
–
100%
50%
73%
73%
100%
100%
100%
23.2%
33.3%

69.7%
76.3%
76.3%
100%
50%
40%

88%
100%
70%
51%
88.2%
83.3%
33.3%
25.3%
17.6%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
–
50%
73%
73%
100%
100%
100%
23.2%
33.3%

Brazil

Full consolidation

100%

100%

(1)  85% should be applied to all holdings within De Beers to determine the Group’s attributable share of the asset.
(2)  De Beers owns 50% of equity in Debswana, but consolidates 19.2% of Debswana on a proportionate basis, reflecting the economic interest. The Group’s effective interest in Debswana is 16.3% 

(taking into account the Group’s 85% interest in De Beers Group).

(3)  The 50% interest in Namdeb Holdings is held indirectly through De Beers. The Group’s effective interest in Namdeb Holdings is 42.5%.
(4)  De Beers’ legal ownership of De Beers Consolidated Mines (DBCM) is 74%. For accounting purposes De Beers consolidates 100% of DBCM as it is deemed to control the BEE entity, Ponahalo, 

which holds the remaining 26%. The Group’s effective interest in DBCM is 85%.

(5)  De Beers acquired the remaining 50% of De Beers Jewellers in March 2017. This was previously an equity accounted 50% joint venture.
(6)  The Group’s effective interest in Anglo American Platinum is 79.5%, which includes shares issued as part of a community empowerment deal. 
(7)  Amandelbult complex comprises Tumela mine and Dishaba mine.
(8)  Sishen and Kolomela are fully owned by the Sishen Iron Ore Company (SIOC). Kumba Iron Ore Limited has a 76.3% interest in SIOC (2016: 76.3%). Including shares held by Kumba Iron Ore in 

relation to its own employee share schemes, the Group’s effective interest in Kumba Iron Ore is 70.3%. Consequently, the Group’s effective interest in SIOC is 53.6% (2016: 53.2%).

(9)  Ferroport owns and operates the iron ore handling and shipping facilities at the port of Açu.
(10)  These entities have a 30 June year end.
(11)  The wholly owned subsidiary Anglo American Metallurgical Coal Holdings Limited holds the proportionately consolidated joint operations. These operations are unincorporated and jointly 

controlled.

(12)  The sale of Dartbrook was completed in May 2017.
(13)  The Group’s effective interest in the Jellinbah operation is 23.3%.
(14)  Kleinkopje and Landau were amalgamated on 1 January 2017 and renamed Khwezela. 
(15)  Kriel and Zibulo form part of the Anglo American Inyosi Coal BEE company of which the Group owns 73%. 

Accounting judgements
Joint arrangements
Joint arrangements are classified as joint operations or joint ventures according to the rights and obligations of the parties, as described in note 38I. 
Judgement is required in determining this classification through an evaluation of the facts and circumstances arising from each individual arrangement. When 
a joint arrangement has been structured through a separate vehicle, consideration has been given to the legal form of the separate vehicle, the terms of the 
contractual arrangement and, when relevant, other facts and circumstances. When the activities of an arrangement are primarily designed for the provision of 
output to the parties and, the parties are substantially the only source of cash flows contributing to the continuity of the operations of the arrangement, this 
indicates that the parties to the arrangement have rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities. Certain joint arrangements that are structured through 
separate vehicles including Collahuasi, Debswana and Namdeb are accounted for as joint operations. These arrangements are primarily designed for the 
provision of output to the parties sharing joint control, indicating that the parties have rights to substantially all the economic benefits of the assets. The 
liabilities of the arrangements are in substance satisfied by cash flows received from the parties; this dependence indicates that the parties effectively have 
obligations for the liabilities. It is primarily these facts and circumstances that give rise to the classification as joint operations.

164 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GROUP STRUCTURE

35. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF THE GROUP

The Group consists of the Parent Company, Anglo American plc, incorporated in the United Kingdom and its subsidiaries, joint operations, joint ventures 
and associates. In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 a full list of related undertakings, the country of incorporation and the effective 
percentage of equity owned as at 31 December 2017 is disclosed below. Unless otherwise disclosed all entities with an indirect equity holding of greater 
than 51% are considered subsidiary undertakings. See note 34 for the Group’s principal subsidiaries, joint operations, joint ventures and associates.

As disclosed in the Group’s published tax strategy the Group does not use tax haven jurisdictions to manage taxes. There remain a small number of undertakings 
in the Group which are registered in tax haven jurisdictions. These are the result of legacy undertakings and are overridden by the Group’s policy of having them 
be either resident in the UK for tax purposes or subject to the UK Controlled Foreign Company Rules. The Group is well advanced in our strategy to remove 
these legacy undertakings from tax haven jurisdictions. Where the tax residency of a related undertaking is different from its country of incorporation, this is 
referenced in the notes to the list below.

Country of 
incorporation(1)(2)
Angola
Anguilla
Argentina
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia

Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Australia
Belgium

Percentage of(3)
equity owned

Registered address

Name of undertaking 
De Beers Angola Holdings S.A.
Carbones del Cerrejon Limited(4)
Minera Anglo American Argentina S.A.
A.C.N 127 881 510 Pty Limited
Anglo American Australia Finance Limited
Anglo American Australia Holdings Pty Limited
Anglo American Australia Limited
Anglo American Exploration (Australia) Pty Limited
Anglo American Investments (Australia) Limited
Anglo American Metallurgical Coal Assets Eastern Australia 

Limited

Anglo American Metallurgical Coal Assets Pty Ltd
Anglo American Metallurgical Coal Finance Ltd
Anglo American Metallurgical Coal Holdings Limited
Anglo American Metallurgical Coal Pty Ltd
Anglo American Thermal Coal (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
Anglo Coal (Archveyor Management) Pty Limited 
Anglo Coal (Capcoal Management) Pty Limited 
Anglo Coal (Contracting) Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Dawson Management) Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Dawson Services) Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Dawson South Management) Pty Ltd 
Anglo Coal (Dawson South) Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Dawson) Holdings Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Dawson) Limited
Anglo Coal (Drayton Management) Pty Limited 
Anglo Coal (Drayton South Management) Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Drayton South) Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Drayton) No.2 Pty Limited
Anglo Coal (Drayton) Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (German Creek) Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Grasstree Management) Pty Limited
Anglo Coal (Grosvenor Management) Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Grosvenor) Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Jellinbah) Holdings Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Monash Energy) Holdings Pty Limited
Anglo Coal (Moranbah North Management) Pty Limited 
Anglo Coal (Roper Creek) Pty Ltd
Anglo Coal (Theodore South) Pty Ltd
Anglo Operations (Australia) Pty Ltd
Bowen Basin Coal Pty Ltd
Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Pty Ltd
Dawson Coal Processing Pty Ltd
Dawson Highwall Mining Pty Ltd 
Dawson Sales Pty Ltd 
Dawson South Sales Pty Ltd
De Beers Australia Exploration Limited
Drayton Coal (Sales) Pty. Ltd.
Drayton Coal Shipping Pty. Limited
German Creek Coal Pty. Limited
Groote Eylandt Mining Company Pty Limited
Grosvenor Sales Pty Ltd
Jellinbah Group Pty Ltd
Jellinbah Mining Pty Ltd
Jellinbah Resources Pty Ltd
Jena Pty. Limited
JG Land Company Pty Ltd
Lake Vermont Marketing Pty Ltd
Lake Vermont Resources Pty Ltd
Monash Energy Coal Limited
Monash Energy Pty Limited
Moranbah North Coal (No2) Pty Ltd
Moranbah North Coal (Sales) Pty Ltd
Moranbah North Coal Pty Ltd
QCMM (Lake Vermont Holdings) Pty Ltd
QCMM Finance Pty Ltd
Tasmanian Electro Metallurgical Company Pty Limited
Tremell Pty Ltd
De Beers Auction Sales Belgium NV

85% Rua Rainha Ginga 87 9º andar, Luanda, Caixa Postal 4031
33% Babrow’s Commercial Complex, 1341, The Valley

100% San Martin 1167 Piso 2° Mendoza
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000

100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000

23% Level 7 Comalco Place, 12 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
25% Martin Armstrong Drive, Hay Point via Mackay, QLD 4741

100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
51% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
51% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
85% 896 Beaufort Street, Suite 4, Inglewood, WA 6052
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
88% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
70% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
40% Level 235, 108 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000

33% Level 7, Comalco Place, 12 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
33% Level 7, Comalco Place, 12 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
33% Level 7, Comalco Place, 12 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000

100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000

23% Level 7, Comalco Place, 12 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
33% Level 7, Comalco Place, 12 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
33% Level 7, Comalco Place, 12 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000

100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
50% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
100% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
88% Level 11, 201 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000

100% Level 7, Comalco Place, 12 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
33% Level 7, Comalco Place, 12 Creek Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
33% Curlew Street, Kooragang Island, NSW 
40% Curlew Street, Kooragang Island, NSW
33% 456 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002
85% 21 Schupstraat, 2018 Antwerp

See page 172 for footnotes.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

165

Financial statements 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GROUP STRUCTURE

35. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF THE GROUP continued

Country of 
incorporation(1)(2)

Name of undertaking 

Percentage of(3)
equity owned

Registered address

Belgium
Belgium

Bermuda
Bermuda
Botswana
Botswana
Botswana

Diamond Trading Company Proprietary Ltd NV
International Institute of Diamond Grading and Research 

(Belgium) NV
Coromin Limited
Holdac Limited
Ambase Prospecting (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American Corporation Botswana (Services) Limited
Anglo Coal Botswana (Pty) Ltd

85% 21 Schupstraat, 2018 Antwerp
85% 21 Schupstraat, 2018 Antwerp

100% Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton
100% Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton
100% Unit G3, Victoria House, Plot 132 Independence Avenue, Gaborone
100% Plot 67977, Fairground Office Park, Gaborone 
100% c/o KPMG, Chartered Accountants, Plot 67977, Off Tlokweng Road, Fairground, 

PO Box 1519, Gaborone 

Botswana

Broadhurst Primary School (Pty) Ltd

29% First Floor Debswana Corporate Centre, Plot 64288 Airport Road, Block 8, 

Gaborone 

Botswana
Botswana
Botswana

De Beers Global Sightholder Sales (Pty) Ltd
De Beers Holdings Botswana (Pty) Ltd
Debswana ART Fund Trust

85% 3rd Floor, DTCB Building, Plot 63016, Block 8, Airport Road, Gaborone 
85% 5th Floor, Debswana House, Main Mall, Gaborone 
43% First Floor Debswana Corporate Centre, Plot 64288 Airport Road, Block 8, 

Botswana

Debswana Diamond Company (Pty) Ltd

43%(5) First Floor Debswana Corporate Centre, Plot 64288 Airport Road, Block 8, 

Gaborone 

Diamond Trading Company Botswana (Pty) Ltd
Rainbow Gas and Coal Exploration (Pty) Ltd
Sesiro Insurance Company (Pty) Ltd

43% Plot 63016, Airport Road, Block 8, Gaborone 
51% Plot 67977, Fairground Office Park, Gaborone 
43% First Floor Debswana Corporate Centre, Plot 64288 Airport Road, Block 8, 

Gaborone 

The Diamond Trust
Tokafala (Proprietary) Limited 

Gaborone 

21% Debswana House, The Mall, Gaborone 

100% c/o KPMG, Chartered Accountants, Plot 67977, Off Tlokweng Road, Fairground, 

PO Box 1519, Gaborone

Anglo American Consultoria em Minério de Ferro Ltda.

100% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 16º andar (parte), bairro Santa Lúcia, 

CEP 30360-740, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 

Anglo American Investimentos - Minério de Ferro Ltda.

100% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 16º andar, sala 1603, bairro Santa Lúcia, 

CEP 30360-740, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 

Anglo American Minério de Ferro Brasil S.A.

100% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 16º andar, sala 1601, bairro Santa Lucia, 

CEP 30360-740, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 

Anglo American Niquel Brasil Ltda.

100% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 8º andar (parte), Santa Lúcia, CEP 30360-740, 

Anglo American Participações - Minério de Ferro Ltda.

100% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 16º andar, sala 1602, Bairro Santa Lúcia, 

Anglo Ferrous Brazil Participações S.A.

100% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 16º andar (parte), bairro Santa Lúcia, 

CEP 30.360-740, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 

Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 

Câmara de Comércio Brasil República Sul Africana
Coruripe Participações Ltda.

Element Six Ltda.
Ferroport Logística Comercial Exportadora S.A.

CEP 30360-740, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 

100% Av. Paulista, nº. 2.300, 10º andar, Cerqueira César, São Paulo/SP
100% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 16º andar (parte), bairro Santa Lúcia, 

CEP 30360-740, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 
51%  Rua da Consolação, 368, 15º andar Consolação, São Paulo 
50% Rua da Passagem, nº. 123, 11º andar, sala 1101, Botafogo, CEP 22290-030, 

Rio de Janeiro/RJ 

GD Empreendimentos Imobiliários S.A.
Gespa Gesso Paulista Ltda.

33% Rua Visconde de Ouro Preto, nº. 5, 11º andar (parte), Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro/RJ

100% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 16º andar (parte), bairro Santa Lúcia, 

Guaporé Mineração Ltda.
Instituto Anglo American Brasil
Mineração Itamaracá Ltda.

Mineração Tanagra Ltda.

Mineração Tariana Ltda.

Morro do Níquel Ltda.

CEP 30360-740, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 

49% Avenida Paulista, nº. 2.300, 10º andar (parte), CEP 01.310-300, São Paulo/SP
100% Avenida Paulista, nº. 2.300, 10º andar (parte), CEP 01.310-300, São Paulo/SP
100% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 16º andar (parte), bairro Santa Lúcia, 

CEP 30360-740, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 

49% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 20º andar (parte), bairro Santa Lúcia, 

CEP 30.360-740, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 

100% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 16º andar (parte), bairro Santa Lúcia, 

CEP 30360-740, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 

100% Rua Maria Luiza Santiago, nº. 200, 16º andar (parte), bairro Santa Lúcia, 

CEP 30360-740, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 

Anglo American Services (International) Limited

100% 9 Columbus Centre, Pelican Drive, P.O. Box 805, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110

De Beers Angola Investments Limited

68% 9 Columbus Centre, Pelican Drive, Road Town, Tortola

De Beers Angola Prospecting Pty Ltd

68% Midocean Management and Trust Services (BVI) Limited, Midocean Chambers, 

De Beers Centenary Angola Properties Ltd

85% Midocean Chambers, 9 Columbus Centre, Pelican Drive, Road Town, Tortola

P.O. Box 805, Road Town, Tortola

Delibes Holdings Limited(6)

85% 9 Columbus Centre, Pelican Drive, P.O. Box 805, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110

Highbirch Limited(6)

100% 9 Columbus Centre, Pelican Drive, P.O. Box 805, Road Town, Tortola, VG1110

Loma de Niquel Holdings Limited(6)

94% Craigmuir Chambers, P.O. Box 71, Road Town, Tortola

Scallion Limited(6)

85% Midocean Chambers, 9 Columbus Centre, Pelican Drive, Road Town, Tortola

0912055 BC Ltd 
4259785 Canada Inc.
Anglo American Exploration (Canada) Ltd.
Belcourt Saxon Coal Limited
Belcourt Saxon Coal Limited Partnership
De Beers Canada Holdings Inc.
De Beers Canada Inc.
Kaymin Resources Limited

Canada
Cayman Islands

Peace River Coal Inc.
Cheviot Holdings Limited(6)

See page 172 for footnotes.

166 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

100% Suite 2400, 745 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C5

85% 333 Bay Street, Suite 2400, Toronto ON M5H2T6

100% Suite 800, 700 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1G8
100% Suite 2400, 745 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C5
100% Suite 2400, 745 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C5

85% 2400-333 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5H2T6
85% 2400-333 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5H2T6
78% McCarthy Tetrault LLP, Pacific Centre, PO Box 10424, Suite 1300, 777 Dunsmuir 

Street, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1K2

100% Suite 2400, 745 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C5

85% Maples and Calder, P.O. Box 309, George Town, Grand Cayman

Botswana
Botswana
Botswana

Botswana
Botswana

Brazil

Brazil

Brazil

Brazil

Brazil

Brazil

Brazil
Brazil

Brazil
Brazil

Brazil
Brazil

Brazil
Brazil
Brazil

Brazil

Brazil

Brazil

British Virgin 
Islands 
British Virgin 
Islands 
British Virgin 
Islands 
British Virgin 
Islands 
British Virgin 
Islands 
British Virgin 
Islands 
British Virgin 
Islands 
British Virgin 
Islands 

Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GROUP STRUCTURE

35. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF THE GROUP continued

Country of 
incorporation(1)(2)

Name of undertaking 

Percentage of(3)
equity owned

Registered address

Chile
Chile
Chile
Chile

Chile
Chile
Chile
Chile
China

China
China
China

China
China
Colombia
Colombia
Cyprus
Cyprus
Cyprus
Democratic 
Republic 
of Congo
Democratic 
Republic 
of Congo

Ecuador
Finland
Gabon
Germany
Germany
Guernsey
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Hong Kong
India
India
India

India

India

India
India

India
Indonesia

Indonesia
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Ireland
Isle of Man
Isle of Man
Israel
Israel
Italy
Italy
Japan
Japan
Japan
Japan
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey

Anglo American Chile Inversiones S.A.
Anglo American Chile Ltda
Anglo American Sur S.A.
Compañía Minera Dona Ines De Collahuasi SCM

100% Isidora Goyenechea 2800, piso 46-48, Santiago
100% Isidora Goyenechea 2800, piso 46-48, Santiago
50% Isidora Goyenechea 2800, piso 46-48, Santiago
44% Avda Andres Bello 2687, P 11 Edif. el Pacifico, Las Condes, Santiago, Región 

Metropolitana

Compañía Minera Westwall S.C.M
Inversiones Anglo American Norte S.A.
Inversiones Anglo American Sur S.A.
Inversiones Minorco Chile S.A. 
Anglo American Resources Trading (China) Co. Ltd.

50% Isidora Goyenechea 2800, piso 46-48, Santiago 
100% Isidora Goyenechea 2800, piso 46-48, Santiago
100% Isidora Goyenechea 2800, piso 46-48, Santiago 
100% Isidora Goyenechea 2800, piso 46-48, Santiago 
100% Units 01, 02A, 07, 08, Floor 32, No. 1198 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, 

Shanghai

De Beers Jewellers Commercial (Shanghai) Co., Ltd
Element Six Hard Materials (Wuxi) Co., Ltd
Element Six Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd

85% Room 1707B, 17F, Plaza 66, No. 1266 West Nanjing Road, Shanghai
51% No. 105-1, Xinjin Road, Meicun, Wuxi New District, Jiangsu Province, 214112
51% 2802A, Chong Hing Finance Centre, No. 288 Nan Jing Road West, Huang Pu 

Forevermark Marketing Shanghai Company Limited
Platinum Guild International (Shanghai) Co., Limited
Anglo American Colombia Exploration S.A.
Cerrejon Zona Norte S.A.
Anglo American Amcoll (UK) Ltd(6)
Anglo American Chile Investments (UK) Ltd(6)
Anglo American Clarent (UK) Ltd(6)
Ambase Exploration Africa (DRC) SPRL

District, Shanghai, 200003

85% Unit 01 & 08 46F, Park Place No 1601, Nan Jing Road (W), Shanghai
78% Room 601, L’avenue, 99 XianXia Road, Shanghai 200051

100% Avenida Carrera 9a # 115 – 06/30 Oficina 1702, Bogotá

33% Calle 100 19-54, 12th Floor, Bogotá

100% Themistokli Dervi, 3, Julia House, 1066, Nicosia
100% Themistokli Dervi, 3, Julia House, 1066, Nicosia
100% Themistokli Dervi, 3, Julia House, 1066, Nicosia
100% No. 510 LP, Avenue Sumahili, Quartier Golf, Commune De Lubumbashi, 

Lubumbashi

De Beers DRC Exploration SARL

85% 7 Concession Bel Air, Commune Ngaliema, Kinshasa

Anglo American Ecuador S.A.
AA Sakatti Mining Oy
Samancor Gabon SA
Element Six GmbH (DECAR)
Hydrogenious Technologies GmbH
Intersea Pension Services Limited
De Beers Auction Sales Holdings Ltd
De Beers Auction Sales Hong Kong Ltd
De Beers Diamond Jewellers (Hong Kong) Limited
Diamdel (Hong Kong) Limited
Diamdel Holdings Limited
Forevermark Limited

Platinum Guild International (Hong Kong) Limited
Anglo American Exploration (India) Private Limited
Anglo American Services (India) Private Limited
De Beers India Private Ltd

100% Av. Patria E4-69 y Av. Amazonas, Cofiec, 16th Floor, Ecuador 
100% AA Sakatti Mining Oy, Tuohiaavantie 2, 99600 Sodankylä, Finland

40% 39 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2076 
51% Staedeweg 18, 36151, Burghaun 
33% Weidenweg 13, 91058 Erlangen
85% Albert House, South Esplanade, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands
85% Unit 1001, 10/F Unicorn Trade Centre, 127-131 Des Voeux Road, Central 
85% Unit 1001, 10/F Unicorn Trade Centre, 127-131 Des Voeux Road, Central 
85% 24th Floor, Oxford House, 979 King’s Road, Taikoo Place, Island East
85% Unit 1001, 10/F Unicorn Trade Centre, 127-131 Des Voeux Road, Central 
85% Unit 1001, 10/F Unicorn Trade Centre, 127-131 Des Voeux Road, Central 
85% 2602B, 2603, 2604, 2605, 2606, 26th Floor Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road, 

Central 

78% Suites 2901-2, Global Trade Square, No. 21 Wong Chuk Hang Road 

100% A-1/292, Janakpuri, New Delhi, 110058
100% A-1/292, Janakpuri, New Delhi, 110058

85% Advanced Business Centre, 83 Maker Chambers VI, Nariman Point, 

Mumbai, 400 021

Forevermark Diamonds Private Limited

85% Advanced Business Centre, 83 Maker Chambers VI, Nariman Point, 

Mumbai, 400 021

Hindustan Diamond Company Private Limited

43% E-6010 Bharat Diamond Bourse, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), 

Inglewood Minerals Private Limited
International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research India 

Private Limited

Platinum Guild India Private Limited
PT Anglo American Indonesia

PT Minorco Services Indonesia
Alluvium Unlimited Company(6) 
CMC-Coal Marketing Designated Activity Company 
Coromin Insurance (Ireland) DAC
Element Six (Holdings) Limited
Element Six (Trade Marks)
Element Six Abrasives Treasury Limited
Element Six Limited 
Element Six Treasury Limited
Element Six Limited
Element Six (Isle of Man) Corporate Trustee Limited
De Beers Auction Sales Israel Ltd
Diamdel Diamonds Ltd
Anglo American Italy S.R.L.
Forevermark Italy S.R.L.
De Beers Diamond Jewellers Japan K.K.
Element Six Ltd
Forevermark KK
PGI KK
Ambras Holdings Limited(6)(7)
Ammin Coal Holdings Limited(6)
A.R.H. Investments Limited(6)
A.R.H. Limited(6)
Anglo African Exploration Holdings Limited(6)
Anglo American Buttercup Company Limited(6)
Anglo American Capital Overseas Limited(6)

Mumbai, 400 051

100% A-1/292, Janakpuri, New Delhi, 110058

85% Advanced Business Centre, 83 Maker Chambers VI, Nariman Point,  

Mumbai, 400 021

78% Notan Classic, 3rd Floor, 114 Turner Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400 050, India
100% Pondok Indah Office Tower 3, 17th Floor, Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda, Pondok Indah, 

Jakarta 12310

100% Belagri Hotel, Jl. Raja Ampat, No 1 Kampung Baru, Sorong, Papua Barat 
100% Shannon Airport, Co. Clare

33% Fumbally Square, New Street, Dublin 8

100% Fourth Floor, 25/28 Adelaide Road, Dublin

51% Shannon Airport, Shannon, Co. Clare
51% Shannon Airport, Shannon, Co. Clare
51% Shannon Airport, Shannon, Co. Clare
51% Shannon Airport, Shannon, Co. Clare
85% Shannon Airport, Shannon, Co. Clare
85% Isle of Man Freeport, PO Box 6, Ballasalla
85% Isle of Man Freeport, PO Box 6, Ballasalla
85% 21 Toval Street, Ramat Gan, 52522
85% 21 Toval Street, Ramat Gan, 52522
100% Via Melchiorre Gioia, 8, 20124 Milano

85% Via Burlamacchi Francesco 14, 20135, Milan
85% New Otani Garden Court, 7th Floor, 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
51% 9F PMO Hatchobori, 3-22-13 Hatchobori, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104
85% New Otani Garden Court, 7th Floor, 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
78% Imperial Hotel Tower 17F, 1-1-1 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-8575

100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

167

See page 172 for footnotes.

Financial statements 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GROUP STRUCTURE

35. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF THE GROUP continued

Percentage of(3)
equity owned

Registered address

Name of undertaking 
Anglo American Exploration Colombia Limited(6)
Anglo American Exploration Overseas Holdings Limited(6)
Anglo American Ferrous Investments (Overseas) Limited(6)
Anglo American Finance Overseas Holdings Limited(6)(8)
Anglo American Finland Holdings 1 Limited(6)
Anglo American Finland Holdings 2 Limited(6)
Anglo American Hermitage Limited(6)
Anglo American Liberia Holdings Limited(6)
Anglo American Michiquillay Peru Limited(6)
Anglo American Midway Investment Limited(6)
Anglo American Overseas Limited(6)
Anglo American Venezuela Corporation Limited(6)
Anglo Australia Investments Limited(6)
Anglo Coal International Limited(6)
Anglo Diamond Investments Limited(6)
Anglo Iron Ore Investments Limited(6)
Anglo Loma Investments Limited(6)
Anglo Operations (International) Limited(6)
Anglo Peru Investments Limited(6)
Anglo Quellaveco Limited(6)
Anglo South American Investments Limited(6)
Anglo Venezuela Investments Limited(6)
Aval Holdings Limited(6)
Cencan plc(6)
De Beers Centenary Limited(6)
De Beers Exploration Holdings Limited(6)
De Beers Holdings Investments Limited(6)
De Beers India Holdings Limited(6)
De Beers Investments plc(6)
De Beers plc(6)
IIDGR Holdings Limited(6)
Minorco Overseas Holdings Limited(6)
Minorco Peru Holdings Limited(6)
Minpress Investments Limited(6) 
Amcoal Collieries Recruiting Organisation (Lesotho) (Pty) 

100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
85% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
85% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
85% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
85% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
85% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
85% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
85% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
85% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% 44 Esplanade, St Helier, JE4 9WG 
100% Kingsway, Maseru

Country of 
incorporation(1)(2)

Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Jersey
Lesotho

Liberia
Liberia

Ltd

Anglo American Corporation de Chile Holdings Limited(6)
Anglo American Kumba Exploration (Liberia) Ltd

100% 80 Broad Street, Monrovia

85% Kpellah Town, Off Congo Town Back Road, Congo Town, Paynesville City, 

Monrovia

Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Macau
Madagascar
Malta
Mauritius

KIO Exploration Liberia Sarl
Kumba International Trading Sarl
Kumba Iron Ore Holdings Sarl
De Beers Diamond Jewellers (Macau) Company Limited
Societe Civille De Prospection De Nickel A Madagascar
Element Six Technologies Holding Ltd(6)
Anglo American International Limited(6)

70% 11-13 Boulevard de la Foire, L-1528, Luxembourg
53% 11-13 Boulevard de la Foire, L-1528, Luxembourg
53% 11-13 Boulevard de la Foire, L-1528, Luxembourg
85% Avenida da Praia Grande No. 409, China Law Building 16/F – B79, Macau
32% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
85% Leicester Court, Suite 2, Edfar Bernard Street, Gzira, GZR 1702

100% C/o AXIS Fiduciary Ltd, 2nd Floor, The AXIS, 26 Bank Street, Cybercity Ebene, 

Mauritius
Mexico

Inglewood Holdings Limited(6)
Anglo American Mexico S.A. de C.V.

72201

100% St Louis Business Centre, Cnr Desroches & St Louis Streets, Port Louis
100% c/o Sanchez Mejorada, Velasco y Ribe, S.C., Paseo de la Reforma No. 450, Col. 

Lomas de Chapultepec, 11000, Ciudad de Mexico

Mexico

Servicios Anglo American Mexico S.A. de C.V.

100% c/o Sanchez Mejorada, Velasco y Ribe, S.C., Paseo de la Reforma No. 450, Col. 

Lomas de Chapultepec, 11000, Ciudad de Mexico

Mozambique

Anglo American Corporation Mocambique Servicos 

100% PWC, LTDA. Avenida Vladimir Lenine, Nº 174, 4º Andar Edificio Millennium Park, 

Mozambique
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia 
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Namibia
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands

Limitada 

Anglo American Mocambique Limitada
Ambase Prospecting (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd
De Beers Marine Namibia (Pty) Ltd
De Beers Namibia Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Debmarine Namdeb Foundation
DTC Valuations Namibia (Pty) Ltd
Exclusive Properties (Pty) Ltd
Longboat Trading (Pty) Ltd
Marmora Mines and Estates Limited
Namdeb Diamond Corporation (Pty) Ltd
Namdeb Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Namdeb Hospital Pharmacy (Pty) Ltd
Namdeb Properties (Pty) Ltd
Namibia Diamond Trading Company (Pty) Ltd
Oranjemund Private Hospital (Proprietary) Limited
Oranjemund Town Management Company (Pty) Ltd
AA Holdings Argentina B.V.(6)
Anglo American (NA) 1 B.V.(6)
Anglo American (NA) 3 B.V.(6)
Anglo American Exploration B.V.(6)
Anglo American Exploration (India) B.V.(6)
Anglo American Exploration (Philippines) B.V.(6)
Anglo American India Holdings B.V.(6)
Anglo American International B.V.(6)
Anglo American Netherlands B.V.(6)
Anglo Operations (Netherlands) B.V.(6)
Anglo American (TIH) B.V.(6)
Element Six NV

See page 172 for footnotes.

168 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

Maputo

90% Pestana Rovuma Hotel Office Centre, 5th Floor/5º, Rue da Se No.114, Maputo

100% 24 Orban Street, Klein Windhoek, Windhoek, PO Box 30 Windhoek 
43% 4th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek 
85% 6th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek 
43% 10th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek 
85% 4th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek 
43% 10th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek

100% 15 Albert Wessels Street, Northern Industrial, Windhoek

28% 10th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek 
43% 10th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek
43% 10th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek 
43% 10th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek
43% 10th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek 
43% 9th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek
43% 10th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek 
43% 10th Floor, Namdeb Centre, 10 Dr Frans Indongo Street, Windhoek 

100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom

85% De Nieuwe Erven 2, 5431 NT, Cuijk

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GROUP STRUCTURE

35. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF THE GROUP continued

Country of 
incorporation(1)(2)

Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands
Papua New 
Guinea
Papua New 
Guinea

Peru
Peru
Peru
Peru
Peru
Peru
Philippines

Philippines
Philippines
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
South Africa

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

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

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

Name of undertaking 
Erabas B.V(6)
Kumba International BV
Loma de Niquel Holdings B.V.(6)
Minorco Exploration (Indonesia) B.V.(6)
Anglo American (Star Mountain) Limited

Percentage of(3)
equity owned

Registered address

78% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
70% Stationsplein 8K, Maastricht, 6221 BT

100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN, United Kingdom
100% C/- PricewaterhouseCoopers PNG, Pwc Haus, Level 6, Harbour City, Konedobu, 

PORT

Anglo American Exploration (PNG) Limited

100% C/- PricewaterhouseCoopers PNG, Pwc Haus, Level 6, Harbour City, Konedobu, 

Cobre del Norte S.A.
Anglo American Peru S.A.
Anglo American Quellaveco S.A.
Anglo American Servicios Perú S.A.
Asociación Michiquillay 
Asociación Quellaveco
Anglo American Exploration (Philippines) Inc.

Minphil Exploration Co Inc
Northern Luzon Exploration & Mining Co Inc
Anglo American Exploration (Singapore) Pte. Ltd 
Anglo American Mongolia Holdings Pte. Ltd
De Beers Auction Sales Singapore Pte. Ltd
Kumba Singapore Pte. Ltd.
MR Iron Ore Marketing Services Pte. Ltd.
Samancor Marketing Pte. Ltd.
Anglo American South Africa Investments Proprietary 

Limited

A E F Mining Services (Pty) Ltd
ACRO (Hanise) (Pty) Ltd
African Pipe Industries North (Pty) Ltd
Almenta 127 (Pty) Ltd
Amaprop Townships Limited
Ambase Investment Africa (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd
Ambase Investment Africa (DRC) (Pty) Ltd
Ambase Investment Africa (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd
Ambase Investment Africa (Tanzania) (Pty) Ltd
Ambase Investment Africa (Zambia) (Pty) Ltd
Amcoal Collieries Recruiting Organisation (Pty) Limited
Ampros (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American Corporation of South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American EMEA Shared Services (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American Farms (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American Farms Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American Group Employee Shareholder Nominees 

(Pty) Ltd

Anglo American Inyosi Coal (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American Platinum Limited
Anglo American Properties Limited
Anglo American Prospecting Services (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American SA Finance Limited
Anglo American Sebenza Fund (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American SEFA Mining Fund (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American South Africa Limited 
Anglo American Zimele (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American Zimele Community Fund (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American Zimele Green Fund (Pty) Ltd
Anglo American Zimele Small Business Support Services 

(Pty) Ltd 

Anglo Coal Investment Africa (Botswana) (Pty) Ltd
Anglo Corporate Enterprises (Pty) Ltd
Anglo Inyosi Coal Security Company Limited
Anglo Operations (Pty) Ltd
Anglo Platinum Management Services (Pty) Ltd 
Anglo South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Anglo South Africa Capital (Pty) Ltd
Anseld Holdings Proprietary Limited
Asambeni Mining Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Atomatic Trading (Pty) Limited
Balgo Nominees (Pty) Ltd
Blinkwater Farms 244KR (Pty) Ltd
Blue Lounge Trading 129 (Pty) Ltd
Blue Steam Investments (Pty) Ltd
Boikgantsho Platinum Mine (Pty) Ltd
Bokoni Platinum Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Bokoni Platinum Mines (Pty) Ltd
Butsanani Energy Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Chamfron Limited
Colliery Training College (Pty) Limited
Copper Moon Trading 567 (Pty) Ltd
Cytobex (Pty) Ltd
Cytoblox (Pty) Ltd
Cytobuzz (Pty) Ltd
Damelin Emalahleni (Pty) Ltd

PORT

100% Calle Esquilache 371, Piso 10, San Isidro, Lima 27 
100% Calle Esquilache 371, Piso 10, San Isidro, Lima 27 

82% Esquilache 371, Piso 10, San Isidro, Lima 27 
100% Esquilache 371 Piso 10 San Isidro, Lima 27 
100% Esquilache 371 Piso 10 San Isidro, Lima 27
100% Esquilache 371 Piso 10 San Isidro, Lima 27
100% 27th Floor, Tower 2, The Enterprise Centre, 6766 Ayala Avenue Corner, Paseo 

de Roxas, Makati City

40% 27 Philex Building, Fairlane Brixton Street, Pasig, Metro Manila
40% 27 Philex Building, Fairlane Brixton Street, Pasig, Metro Manila

100% 10 Collyer Quey, #38-00 Ocean Financial Centre, 049315
100% 10 Collyer Quey, #38-00 Ocean Financial Centre, 049315
85% 10 Collyer Quey, #03-04 Ocean Financial Centre, 049315
53% 10 Collyer Quey, #38-00 Ocean Financial Centre, 049315
50% 10 Collyer Quay, #38-00 Ocean Financial Centre, 049315
40% 138 Market Street, #26-01, Capitagreen, 048946 

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

25% Zommerlust Building, Rietbok Road, Kathu, 8446 

100% 44 Main Street, Gauteng, 1627

39% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 61 Katherine Street, Sandton, 2196
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 61 Katherine Street, Sandton, 2196
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% Vergelegen Wine Farm, Lourensford Road, Somerset West, 7130
100% Vergelegen Wine Farm, Lourensford Road, Somerset West, 7130
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

73% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001

100% 61 Katherine Street, Sandton, 2196
100% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
56% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
58% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
37% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
38% 5 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2913
38% 82 Grayston Drive, Sandton, Johannesburg, 2196
38% 4th Floor Atholl, Johannesburg, 2916
33% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
56% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

20% Cnr O R Tambo & Beatrix Avenue, Witbank, 1035

See page 172 for footnotes.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

169

Financial statements 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GROUP STRUCTURE

35. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF THE GROUP continued

Country of 
incorporation(1)(2)

South Africa
South Africa
South Africa

Name of undertaking 

DBCM Holdings (Pty) Ltd
De Beers Consolidated Mines (Pty) Ltd 
De Beers Group Services (Pty) Ltd 

Percentage of(3)
equity owned

Registered address

63% 36 Stockdale Street, Kimberley, 8301
63%(9) 36 Stockdale Street, Kimberley, 8301
85% Cornerstone, Corner Diamond Drive and Crownwood Road, Theta, 

Johannesburg, 2013

South Africa

De Beers Marine (Pty) Ltd

85% Cornerstone, Corner Diamond Drive and Crownwood Road, Theta, 

Johannesburg, 2013

South Africa

De Beers Matlafalang Business Development (Pty) Ltd

63% Cornerstone, Corner Diamond Drive and Crownwood Road, Theta, 

Johannesburg, 2013

South Africa

De Beers Sightholder Sales South Africa (Pty) Ltd

63% Cornerstone, Corner Diamond Drive and Crownwood Road, Theta, 

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

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

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

De Beers Small Business Start Up Fund (Pty) Ltd
Dido Nominees (Pty) Ltd
Dream Weaver Trading 140 (Pty) Ltd
Element Six (Production) (Pty) Ltd
Element Six (Pty) Ltd
Element Six South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Element Six Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
Elipsis Blue Trading 43 (Pty) Ltd
Enanticept (Pty) Ltd
Fermain Nominees (Pty) Ltd
Fundirite (Pty) Ltd
Ga-Phasha Platinum Mine (Pty) Limited
Godisa Supplier Development Fund (Pty) Ltd
Golden Pond Trading 248 (Pty) Ltd
High Ground Investments Limited
HL & H Timber Processors (Pty) Ltd
Hotazel Manganese Mines (Pty) Ltd
Ingagane Colliery (Pty) Ltd
Ingwekazi Holdings (Proprietary) Limited
Invincible Trading 14 (Pty) Ltd
Joint Coal (Pty) Ltd
KIO Investments Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Kumba BSP Trust
Kumba Iron Ore Limited
Kwanda Platinum Mine (Pty) Ltd
Lansan Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Lebowa Platinum Mines Limited
Lexshell 49 General Trading (Pty) Ltd 
Lexshell 688 Investments (Pty) Ltd 
Longboat (Pty) Ltd
Longmeadow Home Farm (Pty) Ltd
Mafube Coal Mining (Pty) Ltd
Main Place Holdings Limited
Main Street 1252 (Pty) Ltd (RF)

Manganore Iron Mining Limited
Manngwe Mining (Pty) Ltd
Marikana Ferrochrome Limited
Marikana Minerals (Pty) Ltd
Masa Chrome Company (Pty) Ltd 
Matthey Rustenburg Refiners (Pty) Ltd
Meruka Mining (Pty) Ltd
Micawber 146 (Pty) Ltd 
Middelplaats Manganese (Pty) Ltd
Mindset Coal Consultancy Services CC
Modikwa Mining Personnel Services (Pty) Ltd
Modikwa Platinum Mine (Pty) Ltd
Mogalakwena Platinum Mines
Ndowana Exploration (Pty) Ltd
Newshelf 1316 (Pty) Ltd
Newshelf 480 (Pty) Ltd
Norsand Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Peglerae Hospital (Pty) Ltd
Peruke (Pty) Ltd
PGM Investment Company (Pty) Ltd
Phola Coal Processing Plant (Pty) Ltd
Platmed (Pty) Ltd
Platmed Properties (Pty) Ltd
Polokwane Iron Ore (Pty) Ltd
Ponahalo Investments (Pty) Ltd

Precious Metals Refiners Proprietary Limited
Pro Enviro (Pty) Ltd
R A Gilbert (Pty) Ltd 
Resident Nominees (Pty) Ltd
Reunko Steel Suppliers (Pty) Ltd
Richards Bay Coal Terminal (Pty) Ltd
Rietpoort Mining (Proprietary) Limited
Rietvlei Mining Company (Pty) Ltd
Roodepoortjie Resources (Pty) Ltd
Rustenburg Base Metals Refiners Proprietary Limited
Rustenburg Platinum Mines Limited

See page 172 for footnotes.

170 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

Johannesburg, 2013

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
51% Debid Road, Nuffield, Springs, 1559
51% 1 Parry Road, Nuffield, Springs, 1559
51% Debid Road, Nuffield, Springs, 1559
85% Debid Road, Nuffield, Springs, 1559 
30% Unit 6A, Phithaba Industrial Park, 97 Hefer Street, Rustenburg, 0299 

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
50% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
38% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

50% Millennia Park, 16 Stellentia Avenue, Stellenbosch, 7600
30% 39 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2076 
98% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
20% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
20% 16 Euclid Road, Industria East Ext 13, Germiston, 1400

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

70% Centurion Gate Building 2B, 124 Akkerboom Road, Centurion,
53% Centurion Gate Building 2B, 124 Akkerboom Road, Centurion,
70% Centurion Gate Building 2B, 124 Akkerboom Road, Centurion,
38% 124 Akkerboom Street, Building 2B, Centurion, 0157

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

38% 124 Akkerboom Street, Building 2B, Centurion, 0157
35% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
66% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

50% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
39% Suite 801, 76 Regent Road, Sea Point, Western Cape 8005
63% Cornerstone, Corner of Diamond Drive and Crownwood Road, Theta, 

Johannesburg, 2013

46% 6 Hollard Street, Johannesburg, 2001
20% Suite 105, Lorgadia Building, Embankment Road, Centurion, 0157

100% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
100% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
39% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
30% 16 North Road, Dunkeld Court, Dunkeld West, 2196
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
30% 39 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2076 
36% 298 Stokkiesdraai Street, Erasmusrand, Gauteng, 0181
39% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
39% 16 North Road, Dunkeld Court, Dunkeld West, 2196
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
42% 36 Stockdale Street, Kimberley, 8301
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
55% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
31% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
51% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
37% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
27% Centurion Gate Building 2B, 124 Akkerboom Road, Centurion,
0%(10) De Beers Consolidated Mines Corner, Corner Diamond and Crownwood Road, 

Theta – Booysens Reserve, Johannesburg, 2000

78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001
20% Greenside Colliery, PTN off 331, Blackhills, 1032
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
20% 10372 Mfeka Street, Tokoza, 1421
23% South Dunes, Richards Bay Harbour, Richards Bay, 3900, KwaZulu Natal

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

20% Vunani House, Athol Ridge Office Park, 151 Katherine Street, Sandton, 2146
49% 16 North Road, Dunkeld Court, Dunkeld West, 2196
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 

 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GROUP STRUCTURE

35. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF THE GROUP continued

Country of 
incorporation(1)(2)

Name of undertaking 

Percentage of(3)
equity owned

Registered address

Samancor Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Samancor Manganese (Pty) Ltd
Shanike Investments No.171 (Pty) Ltd
Sheba’s Ridge Platinum (Pty) Ltd 
Sibelo Resource Development (Pty) Ltd
Silver Lake Trading 619 (Pty) Ltd
SIOC International Finance (Pty) Ltd
Sishen Iron Ore Company (Pty) Ltd
Skin Doctor Technologies (Pty) Ltd
Spectrem Air (Pty) Ltd
Springfield Collieries Limited
Steppe Eagle (Pty) Ltd
Tenon Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Terra Nominees (Pty) Ltd
The Village of Cullinan (Pty) Ltd
Vergelegen Wine Estate (Pty) Ltd
Vergelegen Wines (Pty) Ltd
Vika Investments Holdings (Pty) Ltd
Whiskey Creek Management Services (Pty) Ltd 
Element Six AB
De Beers Centenary AG(6)
Element Six SA
PGI SA
Samancor AG
Synova S.A.
Ambase Prospecting (Tanzania) (Pty) Ltd
De Beers DMCC

South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
Sweden
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland
Tanzania
UAE
United Kingdom Anglo American (London)
United Kingdom Anglo American (London) 2
United Kingdom Anglo American (TIIL) Investments Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American 2005 Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Australia Investments Limited(11)
United Kingdom Anglo American Capital Australia Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Capital International Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Capital plc(11)
United Kingdom Anglo American CMC Holdings Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Corporate Secretary Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Diamond Holdings Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Farms (UK) Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Ferrous 2
United Kingdom Anglo American Ferrous Investments Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Finance (UK) Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Global Finance Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Group Foundation
United Kingdom Anglo American Holdings Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American International Holdings Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Investments (NA) Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Investments (UK) Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Marketing Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Medical Plan Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Nickel Marketing Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American PNG Holdings Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Prefco Limited(11)
United Kingdom Anglo American REACH Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Representative Offices Limited
United Kingdom Anglo American Services (UK) Ltd(11)
United Kingdom Anglo American Services Overseas Limited
United Kingdom Anglo Base Metals Marketing Limited
United Kingdom Anglo Coal Holdings Limited(11)
United Kingdom Anglo Coal Overseas Services Limited
United Kingdom Anglo Ferrous Metals Marketing Limited
United Kingdom Anglo Platinum Marketing Limited
United Kingdom Anglo Platinum Ventures Holdings Limited
United Kingdom Anglo UK Pension Trustee Limited
United Kingdom Anmercosa Finance Limited
United Kingdom Anmercosa Pension Trustees Limited
United Kingdom Anmercosa Sales Limited
United Kingdom AP Ventures LLP
United Kingdom Aurumar Alaska Holdings Limited
United Kingdom Birchall Gardens LLP
United Kingdom Charterhouse CAP Limited
United Kingdom Curtis Fitch Limited
United Kingdom De Beers Diamond Jewellers Limited
United Kingdom De Beers Diamond Jewellers Trade Mark Limited
United Kingdom De Beers Diamond Jewellers UK Limited
United Kingdom De Beers Intangibles Limited
United Kingdom De Beers Trademarks Limited
United Kingdom De Beers UK Limited
United Kingdom Ebbsfleet Property Limited 
United Kingdom Element Six Abrasives Holdings Limited
United Kingdom Element Six Holdings Limited

See page 172 for footnotes.

40% 39 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2076 
40% 39 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2076 
20% South Downs, Richards Bay Harbour, Richards Bay, 3900
27% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001
53% Centurion Gate Building 2B, 124 Akkerboom Road, Centurion,

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

53% Centurion Gate Building 2B, 124 Akkerboom Road, Centurion,
53% Centurion Gate Building 2B, 124 Akkerboom Road, Centurion,

100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
21% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

100% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
100% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001

40% 39 Melrose Boulevard, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, 2076 
63% 36 Stockdale Street, Kimberley, 8301

100% Vergelegen Wine Farm, Lourensford Road, Somerset West, 7130
100% Vergelegen Wine Farm, Lourensford Road, Somerset West, 7130

49% 44 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2001
78% 55 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001 
51% Box 505, S-915 23, Robertsfors
85% c/o Telemarketing, Plus AG, Sonnenplatz 6, 6020, Emmenbrücke
51% rue du Tir-au-Canon 2, Carouge, Geneva
78% Avenue Mon-Repos 24, Case postale 656, CH-1001 Lausanne
40% Industriestrasse 53, 6312, Steinhausen, Zug
28% 2, Chemin de la Dent-D’oche, 1024, Ecublens

100% Pemba House, 269 Toure Drive Oyster Bay, Dar Es Salaam
85% Office 4D, Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai

100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
78% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
78% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 

78% C/O Hackwood Secretaries Limited, One Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8HQ
85% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
50% Bardon Hall, Copt Oak Road, Markfield, LE67 9PJ
85% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
21% 6th Floor, Eagle Tower, Montpellier Drive, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1TA 
85% 45 Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4QT 
85% 45 Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4QT 
85% 45 Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4QT 
85% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
85% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
85% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
50% Bardon Hall, Copt Oak Road, Markfield, LE67 9PJ
51% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
85% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

171

Financial statements 
 
GROUP STRUCTURE

35. RELATED UNDERTAKINGS OF THE GROUP continued

Country of 
incorporation(1)(2)

Name of undertaking 

Percentage of(3)
equity owned

Registered address

United Kingdom Element Six Technologies Limited

85% Global Innovation Centre, Fermi Avenue, Harwell, Oxford, Didcot, 

Oxfordshire, OX11 0QR 

United Kingdom Element Six (UK) Limited

51% Global Innovation Centre, Fermi Avenue, Harwell, Oxford, Didcot, 

Oxfordshire, OX11 0QR 

United Kingdom Element Six (Production) Limited

51% Global Innovation Centre, Fermi Avenue, Harwell, Oxford, Didcot, 

Oxfordshire, OX11 0QR 

United Kingdom Element Six Limited

85% Global Innovation Centre, Fermi Avenue, Harwell, Oxford, Didcot, 

United Kingdom Ferro Nickel Marketing Limited
United Kingdom Firecrest Investments Limited
United Kingdom Forevermark Limited
United Kingdom IIDGR (UK) Limited
United Kingdom Mallord Properties Limited
United Kingdom Neville Street Limited
United Kingdom Northfleet Property LLP
United Kingdom Platinum Guild Limited (United Kingdom) Limited
United Kingdom Reunion Group Limited
United Kingdom Reunion Mining Limited
United Kingdom Rhoanglo Trustees Limited
United Kingdom Riverbank Investments Limited
United Kingdom Security Nominees Limited
United Kingdom Swanscombe Development LLP
United Kingdom The Diamond Trading Company Limited
United Kingdom DB Newco Limited
United States
United States

Element Six US Corporation
Anglo American Exploration (USA), Inc.

United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States
United States

United States 
United States
United States
United States
Venezuela

Anglo American US (Pebble) LLC
Anglo American US (Utah) Inc
Anglo American US Holdings Inc.
Big Hill, LLC
Coal Marketing Company (USA) Inc.
De Beers Diamond Jewellers US, Inc.
Element Six Technologies U.S. Corporation

Element Six Technologies (Oregon) Corp.
Forevermark US Inc.
International Institute of Diamond Valuation Inc.
Platinum Guild International (U.S.A.) Jewelry Inc.
Anglo American Venezuela S.A.

Oxfordshire, OX11 0QR 

100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
85% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
85% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 

50% Bardon Hall, Copt Oak Road, Markfield, LE67 9PJ
78% New Bridge Street House, 30-34 New Bridge Street, London, SE1 9QR

100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
85% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
100% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 

50% Bardon Hall, Copt Oak Road, Markfield, LE67 9PJ
85% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
85% 20 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AN 
51% 24900 Pitkin Road, Suite 250, Spring TX 77386 

100% The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, 

Wilmington DE 19801 

100% CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808 
100% CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808 
100% CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808 
55% CSC, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington DE 19808 
33% 1180 Peachtree Street, N.E., Suite 2420, Atlanta, GA, 30309 
85% 598 Madison Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022 
85% Incorporating Services Limited, 3500 South Dupont Highway, Dover, County of 

Kent DE 19901

85% 3500 South DuPont Highway, Dover, Kent County DE 19901
85% 300 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT 06902
85% Corporation Trust Center 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801 
78% 125 Park Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10017

100% Torre Humboldt, Floor 9, office 09-07, Rio Caura Street, Prados del Este. 

Caracas 1080 

Venezuela

Minera Loma de Niquel C.A.

98% Torre Humboldt, Floor 9, office 09-07, Rio Caura Street, Prados del Este. 

Zambia
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe

Anglo Exploration (Zambia) (Pty) Ltd
Addon Investments (Private) Limited
Amzim Holdings Limited
Anglo American Corporation Zimbabwe Limited
Broadlands Park Limited
Southridge Limited
Unki Mines (Private) Limited

Caracas 1080 

100% 11 Katemo Road, Rhodes Park, Lusaka, Zambia

78% 28 Broadlands Road, Emerald Hill, Harare
78% 28 Broadlands Road, Emerald Hill, Harare
78% 28 Broadlands Road, Emerald Hill, Harare
78% 28 Broadlands Road, Emerald Hill, Harare
78% 28 Broadlands Road, Emerald Hill, Harare
78% 28 Broadlands Road, Emerald Hill, Harare

(1)  All the companies with an incorporation in the United Kingdom are registered in England and Wales.
(2)  The country of tax residence is disclosed where different from the country of incorporation.
(3)  All percentages have been rounded. 
(4)  Tax resident in Colombia.
(5)  The 50% interest in Debswana Diamond Company (Proprietary) Limited is held indirectly through De Beers and is consolidated on a 19.2% proportionate basis, reflecting economic interest. 

The Group’s effective interest in Debswana Diamond Company (Proprietary) Limited is 16.3%.

(6)  Tax resident in the United Kingdom.
(7)  2% direct holding by Anglo American plc.
(8)  5% direct holding by Anglo American plc.
(9)  A 74% interest in De Beers Consolidated Mines Proprietary Limited (DBCM) is held indirectly through De Beers. The 74% interest represents De Beers’ legal ownership share in DBCM. For 

accounting purposes De Beers consolidates 100% of DBCM as it is deemed to control the BEE entity, Ponahalo, which holds the remaining 26%. The Group’s effective interest in DBCM is 85%.

(10)  Ponahalo Investments (Pty) Ltd is deemed to be controlled due to the financing structure in place and is consolidated as a majority owned subsidiary.
(11)  100% direct holding by Anglo American plc.

172 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER ITEMS

This section includes disclosures about related party transactions, auditor’s remuneration and accounting policies.

36. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Group has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries, joint operations, associates and joint ventures (see notes 34 and 35). Members of the Board 
and the Group Management Committee are considered to be related parties.

The Company and its subsidiaries, in the ordinary course of business, enter into various sale, purchase and service transactions with joint operations, 
associates, joint ventures 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. 

US$ million
Transactions with related parties
Sale of goods and services
Purchase of goods and services

Balances with related parties
Trade and other receivables from related parties
Trade and other payables to related parties
Loans receivable from related parties

Associates

Joint ventures

Joint operations

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

 17 
 (430) 

 3
(211) 
 –

 19 
(399) 

 5 
(126) 
–

–
(163) 

 1 
 (137) 

 197 
(3,108) 

 171 
(3,390) 

 1 
(29) 
 230 

1
(30) 
 401 

 23 
(93) 
– 

 17 
(79) 
–

Balances and transactions with joint operations or joint operation partners represent the portion that the Group does not have the right to offset against the 
corresponding amount recorded by the respective joint operations. These amounts primarily relate to purchases by De Beers and Platinum from their joint 
operations in excess of the Group’s attributable share of their production.

Loans receivable from related parties are included in Financial asset investments on the Consolidated balance sheet.

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 26. Information relating to pension fund arrangements is disclosed in note 27.

37. AUDITOR’S REMUNERATION

US$ million
Paid to the Company’s auditor for audit 
of the Anglo American plc Annual Report

Paid to the Company’s auditor for other 
services to the Group
Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries
Total audit fees
Audit related assurance services
Taxation compliance services
Taxation advisory services
Other assurance services
Other non-audit services
Total non-audit fees

Paid/payable to Deloitte

2017

Paid/payable 
to auditor (if 
not Deloitte)

Paid/payable to Deloitte

2016

Paid/payable 
to auditor (if 
not Deloitte)

United 
Kingdom

Overseas

Total

Overseas

United 
Kingdom

Overseas

Total

Overseas

 1.4

3.1

4.5

–

 1.5 

 2.6 

 4.1 

–

 0.9 
 2.3 
 0.4 
–
–
–
 0.8 
 1.2 

 4.1 
 7.2 
 0.9
–
–
 0.3 
 0.5 
 1.7 

 5.0 
 9.5 
 1.3 
–
 –
 0.3 
 1.3
 2.9

 0.3 
 0.3 
–
–
–
–
–
–

 0.9 
 2.4
 0.5 
–
 0.3 
 0.1 
 0.4 
 1.3 

 3.9 
 6.5 
 1.3 
 0.2 
 0.5 
 0.6 
 0.6 
 3.2 

 4.8 
 8.9
 1.8 
 0.2 
 0.8 
 0.7 
 1.0 
 4.5

 0.2 
 0.2 
 0.1 
–
–
–
–
 0.1 

Audit related assurance services include $1.3 million (2016: $1.4 million) for the interim review.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

173

Financial statements 
OTHER ITEMS

38. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

A. BASIS OF PREPARATION
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 Conduct 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. 

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. 

As permitted by UK company law, the Group’s results are presented in 
US dollars, the currency in which its business is primarily conducted. 

Changes in accounting policies and disclosures
The accounting policies applied are consistent with those adopted and disclosed 
in the Group financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016, except 
for changes arising from the adoption of the following new accounting 
pronouncements which became effective in the current reporting period:

 • Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 cycle: IFRS 12 Disclosure of 

Interests in Other Entities.

For the Incoterms Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) and Cost and Freight 
(CFR) the seller must contract for and pay the costs and freight necessary to 
bring the goods to the named port of destination. Consequently, the freight 
service on export commodity contracts with CIF/CFR Incoterms represents 
a separate performance obligation as defined under the new standard, and 
a portion of the revenue earned under these contracts, representing the 
obligation to perform the freight service, is deferred and recognised over time 
as this obligation is fulfilled, along with the associated costs.

The impact of applying this change during the year ended 31 December 2017 
would have been to reduce revenue and operating costs respectively by 
$29 million with no impact on profit. Current assets and current liabilities as 
at 31 December 2017 would each have been higher by $39 million. 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
The impacts of adopting IFRS 9 on the Group results for the year ended 
31 December 2017 would have been as follows:

 • Impairment: The impact of the introduction of an ‘expected credit loss’ 
model for the assessment of impairment of financial assets held at 
amortised cost would have been to reduce the Group’s opening retained 
earnings at 1 January 2017 by $18 million, to decrease the Group’s 
operating costs by $17 million and increase the Group’s profit before tax and 
underlying earnings by $17 million for the year ended 31 December 2017. 

 • Classification and measurement: The measurement and accounting 
treatment of the Group’s financial assets is materially unchanged on 
application of the new standard with the exception of equity securities 
previously categorised as available for sale. These will be held at fair value 
through other comprehensive income, meaning the recycling of gains and 
losses on disposal and impairment losses is no longer permitted for this 
category of asset. There would have been no impact to the net assets of the 
Group at 1 January 2017 or 31 December 2017 or to the Group’s results for 
the year from this change.

 • Amendments to IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows: Disclosure Initiative.

 • Hedge accounting: The Group has elected to adopt the IFRS 9 hedge 

 • Amendments to IAS 12 Income taxes: Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets 

for Unrealised Losses.

The adoption of these new accounting pronouncements has not had a 
significant impact on the accounting policies, methods of computation or 
presentation applied by the Group.

The Group has not early adopted any other amendment, standard or 
interpretation that has been issued but is not yet effective. It is expected that 
where applicable, these standards and amendments will be adopted on each 
respective effective date.

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 203. 

New IFRS accounting standards, amendments and 
interpretations not yet adopted
The following are the major new IFRS accounting standards in issue but not 
yet effective:

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
The Group’s revenue is primarily derived from commodity sales, for which the 
point of recognition is dependent on the contract sales terms, known as the 
International Commercial terms (Incoterms). As the transfer of risks and 
rewards generally coincides with the transfer of control at a point in time 
under the Incoterms, the timing and amount of revenue recognised by the 
Group for the sale of commodities is not materially affected.

accounting requirements from 1 January 2018. The adoption of the new 
standard would have had no effect on the amounts recognised in relation 
to hedging arrangements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

IFRS 15 and IFRS 9 became effective for the Group from 1 January 2018. 
As the effects of applying these standards are considered immaterial to the 
Group, the Group has elected not to restate prior periods on adoption of 
the new standards in 2018.

IFRS 16 Leases
IFRS 16 was published in January 2016 and will be effective for the Group 
from 1 January 2019, replacing IAS 17 Leases.

The principal impact of IFRS 16 will be to change the accounting treatment by 
lessees of leases currently classified as operating leases. Lease agreements 
will give rise to the recognition by the lessee of an asset, representing the 
right to use the leased item, and a related liability for future lease payments. 
Lease costs will be recognised in the income statement in the form of 
depreciation of the right of use asset over the lease term, and finance charges 
representing the unwind of the discount on the lease liability. 

Consequently, on adoption of IFRS 16 it is expected that there will be a 
material increase in lease liabilities representing the present value of future 
payments under arrangements currently classified as operating leases, along 
with a corresponding increase in property, plant and equipment right of use 
assets. Information on the Group’s operating lease commitments is disclosed 
in note 30 Commitments.

During 2017 the Group has continued with its IFRS 16 implementation 
project, focusing on a review of contracts and aggregation of data to support 
the evaluation of the accounting impacts of applying the new standard. In 
addition, work has begun on implementing the necessary changes to internal 
systems and processes. 

Other issued standards and amendments that are not yet effective are not 
expected to have a significant impact on the financial statements.

174 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OTHER ITEMS

38. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
B. BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION 
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 is exposed, or has 
rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has 
the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. 

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 
arrangements 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, non-controlling interests are presented 
in equity separately from the equity attributable to shareholders of the 
Company. Profit or loss and other comprehensive income are attributed to 
the shareholders of the Company and to non-controlling interests even if this 
results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance. 

Changes in ownership interest in subsidiaries that do not result in a change 
in control are accounted for in equity. The carrying amounts of the controlling 
and non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their 
relative interests in the subsidiary. Any difference between the amount by 
which the non-controlling interest is adjusted and the fair value of the 
consideration paid or received is recorded directly in equity and attributed 
to the shareholders of the Company. 

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 the 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 in the 
income statement according to 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. 

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 the 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 foreign 
entities are treated as assets of the foreign entity and translated at the  
closing rate. 

Tenon
Tenon Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited (Tenon), a wholly owned 
subsidiary of Anglo American South Africa Limited (AASA), has entered into 
agreements with Epoch Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited (Epoch), 
Epoch Two Investment Holdings Proprietary Limited (Epoch Two) and Tarl 
Investment Holdings Proprietary 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 $4.41 per 
share to Epoch, $6.86 per share to Epoch Two and $5.69 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, as these are own shares of the Company, any resulting gain or 
loss recorded by Tenon will not be recognised in the Consolidated 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 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 2017 the Investment Companies together held 112,300,129 
(2016: 112,300,129) Anglo American plc shares, which represented 8.0% 
(2016: 8.0%) of the ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares) with 
a market value of $2,349 million (2016: $1,603 million). 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.

The Investment Companies are considered to be structured entities. 
Although the Group has no voting rights in the Investment Companies and 
cannot appoint or remove trustees of the charitable trusts, the Group 
considers that the agreement outlined above, including Tenon’s right to 
nominate the transferee of the Anglo American plc shares held by the 
Investment Companies, result in the Group having control over the 
Investment Companies as defined under IFRS 10. Accordingly, the 
Investment Companies are required to be consolidated by the Group.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

175

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38. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
C. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
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. 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. 

Sales of metal concentrate are stated at their invoiced amount which is 
net of treatment and refining charges. Sales of certain commodities are 
provisionally priced such that the price is not settled until a predetermined 
future date and is 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, see note 1 for more information on provisional price adjustments. 

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. 

Revenue from services is recognised as services are rendered and accepted 
by the customer. Amounts billed to customers in respect of shipping and 
handling activities are classified as revenue where the Group is responsible 
for freight. In situations where the Group is acting as an agent, amounts billed 
to customers are offset against the relevant costs. 

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. 

Exploration and evaluation expenditure 
Exploration and evaluation expenditure is expensed in the year in which it 
is incurred. 

Exploration expenditure is the cost of exploring for Mineral Resources other 
than that occurring at existing operations and projects and comprises 
geological and geophysical studies, exploratory drilling and sampling and 
Mineral Resource development. 

Evaluation expenditure includes the cost of conceptual and pre-feasibility 
studies and evaluation of Mineral Resources at existing operations. 

When a decision is taken that a mining project is technically feasible and 
commercially viable, usually after a pre-feasibility study has been completed, 
subsequent directly attributable expenditure, including feasibility study costs, 
are considered development expenditure and are capitalised within property, 
plant and equipment.

Exploration properties acquired are recognised on the balance sheet when 
management considers that their value is recoverable. These properties are 
measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. 

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 the 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.

176 

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Borrowing costs 
Interest on borrowings directly relating to the financing of qualifying assets 
in the course of construction is added to the capitalised cost of those projects 
under ‘Capital works in progress’, until such time as the assets are 
substantially ready for their intended use or sale. 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. 

D. CAPITAL BASE
Business combinations and goodwill arising thereon 
The identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of a subsidiary, 
a joint arrangement or an associate, which can be measured reliably, are 
recorded at their provisional fair values at the date of acquisition. The 
estimation of the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities is subjective 
and the use of different valuation assumptions could have a significant impact 
on financial results. 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. 

Where a business combination is achieved in stages, the Group’s previously 
held interests in the acquiree are remeasured to fair value at the acquisition 
date and the resulting gain or loss is recognised in the income statement. 

Amounts arising from interests in the acquiree prior to the acquisition date 
that have previously been recognised in other comprehensive income are 
reclassified to the income statement, where such treatment would be 
appropriate if that interest were disposed of. 

Transaction costs incurred in connection with the business combination 
are expensed. Provisional fair values are finalised within 12 months of the 
acquisition date. 

Goodwill in respect of subsidiaries and joint operations is included within 
intangible assets. Goodwill relating to associates and joint ventures is 
included within the carrying value of the investment. 

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. 

For non-wholly owned subsidiaries, non-controlling interests are initially 
recorded at the non-controlling interests’ proportion of the fair values of net 
assets recognised at acquisition. 

Impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and property,  
plant and equipment 
Goodwill arising on business combinations is allocated to the group of cash 
generating units (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, 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. 

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 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. 

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38. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and 
value in use (VIU) assessed using discounted cash flow models, as explained 
in note 7. In assessing VIU, 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. 

Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the 
asset or CGU is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, 
to the extent 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.

In addition, in making assessments for impairment, management necessarily 
applies its judgement in allocating assets, including goodwill, that do not 
generate independent cash flows to appropriate CGUs.

Subsequent changes to the CGU allocation, to the timing of cash flows or to 
the assumptions used to determine the cash flows could impact the carrying 
value of the respective assets.

Non-mining licences and other intangible assets
Non-mining licences and other intangible assets are measured at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. Intangible 
assets acquired as part of an acquisition of a business are capitalised 
separately from goodwill if the asset is separable or arises from contractual 
or legal rights and the fair value can be measured reliably on initial 
recognition. Intangible assets are amortised over their estimated useful lives, 
usually between 3 and 20 years, except goodwill and those intangible assets 
that are considered to have indefinite lives. For intangible assets with a finite 
life, the amortisation period is determined as the period over which the Group 
expects to obtain benefits from the asset, taking account of all relevant facts 
and circumstances including contractual lives and expectations about the 
renewal of contractual arrangements without significant incremental costs. 
An intangible asset is deemed to have an indefinite life when, based on an 
analysis of all of the relevant factors, there is no foreseeable limit to the 
period over which the asset is expected to generate cash flows for the Group. 
Amortisation methods, residual values and estimated useful lives are 
reviewed at least annually. 

Deferred stripping 
The removal of rock or soil overlying a mineral deposit, overburden, and other 
waste materials is often necessary during the initial development of an open 
pit mine site, in order to access the orebody. The process of removing 
overburden and other mine waste materials is referred to as stripping. The 
directly attributable cost of this activity is capitalised in full within ‘Mining 
properties and leases’, until the point at which the mine is considered to be 
capable of operating in the manner intended by management. This is 
classified as expansionary capital expenditure, within investing cash flows.

The removal of waste material after the point at which depreciation 
commences is referred to as production stripping. When the waste removal 
activity improves access to ore extracted in the current period, the costs of 
production stripping are charged to the income statement as operating costs 
in accordance with the principles of IAS 2 Inventories. 

Where production stripping activity both produces inventory and improves 
access to ore in future periods the associated costs of waste removal are 
allocated between the two elements. The portion that benefits future ore 
extraction is capitalised within ‘Mining properties and leases’. This is 
classified as stripping and development capital expenditure, within investing 
cash flows. If the amount to be capitalised cannot be specifically identified it is 
determined based on the volume of waste extracted compared with expected 
volume for the identified component of the orebody. This determination is 
dependent on an individual mine’s design and Life of Mine Plan and therefore 
changes to the design or Life of Mine Plan will result in changes to these 
estimates. Identification of the components of a mine’s orebody is made by 
reference to the Life of Mine Plan. The assessment depends on a range of 
factors including each mine’s specific operational features and materiality. 

In certain instances significant levels of waste removal may occur during the 
production phase with little or no associated production. This may occur at 
both open pit and underground mines, for example longwall development. 

The cost of this waste removal is capitalised in full to ‘Mining properties 
and leases’. 

All amounts capitalised in respect of waste removal are depreciated using the 
unit of production method for the component of the orebody to which they 
relate, consistent with depreciation of property, plant and equipment. 

The effects of changes to the Life of Mine Plan on the expected cost of waste 
removal or remaining Ore Reserves for a component are accounted for 
prospectively as a change in estimate.

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated 
depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost is the fair value of 
consideration required to acquire and develop the asset and includes the 
purchase price, acquisition of mineral rights, costs directly attributable to 
bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable 
of operating in the manner intended by management, the initial estimate of 
any decommissioning obligation and, for assets that take a substantial period 
of time to get ready for their intended use, borrowing costs.

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. 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Mining properties are depreciated to their residual values using the unit of 
production method based on Proved and Probable Ore Reserves and, in 
certain limited circumstances, other Mineral Resources included in the Life 
of Mine Plan. These other Mineral Resources are included in depreciation 
calculations where, taking into account historical rates of conversion to Ore 
Reserves, there is a high degree of confidence that they will be extracted 
in an economic manner. This is the case principally for diamond operations, 
where depreciation calculations are based on Diamond Reserves and 
Diamond Resources included in the Life of Mine Plan. This reflects the 
unique nature of diamond deposits where, due to the difficulty in estimating 
grade, Life of Mine Plans frequently include significant amounts of Indicated 
or Inferred Resources.

Buildings and items of plant and equipment for which the consumption of 
economic benefit is linked primarily to utilisation or to throughput rather 
than production, are depreciated to their residual values at varying rates 
on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives, or the Reserve 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. 
Under limited circumstances, items of plant and equipment may be 
depreciated over a period that exceeds the Reserve Life by taking into 
account additional Mineral Resources other than Proved and Probable 
Reserves included in the Life of Mine Plan, after making allowance for 
expected production losses based on historical rates of Mineral Resource 
to Ore Reserve conversion. 

‘Capital works in progress’ are measured at cost less any recognised 
impairment. Depreciation commences when the assets are capable of 
operating in the manner intended by management, at which point they are 
transferred to the appropriate asset class. 

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. 

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38. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
Financial assets 
Investments, other than investments in subsidiaries, joint arrangements  
and associates, are financial asset investments and are initially recognised  
at fair value. At subsequent reporting dates, financial assets classified as 
held-to-maturity or as loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost, 
less any impairment losses. Other investments 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 recycled to the income statement. 

Impairment of financial assets 
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 a 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. 

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. 

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 asset. Costs for restoration 
of site damage, rehabilitation and environmental costs are estimated using 
either the work of external consultants or internal experts. 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. 

The amount recognised as a provision represents management’s best 
estimate of the consideration required to complete the restoration and 
rehabilitation activity, the application of the relevant regulatory framework 
and timing of expenditure. These estimates are inherently uncertain and 
could materially change over time. 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. 

E. WORKING CAPITAL
Inventories 
Inventory and work in progress are measured at the lower of cost and net 
realisable value, except for inventory held by commodity broker-traders 
which is measured at fair value less costs to sell. The production cost of 
inventory includes an appropriate proportion of depreciation and production 
overheads. Cost is determined on the following basis: 

 • Raw materials and consumables are measured at cost on a first in, first out 

(FIFO) basis or a weighted average cost basis. 

 • Work in progress and finished products are measured at raw material cost, 

labour cost and a proportion of production overhead expenses. 

 • 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. 

F. NET DEBT AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Cash and debt 
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. 

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. 

Borrowings 
Interest bearing borrowings 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. 

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OTHER ITEMS

38. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting 
In order to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange, interest rate and 
commodity price risk, the Group enters into forward, option and swap 
contracts. The Group does not use derivative financial instruments for 
speculative purposes. Commodity based (own use) 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 ‘Derivative 
financial assets’ or ‘Derivative financial liabilities’ 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. 
Derivatives are classified as current or non-current depending on the 
contractual maturity of the derivative. 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. 
The corresponding entry and gains or losses arising from remeasuring the 
associated derivative are recognised in the income statement. 

The gain or loss on hedging instruments relating to the effective portion 
of a net investment hedge is recognised in equity (within 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 recycled to the income 
statement on disposal of the foreign operations to which they relate. 

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 recycled to 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. 

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. 

G. TAXATION
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 of 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 arrangements 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 in that taxation authority. 

H. EMPLOYEES
Retirement benefits 
The Group’s accounting policy involves the use of ‘best estimate’ 
assumptions in calculating the schemes’ valuations in accordance with the 
accounting standard. This valuation methodology differs from that applied in 
calculating the funding valuations, which require the use of ‘prudent’ 
assumptions, such as lower discount rates, higher assumed rates of future 
inflation expectations and greater improvements in life expectancy, leading to 
a higher value placed on the liabilities. The funding valuations are carried out 
every three years, using the projected credit method, by independent 
qualified actuaries and are used to determine the money that must be put into 
the funded schemes. 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 at least 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. 

Remeasurements comprising actuarial gains and losses, movements in asset 
surplus restrictions and the return on scheme assets (excluding interest 
income) are recognised immediately in the statement of comprehensive 
income and are not recycled to the income statement. Any increase in the 
present value of plan liabilities expected to arise from employee service 
during the year is charged to operating profit. The net interest income or cost 
on the net defined benefit asset or liability is included in investment income or 
interest expense respectively. 

Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that the benefits 
are already vested and otherwise amortised on a straight line basis over the 
average period until the benefits vest. 

The retirement benefit obligation recognised on the balance sheet 
represents the present value of the deficit or surplus of the defined benefit 
plans. Any recognised surplus is limited to the present value of available 
refunds or reductions in future contributions to the plan. 

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Financial statements 
OTHER ITEMS

38. ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued
Share-based payments 
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 model 
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 shares at the grant date. For all share schemes with 
non-market 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. 

The total carrying values of investments in associates and joint ventures 
represent the cost of each investment including the carrying value of 
goodwill, the share of post acquisition retained earnings, any other 
movements in reserves and any long-term debt interests which in substance 
form part of the Group’s net investment. The carrying values of associates 
and joint ventures are reviewed on a regular basis and if there is objective 
evidence that an impairment in value has occurred as a result of one or more 
events during the period, the investment is impaired. 

The Group’s share of an associate’s or joint venture’s losses in excess of its 
interest in that associate or joint venture is not recognised unless the Group 
has an obligation to fund such losses. Unrealised gains arising from 
transactions with associates and joint ventures 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. 

I. GROUP STRUCTURE
Associates and joint arrangements 
Associates are investments over which the Group has significant influence, 
which is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy 
decisions of the investee, but without the ability to exercise control or joint 
control. Typically the Group owns between 20% and 50% of the voting equity 
of its associates. 

Non-current assets and disposal groups held for sale 
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 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. 

On classification as held for sale the assets are no longer depreciated. 
Comparative amounts are not adjusted.

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 the cost, representing the fair value of the BEE credentials obtained by 
the subsidiary, is recorded in the income statement. 

Joint arrangements are arrangements in which the Group shares joint control 
with one or more parties. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of 
control of an arrangement, and exists only when decisions about the activities 
that significantly affect the arrangement’s returns require the unanimous 
consent of the parties sharing control. 

Judgement is required in determining this classification through an evaluation 
of the facts and circumstances arising from each individual arrangement. 
Joint arrangements are classified as either joint operations or joint ventures 
based on the rights and obligations of the parties to the arrangement. In joint 
operations, the parties have rights to the assets and obligations for the 
liabilities relating to the arrangement, whereas in joint ventures, the parties 
have rights to the net assets of the arrangement. 

Joint arrangements that are not structured through a separate vehicle are 
always joint operations. Joint arrangements that are structured through a 
separate vehicle may be either joint operations or joint ventures depending 
on the substance of the arrangement. In these cases, consideration is given 
to the legal form of the separate vehicle, the terms of the contractual 
arrangement and, when relevant, other facts and circumstances. When the 
activities of an arrangement are primarily designed for the provision of output 
to the parties, and the parties are substantially the only source of cash flows 
contributing to the continuity of the operations of the arrangement, this 
indicates that the parties to the arrangements have rights to the assets and 
obligations for the liabilities. 

Certain joint arrangements that are structured through separate vehicles 
including Collahuasi, Debswana and Namdeb are accounted for as joint 
operations. These arrangements are primarily designed for the provision of 
output to the parties sharing joint control, indicating that the parties have 
rights to substantially all the economic benefits of the assets. The liabilities 
of the arrangements are in substance satisfied by cash flows received from 
the parties; this dependence indicates that the parties effectively have 
obligations for the liabilities. It is primarily these facts and circumstances that 
give rise to the classification as joint operations.

The Group accounts for joint operations by recognising the assets, liabilities, 
revenue and expenses for which it has rights or obligations, including its 
share of such items held or incurred jointly. 

Investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for using the 
equity method of accounting except when classified as held for sale. The 
Group’s share of associates’ and joint ventures’ net income is based on their 
most recent audited financial statements or unaudited interim statements 
drawn up to the Group’s balance sheet date. 

180 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY

Balance sheet of the Company, Anglo American plc, as at 31 December 2017

US$ million
Fixed assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Current assets
Amounts due from Group undertakings
Cash at bank and in hand

Creditors due within one year
Amounts owed to Group undertakings

Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called-up share capital
Share premium account
Capital redemption reserve
Other reserves
Profit and loss account
Total shareholders’ funds (equity)

Note

2017

2016

1

 29,916 

 29,344 

 727 
 1 
 728 

(275) 
(275) 
 453 
30,369 
 30,369 

 772 
 4,358 
 115 
 1,955 
 23,169 
30,369

 576 
8
 584 

(200) 
(200) 
 384 
 29,728 
 29,728 

 772 
 4,358 
 115 
 1,955 
 22,528 
 29,728 

2
2
2
2
2

The profit after tax for the year of the Company amounted to $1,104 million (2016: loss of $343 million).

The financial statements of Anglo American plc, registered number 03564138, were approved by the Board of directors on 21 February 2018 and signed on its 
behalf by:

Mark Cutifani 
Chief Executive 

Stephen Pearce
Finance Director

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

181

Financial statements 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY

1. INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES

US$ million
Cost
At 1 January
Capital contributions(1)
Additions
At 31 December
Provisions for impairment
At 1 January
Credit/(charge) for the year(2)
At 31 December
Net book value

2017

2016

 29,808 
 125 
–
 29,933 

(464) 
447
(17) 
 29,916 

15,142
146
14,520
29,808

(17)
(447) 
(464) 
 29,344 

(1)  This amount is net of $17 million (2016: $13 million) of intra-group recharges.
(2)  This relates to an impairment reversal of $447 million (2016: charge of $447 million) that was recorded in 2016 with respect to an equity holding in one of the Company’s subsidiaries.

Further information about subsidiaries is provided in note 35 to the Consolidated financial statements.

2. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

US$ million
At 1 January 2016
Loss for the financial year
Net purchase of treasury shares under employee share schemes
Capital contribution to Group undertakings
At 31 December 2016
Profit for the financial year
Dividends payable to Company shareholders(3)
Net purchase of treasury shares under employee share schemes
Capital contribution to Group undertakings
At 31 December 2017

Called-up 
share capital
772
–
–
–
772
–
–
–
–
 772 

Share 
premium 
account
4,358
–
–
–
4,358
–
–
–
–
 4,358 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
115
–
–
–
115
–
–
–
–
 115 

Other
reserves(1)
1,955
–
–
–
1,955
–
–
–
–
 1,955 

Profit  
and loss
account(2)
22,776
(343)
(64)
159
22,528
 1,104 
(410) 
(195) 
 142 
 23,169

Total
29,976
(343)
(64)
159
29,728 
 1,104 
(410) 
(195) 
 142 
 30,369

(1)  At 31 December 2017 other reserves of $1,955 million (2016: $1,955 million) were not distributable under the Companies Act 2006.
(2)  At 31 December 2017 $2,685 million (2016: $2,685 million) of the Company profit and loss account of $23,169 million (2016: $22,528 million) was not distributable under the Companies Act 2006.
(3)  Dividends payable relate only to shareholders on the United Kingdom principal register excluding dividends waived by Wealth Nominees Limited as nominees for Estera Trust (Jersey) 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 
2017 of 54 US cents per share (see note 6 of the Consolidated financial statements).

The audit fee in respect of the Company was $6,807 (2016: $6,323). 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 37.

182 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE PARENT COMPANY

3. ACCOUNTING POLICIES: ANGLO AMERICAN PLC (THE COMPANY)
The Company balance sheet and related notes have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standards 
100 Application of Financial Reporting Requirements (FRS 100) and Financial Reporting Standards 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101).

A summary of the principal accounting policies is set out below.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 101 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to 
exercise judgement in applying the Company's accounting policies.

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the statement of comprehensive income of the Company is not presented as part of these financial 
statements. 

Significant accounting policies
Investments
Investments represent equity holdings in subsidiaries and are measured at cost less accumulated impairment.

Financial instruments
The Company recognises financial instruments when it becomes a party to the contractual arrangements of the instrument. Financial instruments are 
derecognised when they are discharged or when the contractual terms expire.

Dividends
Interim equity dividends are recognised when paid. Final equity dividends are recognised when approved by the shareholders at an annual general meeting.

Share-based payments
The Company has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 Share-based payment.

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 related vesting 
conditions, the fair value is determined using the Monte Carlo model 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 
shares at the grant date. For all share schemes with non-market 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.

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.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

183

Financial statements 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

SUMMARY BY OPERATION

This section includes certain Alternative Performance Measures (APMs). For more information on the APMs used by the Group, including definitions, please 
refer to page 194.

Marketing activities are allocated to the underlying operation to which they relate.

Group revenue(1)

Underlying EBITDA

Underlying earnings

Capital expenditure

US$ million

De Beers
Mining

Debswana (Botswana)
Namdeb Holdings (Namibia)
South Africa
Canada

Trading
Other(2)
Projects and corporate

Copper
Los Bronces
Collahuasi
Other operations
Projects and corporate

Platinum
Mogalakwena
Amandelbult
Purchase of concentrate (3)
Other operations
Projects and corporate

Iron Ore and Manganese
Kumba Iron Ore
Iron Ore Brazil (Minas-Rio)
Samancor (Manganese)
Projects and corporate

Coal
Metallurgical Coal
South Africa
Cerrejón
Projects and corporate

Nickel

Corporate and other(5)
Niobium and Phosphates
Exploration
Corporate activities and unallocated costs

2017

2016

2017

2016

 5,841 

 6,068 

 1,435 

 1,406 

 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 
– 

 4,233 
 1,839 
 1,314 
 1,080 
–

 5,078 
 1,211 
 858 
 1,884 
 1,125 
 – 

 5,831 
 3,486 
 1,405 
 940 
–

 7,211 
 3,675 
 2,746 
 790 
–

 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
–

 3,066 
 1,386 
 1,068 
 612 
–

 4,394 
 968 
 727 
1,033
1,666
–

 3,426 
 2,801 
–
 625 
–

 5,263
 2,547 
 2,109 
 607 
–

 484 
 176 
 267 
 205 
 449 
(110) 
(36) 

 1,508 
 737 
 806 
 76 
(111) 

 866 
 578 
 88 
 173 
 83 
(56) 

 2,357 
 1,474 
 435 
 529 
(81) 

 2,868 
 1,977
 588 
 385 
(82) 

 571 
 184 
 268 
 79 
 378 
(35) 
(39) 

 903
 326 
569 
83
(75) 

 532 
 393 
 97 
 96
(14) 
(40) 

 1,536 
 1,347 
(6) 
 258 
(63) 

 1,646 
 996 
 473 
 235 
(58) 

2017

 528 

 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 

 370 
 n/a 
 356 
 n/a 
(72) 

 217 
 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 
 n/a 

 1,026 

 467(4) 
 413 
 223 
(77)(4) 

 1,763 
 1,348 
 311 
 181 
(77) 

 451 

 426 

 81 

 57 

(4) 

 5 
–
–
 5 
 28,650 

 499 
495
–
 4 
 23,142

(292) 
–
(103) 
(189) 
 8,823 

(5) 
 118 
(107) 
(16) 

 6,075

(628) 
–
(91) 
(537) 
 3,272 

2016

667 

 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a

 354 
 n/a
221 
 n/a
(75) 

 65
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a

 566 
 475(4) 
 4 
 146 
(59)(4) 

 913 
 625 
 258 
 85 
(55) 

(57) 

(298)
78 
(99) 
(277)
2,210

2017

 273 

 86 
 33 
 114 
(5) 
 1 
 44 
–

 665 
 245 
 243 
 177 
–

 355 
 151 
 34 
–
 170 
–

 252 
 229 
 23 
–
–

 568 
 416 
 152 
–
–

 28 

2016

 526 

 90 
 65 
 156 
 184 
 3 
 28 
–

 563 
 241 
 144 
 178 
–

 314 
 157 
 25 
–
 129 
 3 

 269
 160 
 109 
–
–

 613
 523
 90 
–
–

 62 

 9 
–
–
 9 
 2,150 

 40 
 26 
–
 14 
 2,387 

(1)  Group revenue for copper is shown after deduction of treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs).
(2)  Other includes Element Six, downstream activities and the purchase price allocation adjustment.
(3)  Purchase of concentrate from joint ventures, associates and third parties for processing into refined metals.
(4)  Of the projects and corporate expense, which includes a corporate cost allocation, $49 million (2016: $37 million) relates to Kumba Iron Ore. The total contribution from Kumba Iron Ore to the 

Group’s underlying earnings is $418 million (2016: $438 million).

(5)  Comparative information for Corporate and other has been restated to include Niobium and Phosphates, which was sold in 2016.

184 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

KEY FINANCIAL DATA

This section includes certain Alternative Performance Measures (APMs). For more information on the APMs used by the Group, including definitions, please 
refer to page 194.

US$ million (unless otherwise stated)
Income statement measures
Group revenue
Underlying EBIT
Underlying EBITDA
Revenue
Net finance costs (before special items and remeasurements)
Profit/(loss) before tax
Profit/(loss) for the financial year
Non-controlling interests
Profit/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
Underlying earnings
Balance sheet measures
Capital employed
Net assets
Non-controlling interests
Equity attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
Cash flow measures
Cash flows from operations
Capital expenditure
Net debt
Metrics and ratios
Underlying earnings per share (US$)
Earnings per share (US$)
Ordinary dividend per share (US cents)
Ordinary dividend cover (based on underlying earnings per share)
Underlying EBIT margin
Underlying EBIT interest cover(2)
Underlying effective tax rate
Gearing (net debt to total capital)(3)

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012
restated(1)

2011

2010

2009

2008

6,620
9,520

4,933
7,832

 2,223 
 4,854 

 3,766 
 6,075 

6,253 11,095
9,763
8,860 13,348 11,983

 28,650  23,142   23,003  30,988 33,063 32,785 36,548 32,929 24,637 32,964
4,957 10,085
6,930 11,847
 21,378   20,455  27,073 29,342 28,680 30,580 27,960 20,858 26,311
(452)
8,571
6,120
(905)
5,215
5,237

(244)
(20)
(299)
(171) 10,782 10,928
8,119
(564)
7,922
(1,575)
(1,753)
(906)
6,544
6,169
(1,470)
4,976
6,120
2,860

(256)
(458) 
(209) 
 2,624  (5,454) 
(259)
 1,926  (5,842)  (1,524)
(332) 
(989)
 218 
 1,594  (5,624)  (2,513)
2,217
 827 
 2,210 

 6,247 
 8,823 
 26,243 
(473) 
 5,505 
 4,059 
(893) 
 3,166 
 3,272 

(276)
1,700
426
(1,387)
(961)
2,673

(273)
4,029
2,912
(487)
2,425
2,569

 32,813 
 28,882 
(5,910) 
 22,972 

 31,904   32,842  43,782 46,551 49,757 41,667 42,135 36,623 29,808
 24,325   21,342  32,177 37,364 43,738 43,189 37,971 28,069 21,756
(5,309)  (4,773)  (5,760)
(1,535)
(6,127)
 19,016   16,569  26,417 31,671 37,611 39,092 34,239 26,121 20,221

(4,097)

(5,693)

(3,732)

(1,948)

 8,375 
(2,150) 
(4,501) 

7,729
 5,838 
6,949
 4,240 
(2,387)  (4,177)  (6,018)
(6,075)
(8,487) (12,901) (12,871) (10,652)

7,370 11,498
(5,672)
(5,947)
(1,374)
(8,510)

9,579
4,904
9,924
(4,902)
(5,282)
(4,707)
(7,384) (11,280) (11,340)

2.57
2.48
102 
2.5

 1.72 
 1.24 
 – 
– 

1.73
(1.96)
85
2.0

0.64
(4.36)
32
2.0

4.36
4.34
44
9.9
21.8% 16.3% 9.7% 15.9% 20.0% 19.1% 30.4% 29.6% 20.1% 30.6%
24.1
29.7% 24.6% 31.0% 29.8% 32.0% 29.0% 28.3% 31.9% 33.1% 33.4%
34%

2.28
(1.17)
85
2.7

2.09
(0.75)
85
2.5

4.13
5.43
65
6.4

5.06
5.10
74
6.8

2.14
2.02
–
–

 16.5 

 16.7 

16%

26%

29%

22%

38%

16%

29%

36.8

34.2

30.1

19.6

10.1

35.8

3%

n/a

13%

(1)  Certain balances relating to 2012 were restated to reflect the adoption of new accounting pronouncements. See note 2 of the 2013 Consolidated financial statements for details. 
(2)  Underlying EBIT interest cover is underlying EBIT divided by net finance costs, excluding net foreign exchange gains and losses, unwinding of discount relating to provisions and other liabilities, 
financing special items and remeasurements, and including the Group’s attributable share of associates’ and joint ventures’ net finance costs, which in 2011 resulted in a net finance income and 
therefore the ratio is not applicable. 

(3)  Net debt to total capital is calculated as net debt divided by total capital (being ‘Net assets’ as shown in the Consolidated balance sheet excluding net debt). 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

185

Financial statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

EXCHANGE RATES AND COMMODITY PRICES

US$ exchange rates
Year end spot rates
South African rand
Brazilian real
Sterling
Australian dollar
Euro
Chilean peso
Botswana pula

Average rates for the year
South African rand
Brazilian real
Sterling
Australian dollar
Euro
Chilean peso
Botswana pula

Commodity prices
Year end spot prices
Copper(1)
Platinum(2)
Palladium(2)
Rhodium(3)
Iron ore (62% Fe CFR)(4)
Iron ore (66% Fe Concentrate CFR)(5)
Hard coking coal (FOB Australia)(4)
PCI (FOB Australia)(4)
Thermal coal (FOB South Africa)(6)
Thermal coal (FOB Australia)(7)
Thermal coal (FOB Colombia)(6)
Nickel(1)

Average market prices for the year
Copper(1)
Platinum(2)
Palladium(2)
Rhodium(3)
Iron ore (62% Fe CFR)(4)
Iron ore (66% Fe Concentrate CFR)(5)
Hard coking coal (FOB Australia)(8)
PCI (FOB Australia)(8)
Thermal coal (FOB South Africa)(6)
Thermal coal (FOB Australia)(7)
Thermal coal (FOB Colombia)(6)
Nickel(1)

2017

2016

 12.31 
 3.31 
 0.74 
 1.28 
 0.83 
 615 
 9.85 

 13.31 
 3.19 
 0.78 
 1.30 
 0.89 
 649 
 10.34 

2017

 325 
 925 
 1,057 
 1,700 
 74 
 96 
 262 
 147 
 95 
 104 
 86 
 556 

280
 950 
 871 
 1,097 
 71 
 87 
 188 
 119 
 84 
 89 
 78 
 472 

 13.73 
 3.25 
 0.81 
 1.38 
 0.95 
 667 
 10.69 

 14.70 
 3.48 
 0.74 
 1.34 
 0.90 
 676 
 10.89 

2016

 250 
 898 
 670 
 758 
 80 
 101 
 230 
 112 
 86 
 94 
 94 
 454 

 221 
 989 
 615 
 681 
 58 
 69 
 143 
 97 
 64 
 66 
 58 
 436 

US cents/lb
US$/oz
US$/oz
US$/oz
US$/tonne
US$/tonne
US$/tonne
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$/tonne
US$/tonne
US$/tonne
US$/tonne
US cents/lb

(1)  Source: London Metal Exchange (LME).
(2)  Source: London Platinum and Palladium Market (LPPM).
(3)  Source: Comdaq.
(4)  Source: Platts.
(5)  Source: Metal Bulletin.
(6)  Source: Argus/McCloskey.
(7)  Source: globalCOAL.
(8)  Represents average spot prices. Prior year prices were previously based on the quarterly average benchmark and have been restated accordingly.

186 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

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 
2012 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 (2012) and SAMREC (2016 Edition) Codes. Ore Reserves in the 
context of this Annual Report have the same meaning as ‘Mineral 
Reserves’ as defined by the SAMREC Code and the CIM (Canadian 
Institute of Mining and Metallurgy) Definition Standards on Mineral 
Resources and Mineral Reserves.

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 (CPs) along with their Recognised Professional 
Organisation (RPO) affiliation and years of relevant experience are listed  
in the Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource Report 2017.

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 of the entity and time that has lapsed since an independent 
third-party review is also considered. Those operations/projects that 
were subjected to independent third-party reviews during the year are 
indicated in footnotes to the tables.

The JORC and SAMREC Codes require due consideration of reasonable 
prospects for eventual economic extraction for Mineral Resource 
definition. 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. The calculation  
of Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimates are based on long-term 
prices determined at the beginning of the second quarter each year. 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, infrastructure, 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. Unless otherwise stated, Mineral Resources are additional 
to (exclusive of) those resources converted to Ore Reserves and are 
reported on a dry tonnes basis.

The appropriate Mineral Resource classification is determined by the 
appointed Competent (or Qualified) Persons. The choice of appropriate 
category of Mineral Resource depends upon the quantity, distribution 
and quality of geoscientific information available and the level of 
confidence in these data.

The detailed Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource estimates,  
Reserve and Resource Reconciliation Overview, Definitions and Glossary  
are contained in the separate Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Report 2017  
which is available in the Annual Reporting Centre on the Anglo American website.

To accommodate the various factors that are important in the  
development of a classified Mineral Resource estimate, a scorecard 
approach is generally 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 (in particular density) that may influence the 
confidence that can be placed on the Mineral Resource. Most business 
units have developed commodity-specific scorecard-based approaches 
to the classification of their Mineral Resources.

The estimates of Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources are stated as  
at 31 December 2017. The figures in the tables have been rounded, 
and if used to derive totals and averages, minor differences with stated  
results could occur. 

The Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Report 2017 should be 
considered the only valid source of Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource 
information for the Anglo American group exclusive of Kumba Iron Ore  
and Anglo American Platinum Limited which publish their own 
independent annual reports.

It is accepted that mine design and planning may include some  
Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Mineral Resources in the Life 
of Mine Plan (LOM Plan) are described as ‘Inferred (in LOM Plan)’ 
separately from the remaining Inferred Mineral Resources described 
as ‘Inferred (ex. LOM Plan)’, as required. These resources are declared 
without application of any Modifying Factors. Reserve Life reflects the 
scheduled extraction period in years for the total Ore Reserves in the 
approved Life of Mine Plan.

The Ownership (Attributable) Percentage that Anglo American holds 
in each operation and project is presented 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. Operations or projects 
which were disposed of during 2017 and hence not reported are: 
Pandora (Platinum) and Dartbrook (Coal).

In South Africa, the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development  
Act, Number 28 of 2002 (MPRDA) was implemented on 1 May 2004 
(subsequently amended by the Minerals and Petroleum Resources 
Development Amendment Act 49 of 2008) effectively transferred 
custodianship of the previously privately held mineral rights to the State. 

A Prospecting Right is a 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. 

A Mining Right is a right issued in terms of the MPRDA and is valid for  
up to 30 years, with the possibility of a further extension of 30 years. 
The Minister of Mineral Resources will grant a renewal of the Mining 
Right if the terms and conditions of the Mining Right have been complied 
with and the applicant is not in contravention of any relevant provisions 
of the MPRDA.

In preparing the Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource statement for  
South African assets, Anglo American plc has adopted the following 
reporting principles in respect of Prospecting Rights and Mining Rights:

 • Where applications for 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.

 • Where applications for Mining Rights and 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).

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

187

O

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ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES 
 
 
 
 
ESTIMATED ORE RESERVES(1) 
as at 31 December 2017
Detailed Proved and Probable estimates appear on the referenced pages in the Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Report 2017.

DIAMOND(3) OPERATIONS – DBCi 
(See page 10 in R&R Report for details) 
Gahcho Kué 

Kimberlite

Victor 

Kimberlite

DIAMOND(3) OPERATIONS – DBCM 
(See page 12 in R&R Report for details) 
Venetia (OP) 

Kimberlite

Venetia (UG) 

Voorspoed 

Kimberlite

Kimberlite

DIAMOND(3) OPERATIONS – Debswana 
(See pages 14 & 15 in R&R Report for details) 
Damtshaa 

Kimberlite

Jwaneng 

Letlhakane 

Orapa 

Kimberlite

TMR

Kimberlite

DIAMOND(3) OPERATIONS – Namdeb 
(See page 16 in R&R Report for details) 
Elizabeth Bay 

 Aeolian and Marine
Beaches

Mining Area 1 

Orange River 

Fluvial Placers

Atlantic 1 

Midwater 

Marine Placers

Marine

COPPER OPERATIONS 
(See page 18 in R&R Report for details) 
Collahuasi 

Sulphide (direct feed)

Low Grade Sulphide (in situ + stockpile)

El Soldado 

Los Bronces 

Sulphide

Sulphide – Flotation

Sulphide – Dump Leach

PLATINUM(4) OPERATIONS 
(See page 21 in R&R Report for details) 
Merensky Reef

UG2 Reef

Platreef 

Main Sulphide Zone

In situ + stockpile

KUMBA IRON ORE OPERATIONS 
(See page 29 in R&R Report for details) 
Kolomela 

Hematite

Sishen 

Hematite

IRON ORE BRAZIL OPERATIONS 
(See page 30 in R&R Report for details) 
Serra do Sapo 

Friable Itabirite and Hematite

Itabirite 

SAMANCOR MANGANESE OPERATIONS  
(See page 31 in R&R Report for details) 

ROM + Sand Tailings

GEMCO(6)  
Mamatwan

Wessels

Ownership  
%
43.4

Mining  
Method
OP

85.0

OP

Ownership  
%
62.9

Mining  
Method
OP

62.9

UG

OP

Ownership  
%
42.5

Mining  
Method
OP

42.5

42.5

42.5

OP

n/a

OP

Ownership  
%
42.5

Mining  
Method
OC

42.5

42.5

42.5

42.5

OC

OC

MM

MM

LOM(2)

(years)
11

2

LOM(2)

(years)
29

3

LOM(2)

(years)
17

17

26

13

LOM(2)

(years)
2

5

4

20

3

Proved + Probable

Saleable Carats
(Mct)
48.4

Treated Tonnes
(Mt)
30.9

Recovered Grade
(cpht)
156.9

0.0

0.1

18.7

Saleable Carats
(Mct)
18.4

Treated Tonnes
(Mt)
14.7

Recovered Grade
(cpht)
125.5

79.4

–

98.9

–

80.3

–

Saleable Carats
(Mct)
4.9

Treated Tonnes
(Mt)
25.6

Recovered Grade
(cpht)
19.2

174.8

8.4

140.8

138.2

34.6

144.5

126.5

24.3

97.5

Saleable Carats
(kct)
78

Treated Tonnes
(kt)
754

Recovered Grade
(cpht)
10.28

36

132

673

13,796

5.37

0.96

Saleable Carats
(kct)

6,094

129

Ownership  
%
44.0

Mining  
Method
OP

Reserve Life(2)

(years)
69

Contained Copper
(kt)
27,085

2,818

614

6,443

1,361

Contained Metal 
(4E Moz)
13.4

38.6

126.6

5.2

50.1

50.1

OP

OP

10

23

Ownership  
%
33.8

Mining  
Method
UG

57.8

78.0

78.0

UG

OP

UG

Ownership  
%
53.2

Mining  
Method
OP

53.2

OP

Ownership  
%
100

Mining  
Method
OP

OP

Reserve Life(2)

(years)
n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Reserve Life(2)

(years)
14

13

Reserve Life(2)

(years)
51

Ownership  
%
40.0

Mining  
Method
OP

29.6

29.6

OP

UG

Reserve Life(2)

(years)
7

16

61

Area
k (m2)

Recovered Grade 
(cpm2) 

89,883

435

ROM Tonnes
(Mt)
2,721.5

498.1

77.4

1,054.9

460.2

ROM Tonnes
(Mt)
90.2

294.3

1,399.1

47.4

Saleable Product
(Mt)
168

370

Saleable Product(5)

(Mt)
715

738

ROM Tonnes
(Mt)
67.9

55.0

83.1

0.07

0.30

Grade
(%TCu)
1.00

0.57

0.79

0.61

0.30

Grade
(4E g/t)
4.61

4.07

2.81

3.44

Grade
(%Fe)
64.3

64.6

Grade(5)
(%Fe)
67.5

67.5

Grade
(%Mn)
44.3

36.8

42.4

Operations = Mines in steady-state or projects in ramp-up phase. TMR = Tailings Mineral Resource.
Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground, MM = Marine Mining. 
Mct = Million carats. Mt = Million tonnes. kct = thousand carats. kt = thousand tonnes. k (m²) = thousand square metres. 
Diamond Recovered Grade is quoted as carats per hundred metric tonnes (cpht) or as carats per square metre (cpm²) 
Estimates of 0.0 represent numbers less than 0.05.
TCu = Total Copper. 4E is the sum of Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and Gold.
Moz = Million troy ounces. g/t = grams per tonne.  
ROM = Run of Mine. 

188 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES 
 
 
 
Estimated Ore Reserves continued

COAL OPERATIONS – Australia 
(See page 32 in R&R Report for details) 
Capcoal (OC)* 

Metallurgical – Coking

Metallurgical – Other

Thermal – Export

Capcoal (UG)* 

Metallurgical – Coking

Dawson 

Metallurgical – Coking

Thermal – Export

Grosvenor 
Moranbah North  Metallurgical – Coking

Metallurgical – Coking

COAL OPERATIONS – Canada 
(See page 32 in R&R Report for details) 
Trend 
Roman Mountain  Metallurgical – Coking

Metallurgical – Coking

COAL OPERATIONS – Colombia 
(See page 32 in R&R Report for details) 
Thermal – Export
Cerrejón 

COAL OPERATIONS – South Africa 
(See page 33 & 37 in R&R Report for details) 
Goedehoop 
Goedehoop – MRD  Thermal – Export
Thermal – Export

Greenside 
Greenside – MRD  Thermal – Export

Thermal – Export

Isibonelo 

Kleinkopje 

Kriel 

Landau 

Mafube 

Synfuel

Thermal – Export

Thermal – Domestic

Thermal – Export

Thermal – Domestic

Thermal – Export

Thermal – Domestic

New Denmark 

Thermal – Domestic

New Vaal 

Zibulo 

Thermal – Domestic

Thermal – Export

Thermal – Domestic

NICKEL OPERATIONS 
(See page 39 in R&R Report for details) 
Barro Alto 

Saprolite

Niquelândia 

Saprolite

Ownership  
%
78.6

Mining  
Method
OC

Reserve Life(2)

(years)
15

1 

14

30

11

70.0

51.0

100

88.0

UG

OC

UG

UG

Ownership  
%
100

Mining  
Method
OC

100

OC

Ownership  
%
33.3

Ownership  
%
100

Mining  
Method
OC

Mining  
Method
UG 

Reserve Life(2)

(years)
16

Reserve Life(2)

(years)
8

100

100

100

n/a

UG

n/a

OC

OC

73.0 UG&OC

100

50.0

100

100

OC

OC

UG

OC

73.0 UG&OC

3

10

2

9

8

6

8

13

19

12

16

Reserve Life(2)

Saleable Tonnes(7)

(years)
7

15

(Mt)
8.3

25.8

Saleable Tonnes(7)

(Mt)
459.1

Saleable Quality
6,140 kcal/kg

Saleable Tonnes(7)

Proved + Probable

Saleable Tonnes(7)

(Mt)
28.0

44.3

7.3

4.1

61.1

56.3

108.2

81.6

Saleable Quality
5.5 CSN

6,840 kcal/kg

6,210 kcal/kg

8.5 CSN

7.0 CSN

6,510 kcal/kg

8.5 CSN

8.0 CSN

Saleable Quality
7.0 CSN

7.0 CSN

Saleable Quality
5,930 kcal/kg

5,070 kcal/kg

5,880 kcal/kg

5,590 kcal/kg

4,640 kcal/kg

6,270 kcal/kg

4,840 kcal/kg

5,870 kcal/kg

4,430 kcal/kg

6,040 kcal/kg

5,010 kcal/kg

5,080 kcal/kg

3,520 kcal/kg

5,980 kcal/kg

4,950 kcal/kg

Grade
(%Ni)
1.40

1.26

(Mt)
25.0

1.3

29.6

0.4

44.4

20.6

22.4

21.9

3.4

27.9

14.4

95.7

192.6

55.0

9.4

Ownership  
%
100

Mining  
Method
OP

100

OP

Reserve Life(2)

(years)
22

17

Contained Nickel
(kt)
586

98

ROM Tonnes
(Mt)
41.9

7.8

Operations = Mines in steady-state or projects in ramp-up phase. MRD = Mineral Residue Deposit.
Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground, OC = Open Cast/Cut.  
* Capcoal comprises opencast operations at Lake Lindsay and Oak Park, with an underground longwall operation at Grasstree. 

(1)  Estimated 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 unless otherwise stated). Please refer to the detailed Ore Reserve estimates tables in the AA plc R&R Report for the individual Proved and 
Probable Reserve estimates. The Ore Reserve estimates are reported in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral 
Resources and Ore Reserves (The JORC Code, 2012) as a minimum standard. Ore Reserve estimates for operations in South Africa are reported in accordance 
with The South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (The SAMREC Code, 2016 Edition). The figures 
reported represent 100% of the Ore Reserves. Anglo American plc ownership is stated separately. Rounding of figures may cause computational discrepancies. 

(2)  Reserve Life = The scheduled extraction period in years for the total Ore Reserves in the approved Life of Mine Plan. 

LOM = Life of Mine (years) is based on scheduled Probable Reserves including some Inferred Resources considered for Life of Mine planning.
(3)  DBCi = De Beers Canada, DBCM = De Beers Consolidated Mines, Debswana = Debswana Diamond Company, Namdeb = Namdeb Holdings. 

Reported Diamond Reserves are based on a Bottom Cut-off (BCO) which refers to the bottom screen size aperture and varies between 1.00mm and 3.00mm 
(nominal square mesh). Specific BCO’s applied to derive estimates are included in the detailed Diamond Reserve tables in the AA plc R&R Report. 
No Diamond Reserves reported for Voorspoed Kimberlite as mining is now scheduled exclusively from Inferred Resources. 
Snap Lake was placed on extended care and maintenance at the end of 2015 and was allowed to flood in Q1 2017. It is now considered a project.

(4)  Details of the individual Anglo American Platinum Limited managed and Joint Venture managed operations appear in the AA plc R&R Report.  

Ownership percentages for reef totals are weighted by Contained Metal (4E Moz). 

(5)  Iron Ore Brazil Saleable Product tonnes are reported on a wet basis (average moisture content is 9.2 wt% of the wet mass) with quality stated on a dry basis.
(6)  GEMCO Manganese grades are reported as per washed ore samples and should be read together with their respective yields, see page 31 in the AA plc 

R&R Report.

(7)  Total Saleable Tonnes represents the product tonnes quoted as metric tonnes on a Product moisture basis. The coal quality for Coal Reserves is quoted as either 
kilocalories per kilogram (kcal/kg) or Crucible Swell Number (CSN). Kilocalories per kilogram represent Calorific Value (CV) on a Gross As Received (GAR) 
basis. CV is rounded to the nearest 10 kcal/kg and CSN to the nearest 0.5 index.  
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.  
Peace River Coal (Trend and Roman Mountain operations) was placed on extended care and maintenance at the end of 2014.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

189

ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCESOre Reserves and Mineral Resources 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ESTIMATED MINERAL RESOURCES(1) 
as at 31 December 2017
Detailed Measured, Indicated and Inferred estimates appear on the referenced pages in the Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Report 2017.

Measured + Indicated

Total Inferred(2)

Carats
(Mct)
18.0

0.3

Carats
(Mct)
3.1

59.6

3.8

Carats
(Mct)
5.0

60.0

24.3

14.1

66.2

Carats
(kct)
1

2,484

3,003

160

Carats
(kct)

Tonnes
(Mt)
12.8

0.8

Tonnes
(Mt)
18.0

69.9

20.1

Tonnes
(Mt)
20.7

70.8

33.4

54.6

77.5

Tonnes 
(kt)
127

33,873

192,228

51,450

Area
k (m2)

78,797

1,127,012

134

Contained Copper
(kt)
292

26,866

6,411

65

5,927

14

Grade 
(4E g/t)
5.34

Contained Metal 
(4E Moz)
95.3

103.3

71.6

6.3

5.76

2.26

4.18

Grade
(%Fe)
62.9

52.4

Grade(5)
(%Fe)
32.0

30.9

Grade
(%Mn)
42.6

34.9

42.6

1,572

Tonnes
(Mt)
51.3

2,962.4

1,430.8

14.6

1,311.2

4.7

Tonnes
(Mt)
610.4

529.2

1,140.0

46.0

Tonnes
(Mt)
79.6

114.4

Tonnes(5)
(Mt)
100.1

614.1

Tonnes
(Mt)
34.7

0.5

3.1

Grade
(cpht)
142.2

24.1

Grade
(cpht)
–

–

26.9

Grade
(cpht)
22.9

84.1

–

5,322.2

101.7

Grade
(cpht)
7.05

5.69

0.91

0.43

Grade 
(cpm2) 

0.07

0.23

Grade
(%TCu)
0.70

0.94

0.44

0.57

0.44

–

Carats
(Mct)
2.6

0.1

Carats
(Mct)
–

–

0.5

Carats
(Mct)
0.9

62.3

–

1.4

297.0

Carats
(kct)
160

131

346

194

Carats
(kct)

6,635

565

DIAMOND(3) OPERATIONS – DBCi
(See page 10 in R&R Report for details) 
Gahcho Kué 

Kimberlite

Victor  

Kimberlite

DIAMOND(3) OPERATIONS – DBCM
(See page 12 in R&R Report for details) 
Venetia (OP)  

Kimberlite

Venetia (UG)  

Voorspoed  

Kimberlite

Kimberlite

DIAMOND(3) OPERATIONS – Debswana
(See pages 14 & 15 in R&R Report for details) 
Damtshaa  

Kimberlite

Jwaneng  

Letlhakane 

Orapa  

Kimberlite

TMR & ORT

TMR & ORT

Kimberlite

Ownership  
%
43.4

Mining  
Method
OP

85.0

OP

Ownership  
%
62.9

Mining  
Method
OP

62.9

UG

OP

Ownership  
%
42.5

Mining  
Method
OP

42.5

42.5

42.5

OP

n/a

n/a

OP

DIAMOND(3) OPERATIONS – Namdeb
(See pages 16 & 17 in R&R Report for details) 
Aeolian and Deflation
Douglas Bay  

Ownership  
%
42.5

Mining  
Method
OC

Elizabeth Bay  

Mining Area 1  

Aeolian, Marine and Deflation 
Beaches

Orange River  

Fluvial Placers

Atlantic 1  

Midwater 

Marine Placers

Marine

COPPER OPERATIONS 
(See page 19 in R&R Report for details) 
Oxide and Mixed
Collahuasi 

El Soldado 

Los Bronces 

Sulphide (direct feed)

Low Grade Sulphide (in situ)

Sulphide

Sulphide – Flotation

Sulphide – Dump Leach 

42.5

42.5

42.5

42.5

42.5

OC

OC

OC

MM

MM

Ownership  
%
44.0

Mining  
Method
OP

Contained Copper
(kt)
453

50.1

50.1

OP

OP

8,907

5,151

777

13,299

–

PLATINUM(4) OPERATIONS 
(See page 22 in R&R Report for details) 
Merensky Reef

Ownership  
%
56.2

Mining  
Method
UG

Contained Metal 
(4E Moz)
96.6

202.7

96.2

17.5

UG2 Reef

Platreef

Main Sulphide Zone

KUMBA IRON ORE OPERATIONS 
(See page 29 in R&R Report for details) 
Kolomela 

Hematite

Sishen 

Hematite

IRON ORE BRAZIL OPERATIONS 
(See page 30 in R&R Report for details) 
Serra do Sapo 

Friable Itabirite and Hematite 
Itabirite

54.1

78.0

78.0

UG

OP

UG

Ownership  
%
53.2

Mining  
Method
OP

53.2

OP

Ownership  
%
100

Mining  
Method
OP

SAMANCOR MANGANESE OPERATIONS 
(See page 31 in R&R Report for details) 
GEMCO(6)(7) 
Mamatwan(6)
Wessels(6)

ROM + Sand Tailings

Ownership  
%
40.0

Mining  
Method
OP

29.6

29.6

OP

UG

Tonnes
(Mt)
1.8

0.5

Tonnes
(Mt)
–

–

1.9

Tonnes
(Mt)
3.7

74.1

–

0.0

292.0

Tonnes 
(kt)
2,269

2,300

37,898

45,158

Area
k (m2)

90,512

2,447

Tonnes
(Mt)
65.0

946.2

1,170.6

136.5

3,043.2

–

Tonnes
(Mt)
563.3

1,095.0

1,324.9

130.5

Tonnes
(Mt)
93.0

431.3

Tonnes(5)
(Mt)
250.5

1,143.2

Tonnes
(Mt)
131.7

87.5

144.1

Operations = Mines in steady-state or projects in ramp-up phase. TMR = Tailings Mineral Resource. ORT = Old Recovery Tailings.
Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground, MM = Marine Mining. 
Mct = Million carats. Mt = Million tonnes. kct = thousand carats. kt = thousand tonnes. k (m²) = thousand square metres. 
Diamond Grade is quoted as carats per hundred metric tonnes (cpht) or as carats per square metre (cpm²) 
Estimates of 0.0 represent numbers less than 0.05.
TCu = Total Copper. 4E is the sum of Platinum, Palladium, Rhodium and Gold.
Moz = Million troy ounces. g/t = grams per tonne.  
ROM = Run of Mine.

190 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

Grade
(cpht)
140.4

34.5

Grade
(cpht)
17.1

85.3

19.1

Grade
(cpht)
24.3

84.7

72.7

25.8

85.3

Grade
(cpht)
0.79

7.33

1.56

0.31

Grade 
(cpm2) 

0.07

0.09

Grade
(%TCu)
0.57

0.91

0.45

0.44

0.45

0.29

Grade 
(4E g/t)
4.86

6.07

1.95

4.25

Grade
(%Fe)
62.7

50.9

Grade(5)
(%Fe)
35.8

31.1

Grade
(%Mn)
39.9

37.2

45.7

ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Mineral Resources continued

COAL OPERATIONS – Australia 
(See page 34 in R&R Report for details) 
Capcoal (OC)*

Capcoal (UG)*

Dawson

Grosvenor

Moranbah North

COAL OPERATIONS – Canada 
(See page 34 in R&R Report for details) 
Trend

Roman Mountain

COAL OPERATIONS – Colombia 
(See pages 34 in R&R Report for details) 
Cerrejón

COAL OPERATIONS – South Africa 
(See pages 35 & 37 in R&R Report for details) 
Goedehoop

Greenside 

Greenside – MRD 

Isibonelo

Kleinkopje

Kriel

Landau 

Landau – MRD 

Mafube

New Denmark

Zibulo

NICKEL OPERATIONS 
(See page 39 in R&R Report for details) 
Barro Alto 

Saprolite

Ferruginous Laterite

Measured + Indicated

Total Inferred(2)

Ownership  
%
78.6

Mining  
Method
OC

70.0

51.0

100

88.0

UG

OC

UG

UG

Ownership  
%
100

Mining  
Method
OC

100

OC

Ownership  
%
33.3

Ownership  
%
100

100

100

100

Mining  
Method
OC

Mining  
Method
UG

UG

n/a

UG

OC

73.0 UG&OC

100

50.0

100

OC

n/a

OC

UG

73.0 UG&OC

Ownership  
%
100

Mining  
Method
OP

Contained Nickel
(kt)
192

49

36

MTIS(8)
(Mt)
166.3

Coal Quality
(kcal/kg)
6,920

90.4

663.3

214.5

82.9

6,730

6,700

6,370

6,630

MTIS(8)
(Mt)
26.5

Coal Quality
(kcal/kg)
6,980

4.3

7,910

MTIS(8)
(Mt)
3,681.4

Coal Quality
(kcal/kg)
6,570

MTIS(8)
(Mt)
209.9

Coal Quality
(kcal/kg)
5,360

23.8

9.7

23.6

–

134.5

45.7

22.4

74.8

80.5

326.7

Tonnes
(Mt)
16.1

4.1

2.9

5,720

3,750

5,250

–

4,980

4,990

2,580

5,090

5,670

4,920

Grade
(%Ni)
1.19

1.21

1.25

Contained Nickel
(kt)
295

64

–

MTIS(8)
(Mt)
197.3

Coal Quality
(kcal/kg)
6,840

6.3

351.2

44.5

4.4

6,470

6,680

6,360

6,420

MTIS(8)
(Mt)
2.6

Coal Quality
(kcal/kg)
6,370

2.2

7,950

MTIS(8)
(Mt)
722.6

Coal Quality
(kcal/kg)
6,410

MTIS(8)
(Mt)
6.0

Coal Quality
(kcal/kg)
4,750

0.2

–

–

3.7

–

11.2

–

–

–

248.9

Tonnes
(Mt)
22.5

5.2

–

5,950

–

–

6,070

–

5,870

–

–

–

4,760

Grade
(%Ni)
1.31

1.21

–

Niquelândia 

Saprolite

100

OP

Operations = Mines in steady-state or projects in ramp-up phase. MRD = Mineral Residue Deposit.
Mining method: OP = Open Pit, UG = Underground, OC = Open Cast/Cut.  
* Capcoal comprises opencast operations at Lake Lindsay and Oak Park, with an underground longwall operation at Grasstree. 

(1)  Estimated Mineral Resources are presented on an exclusive basis, i.e. Mineral Resources are reported as additional to Ore Reserves unless otherwise stated. 

Please refer to the detailed Mineral Resource estimates tables in the AA plc R&R Report for the detailed Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resource estimates. 
The Mineral Resource estimates are reported in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore 
Reserves (The JORC Code, 2012) as a minimum standard. The Mineral Resource estimates for operations in South Africa are reported in accordance with The 
South African Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (The SAMREC Code, 2016 Edition). The figures reported 
represent 100% of the Mineral Resources. Anglo American plc ownership is stated separately. Rounding of figures may cause computational discrepancies.
(2)  Total Inferred is the sum of ‘Inferred (in LOM Plan)’, the Inferred Resources within the scheduled Life of Mine Plan (LOM Plan) and ‘Inferred (ex. LOM Plan)’, the 
portion of Inferred Resources with reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction not considered in the Life of Mine Plan (LOM Plan) as relevant.  
Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to some Inferred Resources, it cannot be assumed that all or part of an Inferred Resource will necessarily be 
upgraded to an Indicated or Measured Resource after continued exploration.

(3)  DBCi = De Beers Canada, DBCM = De Beers Consolidated Mines, Debswana = Debswana Diamond Company, Namdeb = Namdeb Holdings. 
Estimated Diamond Resources are presented on an exclusive basis, i.e. Diamond Resources are quoted as additional to Diamond Reserves. 
Reported Diamond Resources are based on a Bottom Cut-off (BCO) which refers to the bottom screen size aperture and varies between 1.00mm and 3.00mm 
(nominal square mesh). Specific BCO’s applied to derive estimates are included in the detailed Diamond Resource tables in the AA plc R&R Report.

(4)  Details of the individual Anglo American Platinum Limited managed and Joint Venture managed operations appear in the AA plc R&R Report.  

Ownership percentages for reef totals are weighted by Contained Metal (4E Moz).  
Merensky Reef, UG2 Reef and Main Sulphide Zone Mineral Resources are estimated over a ‘Resource Cut’ which takes cognisance of the mining method, 
potential economic viability and geotechnical aspects in the hangingwall or footwall of the reef.

(5)  Iron Ore Brazil Mineral Resource tonnes and grades are reported on a dry basis.
(6)  Manganese Mineral Resources are quoted as inclusive of those used to calculate Ore Reserves and must not be added to the Ore Reserves.
(7)  GEMCO Manganese grades are reported as per washed ore samples and should be read together with their respective yields, see page 31 in the AA plc 

R&R Report.

(8)  Coal Resources are quoted on a Mineable Tonnes In Situ (MTIS) basis in million tonnes, which are in addition to those Coal Resources that have been modified 

to produce the reported Coal Reserves. Coal Resources are reported on an in situ moisture basis. The coal quality for Coal Resources is quoted on an in situ heat 
content as kilocalories per kilogram (kcal/kg), representing Calorific Value (CV) on a Gross As Received (GAR) basis. CV is rounded to the nearest 10 kcal/kg.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

191

ORE RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCESOre Reserves and Mineral Resources 
 
OTHER INFORMATION 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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 or extracted and is 
defined by studies at Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility level as appropriate that 
include application of Modifying Factors. Such studies demonstrate that, 
at the time of reporting, extraction could reasonably be justified. ‘Modifying 
Factors’ are (realistically assumed) considerations used to convert Mineral 
Resources to Ore Reserves. These include, but are not restricted to, mining, 
processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, 
environmental, social and governmental factors. 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. A Proved Ore Reserve implies a high degree of confidence 
in the Modifying Factors.

A ‘Probable Ore Reserve’ is the economically mineable part of an Indicated,  
and in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource. The confidence in 
the Modifying Factors applying to a Probable Ore Reserve is lower than that 
applying to a Proved Ore Reserve. A Probable Ore Reserve has a lower level 
of confidence than a Proved Ore Reserve but is of sufficient quality to serve 
as the basis for a decision on the development of the deposit.

Mineral Resources
A ‘Mineral Resource’ is a concentration or occurrence of solid material of 
economic interest in or on the Earth’s crust in such form, grade (or quality), 
and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic 
extraction. The location, quantity, grade (or quality), continuity and other 
geological characteristics of a Mineral Resource are known, estimated or 
interpreted from specific geological evidence and knowledge, including 
sampling. 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 
quantity, grade (or quality), densities, shape, and physical characteristics are 
estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of Modifying 
Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of the 
economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from 
detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing gathered through 
appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, 
workings and drill holes, and is sufficient to confirm geological and grade 
(or quality) continuity between points of observation where data and samples 
are gathered.

A Measured Mineral Resource has a higher level of confidence than that 
applying to either an Indicated Mineral Resource or an Inferred Mineral 
Resource. It may be converted to a Proved Ore Reserve or under certain 
circumstances to a Probable Ore Reserve.

An ‘Indicated Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which 
quantity, grade (or quality), densities, shape and physical characteristics are 
estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying 
Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the 
economic viability of the deposit. Geological evidence is derived from 
adequately detailed and reliable exploration, sampling and testing gathered 
through appropriate techniques from locations such as outcrops, trenches, 
pits, workings and drill holes, and is sufficient to assume geological and grade 
(or quality) continuity between points of observation where data and samples 
are gathered.

An Indicated Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that 
applying to a Measured Mineral Resource and may only be converted to 
a Probable Ore Reserve.

An ‘Inferred Mineral Resource’ is that part of a Mineral Resource for which 
quantity and grade (or quality) are estimated on the basis of limited geological 
evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not 
verify geological and grade (or quality) continuity. It is based on exploration, 
sampling and testing information gathered through appropriate techniques 
from locations such as outcrops, trenches, pits, workings and drill holes.

An Inferred Mineral Resource has a lower level of confidence than that 
applying to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to 
an Ore Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred 
Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with 
continued exploration.

Life of Mine Plan (LOM Plan)
A design and costing study of an existing operation in which appropriate 
assessments have been made of realistically assumed geological, mining, 
processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, 
environmental, social, governmental, engineering, operational and all other 
Modifying Factors, which are considered in sufficient detail to demonstrate 
at the time of reporting that extraction is reasonably justified.

Reserve Life
The scheduled extraction period in years for the total Ore Reserves in the 
approved LOM Plan.

Inferred (in LOM Plan)
Inferred Resources within the scheduled LOM Plan.

Inferred (ex. LOM Plan)
The portion of Inferred Resources with reasonable prospects for eventual 
economic extraction not considered in the LOM Plan.

Fatal-injury frequency rate (FIFR)(1) 
FIFR is the number of employee or contractor fatal injuries due to all causes 
per 200,000 hours worked. 

Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR)(1)
LTIFR is the number of lost time injuries (LTIs) for both employees and 
contractors per 200,000 hours worked. An LTI is a work related injury 
resulting in the person being unable to attend work or perform the routine 
functions of his/her job, on the next calendar day after the day of the injury, 
whether a scheduled workday or not. Restricted work cases are therefore 
counted as LTIs. 

Total recordable case frequency rate (TRCFR)(1)
TRCFR is the number of fatal injuries, lost time injuries and medical treatment 
cases for both employees and contractors per 200,000 hours. 

New cases of occupational disease (NCOD)(1)
NCOD is the sum of occupational diseases due to asbestosis, noise-induced 
hearing loss, silicosis, coal-workers’ pneumoconiosis, chronic obstructive 
airways disease, occupational tuberculosis, occupational asthma, hand/arm 
vibration syndrome, musculoskeletal disorders, dermatitis, occupational 
cancers and other occupational diseases. 

Total energy consumed(1)
Total amount of energy consumed is the sum of total energy from electricity 
purchased, total energy from fossil fuels and total energy from renewable 
fuels and is measured in million gigajoules (GJ). 

Total water withdrawals(1)
Total water withdrawals by source, reported in line with International Council 
on Metals and Mining (ICMM) guidance, includes: surface water; 
groundwater; seawater; third-party potable water; and third-party non-
potable water, and is measured in million m3.

192 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

OTHER INFORMATION GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Greenhouse gases (GHGs)(1)
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 2006 report (as updated in 
2011) factors are applied as defaults for all carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) 
and energy calculations. Where emission factors are available for specific 
countries or sub-regions from government and regulatory authorities, these 
are applied. Australian operations apply conversion factors required by the 
government for regulatory reporting and operations in Brazil apply local 
factors for biomass and biofuel. Factors for CO2e from electricity are based 
on local grid factors. 

Based on a self-assessment, Anglo American believes it reports in 
accordance with the WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol, as issued prior to the 2015 
revision on Scope 2 emissions reporting. In line with the GHG Protocol’s 
‘management control’ boundary, 100% of the direct and indirect emissions 
for managed operations are accounted for while zero emissions for joint 
ventures and other investments are included in the reporting scope.

Level 3, 4 and 5 environmental incidents(1)
Environmental incidents are unplanned or unwanted events resulting from 
our operations that adversely impact the environment or contravene local 
regulations/permit conditions. They are classified from minor (Level 1) to 
significant (Level 5) depending on the duration and extent of impact, as well 
as the sensitivity and/or biodiversity value of the receiving environment. Level 
3-5 incidents are those which we consider to have prolonged impacts on the 
local environments, lasting in excess of one month and affecting areas 
greater than several hundred metres on site, or extending beyond the 
boundaries of our immediate operations.

Total amount spent on corporate social investment (CSI)(1)
Categories for corporate social investment expenditure include charitable 
donations, community investment and commercial initiatives. CSI is reported 
in US dollars and converted from currency of the operations at the average 
foreign exchange rate applied by Anglo American for financial reporting purposes.

Charitable donations include cash donations, contributions in kind, employees’ 
working hours spent on charity projects during work hours, and the cost of 
initiatives designed to inform communities about community-benefit 
initiatives (e.g. the production of reports that are issued to communities for 
the purpose of reporting progress). Not included is expenditure that is 
necessary for the development of an operation (e.g. resettlement of families) 
or receiving a licence. Training expenditure for individuals who will be 
employed by the company following completion of training is not included. 

Community investment includes the funding of community partnerships 
which address social issues, the costs of providing public facilities to 
community members who are not employees or dependants, the marginal 
value of land or other assets transferred to community ownership, and income 
creation schemes or mentoring/volunteering initiatives that do not have a 
principally commercial justification.

Commercial initiatives include enterprise development and other community 
initiatives/partnerships that also directly support the success of the Company 
(such as supplier development). There must, however be a clear and primary 
element of public benefit. 

We prohibit the making of donations for political purposes to any politician, 
political party or related organisation, an official of a political party or 
candidate for political office in any circumstances either directly or through 
third parties.

Jobs created/sustained through enterprise development 
initiatives in Chile(1)
In Chile, Anglo American supports jobs through training and mentoring 
programmes. On an annual basis, we report the number of entrepreneurs 
who have been provided support through our local partner, TechnoServe. 
The associated programmes are engaged in ongoing monitoring and data 
is reported at the end of the reporting period. 

Businesses supported through enterprise development 
initiatives in South Africa(1)
Anglo American supports a range of entrepreneurs and small and medium 
enterprises in South Africa through the issuance of micro-finance loans. 
Businesses supported are enterprises for which funding has been approved 
and made available by the Zimele investment committee in the reporting year. 

Local procurement measurement(1)
Launched in 2010, our Local Procurement Policy, provides a framework for 
supporting development outcomes through targeted procurement initiatives. 
Local procurement strategies articulate the value to Anglo American and 
local communities.

The measurement of local procurement varies between operations, and is 
informed by a combination of development outcomes and legal requirements. 
Local procurement occurs on multiple levels, and often as a combination of 
factors, ranging from procurement from host-, indigenous- and previously 
disadvantaged-communities.

 • Host communities: includes suppliers who have their main place of 

business in the direct vicinity of the operation.

 • Indigenous communities: includes First Nation-owned companies, 
(De Beers Canada), Aboriginal owned supplier businesses (Australia) 
who meet commercial terms, as well as providing local employment and 
training opportunities.

 • Previously disadvantaged and marginalised groups: includes targeted 
preferential procurement expenditure from identified beneficiary groups 
e.g. Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) owned businesses (South Africa).

In most instances, our local procurement initiatives also take into account 
communities that may be affected by our operations. Through our Socio-
Economic Assessment Toolbox (SEAT) process, we identify communities 
located in our ‘Zone of influence’ – this may include, but is not limited to, 
instances where there is potential for social, physical or environmental impact 
e.g. power transmission corridors, pipelines, access roads, etc.

(1)  Data relates to subsidiaries and joint operations over which Anglo American has management 
control, with the exception of De Beers, where 100% of De Beers’ joint venture operations in 
Namibia and Botswana are also accounted for. See page 75 of the Anglo American plc 
Sustainability Report 2017 for the full list of entities within the reporting scope.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

193

Other information 
OTHER INFORMATION

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Introduction
When assessing and discussing the Group’s reported financial performance, 
financial position and cash flows, management makes reference to 
Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) of historical or future financial 
performance, financial position or cash flows that are not defined or specified 
under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 

The APMs used by the Group fall into two categories:

 • Financial APMs: These financial measures are usually derived from the 

financial statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS. Certain financial 
measures cannot be directly derived from the financial statements as they 
contain additional information, such as financial information from earlier 
periods or profit estimates or projections. The accounting policies applied 
when calculating APMs are, where relevant and unless otherwise stated, 
the same as those disclosed in the Group’s Consolidated financial 
statements for the year ended 31 December 2017.

 • Non-financial APMs: These measures incorporate certain non-financial 
information that management believes is useful when assessing the 
performance of the Group.

APMs are not uniformly defined by all companies, including those in the 
Group’s industry. Accordingly, the APMs used by the Group may not be 
comparable with similarly titled measures and disclosures made by other 
companies. 

APMs should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or as 
superior to, measures of financial performance, financial position or cash 
flows reported in accordance with IFRS.

Purpose 
The Group uses APMs to improve the comparability of information between 
reporting periods and business units, either by adjusting for uncontrollable 
factors or special items which impact upon IFRS measures or, by aggregating 
measures, to aid the user of the Annual Report in understanding the activity 
taking place across the Group’s portfolio.

Their use is driven by characteristics particularly visible in the mining sector: 

1.  Earnings volatility: The Group mines and markets commodities and 

precious metals and minerals. The sector is characterised by significant 
volatility in earnings driven by movements in macroeconomic factors, 
primarily price and foreign exchange. This volatility is outside the control of 
management and can mask underlying changes in performance. As such, 
when comparing year-on-year performance, management excludes 
certain items (such as those classed as ‘special items’) to aid comparability 
and then quantifies and isolates uncontrollable factors in order to improve 
understanding of the controllable portion of variances.

2.  Nature of investment: Investments in the sector typically occur over 

several years and are large, requiring significant funding before generating 
cash. These investments are often made with partners and the nature of 
the Group’s ownership interest affects how the financial results of these 
operations are reflected in the Group’s results e.g. whether full 
consolidation (subsidiaries), consolidation of the Group’s attributable 
assets and liabilities (joint operations) or equity accounted (associates and 
joint ventures). Attributable metrics are therefore presented to help 
demonstrate the financial performance and returns available to the Group, 
for investment and financing activities, excluding the effect of different 
accounting treatments for different ownership interests.

3.  Portfolio complexity: The Group operates in a number of different, but 
complementary commodities, precious metals and minerals. The cost, 
value of and return from each saleable unit (e.g. tonne, pound, carat, 
ounce) can differ materially between each business. This makes 
understanding both the overall portfolio performance, and the relative 
performance of its constituent parts on a like-for-like basis, more 
challenging. The Group therefore uses composite APMs to provide 
a consistent metric to assess performance at the portfolio level.

Consequently, APMs are used by the Board and management for planning 
and reporting. A subset is also used by management in setting director and 
management remuneration. The measures are also used in discussions with 
the investment analyst community and credit rating agencies. 

Financial APMs

Closest equivalent  
IFRS measure

Group APM
Income statement 
Group revenue Revenue

Profit/(loss) before 
net finance income/
(costs) and tax

Profit/(loss) before 
net finance income/
(costs) and tax

Profit/(loss) for the 
financial year 
attributable to equity 
shareholders of the 
Company 

Underlying 
EBIT

Underlying 
EBITDA

Underlying 
earnings

Underlying 
effective tax 
rate

Underlying 
earnings 
per share
Balance sheet  
Net debt

Attributable 
ROCE

194 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

Adjustments to reconcile to primary statements

Rationale for adjustments

 • Revenue from associates and joint ventures

 • Exclude the effect of different basis of consolidation to aid 

comparability

 • Operating and non-operating special items 

 • Exclude the impact of certain items due to their size and nature 

and remeasurements

to aid comparability

 • Underlying EBIT from associates and joint 

 • Exclude the effect of different basis of consolidation to aid 

ventures

comparability

 • Operating and non-operating special items 

 • Exclude the impact of certain items due to their size and nature 

and remeasurements

to aid comparability

 • Depreciation and amortisation 
 • Underlying EBITDA from associates and joint 

ventures

 • Exclude the effect of different basis of consolidation to aid 

comparability

 • Special items and remeasurements

 • Exclude the impact of certain items due to their size and nature 

to aid comparability

Income tax expense

 • Tax related to special items and 

 • Exclude the impact of certain items due to their size and nature 

remeasurements

to aid comparability

 • The Group’s share of associates’ and joint 
ventures’ profit before tax, before special 
items and remeasurements, and tax expense, 
before special items and remeasurements

 • Exclude the effect of different basis of consolidation to  

aid comparability

Earnings per share

 • Special items and remeasurements

 • Exclude the impact of certain items due to their size and nature 

to aid comparability

Borrowings less cash 
and related hedges

 • Debit valuation adjustment

 • Exclude the impact of accounting adjustments from the net  

debt obligation of the Group

No direct equivalent

 • Non-controlling interests’ share of capital 

 • Exclude the effect of different basis of consolidation to  

employed and underlying EBIT

aid comparability

 • Average of opening and closing attributable 

capital employed

 
 
OTHER INFORMATION ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Group APM

Cash flow
Capital 
expenditure 
(capex)

Closest equivalent  
IFRS measure

Expenditure on 
property, plant and 
equipment

Attributable 
free cash flow

Cash flows from 
operations

Adjustments to reconcile to primary statements

Rationale for adjustments

 • Cash flows from derivatives related to capital 

 • To reflect the net attributable cost of capital expenditure taking 

expenditure 

 • Proceeds from disposal of property, plant  

and equipment

 • Direct funding for capital expenditure from 

non-controlling interests

 • Capital expenditure 
 • Cash tax paid 
 • Dividends from associates, joint ventures  

and financial asset investments

 • Net interest paid
 • Dividends to non-controlling interests

into account economic hedges

 • To measure the amount of cash available to finance returns to 
shareholders or growth after servicing debt, providing a return 
to minority shareholders and meeting existing capex 
commitments

Group revenue
Group revenue includes the Group’s attributable share of associates’ and 
joint ventures’ revenue.

A reconciliation to ‘Revenue’, the closest equivalent IFRS measure to Group 
revenue, is provided within note 2 to the Consolidated financial statements.

Underlying EBIT
Underlying EBIT is ‘Operating profit/(loss)’ presented before special items 
and remeasurements(1) and includes the Group’s attributable share of 
associates’ and joint ventures’ underlying EBIT. Underlying EBIT of 
associates and joint ventures is the Group’s attributable share of associates’ 
and joint ventures’ revenue less operating costs before special items and 
remeasurements(1) of associates and joint ventures.

A reconciliation to ‘Profit/(loss) before net finance income/(costs) and tax’, 
the closest equivalent IFRS measure to underlying EBIT, is provided within 
note 2 to the Consolidated financial statements.

Underlying EBITDA
Underlying EBITDA is underlying EBIT before depreciation and amortisation 
and includes the Group’s attributable share of associates’ and joint ventures’ 
underlying EBIT before depreciation and amortisation. 

A reconciliation to ‘Profit/(loss) before net finance income/(costs) and tax’, 
the closest equivalent IFRS measure to underlying EBITDA, is provided 
within note 2 to the Consolidated financial statements.

Underlying earnings
Underlying earnings is ‘Profit/(loss) for the financial year attributable to equity 
shareholders of the Company’ before special items and remeasurements(1) 
and is therefore presented after net finance costs, income tax expense and 
non-controlling interests.

A reconciliation to ‘Profit/(loss) for the financial year attributable to equity 
shareholders of the Company’, the closest equivalent IFRS measure to 
underlying earnings, is provided within note 2 to the Consolidated financial 
statements.

Underlying effective tax rate
The underlying effective tax rate equates to the income tax expense,  
before special items and remeasurements(1) and including the Group’s  
share of associates’ and joint ventures’ tax before special items and 
remeasurements,(1) divided by profit before tax before special items and 
remeasurements(1) and including the Group’s share of associates’ and joint 
ventures’ profit before tax before special items and remeasurements.(1)

A reconciliation to ‘Income tax expense’, the closest equivalent IFRS measure 
to underlying effective tax rate, is provided within note 5 to the Consolidated 
financial statements.

Underlying earnings per share
Basic and diluted underlying earnings per share are calculated as underlying 
earnings divided by the basic or diluted shares in issue. The calculation of 
underlying earnings per share is disclosed within note 3 to the Consolidated 
financial statements.

Net debt
Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less cash and cash equivalents 
(including derivatives which provide an economic hedge of net debt, see 
note 22, before taking into account the effect of debit valuation adjustments 
explained in note 20). A reconciliation to the Consolidated balance sheet is 
provided within note 20 to the Consolidated financial statements.

Capital expenditure (capex)
Capital expenditure is defined as cash expenditure on property, plant and 
equipment, including related derivatives, and is presented net of proceeds from 
disposal of property, plant and equipment and includes direct funding for capital 
expenditure from non-controlling interests in order to match more closely the 
way in which it is managed. A reconciliation to ‘Expenditure on property, plant 
and equipment’, the closest equivalent IFRS measure to capital expenditure, 
is provided within note 12 to the Consolidated financial statements.

Operating cash flows generated by operations that have not yet reached 
commercial production are also included in capital expenditure. However, 
capital expenditure is also periodically shown on an underlying basis i.e. 
before inclusion of capitalised operating cash flows. Where this occurs, the 
measure is footnoted as such.

(1)  Special items and remeasurements are defined in note 8 to the Consolidated financial statements.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

195

Other information 
 
OTHER INFORMATION ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Attributable return on capital employed (ROCE)
ROCE is a ratio that measures the efficiency and profitability of a company’s 
capital investments. Attributable ROCE displays how effectively assets are 
generating profit on invested capital for the equity shareholders of the 
Company. It is calculated as attributable underlying EBIT divided by average 
attributable capital employed. 

Attributable underlying EBIT excludes the underlying EBIT of non-controlling 
interests. 

Capital employed is defined as net assets excluding net debt and financial asset 
investments. Attributable capital employed excludes capital employed of 
non-controlling interests. Average attributable capital employed is calculated 
by adding the opening and closing attributable capital employed for the 
relevant period and dividing by two. 

Attributable ROCE is also used as an incentive measure in executives’ 
remuneration and is predicated upon the achievement of ROCE targets in the 
final year of a three-year performance period. It is one of the performance 
measures used in LTIP 16 and LTIP 17 and is proposed to be used in LTIP 18.

A reconciliation to ‘Profit/(loss) before net finance income/(costs) and tax’, 
the closest equivalent IFRS measure to underlying EBIT, is provided within 
note 2 to the Consolidated financial statements. A reconciliation to ‘Net 
assets’, the closest equivalent IFRS measure to capital employed, is provided 
within note 9 to the Consolidated financial statements. The table below 
reconciles underlying EBIT and capital employed to attributable underlying 
EBIT and average attributable capital employed by segment. 

De Beers

Copper

Platinum

Iron Ore and Manganese

Coal

Nickel

Corporate and other

US$ million
De Beers

Copper

Platinum

Iron Ore and Manganese

Coal

Nickel

Corporate and other

US$ million
De Beers

Copper

Platinum

Iron Ore and Manganese

Coal

Nickel

Corporate and other

Less: 
Non-
controlling 
interests' 
share of 
underlying 
EBIT
(140)

(236)

(121)

(573)

(37)

–

–

(1,107)

Less: 
Non-
controlling 
interests' 
share of 
underlying 
EBIT
(186)

(15)

(46)

(522)

(25)

–

–

Underlying 
EBIT
873

923

512

1,978

2,274

–

(313)

6,247

Underlying 
EBIT
1,019

261

185

1,275

1,112

(15)

(71)

2017

2016

Attributable 
ROCE %
9%

Attributable 
ROCE %
11%

16%

10%

21%

67%

–

n/a

19%

6%

4%

12%

29%

(1)%

n/a

11%

2017

Closing 
attributable 
capital 
employed
7,970

Average 
attributable 
capital 
employed
7,725

4,159

3,841

6,750

3,287

1,959

4,174

3,818

6,593

3,354

1,981

(241)

(288)

Less: 
Non-
controlling 
interests' 
share of 
closing 
capital 
employed
(1,324)

(1,740)

(669)

(1,258)

(97)

–

–

Attributable 
underlying 
EBIT
733

Opening 
attributable 
capital 
employed
7,481

4,189

3,796

6,435

3,420

2,003

687

391

1,405

2,237

–

(313)

5,140

Closing 
capital 
employed
9,294

5,899

4,510

8,008

3,384

1,959

(335)

(241)

26,989

32,813

(5,088)

27,725

 27,357 

Attributable 
underlying 
EBIT
833

Opening 
attributable 
capital 
employed
7,402

Closing capital 
employed
8,725

246

139

753

1,087

(15)

(71)

4,176

3,726

5,756

3,978

1,968

763

6,073

4,457

7,472

3,509

2,003

(335)

Less: 
Non-
controlling 
interests' 
share of 
closing  
capital 
employed
(1,244)

(1,884)

(661)

(1,037)

(89)

–

–

2016

Closing 
attributable 
capital 
employed
7,481

Average 
attributable 
capital 
employed
7,441

4,189

3,796

6,435

3,420

2,003

(335)

4,182

3,761

6,096

3,699

1,986

214

3,766

(794)

2,972

27,769

31,904

(4,915)

26,989

 27,379 

Attributable free cash flow
Attributable free cash flow is calculated as ‘Cash flows from operations’ plus 
dividends received from associates, joint ventures and financial asset 
investments, less capital expenditure, less tax cash payments excluding tax 
payments relating to disposals, less net interest paid including interest on 
derivatives hedging net debt, less dividends paid to non-controlling interests.

A reconciliation of ‘Cash flows from operations’, the closest equivalent IFRS 
measure, is provided on page 38 of the Group Financial Review.

196 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

OTHER INFORMATION ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Non-financial APMs
Some of our measures are not reconciled to IFRS either because they include non-financial information, because there is no meaningful IFRS comparison or 
the purpose of the measure is not typically covered by IFRS. 

Group APM
Copper equivalent production

Category
Portfolio complexity Communicate production/revenue generation movements in a single comparable measure 

Purpose

removing the impact of price

Unit cost 

Earnings volatility

Express cost of producing one unit of saleable product

Copper equivalent unit cost

Portfolio complexity Communicate the cost of production per unit in a single comparable measure for the portfolio

Productivity

Portfolio complexity Highlight efficiency in generating revenue per employee

Volume and cash cost improvements

Earnings volatility

Quantify year-on-year EBITDA improvement removing the impact of major uncontrollable factors

Copper equivalent production
Copper equivalent production, expressed as copper equivalent tonnes, 
shows changes in underlying production volume. It is calculated by 
expressing each commodity’s volume as revenue, subsequently converting 
the revenue into copper equivalent units by dividing by the copper price (per 
tonne). Long-term forecast prices (and foreign exchange rates where 
appropriate) are used, in order that period-on-period comparisons exclude 
any impact for movements in price.

When calculating copper equivalent production, all volumes relating to 
domestic sales are excluded, as are volumes from Samancor and sales from 
non-mining activities. Volume from projects in pre-commercial production 
are included. 

Unit cost
Unit cost is the direct cash cost including direct cash support costs incurred 
in producing one unit of saleable production. 

For bulk products (coal, iron ore), unit costs shown are FOB i.e. cost on board 
at port. For base metals (copper, nickel), they are shown at C1 i.e. after 
inclusion of by-product credits and logistics costs. For platinum and 
diamonds, unit costs include all direct expensed cash costs incurred 
i.e. excluding, amongst other things, market development activity, corporate 
overhead etc. Platinum unit costs exclude by-product credits. Royalties are 
excluded from all unit cost calculations.

Copper equivalent unit cost
Copper equivalent unit cost is the cost incurred to produce one tonne of 
copper equivalent. Only the cost incurred in mined output from subsidiaries 
and joint operations is included, representing direct costs in the Consolidated 
income statement controllable by the Group. Costs and volumes from 
associates and joint ventures are excluded, as are those from operations that 
are not yet in commercial production, that deliver domestic production, and 
those associated with third-party volume purchases of diamonds and 
platinum concentrate. 

When calculating copper equivalent unit cost, unit costs for each commodity 
are multiplied by relevant production, combined and then divided by the total 
copper equivalent production, to get a copper equivalent unit cost i.e. the 
cost of mining one tonne of copper equivalent. The metric is in US dollars 
and, where appropriate, long-term foreign exchange rates are used to 
convert from local currency to US dollars.

Productivity
The Group’s productivity measure calculates the copper equivalent 
production generated per employee. It is a measure that represents how well 
headcount is driving revenue. It is calculated by dividing copper equivalent 
production by the average direct headcount from consolidated mining 
operations in a given year.

Volume and cash cost improvements
The Group uses an underlying EBITDA waterfall to understand its year-on-
year underlying EBITDA performance. The waterfall isolates the impact of 
uncontrollable factors in order that the real year-on-year improvement in 
performance can be seen by the user. 

Three variables are normalised, in the results of subsidiaries and joint 
operations, for:

 • Price: The movement in price between comparative periods is removed by 
multiplying current year sales volume by the movement in realised price for 
each product group;

 • Foreign exchange: The year-on-year movement in exchange is removed 

from the current year non-US dollar cost base i.e. costs are restated at prior 
year foreign exchange rates. The non-US dollar cash cost base excludes 
costs which are price linked (e.g. purchase of concentrate from third-party 
platinum providers, third-party diamond purchases); and

 • Inflation: CPI is removed from cash costs, restating these costs at the 

pricing level of the base year.

The remaining variances in the underlying EBITDA waterfall are in real 
US dollar terms for the base year i.e. for a waterfall comparing 2017 with 
2016, the sales volume and cash cost variances exclude the impact of price, 
foreign exchange and CPI and are hence in real 2016 terms. This allows the 
user of the waterfall to understand the underlying real movement in sales 
volumes and cash costs on a consistent basis. 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

197

Other information 
OTHER INFORMATION

PRODUCTION STATISTICS

The figures below include the entire output of consolidated entities and the Group’s attributable share of joint operations, associates and joint ventures where 
applicable, except for De Beers’ joint operations which are quoted on a 100% basis.(1)

2017

2016

10,185
607
35
11,857
22,684
427
1,378
1,805
–
4,602
606
5,208
–
724
3,033
3,757
33,454

35.1
33.1
10

7,931
595
–
11,975
20,501
404
1,169
1,573
68
3,517
649
4,234
3
596
432
1,031
27,339

32.0
30.0
10

64,733,500
49,886,800
1.25
100
523,900
524,000
230,500
348,800
308,300
49,339,600
37,498,400
46,040,000
0.71
38,300
270,000
40,500
5,338,400
7,395,100
0.69
40,500

133,800
130,000
579,300
558,300
579,700
558,700
111,400

67,602,600
49,406,800
1.22
4,800
501,800
506,600
222,900
354,200
307,200
51,109,700
34,189,300
47,697,000
0.67
36,000
271,200
47,000
7,339,100
6,964,400
0.85
47,000

133,800
130,800
577,100
557,100
577,800
557,900
62,000

De Beers
Carats recovered (’000 carats) 100% basis (unless otherwise stated)
Orapa
Letlhakane
Damtshaa(2)
Jwaneng
Debswana
Namdeb
Debmarine Namibia
Namdeb Holdings
Kimberley(2)
Venetia
Voorspoed
DBCM
Snap Lake(2)
Victor
Gahcho Kué (51% basis)
De Beers Canada
Total carats recovered
Sales volumes

Total sales volume (100%) (Mct)(3)
Consolidated sales volume (Mct)(3)
Number of Sights (sales cycles)

Copper (tonnes) on a contained metal basis unless stated otherwise(4)
Collahuasi 100% basis (Anglo American share 44%)
Ore mined
Ore processed – Sulphide
Ore grade processed – Sulphide (% TCu)(5)
Production – Copper cathode
Production – Copper in concentrate
Total copper production for Collahuasi
Anglo American’s share of copper production for Collahuasi(6)
Anglo American Sur(7) 
Los Bronces mine(7)
Ore mined
Marginal ore mined
Ore processed – Sulphide
Ore grade processed – Sulphide (% TCu)
Production – Copper cathode
Production – Copper in concentrate
El Soldado mine(7)
Ore mined
Ore processed – Sulphide
Ore grade processed – Sulphide (% TCu)
Production – Copper in concentrate
Chagres Smelter(7)
Ore smelted
Production
Total copper production(8)
Total payable copper production
Total sales volumes
Total payable sales volumes
Third party sales(9)

See page 200 for footnotes.

198 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

OTHER INFORMATION PRODUCTION STATISTICS

Platinum
Produced platinum (’000 troy oz)
Own-mined
Mogalakwena
Amandelbult(10)
Unki
Joint ventures(11)
Union and other
Rustenburg(12)
Purchase of concentrate
Joint ventures(11) 
Associates(13)
Third party purchase of concentrate(12)
Palladium
Produced palladium (’000 troy oz)
Own-mined
Mogalakwena
Amandelbult(10)
Unki
Joint ventures(11)
Union and other
Rustenburg(12)
Purchase of concentrate
Joint ventures(11) 
Associates(13)
Third party purchase of concentrate(12)
Refined production
Platinum (’000 troy oz)
Palladium (’000 troy oz)
Rhodium (’000 troy oz)
Gold (’000 troy oz)
Nickel (tonnes)
Copper (tonnes)
4E Head grade (g/tonne milled)(14)
Platinum sales volumes – own-mined and purchase of concentrate
Palladium sales volumes – own-mined and purchase of concentrate

Iron Ore and Manganese production by product (tonnes)
Kumba Iron Ore
Lump 
Fines 

Iron Ore and Manganese production by mine (tonnes)
Sishen
Kolomela
Thabazimbi
Kumba sales volumes
Export iron ore
Domestic iron ore
Minas-Rio production
Pellet feed (wet basis)
Minas-Rio sales volumes
Export – pellet feed (wet basis)
Samancor
Manganese ore(15)
Manganese alloys(15)(16)
Samancor sales volumes
Manganese ore(17)
Manganese alloys

Coal production by product (tonnes) 
Metallurgical Coal
Metallurgical – Export Coking
Metallurgical – Export PCI
Thermal – Export
Thermal – Domestic
South Africa(18)
Thermal – Export(19)
Thermal – Domestic (Other)(20)
Thermal – Domestic (Eskom)
Thermal – Domestic (Isibonelo)
Cerrejón 
Thermal – Export
Total coal production

See page 200 for footnotes.

2017

2016

2,397.4
1,376.2
463.8
438.0
74.6
245.3
154.5
–
1,021.2
245.3
265.5
510.4

1,557.3
1,008.7
508.9
202.5
64.4
161.5
71.4
–
548.6
161.5
127.9
259.2

2,511.9
1,668.5
323.2
115.3
26,000 
15,700 
3.46
2,504.6
1,571.7

2,381.9
1,730.0
411.9
458.6
74.5
252.8
154.8
377.4
651.9
252.8
279.3
119.8

1,538.7
1,150.4
452.0
207.3
61.4
163.9
72.5
193.3
388.2
163.9
141.7
82.6

2,334.7
1,464.2
317.4
108.2
25,400 
14,100 
3.16
2,415.7
1,532.1

44,982,500
29,811,300
15,171,200

41,475,900
26,801,500
14,674,400

31,119,200
13,863,300
–

28,380,000
12,726,300
369,600

41,614,600
3,277,100

39,060,400
3,423,300

16,787,200

16,140,900

16,508,000

16,210,500

3,485,500
149,200

3,133,100
137,800

3,445,400
142,400

3,226,400
170,000

21,275,000
16,980,800
2,680,500
1,613,700
–
49,905,000
18,592,500
3,394,100
23,858,900
4,059,500

30,386,700
16,199,900
4,675,800
3,957,500
5,553,400
53,759,900
19,072,400
5,513,800
24,778,700
4,395,000

10,641,600
81,821,600

10,667,900
94,814,400

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

199

OTHER INFORMATION Other information 
OTHER INFORMATION PRODUCTION STATISTICS

Coal production by mine (tonnes) 
Metallurgical Coal
Callide
Capcoal (incl. Grasstree)
Dawson
Drayton
Foxleigh
Grosvenor
Jellinbah
Moranbah North
South Africa
Goedehoop
Greenside
Zibulo
Khwezela(21)
Mafube
New Vaal
New Denmark
Kriel
Isibonelo 
Cerrejón
Carbones del Cerrejón
Total coal production 

Coal sales volumes (tonnes) 
Metallurgical Coal
Metallurgical – Export(22)
Thermal – Export
Thermal – Domestic
South Africa
Thermal – Export
Thermal – Domestic (Other)
Thermal – Domestic (Eskom)
Thermal – Domestic (Isibonelo)
Third party sales
Cerrejón
Thermal – Export

Nickel (tonnes) unless stated otherwise(23)
Barro Alto
Ore mined
Ore processed
Ore grade processed – %Ni
Production
Codemin
Ore mined
Ore processed
Ore grade processed – %Ni
Production
Total Nickel segment nickel production
Sales volumes

Niobium and Phosphates(24)
Niobium (tonnes) unless otherwise stated
Ore mined
Ore processed
Ore grade processed – %Nb
Production
Sales volumes

Phosphates (tonnes) unless otherwise stated(24)
Concentrate
Concentrate grade – %P2O5
Phosphoric acid
Fertiliser

High analysis fertiliser
Low analysis fertiliser
Dicalcium phosphate (DCP)
Fertiliser sales volumes

2017

2016

21,275,000
–
6,768,700
3,782,200
–
–
2,067,200
3,255,600
5,401,300
49,905,000
4,652,600
3,830,400
6,234,800
5,707,700
1,561,100
15,109,000
3,361,000
5,388,900
4,059,500
10,641,600
10,641,600
81,821,600

19,767,700
1,831,400
–

18,608,800
1,891,500
26,060,100
4,071,500
7,618,700

30,386,700
6,230,800
6,832,900
4,608,700
1,167,500
1,439,400
1,759,000
3,282,300
5,066,100
53,759,900
4,688,600
3,945,300
6,007,600
8,185,700
1,759,000
15,894,800
2,547,400
6,336,500
4,395,000
10,667,900
10,667,900
94,814,400

20,658,600
4,255,300
5,375,400

19,071,700
1,584,900
27,984,400
4,911,400
6,051,800

10,553,700

10,810,200

6,272,800
2,309,300
1.71
34,900

7,500
587,000
1.69
8,900
43,800
43,000

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2,630,700
2,357,100
1.76
35,500

6,800
589,600
1.71
9,000
44,500
44,900

2,229,100
1,680,600
0.98
4,700
4,600

1,033,400
36.9
233,600
864,300
157,600
706,700
113,900
972,700

(1)  With the exception of Gahcho Kué, which is on an attributable 51% basis. 
(2)   Damtshaa (a satellite operation of Orapa) was placed on care and maintenance from January 

2016, and restarted in December 2017. Snap Lake was placed on extended care and 
maintenance from December 2015. Kimberley mines was sold in January 2016.

(3)  Consolidated sales volumes exclude De Beers’ JV partners’ 50% proportionate share of sales 
to entities outside De Beers from the Diamond Trading Company Botswana and the Namibia 
Diamond Trading Company, which are included in total sales volume (100% basis). Both 
measures include pre-commercial production sales volumes from Gahcho Kué. Full year 
consolidated sales volumes excluding pre-commercial production sales volumes from 
Gahcho Kué were 32.5 million carats (2016: 30.0 million carats). 

(4)  Excludes Anglo American Platinum’s copper production. 
(5)  TCu = total copper. 
(6)  Anglo American’s share of Collahuasi production is 44%. 
(7)  Anglo American ownership interest of Anglo American Sur is 50.1%. Production is stated at 

100% as Anglo American consolidates Anglo American Sur. 

(8)  Difference between total copper production and attributable copper production arises from 

Anglo American’s 44% interest in Collahuasi. 

(9)  Relates to sales of copper not produced by Anglo American operations. 
(10)  Excludes platinum and palladium production now included in purchase of concentrate.

(11)  The joint venture operations are Mototolo, Modikwa and Kroondal. Platinum owns 50% of 
these operations, which is presented under ‘Own-mined’ production, and purchases the 
remaining 50% of production, which is presented under ‘Purchase of concentrate’. 

(12)  Sale of Rustenburg completed on 1 November 2016, after which production from Rustenburg 

is included within third party purchase of concentrate. 

(13)  Associates are Platinum’s 49% interest in Bokoni and 33% interest in BRPM.
(14)  4E: the grade measured as the combined content of: platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold.
(15)  Saleable production. 
(16)  Production includes medium carbon ferro-manganese. 
(17)  Comparatives have been restated.
(18)  All Coal South Africa comparatives have been restated to reflect current presentation. 
(19)  Thermal export – All product produced and sold into the export market. 
(20)  Thermal domestic – Other is product sold domestically excluding Eskom-tied and Isibonelo 

production. In 2017, ~70% of secondary production was sold into the export market.

(21)  The merger of Kleinkopje and Landau.
(22)  Includes both hard coking coal and PCI sales volumes.
(23)  Excludes Anglo American Platinum’s nickel production. 
(24)  Niobium and Phosphates was sold on 30 September 2016.

200 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

OTHER INFORMATION  
OTHER INFORMATION PRODUCTION STATISTICS

QUARTERLY PRODUCTION STATISTICS

31 December 
2017

30 September 
2017

30 June 
2017

31 March 
2017

31 December 
2016

31 December 2017 v 
30 September 2017

31 December 2017 v 
31 December 2016

Quarter ended

% Change (Quarter ended)

De Beers  
Carats recovered (’000 carats)
100% basis(1)
Diamonds

8,134

9,178

8,742

7,400

7,752

(11)%

Copper (tonnes)(2)(3)

148,600

147,300

140,800

142,600

146,600

Produced ounces platinum (’000 troy oz)
Produced ounces palladium (’000 troy oz)
Platinum refined production
Platinum (’000 troy oz)
Palladium (’000 troy oz)
Rhodium (’000 troy oz)
Gold (’000 troy oz)
Nickel refined (tonnes)
Copper refined (tonnes)

587.0
374.9

722.2
491.4
87.4
30.3
7,800
4,700

621.4
407.5

684.1
450.6
79.4
31.1
7,000
4,300

617.1
402.1

528.7
373.1
82.8
29.3
6,000
3,500

571.9
372.7

576.9
353.4
73.7
24.7
5,100
3,200

610.0
396.4

631.6
397.4
92.2
33.9
6,200
3,300

Iron Ore and Manganese (tonnes)
Iron ore – Kumba
Iron ore – Minas-Rio
Manganese ore(4)
Manganese alloys(4)(5)

Coal (tonnes)
Australia
Metallurgical – Export
Thermal – Export
Thermal – Domestic
South Africa
Thermal export(6)
Thermal domestic – Other(7)
Thermal domestic – Eskom
Thermal domestic – Isibonelo(8)
Cerrejón
Thermal – Export

11,642,600
3,949,900
979,600
41,100

11,485,700
4,171,500
839,500
37,300

11,381,600
4,324,100
843,300
39,300

10,472,600
4,341,700
823,100
31,500

11,927,900
4,855,300
804,200
37,100

 4,923,900 
408,600
–

 5,531,500 
 421,400 
–

 3,963,500 
 304,700 
–

 5,242,400 
 479,000 
–

4,647,800
817,600
5,419,500
965,700

4,352,000
801,300
6,420,600
 1,145,100 

4,840,700
823,300
6,311,800
 1,052,400 

4,752,000
951,800
5,707,200
 896,300 

 5,359,700 
671,900 
661,800

4,789,700
1,453,900
6,427,400
 1,037,600 

2,913,600

 2,496,700 

 2,449,600 

 2,781,700 

 2,800,600 

Nickel (tonnes)(9)

11,400

11,200

11,300

9,900

10,900

1%

(6)%
(8)%

6%
9%
10%
(3)%
11%
9%

1%
(5)%
17%
10%

(11)%
(3)%
–

7%
2%
(16)%
(16)%

17%

2%

5%

1%

(4)%
(5)%

14%
24%
(5)%
(11)%
26%
42%

(2)%
(19)%
22%
11%

(8)%
(39)%
–

(3)%
(44)%
(16)%
(7)%

4%

5%

(1)  De Beers’ production is on a 100% basis, except for Gahcho Kué joint operation which is on an attributable 51% basis.
(2)  Excludes Anglo American Platinum’s copper production.
(3)  Copper segment attributable production.
(4)  Saleable production.
(5)  Production includes medium carbon ferro-manganese.
(6)  Thermal export – All products sold into the export market. Comparatives have been restated to align with current presentation.
(7)  Thermal domestic – Other is product sold domestically excluding Eskom-tied and Isibonelo production. Comparatives have been restated to align with current presentation. In 2017, ~70% of 

secondary production was sold into the export market.

(8)  Restated to exclude domestic secondary coal production from mines other than Isibonelo.
(9)  Excludes Anglo American Platinum’s nickel production.

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

201

Other information 
OTHER INFORMATION

NON-FINANCIAL DATA

Safety(1)
Work-related fatalities
Fatal-injury frequency rate (FIFR)(2)
Total recordable case frequency rate (TRCFR)(2)
Lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR)(2)
Occupational health(1)
New cases of occupational disease (NCOD)(2)
Environment(1)
Total CO2 emissions (Mt CO2e)
Total energy consumed (million GJ)(2)
Total water withdrawals (million m3)(2)
Human Resources(1)(3)
Women in management (%)(4)
Historically Disadvantaged South Africans in management (%)
Resignations (%)(5)
Redundancies (%)(6)
Dismissals (%)(7)
Other reasons for leaving (%)(8)
Social(1)
CSI spend (total in US$ million)(9)
CSI spend (% of underlying EBIT)(9)
Businesses supported through enterprise development initiatives(10)
Jobs created/maintained through enterprise development programmes(10)

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

9
0.007
0.63
0.34

96

18.0
97
306

26
66
2.3
0.7
1.4
4.0

11
0.008
0.71
0.37

111

17.9
106
296

25
62
2.2
7.1
1.8
3.5

6
0.004
0.93
0.47

159

18.3
106
339

25
60
1.9
3.5
1.4
4.2

6
0.003
0.80
0.35

175

17.3
108
276

24
60
2.0
0.9
1.0
1.9

15
0.008
1.08
0.49

209

17.1
106
276

23
64
2.0
4.1
1.5
2.7

88
2
64,291
120,812

84
3
62,447
116,298

124
6
62,661
108,423

136
3
58,257
96,873

127
2
48,111
76,543

(1)  The data includes wholly owned subsidiaries and joint ventures over which Anglo American has management control, and does not include independently managed operations such as 

Collahuasi, Carbones del Cerrejón and Samancor. Divested businesses are included up until the point of divestment.

(2)  See pages 192–193 for definitions.
(3)  Excludes Other Mining and Industrial.
(4)  Women in management is the number of female managers as a percentage of all managers in the workforce excluding contractors.
(5)  The number of people who resigned as a percentage of the total workforce excluding contractors.
(6)  The number of people who have been retrenched as a percentage of total workforce excluding contractors.
(7)  The number of people who have been dismissed or have resigned to avoid dismissal, as a percentage of total workforce excluding contractors.
(8)  The number of people who left for reasons other than those shown above, for example retirement, ill health and death, as a percentage of total workforce excluding contractors.
(9)  CSI spend is the sum of donations for charitable purposes and community investment (which includes cash and in-kind donations and staff time) as well as investments in commercial initiatives 

with public benefit (such as enterprise development). Included within the CSI expenditure figure for 2017 is expenditure relating to Zimele of $2.7 million (2016: $2.3 million).

(10)  Figures are presented on a cumulative basis since 2008.

202 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

OTHER INFORMATION OTHER INFORMATION 

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

This section includes certain disclosures which are required by law to be 
included in the Directors’ Report. 

Significant shareholdings
The Company has been notified of the following significant shareholdings:

In accordance with the Companies Act 2006 (Companies Act), the following 
items have been reported in other sections of the Annual Report and are 
included in this Directors’ Report by reference:

 • details of the directors of the Company can be found on pages 65-67

 • directors’ interests in shares at 31 December 2017 and any changes 

thereafter, can be found on page 110 of the directors’ Remuneration Report

 • events occurring after the end of the year are set out in note 29 to the 

financial statements on page 161

 • the Strategic Report on pages 2-62 gives a fair review of the business and 
an indication of likely future developments and fulfils the requirements set 
out in section 414C of the Companies Act

 • details of the Group’s governance arrangements and its compliance with the 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) can be found on pages 63-115 

 • comprehensive details of the Group’s approach to financial risk 

management are given in note 23 to the financial statements on page 150

 • the Group’s disclosure of its greenhouse gas emissions can be found on 

page 27.

Going concern
The financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position and 
borrowing facilities are set out in the Group financial review on pages 36-39. 
Further details of our policy on financial risk management are set out in 
note 23 to the financial statements on page 150. The Group’s net debt at 
31 December 2017 was $4.5 billion (2016: $8.5 billion), representing a 
gearing level of 13% (2016: 26%). Details of borrowings and facilities are set 
out in note 21 on page 146 and net debt is set out in note 20 on page 145.

The directors have considered the Group’s cash flow forecasts for the period 
to the end of March 2019. 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 period assessed. For this reason the Group continues 
to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Dividends
An interim dividend of 48 US cents per ordinary share was paid on 
22 September 2017. The directors are recommending that a final dividend 
of 54 US cents per ordinary share be paid on 11 May 2018 to ordinary 
shareholders on the register at the close of business on 16 March 2018, 
subject to shareholder approval at the AGM to be held on 8 May 2018. This 
would bring the total dividend in respect of 2017 to $1.02 per ordinary share. 
In accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), 
the final dividend will be accounted for in the financial statements for the year 
ended 31 December 2018. 

In accordance with Article 4.1(a) of the Articles of Association (the Articles), 
a dividend of £2,500 was paid in respect of the 5% cumulative preference 
shares.

The Anglo American Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) holds shares to facilitate 
the operation of certain of the Group’s share option and share incentive 
schemes (share plans). The EBT has waived the right to receive dividends on 
shares held on behalf of share plans participants employed by the Group in 
countries other than the UK and South Africa.

Share capital
The Company’s issued share capital as at 31 December 2017, together with 
details of share allotments and issue of treasury shares during the year, is set 
out in note 24 on page 153. 

Company 
Volcan (Volcan Holdings PLC and 
Volcan Holdings II PLC)
Public Investment Corporation
Deutsche Bank AG
BlackRock Inc
Silchester International Investors LLP
Genesis Asset Managers LLP
Tarl Investment Holdings (RF) 
Proprietary Limited(1)
Epoch Two Investment Holdings (RF) 
Proprietary Limited(1)

Number  
of shares

Percentage  
of voting rights

271,802,858 
 186,786,134 
 111,730,756 
 81,814,750 
 70,110,363 
 55,426,734 

 47,275,613 

 42,166,686 

19.35
13.29
7.95
5.83
4.99
3.95

3.37

3.01

(1)  Epoch Two Investment Holdings Ltd (Epoch 2) and Tarl Investment Holdings  

Limited (Tarl) are two of the independent companies that have purchased shares  
as part of Anglo American’s share buyback programme. Epoch 2 and Tarl have  
waived their right to vote all the shares they hold, or will hold, in Anglo American plc.

Disclosure table pursuant to Listing Rule 9.8.4C

Listing Rule 
9.8.4(1)
9.8.4(2)

9.8.4(4)

9.8.4(5)
9.8.4(6)

9.8.4(7)

Information to be included
Interest capitalised by the Group
Unaudited financial information 
(LR 9.2.18)
Long-term incentive scheme only 
involving a director (LR 9.4.3)
Directors’ waivers of emoluments
Directors’ waivers of future 
emoluments 
Non pro rata allotments for cash 
(issuer)

9.8.4(8)

9.8.4(9)

9.8.4(10)

9.8.4(11)

Non pro rata allotments for cash 
(major subsidiaries)
Listed company is a subsidiary of 
another company
Contracts of significance involving 
a director 
Contracts of significance involving 
a controlling shareholder

9.8.4(12) Waivers of dividends

9.8.4(13) Waivers of future dividends

9.8.4(14)

Agreement with a controlling 
shareholding LR 9.2.2AR(2)(a)

Disclosure
See note 4, page 129
None

None

None
None

Treasury shares have been 
issued pursuant to the exercise 
of options awarded under 
shareholder approved schemes
None

Not applicable

None

Not applicable

See ‘Dividends’ paragraph on 
this page
See ‘Dividends’ paragraph on 
this page
Not applicable

Sustainable development
The Sustainability Report 2017 is published online on 5 March 2018. 
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 Code of Conduct, and the 
operational dimensions of its social programmes. 

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

Employment and other policies
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 Code of Conduct. Within all the Group’s businesses, the 
safe and effective performance of employees and the maintenance of 
positive employee relations are of fundamental importance. Managers are 
charged with ensuring that the following key principles are upheld:

 • adherence to national legal standards on employment and workplace rights 

at all times

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

203

Other information 
 
OTHER INFORMATION DIRECTORS’ REPORT

 • adherence to the International Labour Organisation’s core labour rights, 

including: prohibition of child labour; prohibition of inhumane treatment of 
employees and any form of forced labour, physical punishment or other 
abuse; recognition of the right of our employees to freedom of association 
and the promotion of workplace equality; and the elimination of all forms of 
unfair discrimination

Dividends and distributions
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, the Company may, by 
ordinary resolution, from time to time declare final 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.

 • continual promotion of safe and healthy working practices

 • provision of opportunities for employees to enhance their work related skills 

and capabilities

 • 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.

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 Code of Conduct is supplemented by four Anglo American ‘Way’ 
documents, covering the safety, environmental, occupational health and 
social aspects of responsible operation and sustainable development. These 
set out specific standards for each of these subject areas, in line with 
international best practice. The Code of Conduct and the Anglo American 
‘Way’ documents may be accessed on the Company’s website.

In addition, all Anglo American suppliers must commit to adhering to the 
requirements set out in the ‘Sustainable Development in the Supply Chain 
Policy’, which is available on the Company’s website. 

The Business Integrity Policy and its 11 Performance Standards support our 
anti-corruption commitment by making it clear that we will neither give, nor 
accept, bribes, nor permit others to do so in our name, either in our dealings 
with public officials or with our suppliers and customers. The Policy sets out 
the standards of conduct required at every level of Anglo American, including 
our subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, in combating corrupt 
behaviour of all types. It also sets out the requirements of those with whom 
we do business and those who work on our behalf.

The Business Integrity Policy and Performance Standards have been 
translated into all the main languages that we use at our operations. Two 
dedicated business integrity managers, who operate within a broader risk 
management and business assurance team, oversee implementation of the 
policy by working with senior managers in our business units and corporate 
functions and assisting them to put in place adequate procedures for 
managing corruption risks (including extensive face-to-face training of 
employees in high-risk roles).

Our internal audit team provide assurance on anti-corruption controls on an 
annual basis and all stakeholders are able to confidentially report breaches, 
or potential breaches, of the Business Integrity Policy through our 
independently managed ‘Speak Up’ facility.

The Group has a social intranet called Eureka! which helps employees to 
connect, communicate and collaborate more effectively. 

Political donations
No political donations were made during 2017. 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.

Additional information for shareholders
Set out below is a summary of certain provisions of the Company’s current 
Articles and applicable English law concerning companies (the Companies 
Act) required as a result of the implementation of the Takeover 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.

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 shares are set out in the Articles. 
The Articles may only be changed by a special resolution passed by the 
shareholders.

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.

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. 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 

204 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

OTHER INFORMATION DIRECTORS’ REPORT

in uncertificated form in accordance with any system outside the UK that 
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 that 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 that 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 of shareholders. All transfers of shares registered on the main 
register of members that are in uncertificated form may be effected by means 
of the CREST system. All Transfers of uncertified shares registered on the 
branch register of members in South Africa may be effected via the Transfer 
Secretary.

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

(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 therefore, 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 the 
refusal to the allottee or the transferee within two months after the date on 
which the letter of allotment or transfer was lodged with the Company.

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 fewer than 5 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 Code, all directors will 
be subject to annual re-election.

Significant agreements: change of control
At 31 December 2017, Anglo American had committed bilateral and 
syndicated borrowing facilities totalling $9.3 billion with a number of 
relationship banks which contain change of control clauses. $6.1 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. 

In the ordinary course of its business the Group’s subsidiaries enter into 
a number of other commercial agreements, some of which would alter or 
terminate upon a change of control of the Company. None of these are 
considered by the Group to be significant to the Group as a whole.

Purchases of own shares
At the AGM held on 24 April 2017, authority was given for the Company to 
purchase, in the market, up to 210.1 million ordinary shares of 5486/91 US cents 
each. The Company did not purchase any of its own shares under this 
authority during 2017. This authority will expire at the 2018 AGM and, in 
accordance with usual practice, a resolution to renew it for another year will 
be proposed.

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, 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

John Mills
Company Secretary 
21 February 2018

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017 

205

Other information 
OTHER INFORMATION 

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Annual General Meeting
This will be held at 14:30 on Tuesday, 8 May 2018, at The Queen Elizabeth II 
Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE.

Shareholding enquiries
Enquiries relating to shareholdings should be made to the Company’s 
UK Registrars, Equiniti, or the South African Transfer Secretaries, 
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited, at the relevant address below:

UK Registrars
Equiniti 
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex BN99 6DA 
England

Telephone: 
In the UK: 0371 384 2026
From overseas: +44 121 415 7558

Transfer Secretaries in South Africa
Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited 
Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue 
Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196 
PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107 
South Africa

Telephone: +27 (0) 11 370 5000 
Fax: +27 (0) 11 688 5248

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: 03564138 
www.angloamerican.com 
CoSec.Admin@angloamerican.com

On the Investors section of the Group website a whole range of useful 
information for shareholders can be found, including:

– investor calendar 
– share price and tools 
– dividend information 
– AGM information 
– FAQs.

206 

Anglo American plc  Annual Report 2017

Electronic communication
Shareholders may elect to receive, electronically, notification of the 
availability on the Company’s website of future shareholder correspondence, 
e.g. Annual Reports and Notices of AGMs. 

By registering for this service, UK shareholders can also vote online in respect 
of future AGMs and access information on their shareholding including, for 
example, dividend payment history, sales and purchases and indicative share 
prices. In order to register for these services, UK shareholders should contact 
the UK Registrars or log on to www.shareview.co.uk and follow the 
on-screen instructions. It will be necessary to have a shareholder reference 
number when registering, which is shown on share certificates, dividend tax 
vouchers and proxy cards.

Dividends
Dividends are declared and paid in US dollars to shareholders with registered 
addresses in all countries except the UK, eurozone countries and South Africa 
where they are paid in sterling, euros and South African rand respectively. 
Shareholders outside South Africa may elect to receive their dividends in  
US dollars.

Shareholders with bank accounts in the UK or South Africa can have their 
cash dividends credited directly to their own accounts. Shareholders should 
contact the relevant Registrar or Transfer Secretary to make use of this 
facility. South African branch register shareholders would need South African 
exchange control approval to mandate their dividends to an account outside 
South Africa.

The Company operates a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP), which enables 
shareholders to reinvest their cash dividends into purchasing Anglo American 
shares. Details of the DRIP and how to join are available from Anglo 
American’s UK Registrars and South African Transfer Secretaries and on the 
Company’s website.

ShareGift
The Company supports ShareGift, the charity share donation scheme 
administered by The Orr Mackintosh Foundation (registered charity number 
1052686). Through ShareGift, shareholders with very small numbers of 
shares which might be considered uneconomic to sell are able to donate 
them to charity. Donated shares are aggregated and sold by ShareGift, 
the proceeds being passed on to a wide range of charities. For those 
shareholders who wish to use ShareGift, transfer forms are available from 
the Registrars and further details of the scheme can be found on the website 
www.sharegift.org.

Share dealing service
Telephone, internet and postal share dealing services have been arranged 
through Equiniti, providing a simple way for European residents to buy or  
sell Anglo American shares. For telephone transactions call 0345 603 7037 
during normal office hours and for internet dealing log on to www.shareview.
co.uk/dealing. You will need your shareholder reference number, found on 
share certificates, dividend tax vouchers and proxy cards. For further details 
on the postal dealing service call 0371 384 2026 (or +44 121 415 7558 from 
overseas). 

Unsolicited mail
Under the Companies Act, the Company is obliged to make the share register 
available upon request on payment of the appropriate fee. Because of this, 
some shareholders may receive unsolicited mail. If you wish to limit the receipt 
of addressed marketing mail you can register with the Mailing Preference 
Service (MPS). The quickest way to register with the MPS is via the website: 
www.mpsonline.org.uk. Alternatively you can register by telephone on: 
020 7291 3310, or by email to: mps@dma.org.uk, or by writing to MPS 
Freepost LON20771, London W1E 0ZT. 

OTHER ANGLO AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS

 • Sustainability Report
 • Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Report
 • Tax and Economic Contribution Report
 • Transformation Report
 • Our Code of Conduct
 • The Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Way
 • The Social Way
 • The Socio-Economic Assessment Toolbox (SEAT)
 • Notice of 2018 AGM 
 • www.facebook.com/angloamerican
 • www.twitter.com/angloamerican
 • www.linkedin.com/company/anglo-american
 • www.youtube.com/angloamerican
 • www.flickr.com/angloamerican
 • www.slideshare.com/angloamerican

Financial and other reports may be found at: 
www.angloamerican.com/reporting

A printed copy of the Anglo American Annual Report can be ordered online at: 
www.angloamerican.com/siteservices/requestreport

©Anglo American plc 2018. All rights reserved.

Strategic partners
Below is a selection of the many organisations with which Anglo American currently 
works in partnership. These important relationships form part of the Group’s 
commitments to a wide range of key sustainability and other societal objectives.

Designed and produced by 
SALTERBAXTER MSL

This document is printed on  
Vision Superior which has been 
independently certified according to 
the rules of the Forest Stewardship 
Council® (FSC).

Printed in the UK by Pureprint  
using its alcofree® and pureprint® 
environmental printing technology, 
and vegetable inks were used 
throughout. Pureprint is a 
CarbonNeutral® company.

Both manufacturing paper mill  
and the printer are registered to  
the Environmental Management 
System ISO 14001 and are Forest 
Stewardship Council® (FSC) 
chain-of-custody certified.

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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 03564138

www.angloamerican.com

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