Quarterlytics / Basic Materials / Gold / AngloGold Ashanti / FY2018 Annual Report

AngloGold Ashanti
Annual Report 2018

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FY2018 Annual Report · AngloGold Ashanti
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SUITE OF REPORTS

INTEG RATED 
REPORT

2018

VISION
To  be  t h e leading 
min in g c ompan y.

MISSION

To c rea te value f or o ur shareho lders, our employ ees and our 
business and social partners through safel y  and responsib l y 
exploring, mining and marketing our products. Our primar y 
f ocus is gold, but we will pursue value-crea ting opportunities 
in other minerals where we can levera ge o ur e xi st ing as sets, 
skills and e xperience to enhance the de live r y  of value.

OUR VALUES

Our busines s values and   beliefs  g uid e  our beha viour, in order tha t we m ak e  a  po s itive   impa ct. 
The s e  be ha viours  and   beliefs  link  our   bu siness activ ities to our social perf o rmanc e .

Safety is our  
first value.

We treat each  
other with dignity  
and respect.

We are accountable 
for our actions  
and undertake 
to deliver on our 
commitments.

We want the 
communities and 
societies in which we 
operate to be better 
off for AngloGold 
Ashanti having  
been there.

We value  
diversity.

We respect the 
environment.

INTEGRATED REPO RT 2018

AngloGold Ashanti 
Limited (AngloGold 
Ashanti) is an 
independent, global 
mining company 
with operations 
and projects on 
four continents. 
AngloGold Ashanti 
is the third largest 
gold producer in 
the world in terms 
of production.



CONTENTS

About  
our reports

Directors’ statement  
of responsibility, 
commitment and 
assurance

 PAGE 4

 PAGE 2

The structure of our integrated report reflects our value creation 
story and how we delivered on our strategic objectives in 2018, 
considering the world in which we operate, the resource inputs 
required and used, and the governance framework we have in place 
to guide and oversee sustained value creation.

Focus on people, safety 
and sustainability

People are our business

Managing our  
sustainability and ESG 
impacts

125

126

133

SECTION 4
CORPORATE 
INFORMATION

Forward-looking 
statements

Administration and 
corporate information

184

185

SECTION 3
LEADERSHIP AND 
ACCOUNTABILITY

Audit and Risk Committee: 
chairman’s letter 

Corporate governance 

Board 

Executive management

Remuneration and Human 
Resources Committee: 
chairman’s letter

142

144

150

152

153

Remuneration report

155

SECTION 1
ABOUT ANGLOGOLD 
ASHANTI

Who we are –  
corporate profile 

Key features of the year

Chairman’s letter

Our strategy and 
investment case

6

9

10

13

SECTION 2
DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY

CEO’s review and outlook 

Our business model – 
creating value

How we share value 

Our external operating 
environment 

Stakeholder engagement 
and material issues

Managing our risks and 
opportunities

15

19

24

25

28

34

CFO’s review 

Ensure financial flexibility 
and optimise overhead 
costs and capital 
expenditure

Financial review –  
five-year statistics 

Improve portfolio quality 
and maintain long-term 
optionality

Regional reviews 

Five-year statistics by 
operation

Mineral Resource and Ore 
Reserve – summary

Exploration – planning  
for the future

44

50

51

57

58

90

110

118

INTEGRATED REPO RT  2018

1

ABOUT OUR REPORT

Scope, boundary and reporting principles

This 2018 integrated report documents 
AngloGold Ashanti’s operational and financial 
performance incorporating our performance in 
relation to the environment and society,  
and how this is guided and underpinned by 
our governance framework for the year from  
1 January to 31 December 2018. 

Structured according to our strategic 
objectives, this report aims to provide a 
concise, comprehensive review, highlighting 
successes, challenges and progress in 
delivering on our strategy, given our external 
operating context, the ensuing material 
opportunities and risks, stakeholders’ 
concerns and the outlook for the future and 
the long-term sustainability of the business. 

In addition to the King IV Report on Corporate 
Governance for South Africa, 2016 (King IV), 
this integrated report also complies with the 
International Integrated Reporting Council’s 
(IIRC’s) framework on integrated reporting, 
the South African Companies Act, No.71 
of 2008 (as amended) and the JSE Listings 
Requirements. 

our corporate structure, we report fully on all 
operations managed by AngloGold Ashanti. 
Those operations in which we have an 
ownership interest but do not manage –  
Kibali and Morila – are partially reported. 
There were no significant changes to the 
scope, boundary or measurement methods 
used in this report. Restatements of 
comparatives, if any, are indicated. 

Information relating to joint ventures and 
other interests is provided if deemed material. 
Production, costs and capital expenditure data 
is attributable, unless otherwise indicated. 
Employee data and average workforce data 
are reported for AngloGold Ashanti with joint 
ventures reported as attributable. Employee 
data includes both permanent employees  
and contractors. 

While this report presents an integrated 
overview of the Company in terms of the 
capitals used and impacted, more detailed 
coverage of our sustainable development 
performance is presented in the Sustainable 
Development Report 2018.

This is a group level report covering the 
entire Company, including its joint ventures 
and investments. While performance and 
targets are reported regionally, in line with 

Any significant, material event that occurs 
between the end of the financial year and the 
date on which this report is approved  
is included.

Materiality and target audience
While information presented in this report is aimed primarily at current and potential 
investors and financiers, to enable them to assess our ability to create value and the 
future viability of our business, this report will also be relevant to other stakeholders – 
various levels of government, regulators, NGOs, among others – who have an interest in 
our performance and outlook.

The material risks and issues reported are those considered most likely to affect the 
sustainability of our business in the short, medium and long term. In identifying these, 
as well as any opportunities, we have taken into account our operating context and 
stakeholder feedback during the year. Our most material stakeholder issues are 
discussed more fully in the . 

Your feedback is important to us. Should you have any queries, please  
address these to our company secretary/investor relations at  
companysecretary@anglogoldashanti.com.

SUSTAINABLE 
DEVELOPMENT GOALS

In this integrated report, we acknowledge the United 
Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our 
sustainable development strategy and its aims, which 
support our overall business strategy, are aligned with 
the SDGs. The SDGs also speak to our environment, 
social and governance (ESG) impacts. More detailed 
information on our contribution towards achieving the 
SDGs can be found in the .

The 17 SDGs, developed to 
support the United Nations 
2030 Agenda, are aimed 
overall at ending poverty 
and inequality, protecting the 
planet, and ensuring peace 
and prosperity for all.

See page

21

2

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018 





ABOUT OUR REPORT CONTINUED

AngloGold Ashanti’s 2018 suite of reports comprises:



Integrated Report 

•  The primary document in our 

suite of reports 

•  Provides a comprehensive 

overview of our performance 
in relation to our strategic 
objectives and the outlook 
for the Company

Notice of Annual General 
Meeting and Summarised 
Financial Information (Notice 
of Meeting) 

general meeting

•  Description of resolutions to 

be voted on

•  Both financial and non-

financial performance are 
reviewed

•  Remuneration policy and 
implementation report

•  Summarised financial 

•  Complies with the IIRC 

information

framework, King IV and the 
JSE Listings Requirements

•  Notice of forthcoming annual 

•  Provides detail on socio-

Sustainable Development 
Report

Mineral Resource and Ore 
Reserve Report 

•  Describes commitment to 
sustainable development

economic and environmental 
performance in relation to 
material issues

•  Complies with GRI 

Standards and is aligned 
with the UN Global Compact 
and UN Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs)

•  Independently assured

•  Detailed breakdown of our 
Mineral Resource and Ore 
Reserve – at group and 
operational level

•  Complies with SAMREC and 
JORC, as well as Section 
12.11 of the JSE Listings 
Requirements

•  Signed off by Competent 

Person

Annual Financial Statements 

•  Prepared in accordance with 
the International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS), 
the requirements of the 
South African Companies 
Act, No 71 of 2008, as 
amended, the JSE Listings 
Requirements and King IV

•  Audited in accordance with 
International Standards on 
Auditing

•  Includes the Directors’ report 



Our dedicated annual reporting 
website, hosts PDFs of the 
full suite of reports to facilitate 
ease of access by and 
communication with  
stakeholders.

www.aga-reports.com 
Houses the full suite of 
2018 reports together with 
supplementary information

Scan to visit the 
mobile website

OPERATIONAL PROFILES 
Compiled for each operation, these include relevant operational and sustainable development information 

3

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY, COMMITMENT AND ASSURANCE

The board and executive management 
consider the matters discussed in this report 
to be those that most influence our ability to 
successfully achieve our strategic objectives, 
create value and manage the risks we face, 
and believe that this report fairly records our 
performance in the past year and our outlook. 

The board confirms AngloGold Ashanti’s 
commitment to ethical leadership, 
governance, and our corporate citizenship 
and assurance responsibilities, which are 
reflected throughout this report, in line with 
King IV, Principle 5. 

The board, assisted by the Audit and Risk 
and the Social, Ethics and Sustainability 
Committees, is ultimately responsible for 
confirming the integrity and completeness 
of this and the entire suite of 2018 reports. 
Having applied its collective mind to the 
preparation, information and presentation 
of this report, the board declared that all 
material issues have been addressed and that 
this report presents a fair and balanced view 
of the Company’s integrated performance for 
the year ended 31 December 2018. 

Approvals and assurance
The information contained in this report has been subject to either an internal 
or an external audit. The group’s annual financial statements were subject to an 
external audit and signed off by Ernst & Young (EY). Internal audit and approval 
processes, including, among others, management assurance and internal audit 
reviews of information and data published, are conducted regularly. In addition, 
our operations are subjected to risk-based, integrated, combined assurance 
reviews focusing on commercial, safety and sustainability aspects of the 
business. The outcomes of these reviews and external assurances, as well as of 
any independent technical reviews, provide reasonable assurance to allow the 
board, on the recommendation of the Audit and Risk Committee, to determine 
the effectiveness of our internal control systems and procedures.

This report was approved by the board of directors on 19 March 2019. 

Chairman 
Sipho M. Pityana 

Chief Executive Officer
Kelvin Dushnisky

Chief Financial Officer
Christine Ramon

Chairman: Audit and 
Risk Committee
Rhidwaan Gasant

Chairman: Social, Ethics  
and Sustainability Committee
Nozipho January-Bardill

Independent non-executive directors

Alan Ferguson

Albert Garner

Dave Hodgson

Michael Kirkwood

Maria Richter

Rodney Ruston

Jochen Tilk

4

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 1

ABOUT  
ANGLOGOLD  
ASHANTI

Introducing AngloGold Ashanti, explaining who we are, 
our stra teg y and investment case.

SECTION HIGHLIGHTS

Production

3.4Moz

Productivity

All-in sustaining cost

Improved safety performance

13.31oz

down 7%

per total employee costed

year-on-year

AIFR  
down 36%

INTEGRATED REPO RT 2018

5
5

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 1 / ABOUT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTIWHO WE ARE – CORPORATE PROFILE

AngloGold Ashanti, an 
independent, global gold mining 
company with a diverse, high-
quality portfolio of operations 
and projects, is headquartered in 
Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Measured by production, AngloGold 
Ashanti is the third-largest gold mining 
company in the world.

Our portfolio of assets 
As at 31 December 2018, our portfolio of 
14 operations in nine countries included 
long-life, relatively low-cost operating 
assets with differing ore body types, 
located in key gold-producing regions 
around the world. These operating assets 
were supported by three greenfields 
projects in a tenth country and a focused 
global exploration programme. 

Our operations and greenfields projects 
are grouped into the following regions: 
Continental Africa, Americas, Australasia 
and South Africa.

Our footprint

AMERICAS
1 Argentina
  Cerro Vanguardia (92.5%)
2 Brazil
  Serra Grande
  AGA Mineração
3 Colombia
  Gramalote (51%)
  La Colosa
  Quebradona (94.876%)

CONTINENTAL AFRICA
4  Guinea
  Siguiri (85%)
5  Mali
  Morila (40%) (1)
  Sadiola (41%) 
  Yatela (2)
6  Ghana

Iduapriem
  Obuasi (3)
7  DRC
  Kibali (45%) (1)
8  Tanzania
  Geita

SOUTH AFRICA
9  South Africa
  Mponeng (West Wits)
  Surface Operations  

Vaal River
  Kopanang (4)
  Moab Khotsong (4)

AUSTRALASIA
10  Australia
  Sunrise Dam
  Tropicana (70%)

(1)  Morila and Kibali are managed and  
  operated by  Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick)  

following its merger  with Randgold  

  Resources Limited.

(2)  Yatela is being sold.

(3)  Obuasi – the redevelopment project    
  began in early 2019.

(4)  The Vaal River operations, Kopanang   
  and Moab  Khotsong, were sold on 
  28 February 2018.

LEGEND
     Operations       Projects
      Asset sale being considered
      Greenfields exploration

Note: Brownfields exploration is conducted 
         at all operations

Colombia

3

Brazil

2

Argentina

1

Guinea

Mali

Ghana

4

5

6

DRC
7

8

Tanzania

South Africa

9

Australia

10

6

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 1 / ABOUT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WHO WE ARE – CORPORATE PROFILE CONTINUED

Our business 
Our business activities span the full spectrum 
of the mining value chain – from exploration 
through mining to the production of refined 
gold and its sale. Our activities also include 
mitigating our impact on the communities and 
environments in which we operate. 

To maintain and strengthen our social 
capital, we aim to create sustainable value 
for shareholders, employees, and social and 
business partners through safe and responsible 
mining and discipline in the allocation of capital. 

Over the past five years, AngloGold Ashanti 
has transformed itself by increasing efficiencies 
and competitiveness, focusing on safety and 
sustainability performance, improving margins, 
containing operating and overhead costs, and 
generating positive cash flows, in line with our 
strategic objectives. 

Our organisational and management structures 
align with global best practice in corporate 
governance. By using our human capital 
efficiently, enabling functions cover planning 
and technical, strategy, sustainability, finance, 
human resources, legal and compliance, 
and stakeholder relations. The planning and 
technical functions focus on identifying and 
managing opportunities, maintaining long-term 
optionality, and ensuring the optimal use of our 
intellectual capital through a range of activities 
that include brownfields and greenfields 
exploration as well as innovative research 
focused on mining excellence. 

Our exploration programme is aimed at 
establishing an organic growth pipeline to 
enable us to generate significant value over 
time. Greenfields and brownfields exploration 
is conducted in both established and new 
gold-producing regions, through managed and 
non-managed joint ventures, strategic alliances 
and wholly-owned ground holdings. 

Our world-class greenfields discoveries include 
La Colosa, Gramalote and Quebradona 
(Nuevo Chaquiro) in Colombia. 

CORPORATE STATUS UPDATE 

•   Restructuring of South Africa 

region continued. Sales of Moab 
Khotsong and Kopanang were 
successfully concluded on  
28 February 2018 

•   Following ratification by the 

Ghana parliament of agreements 
reached with government during 
the second half of 2018, the 
redevelopment of Obuasi began 
in January 2019

•   Closure is on track at Yatela and 
its sale is pending, subject to 
fulfillment of conditions precedent 

•   All other assets are operational 

•   Disclosure refers to continuing 

operations

Argentina – Cerro Vanguardia

Our product 
Once mined, gold ore is processed into doré 
(unrefined gold bars) on site and dispatched 
to precious metals refineries for refining to a 
purity of at least 99.5%, in accordance with 
the London Bullion Market Association’s 
standards of ‘good delivery’. The refined gold 
bars are then sold directly to bullion banks. 

While gold is our principal product, several 
by-products also make up a small proportion 

of our manufactured capital output. By-
products are silver in Argentina and sulphuric 
acid in Brazil. In compliance with all applicable 
legislation, great care is taken to ensure the 
safe production, transportation and storage of 
sulphuric acid, which is a hazardous material. 

Following the sale of the Vaal River operations, 
effective 28 February 2018, which included the 
uranium producing unit, AngloGold Ashanti no 
longer produces uranium. 

7

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 1 / ABOUT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTIWHO WE ARE – CORPORATE PROFILE CONTINUED

Shareholders and their shareholdings

Shareholder spread as at 31 December 2018:

AngloGold Ashanti has a diverse spread of shareholders that includes some of the world’s largest 
financial institutions.

Class of shareholder

shares held

shares in issue

shareholders

shareholders

Number of 

% of total 

Number of 

% of total 

Our listings
The primary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares is on the JSE in South Africa. Its ordinary 
shares are also listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in the form of American 
Depositary Shares (ADSs), on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in the form of Depositary 
Interests (CDIs) and on the Ghana Stock Exchange as ordinary shares and as Ghanaian 
Depositary Shares (GhDSs).

At 31 December 2018, AngloGold Ashanti had 412,769,980 ordinary shares in issue and a 
market capitalisation of $5.2bn (2017: $4.2bn). Post year-end, at 19 March 2019, the date on 
which this report was approved by the board, the Company’s market capitalisation was $5.5bn.

Our top 10 shareholders
The top 10 shareholders together own 46.37% of the ordinary shares in issue. Three shareholders 
had holdings exceeding 5% of the total ordinary issued share capital. 

As at 31 December 2018, the top 10 shareholders in AngloGold Ashanti were: 

BlackRock Investment Management – Index (San Francisco)

32,926,713

Rank

Shareholder

VanEck Global (New York)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Public Investment Corporation (Pretoria)

Dimensional Fund Advisors (London)

Vanguard Group (Philadelphia)

Paulson & Co (New York)

Old Mutual Investment Group (Cape Town)

Investec Asset Management (Cape Town)

Fidelity Management & Research (Boston)

10

GIC (Singapore)

% of issued 

No. of shares

share capital

52,402,004

12.70

25,395,823

18,303,651

14,533,792

12,782,400

11,092,906

9,210,706

8,069,081

6,678,002

7.98

6.15

4.43

3.52

3.10

2.69

2.23

1.95

1.62

Public shareholders

Non-public: Directors

Strategic holdings  

(government of Ghana)

Total 

Stock exchange data

412,447,978

148,352

173,650

412,769,980

 99.92 

 0.04 

0.04

100.00

11,333

8

1

11,342

99.92

0.07

0.01

100.00

High

Low

Average

traded

volume traded

(R or $/share)

(R or $/share)

(R or $/share)

(000)

(000)

Volume 

Ave monthly 

184.00

183.50

12.70

13.52

100.21

116.65

7.16

8.94

123.46

141.55

9.35

10.59

834,000

461,832

2,580

2,520

1,789

1,818

3,700

3,036

JSE

2018

2017

NYSE

2018

2017

Source: Bloomberg

Shareholders – geographic distribution
(as at 31 December 2018)

%

47
United States 
South Africa 
22
United Kingdom  15
7
Rest of Europe 
3
Asia 
Ghana 
1
Rest of the world  5

The Bank of New York Mellon holds 183,174,711 shares, equivalent to 44% (2017: 159,347,405 shares; 
39% holding), through various custodians in respect of AngloGold Ashanti’s ADS programme on 
the NYSE.

Australia – Tropicana

8

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 1 / ABOUT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTIKEY FEATURES OF THE YEAR

Creating value for shareholders by 
delivering on our strategy – Our 
key features demonstrate solid 
performance in 2018, our focus 
on safety and environmental 
stewardship with improved 
integration of environmental, social 
and governance (ESG) factors into 
our business. 

4.81

per million hours worked 
All injury frequency rate down 36% 
Fatalities 3 (2017: 7)

We have delivered consistently 
on targets, improved our cost 
management and balance sheet 
flexibility through enforced capital 
discipline, which has underpinned 
improved free cash flow generation. 

We   a ls o  improved  ou r  p ortf olio 
quali t y b y  d el ivering  on   self-
fun de d  g rowth  p rojects  an d 
mai nt ain ed optionality  with our 
exp lora t i on  p ip el ine  con trib uting 
to  t h e rep lacem ent of our   
Ore  Res er v e .

44.1Moz

Gold Ore Reserve

Maiden copper Ore Reserve of

2.8Mlbs  
declared

9

REPORTABLE
ENVIRONMENTAL 

INCIDENTS2 

(2017: 3)

3.4Moz

Production (2017: 3.8Moz)

Impacted by asset sales in South Africa

Reportable environmental incidents

20

15

10

5

0

88% decline over six years

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

$976/oz

All-in sustaining cost  
(2017: $1,054/oz)

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 1 / ABOUT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTICHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Dear Stakeholders,

I am in the fortunate position to 
report on another positive year 
for AngloGold Ashanti, as the 
Company continued to deliver 
on its commitments, while 
improving its financial, social 
and operational performance. 

I am in the fortunate position to report on 
another positive year for AngloGold Ashanti, 
as the Company continued to deliver on its 
commitments, while improving its financial, 
social and operational performance. 

I am also delighted to welcome our new CEO 

Kelvin Dushnisky, who has an excellent track 

record in the mining industry, most recently 

at Barrick Gold. As was announced in June 

2018, once again, we extend our gratitude on 

behalf of all stakeholders to Srinivasan “Venkat” 

Venkatakrishnan, who resigned as CEO at the 

end of August 2018, for his years of dedication 

and the invaluable work done in laying the 

excellent foundation from which we are able to 

continue building this Company. 

For all our achievements in 2018, it is 

heartbreaking to reflect upon the deaths of 

three employees as a result of accidents in the 

workplace during the year: at Cuiabá, in Brazil, 

Heber de Oliveira Temoteo; and in South Africa, 

Sikheto Mathebula at Moab Khotsong and Palo 

James Machini at Mponeng. These tragedies 

bring safety into even sharper focus as we 

continue the work to eliminate all injuries and 

accidents across our mines. 

We remain committed to continuously improving our 
performance, not only the area of safety, but also in 
the broader areas of governance, the stewardship 
of the environment and the promise to conduct our 
business in an ethical and sustainable way.

our performance, not only the area of safety, 

but also in the broader areas of governance, 

the stewardship of the environment and the 

promise to conduct our business in an ethical 

and sustainable way. 

Politics of polarisation

It is true that the political landscape the world 

over – and especially in many jurisdictions 

where mining takes place – remains complex. 

This means that securing and maintaining 

In our quest for zero harm we continuously 

our social licence to operate is an ongoing 

review, update and at times renew our systems 

process as we balance the requirements and 

and processes as we learn from events both 

demands of a wide range of stakeholders. 

internal and external to our Company. The 

AngloGold Ashanti will continue to nurture 

tragic failure of the Brumadinho tailings dam 

strong relationships with these stakeholders in 

wall in Brazil, where more than 160 people 

the jurisdictions in which it operates.

died after a tailings storage facility collapsed, 

is such an event. We have, particularly in light 

of these developments, already reviewed both 

the integrity of our facilities and the systems, 

In Europe, the UK continues the difficult process 

of leaving the European Union, while across 

the European continent political views appear 

to be increasingly polarised. The uncertainty 

around Brexit is likely to drag on the performance 

of the UK economy. In the US, politicians are 

Elsewhere in this report it is clear that we have, 

processes we use to manage them, but we 

nonetheless, made significant and important 

will closely monitor the investigation outcomes 

strides in making our workplaces safer, with 

to determine if there are any other actions we 

Sipho M. Pityana
Chairman

fatality rates reaching unprecedented low 

need to take to achieve the highest standards 

already jockeying for position ahead of the 2020 

levels and all injury frequency rates at their 

of governance in the management oversight of 

Presidential race, with the early signs pointing to 

lowest levels in the Company’s long history. We 

our tailings facilities. Our hearts go out to those 

a similarly divided environment. These turbulent 

remain committed to continuously improving 

impacted by this tragic event.

political environments are not isolated to the 

10

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 1 / ABOUT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTICHAIRMAN’S LETTER CONTINUED

developed world and are symptomatic of the 
shifting political sands across many operating 
jurisdictions. Navigating them successfully 
requires patience, careful stakeholder 
management, delivery on our commitments and 
close adherence to our values.

In South Africa, the uncertainty over a previous 
version of the Mining Charter was mitigated 
when a revised document, which governs the 
rules around transformation in the mining sector, 
was released in September 2018. Although a 
great improvement on the previous iteration, 
additional engagements between the industry 
and the Department of Mineral Resources will 
be required to ensure some lingering challenges 
are resolved. The engagement between the 
industry and the current administration has 
proved constructive, and I have no doubt that 
a workable solution to these outstanding issues 
will be found.

In the DRC, a new Mining Code passed in March 
2018 resulted in uncertainty with respect to 
how the new law will be harmonised with the 
guarantee of stability which was contained in the 
previous legislation. Barrick Gold Corporation, 
our operating partner in the Kibali joint venture, 
remains in close dialogue with the government 
in order to gain greater clarity on these issues. 
On the positive side of the ledger, we reached 
an agreement governing the remittance of 
outstanding value-added tax balances in 
October 2018, giving weight to the government’s 
efforts to create an environment welcoming to 
foreign investment. This was further cemented 
by the handover of power at the end of the 

year, following the election of Félix Tshisekedi as 
President of the DRC. The poll that marks the 
first peaceful and democratic political transition, 
ushers in a new administration which will need 
to attract significant investment across a range 
of industries, to advance the country’s significant 
development needs.

In order to attract the large, long-term capital 
investment that mining demands, host 
governments must ensure good governance, 
regulatory clarity and certainty, and fair and 
stable financial arrangements. These are 
important to generating not only the confidence, 
but also the returns which are necessary for 
ongoing reinvestment.

We are keenly aware that we must fulfill our 
side of the bargain, too. To that end, we will 
continue the work to build strong relationships 
with our employees and our host governments, 
and also with the local communities in which we 
operate. This involves being a good, tax-paying 
corporate citizen, while also listening to the 
needs and aspirations of communities as we 
design the sustainability projects that are meant 
to remain active after our operations have 
ceased. This is an area in which our industry 
could generally improve as we try to turn the 
perception of mining from one of an industry 
preoccupied with extraction, to one that is truly 
an engine of development.

In South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa 
has made it clear that he wants to create an 
environment conducive to investment. We 
applaud that ambition but realise that in the run-

up to the general election in May 2019, business 
will find itself at the mercy of political volatility 
that often manifests itself in myriad ways. This 
is again time for calm heads. We must insist on 
ethical leadership and behaviour and clarity of 
economic strategy and direction as we navigate 
the inevitable choppiness that the first half of 
2019 is likely to bring.  

This same clear-headed approach is needed 
to stabilise Eskom, South Africa’s monopoly 
energy parastatal. Large-scale corruption, 
mismanagement and looting of the utility 
in recent years have left it on the brink of 
bankruptcy, and the country in a perilous state. 
It is overstaffed, inefficient and buckling under 
the weight of an over-leveraged balance sheet. 
Its refinancing and performance loom over the 
wider economy leading to credit ratings agencies 
threatening potentially ruinous downgrades that 
would increase the cost of both government and 
private sector borrowing. 

In the wider economic context, lack of certainty 
on the supply and future price of electricity will 
impact not only economic growth in the short 
term, but the large investments required to 
power South Africa’s growth in the long term. 
The impact on dangerously low employment 
levels across all sectors could be calamitous. 
There is no doubt that the Eskom monopoly in 
electrical energy supply no longer serves the 
long-term needs of our economy.

On a positive note, South Africa’s fiercely 
independent judiciary, civil society and media 
have held the line after years of pressure, and 

11

together have ensured that those responsible 
for the most egregious graft and misconduct are 
now being called to account.

The broader market
The consensus emerging from the World 
Economic Forum meeting in Davos in January 
2019 was that the world economy will likely 
remain under threat from the polarised political 
environment characterising many large 
economies, as well as the economic nationalism 
that is threatening a more open marketplace.

That view alone appeared to gain some 
purchase in the latter part of 2018 and into the 
new year, as the dollar weakened, and general 
uncertainty hit equity markets in the US and 
Europe. Gold was a clear beneficiary, climbing 
the wall of concern to levels around $1,300/oz 
in February of 2019. The volatility in the bullion 
market makes the direction hard to determine 
in the near-term, but the long-term trajectory 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 1 / ABOUT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI1    https://www.anglogoldashanti.com/company/

leadership/#Board

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER CONTINUED

looks increasingly positive given the multitude of 
factors that threaten to derail developed market 
growth and the upward trajectory of US interest 
rates. Even if that bullish scenario for gold were 
to play out, our focus on cost discipline and 
tight capital allocation will remain absolute. 
This prudence is demonstrated by plans to 
further reduce leverage to 1.0 times net debt to 
adjusted EBITDA through the cycle, providing 
additional flexibility on our balance sheet.

A cash dividend of the equivalent of $0.07 per 
share has been declared by the board, which 
is in accordance with our dividend policy to 
pay 10% of free cash flow pre-growth capital. 
In addition, the board exercised its discretion 
by adding back the South Africa region 
restructuring costs of $61 million to free cash 
flow in determining the dividend. This was 
consistent with the discretion that the board 
applied last year. 

Structure
You will read also in the CEO’s letter, and 
elsewhere in this report, about changes to the 
Company structure and management with 
the retirement of a number of key executive 
committee members. I thank them for their 
dedicated service to the Company. 

While we bid farewell to Charles Carter, David 
Noko and Chris Sheppard – all seasoned 
executives who are retiring – we welcome 
an excellent crop of new leaders in Sicelo 
Ntuli (Chief Operating Officer: Africa), Pierre 
Chenard (Executive Vice President: Strategy 

and Business Development), and Stewart Bailey 
(Executive Vice President: Corporate Affairs).

We will now have two divisions, International 
– covering our operations and projects in 
the Americas and Australia – and an Africa 
division, which will incorporate our operations 
across the continent, including South Africa. I 
am confident the new structure will provide a 
platform for improved focus, that will bring with 
it the gains in productivity and efficiency which 
will lead to a stronger balance sheet, as we 
execute on the strategy outlined in the CEO’s 
review and outlook.

We have two board members – Michael 
Kirkwood and David Hodgson - who are due 
to retire at the forthcoming Annual General 
Meeting (AGM), in accordance with board 
policies and guidelines. On behalf of the board, 
I’d like to thank them both for their tremendous 
contribution and diligence in fulfilling their 
responsibilities. 

We are pleased to welcome the newly 
appointed independent non-executive 
directors – Alan Ferguson and Jochen Tilk – 
who joined the Company’s board of directors 
with effect from 1 October 2018 and 1 January 
2019, respectively. The board will nominate the 
two new directors for election by shareholders 
at the May 2019 AGM. They bring with them 
the depth and breadth of financial, technical 
and corporate experience, set out in the 
. Also see their CVs on the Company’s 
website  1 . 

Strategic follow-through
As we look to 2019, we will work to ensure 
continued follow-through on our strategic 
objectives and our ongoing work to realise the 
value that we are confident exists in this Company. 
That requires, among other factors, continued 
diligence in extracting – in a safe and sustainable 
way – as much benefit from the natural resources 
we mine as possible, while demonstrating 
the equitable sharing of these benefits with 
all stakeholders. As ever, we also continue to 
evaluate a range of initiatives that can unlock value 
and complement those already ongoing.

In closing, I’d like to thank our CEO, Kelvin 
Dushnisky, his executive management team, 
and everyone throughout the organisation, 
whose commitment to AngloGold Ashanti’s 
values make for an efficient, safe and 
operationally sound company. I would also like 
to extend my gratitude to my colleagues on 
the board who go beyond the call of duty in 
fulfilling their tasks. Further, the group’s total 
commitment to transparency in its business, 
disdain for corruption and desire to do the 
right thing whatever the circumstances, 
underscores its standing as a sustainable miner. 
This approach ensures AngloGold Ashanti will 
continue to play its part in building a better 
society, while also providing continued growth 
and opportunity for stakeholders.

Sipho M. Pityana 
Chairman 
19 March 2019

12

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 1 / ABOUT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTIOUR STRATEGY AND INVESTMENT CASE
Focusing on the strategic areas of the Company

An gl oG ol d Ashanti’s   core  s tr a teg ic  f oc us is to genera te sustaina ble 
ca s h f low  impr ovem ents  and  s har eh ol der returns b y  f ocusing on five 
ke y  areas ,  namel y : 

E   S
OUR C O R
O pti m is e o v erh e a d, c o sts a n d 
c a pital e x p e n diture

T R A TEGIC FOCU

Im

pro
v
e p

S A

ortfolio q

R

E

A

S

u

ality

People are the foundation of our business. Our business must operate according to our values 
if it is to remain sustainable in the long term.

We must ensure our balance sheet always remains able to meet our core funding needs.

All spending decisions must be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure they are optimally structured 
and necessary to fulfil our core business objective.

We have a portfolio of assets that must be actively managed to improve the overall mix of our 
production base as we strive for a competitive valuation as a business.

While we are focused on ensuring the most efficient day-to-day operation of our business, we 
must keep a close eye on creating a competitive pipeline of long-term opportunities. 

Supporting 
our strategy for 
sustainable 
cash flow 
improvements 
and returns

E

n

s

u

r

e

f

i

n

a

n

c

i

a

l

f

l

e

x

i

b

i

l

i

t

y

n

ality
ptio
m o
-te
g
n

r

aintain lo

M

These focus areas drive our plans for inward investment, to deliver better quality production 
aimed at increasing margins, extending mine lives and shaping the portfolio in the longer term. 

Focus on people, safety and sustainability

ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI’S INVESTMENT CASE: 

Ongoing portfolio improvements and 
rationalisation, extensive and proven 
world-class exploration programme 
to maintain high-quality portfolio of 
long-life assets with a track record of 
disciplined capital allocation and 
project delivery

Transparent, decisive 
management team, 
focused on minimising 
risk and improving 
shareholder returns 

Prioritising margins over 
volume; and improving 
cost management 

Clear and predictable 
strategic approach with 
a decisive response to a 
lower gold price

Balance sheet flexibility; 
appropriate liquidity, and 
maturities while within set 
covenant ratio

Well-developed 
engagement model 
ensures strong 
stakeholder relationships 
and maintains licence to 
operate

13

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 1 / ABOUT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI 
 
SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY

SECTION 2

DELIVERING ON 
OUR STRATEGY

Explaining wha t we do – how  we 
crea te value, how w e share value and 
how we ha ve perf ormed in delivering 
on our stra teg y and stra teg ic 
objectives – g iven our exter nal 
opera ting environment and the 
consequent risks and opportunities.

Strategic objectives

Focus on people, safety,  
and sustainability 

Ensure financial  
flexibility 

Optimise overhead, costs  
and capital expenditure 

Improve portfolio quality 

Maintain long-term optionality 

IN THIS SECTION

3.4Moz

$773/oz

14%

ZAR 95 cents

Production at the top end of guidance, lower  
year-on-year due to asset sales

Total cash costs at the lower end of guidance  
of between $770/oz to $830/oz 

the South Africa region’s contribution to  
group production

Dividend declared, given strong  
cash flow performance 

INTEGRATED REPO RT 2018

14
14

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYSECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY

CEO’s REVIEW AND OUTLOOK

Fellow Shareholders,

Last year at AngloGold Ashanti, 
we continued to consolidate our 
position as a disciplined gold 
company with strengthening 
fundamentals.

Kelvin Dushnisky 
Chief Executive Officer

Importantly, we met or improved 
upon each element of our operating, 
cost, and capital guidance for the 
year, demonstrating reliability and 
consistency, crucial ingredients to  
an improving valuation over the  
long term. We also provided clarity 
in the strategic direction of the 
Company and the steps that will be 
taken to advance it.

We remained active managers of the portfolio, 
with the sale of the deep underground Moab 
Khotsong and Kopanang mines concluded at 
the end of February, reducing the contribution 
from South Africa to around 14%. The 
remaining South African portfolio – comprising 
the underground Mponeng mine and Surface 
Operations – was further restructured to match 
the off-mine cost structures to the smaller 
production footprint, improving the longer-term 
sustainability of the business.

Redevelopment of the Obuasi gold mine 
started during 2019, as we began to 
recapitalise this important ore body to 
bring it back into production as a modern, 
mechanised operation. The project, estimated 
at between $495m to $545m, came with 
the close cooperation of the government 
of Ghana, demonstrated by a suite of 
agreements guaranteeing fiscal stability 
and security. We share the government’s 
ambition for the mine to be an important 

15

All part of a roadmap to  
lead us to our ultimate goal: 

ZERO HARM

vehicle for development in the region and have 
committed to fostering growth in local content 
through procurement and employment at all 
levels. This is rightly an important element in 
maintaining and strengthening our licence to 
operate in the region.

If our Ore Reserve is the cornerstone of a 
sustainable operating base, then a strong 
and flexible balance sheet is the bedrock 
of the financial health of the business. Our 
investments to improve margins and extend 
the lives of key assets were manifested in both 
a wider all-in sustaining cost margin at 23%, 
and a net increase in reserves at the end of the 
year. Net debt was 17% lower at 31 December 
2018, aided by a lift in free cash flow 
generation to $67m even after all restructuring 
costs were accounted for. 

died in workplace accidents: Heber de 
Oliveira Temoteo at the Cuiabá mine, Sikheto 
Mathebula at Moab Khotsong mine and Palo 
James Machini at the Mponeng mine. These 
deaths are reminders to us that the work of 
eliminating accidents from our workplaces is 
an ongoing effort that will require vigilance, 
resources, initiative, teamwork and adherence 
to our safety strategy and protocols. All part 
of a roadmap to lead us to our ultimate goal: 
zero harm.

Our operating teams continue to do important 
work to realise safety improvements. The 
group all injury frequency rate (AIFR) has 
improved for eight consecutive quarters, and 
the 2018 annual AIFR performance improved 
by 36% compared to 2017. This was the best 
performance in the Company’s history. 

While these operating and financial 
fundamentals have improved, so too has our 
overall sustainability performance. Before 
getting to the safety and environmental 
performance during the year, it’s important 
to remember three of our colleagues who 

We are clear that our social licence to operate 
– which is the explicit and tacit consent from a 
range of stakeholders to conduct our business 
– depends on us never becoming complacent 
with respect to our performance on the full 
ambit of sustainability activities.

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018CEO’s REVIEW AND OUTLOOK CONTINUED

Portfolio strength
AngloGold Ashanti also has a strong portfolio 
and a well-developed project pipeline, both 
with options that will allow us to extend mine 
lives, improve margins and sustain growth. 
An appropriately geared balance sheet is 
fundamental to maintaining strict capital 
allocation and ensures we will not be forced 
into measures to check falling production or 
spiralling costs. This strengthens the business 
as discretionary free cash flow is used to 
further improve leverage. 

In short, you have a business that for 10 
years has not issued additional equity, but 
has managed to build two new mines; service 
what at times was an onerous debt load; 
deleverage; invest in its capital needs; fund a 
global exploration programme; and return a 
dividend to shareholders.

Despite a sharp focus on optimising all 
expenditures in recent years on projects – 
particularly non-operating spending – the 
Company has maintained a truly world-class 
suite of exploration assets. I have found 
these to be largely under-appreciated by the 
market. This provides a good opportunity for 
us to daylight nascent value in the business. 
These hidden exploration gems include an 
exciting asset package in southern Nevada 
that continues to go from strength to strength 
with every new drill hole. This land package, 
known as the Silicon Project, is close to the 
Motherlode property of Corvus Gold, a junior 
exploration company in which we are the 
largest shareholder at 19.8%. 

Elsewhere in the US, our generative 
exploration teams are doing the groundwork 
necessary to test their thesis that a significant 
gold deposit is to be found in Northern 
Minnesota’s Iron Range. This is the same long-
range, science-based initiative that yielded our 
early exploration success in Colombia, which 
has since recorded mineral inventory (+60Moz 
gold equivalent), and in Western Australia, 
where we found, built, and now operate the 
impressive Tropicana gold mine. 

Colombia is a rich terrain for exploration, and 
one in which our first-mover advantage has 
given us an excellent foothold. The two most 
important projects in our Colombian portfolio 
are the Gramalote gold deposit, a joint venture 
with B2Gold, and the Quebradona copper/
gold deposit, both in the mining-friendly 
Colombian department of Antioquia. We are 
at various stages of feasibility study for both 
and will devote our focus to them after selling 
off the bulk of our non-core tenements in the 
country in early March 2019.

Australia is another exciting area for our 
geologists, who are working to prove that 
major undiscovered potential exists at the 
Mount Clarke regional tenement package in 
North Queensland.

Elsewhere in the portfolio, our brownfield 
drilling programmes, closely integrated with 
our ‘Operational Excellence’ initiative, continue 
to find new ounces around our current 
operating footprint, not only helping us extend 
lives at our key mines, but to do so profitably. 

Strategy going forward
After completing my first six months as 
CEO, and working closely with the senior 
management team, we have made the 
following decisions as key elements of our plan 
to better focus the business and unlock its 
significant value. 

Portfolio rationalisation
From my perspective, the portfolio of 14 
assets feels somewhat ‘heavy’. Given the 
growing complexity of operating large, 
commercial-scale operations anywhere in 
the world, my preference is for more focused 
management oversight of operating hubs. 

The balance sheet is the foundation of any 
durable and successful business. Excellent 
work has been done to transform what was 
a heavily geared balance sheet into one that 
can comfortably handle significant downside in 
the gold price and/or unforeseen operational 
disruption. There is significant liquidity, no 
immediate debt maturities, and our planning for 
this year targets funding all expenditures and 
investments from internal sources (i.e. cash-flow 
breakeven) at a $1,200/oz gold price.  

For a gold-producing company, which produces 
a single commodity in an increasingly complex 
global operating environment, lower debt 
means lower risk and added strategic flexibility. 
Over time, these benefits that come with lower 
balance sheet leverage will help specifically 
improve both credit and equity ratings, thereby 
lowering the cost of capital. Therefore, I believe 
we would benefit from lowering our current 
target of a 1.5 times net debt to adjusted 
EBITDA ratio, through the cycle. From this 
point on we will target an average ratio of 1.0 
times net debt to adjusted EBITDA, through 
the cycle; a level that, at our current planning 
assumptions, we can reach and hold even as 
we invest inward, pay a dividend and service 
our debt obligations. 

With this in mind, in November, we announced 
a process to dispose of our interest in the 
Sadiola gold mine in Mali and have now also 
opted to start a similar process to divest 
ourselves of the Cerro Vanguardia mine in 
Argentina. As with Mali, Argentina has been a 
good jurisdiction for this company for almost 
two decades, but with competing demands for 
limited capital, we believe another owner will 
likely be in a better position to extend the life 
of this asset benefitting the local, regional and 
national economies. Be assured, we are not 
forced sellers and will look to achieve fair value 
for these assets. If we do not manage to sell 
these, we will keep them and maximise their 
efficiencies. As I mentioned, the bulk of the 
restructuring in South Africa is now behind us, 
leaving a single underground mine (Mponeng) 
and a surface business. The latter is made 
up principally of the surface rock dump 
processing unit, which is near the end of its 
life, and the cash generative, long-term Mine 
Waste Solutions dump-retreatment operation.

Mponeng is ramping up production from the 
‘Below 120 Level’ project, which gives it a 
lifespan of around eight years. To extend that 
further, this mine will require additional capital 
investment starting in about two years and 

16

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYshareholders without placing undue financial 
risk on the Company. In every discussion we 
are clear that our equity remains a treasured 
asset – albeit undervalued – and one that 
should be protected.

unlocking the potential that exists within our 
Brazil and Australia assets, advance our 
Colombia options up the value curve, and 
ensuring that our global exploration programme 
continues to deliver strong outcomes.

CEO’s REVIEW AND OUTLOOK CONTINUED

running for several more, which will extend 
life for decades. The investment in extending 
life at Mponeng beyond eight years will have 
to compete for scarce capital with a host of 
other projects in the portfolio, which at current 
planning assumptions are more attractive 
given higher returns and quicker payback 
periods. We must make that decision inside  
of 18 months.

Focus on advancing projects
Once this rationalisation of the portfolio 
is complete, we will have a leaner, more 
efficient portfolio that will benefit from greater 
management focus. It is upon this foundation 
that we will bring our Obuasi mine into 
production, continue to invest in a series of 
affordable, high-return and quick payback 
brownfields improvements, and advance our 
two key projects in Colombia – Gramalote 
and Quebradona – up the value curve. In 
each case we will aim to bring ounces into 
production that improve our average margin. 

Management 
We have exciting projects in front of us as 
we bring Obuasi into production, advance 
two Colombian projects to feasibility, and put 
pressure on some relatively high-cost assets in 
Australia and Brazil to improve performance. 

I have made some organisational and 
management changes to accommodate this. 
These appointments were implemented in 
February 2019, in parallel with the scheduled 
retirements of Chris Sheppard, David Noko 
and Charles Carter. These outgoing executives 
were emblematic of the exceptional quality of 
leadership inside the organisation – we thank 
them for their service and dedication to  
the Company.

Our strong organic pipeline, in turn, means 
we are not forced to undertake expensive and 
complex M&A to shore up production. We will 
continue to favour inward investment in our 
drive to unlock latent value from the business. 

We will also take a pragmatic view of funding 
our pipeline, with no reservations around 
employing the partnership model which 
has worked so well at Tropicana, Kibali and 
Sadiola. In each case of funding needs being 
analysed, the sole driver in our decision 
making will be how best to create value for our 

The first of these restructuring decisions is to 
reconfigure the operating accountability into two 
divisions - International, including our operations 
and projects in the Americas and Australia, 
and Africa (now including South Africa). The 
changes to the operating structure provide 
greater focus on the portfolio: its increasing 
complexity; rising global political risk; Obuasi 
coming into operation; and long dated projects 
in Colombia now moving to feasibility. 

Ludwig Eybers will remain Chief Operating 
Officer: International, with responsibility for 

will continue to include Investor Relations and 
group communications but will be broadened 
to also cover the ambit of sustainability policy 
and oversight. His in-depth knowledge of the 
Company and many of its stakeholders, close 
cooperation with the sustainability team over 
several years and ongoing work in integrating 
environmental, social and governance 
reporting into the broader business, provide a 
strong foundation for this role. 

In closing, I’d like to thank my predecessor, 
Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan, for his support 
during my transition into this role and for 
leaving behind an organisation steeped in a 
set of strong values. To our Chairman, Sipho 
Pityana, and the board of directors, your 
counsel and support, for which I am grateful,  
have been similarly invaluable in the past 
months, as we’ve charted the course forward 
for the Company. 

And to the executive leadership and the team 
at AngloGold Ashanti, I thank you for the warm 
welcome and your ongoing efforts. While we 
have a strong foundation from which to grow, 
there is a tremendous amount of work ahead 
of us as we do what is necessary to unlock 

value across the business. 

The Africa portfolio, which will now include 
the rationalised South Africa footprint, will be 
overseen by Sicelo Ntuli now Chief Operating 
Officer: Africa, formerly Senior Vice President: 
Continental Africa. Sicelo has done excellent 
work in driving the turnaround of Iduapriem 
in Ghana during several years running that 
operation. He also held line responsibility for the 
Continental Africa region, which has delivered 
consistently strong operating performances. 

Moses Madondo, who did exceptional work 
as Senior Vice President: Vaal River, before the 
sale of those assets last year, has assumed 
responsibility for our South Africa portfolio, as 
Senior Vice President: South Africa. 

Pierre Chenard, formerly Senior Vice 
President of Business Development of Rio 
Tinto Alcan Inc., and its General Counsel, 
was appointed to the role of Executive Vice 
President: Business Development & Strategy. 
Pierre, who has held senior roles in the North 
American gold sector with Cambior, Hope 
Bay and latterly as a director on the board of 
Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd., brings a wealth of 
experience across a number of jurisdictions.

Stewart Bailey, formerly Senior Vice 
President of Investor Relations & Group 
Communications, is now Executive Vice 
President: Corporate Affairs, a portfolio that 

Sincerely,

Kelvin Dushnisky

CEO

19 March 2019

17

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYCEO’s REVIEW AND OUTLOOK CONTINUED

2019 OUTLOOK

Production 

Costs

Overheads

All-in sustaining costs 

Total cash costs 

Corporate costs 

Expensed exploration and study costs 

Capital expenditure

Total 

Sustaining capital expenditure 

Non-sustaining capital expenditure 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Depreciation and amortisation – included in  
equity-accounted earnings

Interest and finance costs – income statement

Other operating expenses

Guidance

Notes

3.25Moz - 3.45Moz

Production will be back weighted, with a stronger second half expected for Geita, Siguiri and Brazil

$935 - 995/oz

$730 - 780/oz

$75 - 85m

$130 - 140m

$910 - 990m

$520 - 560m

$390 - 430m

$680m

$160m

$130m

$85m

Including equity-accounted joint ventures

Expenditure related to Obuasi, Siguiri, Tropicana, Quebradona and Mponeng

Earnings of associates and joint ventures

Primarily related to the costs of care and maintenance for Obuasi and South African region

Economic assumptions are as follows: ZAR 14.00/$, $/A $0.75, BRL3.65/$, AP40.00/$; Brent $74/barrel.

Both production and cost estimates assume neither operational or labour interruptions, or power disruptions, 
no further changes to asset portfolio and/or operating mines and have not been reviewed by our external 
auditors. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on our future results 
and no assurance can be given that any expectations expressed by AngloGold Ashanti will prove to have been 
correct. Accordingly, actual results could differ from guidance and any deviation may be significant. Please 
refer to the Risk Factors section in AngloGold Ashanti’s annual report on Form 20-F, filed with the United 
States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Sensitivities 
(Based on a gold price of $1,200/oz and the same assumptions used for guidance)

All-in sustaining 

Cash from operating activities 

cost ($/oz)

before taxes for 2019 ($m)

10% change in the oil price

10% change in the local currency

5% change in the gold price

50,000oz change in production

6

58

2

14

Australia – Sunrise Dam

21

148

193

56

18

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYOUR BUSINESS MODEL

CREATING 
VALUE

CAPITAL INPUTS

Strategic planning 
and allocating 
resources

Analysing 
our operating 
environment

Identifying and prioritising 
risks and opportunities

Understanding our impact 
and stakeholders

GOVERNANCE

M ANAGING OUR CAPITAL INPUTS

Exploration and mine 
development

4

Rehabilitation 
and closure

STRATEGY AND 
STRATEGIC 
OBJECTIVES

Generating revenue,  
financial management

3

19

Understanding the world in which we operate, how 
it impacts us, stakeholder expectations and how we 
impact others, is essential to delivery on our strategy 
and value creation. This understanding enables effective 
planning to mitigate risks, act on opportunities and 
achieve our strategic objectives, while our governance 
processes and practices guide all that we do.

1

2

Mining, 
processing  
and refining

SHARING VALUE  
CREATED

Shareholders, 
investors and 
financiers 

Employees

 Communities, suppliers and 
service providers

Governments

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYOUR BUSINESS MODEL CONTINUED

CAPITAL RESOURCES
Delivery on our strategy and creating value requires optimising and balancing the use of the five capital resource inputs required in the conduct of our business,  
while simultaneously enhancing outcomes and minimising our impacts.

Natural capital
Our business depends on having economically viable gold deposits 
to exploit and mine safely and productively. We consume land, 
water, energy, among others, in the course of our operations and 
our activities impact the environment.

Related core strategic focus area

•  Maintain long-term optionality

•  Focus on people, safety and sustainability

Human and intellectual capital
People are vital to our business. A skilled, motivated, healthy 
and safe workforce is essential to delivery on our strategy. Many 
employees are based in host communities which maybe impacted 
by operational and organisational changes.

Related core strategic focus area

•  Focus on people, safety and sustainability

•  Optimise overhead, costs and capital expenditure

Social and  
relationship capital
Securing our regulatory and social licences 
to operate depends on developing and 
maintaining open, honest and respectful 
engagement with all stakeholders, which 
requires skillful management and balancing of 
stakeholder expectations.

Related core strategic focus area

•  Focus on people, safety and sustainability

Manufactured capital
Mining infrastructure: process plants, machinery, 
equipment and technology, including information 
technology, are all necessary to our business. 
These must be maintained and operated 
effectively and efficiently by employees with  
the necessary skills.

Related core strategic focus area

•  Improve portfolio quality

•  Maintain long-term optionality

Financial capital
Access to capital to fund exploration for, and 
the acquisition and development of gold-
bearing deposits. It also sustains, maintains 
and grows the business. Value created is often 
measured in financial terms.

Related core strategic focus area

•  Ensure financial flexibility

•  Optimise overhead, costs and capital expenditure

•  Optimise overhead, costs and capital expenditure

•  Improve portfolio quality

20

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYOUR BUSINESS MODEL CONTINUED

SDGs AND THE CAPITALS

NATURAL CAPITAL

HUMAN AND INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL

MANUFACTURED CAPITAL

FINANCIAL CAPITAL

SOCIAL AND RELATIONSHIP CAPITAL

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION,  
INFRASTRUCTURE

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION, 
PRODUCTION

DECENT WORK AND  
ECONOMIC GROWTH

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION,  
INFRASTRUCTURE

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND  
COMMUNITIES

CLEAN WATER AND  
SANITATION

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND  
COMMUNITIES

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION, 
PRODUCTION

CLIMATE ACTION

NO POVERTY

GOOD HEALTH AND  
WELL-BEING

GENDER EQUALITY

DECENT WORK AND  
ECONOMIC GROWTH

LIFE ON LAND

REDUCE INEQUALITIES

PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG 
INSTITUTIONS

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE 
GOALS

For further information, see: 
Mineral Resource and Ore 
Reserve – summary, Exploration 
– planning for the future and 
Managing our sustainability and 
ESG impacts

For further information, see: 
People are our business and 
Managing our sustainability and 
ESG impacts

For further information, see: 
Regional reviews

For further information, see: 
CFO’s review, Financial review 
and 

21

NO POVERTY

ZERO HUNGER

GOOD HEALTH AND  
WELL-BEING

QUALITY EDUCATION

REDUCE INEQUALITIES

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND  
COMMUNITIES

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION, 
PRODUCTION

CLIMATE ACTION

LIFE ON LAND

PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG 
INSTITUTIONS

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE 
GOALS

For further information, see: 
Managing our sustainability  
and ESG impacts and 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYOUR BUSINESS MODEL CONTINUED

WHAT WE DO – OUR MINING PROCESS
We explore, develop, mine and process ore to produce gold. In so doing, we consciously integrate the environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, from the exploration 
stage to beyond closure so as to maintain our social licence to operate.

1

Exploration and mine 
development

2

Mining, processing  
and refining

3

Generating revenue,  
financial  
management

4

Rehabilitation 
and closure

Establish and maintain a competitive 
pipeline of viable projects, and 
develop and equip long-term 
operations with the required 
infrastructure. Exploration is a 
cornerstone of the business

Develop and maintain mining and 
processing infrastructure in good 
operating order and their adequate 
resourcing to ensure cost efficient 
safe operations and that the 
workforce has the requisite skills, 
expertise and training 

Sales of gold and by-products 
produced generate revenue, in turn 
a function of prevailing prices and 
exchange rates. Robust financial 
management and allocation of revenue 
and expenditure ensure positive 
sustainable cash flows and returns

Develop and maintain effective, honest 
and transparent relationships with 
stakeholders to ensure regulatory and 
social licence to operate, to minimise 
our environmental impact and to 
manage closure in line with socio-
economic principles 

NATURAL 
CAPITAL

FINANCIAL 
CAPITAL

HUMAN 
CAPITAL

SOCIAL 
CAPITAL

MANUFACTURING 
CAPITAL

FINANCIAL 
CAPITAL

MANUFACTURING 
CAPITAL

HUMAN 
CAPITAL

SOCIAL 
CAPITAL

NATURAL 
CAPITAL

FINANCIAL 
CAPITAL

HUMAN 
CAPITAL

MANUFACTURING 
CAPITAL

NATURAL 
CAPITAL

FINANCIAL 
CAPITAL

HUMAN 
CAPITAL

SOCIAL 
CAPITAL

MANUFACTURING 
CAPITAL

Maintain long-term optionality 

Improve the quality  
of the portfolio 

Focus on people, safety,  
and sustainability 

Optimise overhead, costs  
and capital expenditure 

Improve the quality  
of the portfolio 

Focus on people, safety,  
and sustainability 

22

Ensure financial  
flexibility 

Optimise overhead, costs  
and capital expenditure 

Focus on people, safety,  
and sustainability 

Y
T
I
V
I
T
C
A

T
U
P
N

I
L
A
T
I
P
A
C

I

E
V
I
T
C
E
J
B
O
C
G
E
T
A
R
T
S
D
E
T
A
L
E
R

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
OUR BUSINESS MODEL CONTINUED

What we do
continued

1

Exploration and mine 
development

2

Mining, processing  
and refining

3

Marketing and sale  
of gold produced

4

Rehabilitation 
and closure

8
1
0
2
N

I

N
E
K
A
T
S
N
O
I
T
C
A

S
E
M
O
C
T
U
O
D
N
A
S
T
C
A
P
M

I

•  Continued focus on exploration 

•  Emphasis on Operational Excellence 

programmes with new greenfields sites 
explored in Colombia, the United States 
and Australia; while target generation is 
underway in Brazil and Guinea

•  Advancement of two projects in 
Colombia – maiden Ore Reserve 
declared at Quebradona

•  Following ratification of agreements by 

parliament, the final go-ahead was given 
for the redevelopment of Obuasi

•  Identified Ore Reserve replacement 
opportunity in Kibali’s KZ trend and 
around KCD

for innovative control and management 
of costs, to improve operational 
efficiencies and productivity

•  Restructuring in South Africa region, 
included asset sales and closure, 
downscaling and introduction of a new 
shift arrangement at Mponeng

•  Driving zero harm

•  Infrastructure investment in the 

Australasia region

•  In Continental Africa, life extension 
projects and initiatives to improve 
operating efficiencies included those at 
Geita, Iduapriem, Siguiri and Kibali

•  A new five-year revolving credit facility 
agreement signed to consolidate and 

replace two of the existing facilities 

•  Short-term rand gold hedge set up to 

further protect the South Africa region’s 

cash flow from exchange rate volatility

•  Improved free cash flow and  

earnings overall

•  Improved liquidity and financial flexibility

•  Net debt reduced by 17% and net debt 
to adjusted EBITDA ratio at 1.12 times

•  4.3Moz total group Ore Reserve

•  Produced 3.4Moz of gold

•  Dividend declared

•  Redevelopment of Obuasi will support 
local recruitment, transfer of skills, 

•  South Africa region now more focused, 
sustainable; generated positive free 

establishment of local underground 

cash flow in second half of the year with 

Economic value generated ($m)

mining joint venture – first production 

improved safety and productivity  

expected in December 2019

at Mponeng

•  Similarly, in Colombia, development 
of projects will benefit communities 

and government. Will be a focus on 

environmental stewardship 

•  Improved group safety performance

•  Reduced costs with the all-in sustaining 

cost per ounce down by 7% and 

improved margins

Sales of gold and by-products 

Interest received

Royalties received

(Loss) / profit from sales of assets

Income from investments

Total

23

•  Extensive stakeholder engagement in: 

•  Colombia – project development

•  Ghana – redevelopment of Obuasi

•  South Africa – wage negotiations and 
the sale, downscaling and closure of 

operations

•  Tanzania – payments to government

•  DRC – agreement reached on tax 

remittances

•  Earned social licence to operate 
in Ghana – proceeding with 

implementation of the Obuasi 

redevelopment plan which will 

ultimately add value and contribute to 

value creation, delivery on strategic 

objectives, and to local communities

2018

3,943
17
10
(20)
95
4,045

2017

4,510

15

18

8

7

4,558

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
HOW WE SHARE VALUE

Economic value distributed – 82% of value generated

Aligning with the SDGs 

Related capitals

$1,676m 

(41% of value generated)

Suppliers – includes procurement of 
goods and services, operating costs,  
rehabilitation and exploration

2018

1,676

2017

Related SDGs

1,839

Employees – includes salaries and 
wages paid and investment in training 
and development

713

1,002

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION, 
PRODUCTION

PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG 
INSTITUTIONS

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

NO POVERTY

GENDER EQUALITY

DECENT WORK AND  
ECONOMIC GROWTH

REDUCE INEQUALITIES

$713m 

(17% of value generated)

$714m 

(18% of value generated)

$202m 

(5% of value generated)

$21m 

(1% of value generated)

Total 

Government – includes current 
tax, royalties, tax paid on behalf of 
employees and production, property 
and other taxes 

714

659

RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION, 
PRODUCTION

PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG 
INSTITUTIONS

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

Providers of capital – includes finance 
costs, unwinding of obligations and 
dividends paid

202

208

DECENT WORK AND  
ECONOMIC GROWTH

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS

Community – includes region-
specific socio-economic development 
programmes in relation to our social 
licence to operate

21

27

GOOD HEALTH AND  
WELL-BEING

CLEAN WATER AND  
SANITATION

QUALITY EDUCATION

SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND  
COMMUNITIES

3,326

3,735

24

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
OUR EXTERNAL OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

Various external factors in the 
world in which we operate have 
the potential to affect our ability 
to deliver on our strategy and 
create value in the short, medium 
or long term. They can influence 
our operational and financial 
performance, our ability to maintain 
our regulatory and social licence to 
operate and even the sustainability 
of our business.

Gold market
The 2018 year, and in particular the last quarter, 
was challenging for equity markets in general. 
Investors have had to contend with rising US 
central bank interest rates, a sharp slowdown 
in business confidence in the Eurozone, 
weaker Chinese growth, and rising geopolitical 
concerns (including Brexit, Italian politics and 
the ongoing trade conflict between the US and 
China). On the up side, government bonds 
lived up to their traditional role as a defensive 
investment in a well-balanced portfolio.

Regarding the gold market, annual jewellery 
demand for the year barely changed, ending 
the year at 2,200 tonnes. The 3% year-on-
year drop in fourth quarter jewellery demand 
to 636.2 tonnes reversed third quarter gains. 
China was the main engine of growth in 2018, 
despite the slowdown in the fourth quarter. The 
slowdown was mainly attributable to the trade 

war with the US and slowing economic growth 
rate which weighed on gold demand. Economic 
hardship, relatively weak currencies and the 
after-effects of tax changes affected Turkey and 
Middle Eastern markets to varying degrees, 
with Iran and Turkey hit particularly hard. 

Inflows into global gold-backed exchange 
traded funds (ETFs) and similar products 
totalled 69 tonnes in 2018, 67% lower than 
the 206.4 tonne inflow in 2017. Sizable annual 
flows into European-listed funds at over  
96.8 tonnes drove growth in the sector, while 
North American funds – which experienced 
heavy outflows for part of the year – reversed 
in fourth quarter. Global inflows amounting 
to 112.4 tonnes during the fourth quarter 
reversed the 104 tonnes of outflows from the 
third quarter. Growth in fourth quarter was 
split almost equally between US-listed and 
European-listed funds, with inflows of  
57.1 tonnes and 59.1 tonnes respectively. 
For the first time since 2012, the value of total 
gold-backed ETF holdings ended the year at 
$100.6 billion. 

The official gold coin market saw annual 
demand surge 26% to 236 tonnes, the 
second highest level on record – the previous 
high was 270.9 tonnes in 2013. Gold coin 
demand flourished in a few countries, most 
notably Iran and South Africa, where retail 
investor concerns around stock market 
volatility, currency weakness and geopolitical 
uncertainty were common themes. Gold bar 
sales were steady at 781.6 tonnes in 2018 and 

have been remarkably stable over the past  
five years with annual demand anchored 
between a 2014 low of 780 tonnes and a  
high of 797 tonnes in 2016.

Central bank net purchases reached  
651.5 tonnes in 2018, 74% higher year-on-
year. This is the highest level of annual net 
purchases since the suspension of dollar 
convertibility into gold in 1971 and the second 
highest annual total on record. Central 
banks now hold nearly 34,000 tonnes of 
gold. Heightened geopolitical and economic 
uncertainty throughout the year increasingly 
drove central banks to diversify their reserves 
and re-focus their attention on investing in safe 
and liquid assets. 

Over the year, global gold mine production rose 
by just over 2% to 3,346.9 tonnes in 2018. 
Although this growth has slowed in recent 
years, this is now the tenth successive year 
of annual growth. Gold production in 2018 
exceeded the previous high level of annual mine 
output on record of 3,268.7 tonnes in 2017. 

Net producer de-hedging totalled 29.4 tonnes 
for the year, following on from 27.9 tonnes of 
net de-hedging in 2017. At the end of 2018, 
the global hedge book stood at an estimated 
195 tonnes, 13% lower year-on-year, 
continuing the general downward trend.

The average gold price for the year was 
$1,268/oz, marginally higher than the $1,251/oz 
recorded in 2017. AngloGold Ashanti achieved 
an average price of $1,261/oz for gold sold for 
the year.  

Credit rating
AngloGold Ashanti’s rating from S&P Global 
(S&P) remained at BB+ with a stable outlook, 
and from Moody’s Investor Services (Moody’s) 
at Baa3 with a positive outlook. Ratings firm 
S&P announced on 24 November 2018 that 
it had left South Africa’s sovereign rating 
unchanged at sub-investment grade, holding 
South Africa’s long-term foreign-currency 
rating at BB, while the long-term local-
currency rating stayed at BB+. Fitch Ratings 
agency announced on 6 December 2018 
that it had retained South Africa’s sovereign 
rating at BB+ with a stable outlook. Moody’s, 
the only ratings agency that rates South 
Africa’s sovereign debt maintained its rating at 
investment grade Baa3.   

Silicosis litigation
On 3 March 2011, in Mankayi vs. AngloGold 
Ashanti, the Constitutional Court of 
South Africa held that section 35(1) of the 
Compensation for Occupational Injuries and 
Diseases Act, No. 130 of 1993 does not cover 
an “employee” who qualifies for compensation 
in respect of “compensable diseases” under 
the Occupational Diseases in Mines and 
Works Act, No 78 of 1973 (ODMWA). This 
judgement allows such qualifying employee to 
pursue a civil claim for damages against the 
employer. Following the Constitutional Court 
decision, AngloGold Ashanti has become 
subject to numerous claims relating to silicosis 
and other Occupational Lung Diseases (OLD), 
including class actions and individual claims.

25

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYOUR EXTERNAL OPERATING ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED

1   www.silicosissettlement.co.za

2   www.oldcollab.co.za

In November 2014, Anglo American South 
Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields Limited, 
Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited and 
Sibanye Gold Limited formed an industry 
working group on OLD (OLD 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 now also includes 
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM).

AngloGold Ashanti, along with other mining 
companies including Anglo American South 
Africa, ARM, Gold Fields Limited, Harmony 
Gold Mining Company Limited, DRDGOLD 
Limited, Randgold and Exploration Company 
Limited, and Sibanye Gold Limited, were 
served with a consolidated class action 
application on 21 August 2013. On 13 May 
2016, the South Gauteng High Court of 
South Africa ruled in favour of the applicants 
and found that there were sufficient common 
issues to certify two industry-wide classes: a 
Silicosis Class and a Tuberculosis Class. On  
3 June 2016, AngloGold Ashanti, together with 
certain of the other mining companies, filed 
an application with the High Court for leave to 
appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). 
On 13 September 2016, the SCA granted the 
mining companies leave to appeal the entire 
High Court ruling to the SCA. On 10 January 
2018, in response to a postponement request 

from all parties involved in the appeal due to 
the advanced stage of settlement negotiations, 
the Registrar of the SCA postponed the 
hearing date until further notice. Settlement 
of the consolidated class action litigation was 
reached on 3 May 2018, after three years 
of extensive negotiations between the OLD 
Working Group companies and the lawyers 
of the claimants. On 13 December 2018, the 
High Court issued a Court order setting out the 
process of how members of the settling classes 
and any interested parties can object to the 
proposed settlement. In the coming months, the 
High Court is scheduled to hold a hearing during 
which the Court will consider arguments by the 
parties to the settlement as well as arguments 
by other interested parties who are granted leave 
by the Court to participate, including parties 
filing objections to the proposed settlement. 
The purpose of this second hearing is to 
determine the fairness and reasonableness of 
the settlement.  1   2

If the settlement is approved by the Court 
and all its other conditions are met, a trust 
(Tshiamiso Trust) will be established and 
will exist for a minimum of 13 years. Eligible 
claimants will be able to seek specified 
payment from the Tshiamiso Trust and the 
amount of monetary compensation will vary 
depending on the nature and degree of the 
disease. As of 31 December 2018, AngloGold 

Ashanti has recorded a provision of $63 million 
to cover the estimated settlement costs and 
related expenditure of the silicosis litigation.

Regulatory and operating 
environment 
The regulatory environment with the various 
changes, uncertainty and challenges it brings 
AngloGold Ashanti across the portfolio, 
is mostly influenced by local conditions 
and differing laws and regulations in the 
jurisdictions where we operate. The effects 
of the regulations are also dependent on the 
issues each of the jurisdictions focus on. In 
addition, operations face unique uncertainties 
and challenges, such as artisanal small-
scale mining (ASM) and/or illegal mining. 
AngloGold Ashanti’s operations and projects 
affected by ASM are in South Africa, Tanzania, 
Ghana, Mali, Guinea and Colombia. Efforts 
to strengthen local economic development 
to reduce dependence on illegal mining 
are discussed under the material issue on 
“Contributing to self-sustaining communities” 
in the . 

Regulatory and political issues
During 2018, political and regulatory 
uncertainty and risk remained one of the most 
significant material issues facing AngloGold 
Ashanti. Some of these regulatory changes 
include the addition of social considerations 

and requirements into the licensing process. 
Increasing community activism as well as 
declining government coffers contribute to 
escalating tension in an environment where 
stakeholders are demanding a greater share of 
the benefits derived from resources.

In South Africa, the revised Mining Charter 
was gazetted, along with the withdrawal of 
the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act 
Amendment Bill. This was broadly welcomed 
by the industry and its stakeholders, although 
certain elements of the revised Mining Charter 
remain a concern. The consultative and 
reconciliatory approach by the new Minister of 
Mineral Resources is anticipated to contribute 
towards improving sentiment in the South 
African mining industry. 

The Carbon Tax will be implemented in June 
2019. There is, however, less clarity on the 
draft National Climate Change Bill. A number 
of concerns have been raised by industry, 
including areas of incongruence with the Paris 
Agreement on Climate Change and the intent to 
introduce criminal sanction for failure to meet a 
carbon budget. Further discussions on this are 
anticipated over the course of 2019. In South 
Africa, our electricity consumption remains 
the major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions, because we use the national energy 
supplier, Eskom, which is dependent on coal for 
power generation. 

26

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYOUR EXTERNAL OPERATING ENVIRONMENT CONTINUED

1   www.anglogoldashanti.com

Overall, the Company’s greenhouse gas 
emissions intensity declined by 30% for the year.

During 2018, in the Continental Africa region, 
there was regulatory uncertainty in Tanzania, 
Guinea, Mali and the DRC. In Tanzania, 
AngloGold Ashanti continues to focus on 
pursuing collaborative dialogue with the 
government of Tanzania. The arbitration 
proceedings that began in July 2017 have 
been suspended until July 2019. In Guinea, 
the socio-economic challenges of poverty and 
unemployment were reflected in the frequent 
community grievances related to demands 
for employment, electricity and land access. 
The local community demanded access to the 
Company’s inactive pits, which led to various 
incidents, including invasion of the marginal 
stockpile. These incidents were managed 
without any significant conflict taking place. 

In Mali, presidential and parliamentary 
elections during the year heightened in-country 
political tensions and instability. In addition, 
community discontent continued to escalate 
due to concerns and uncertainty around the 
future of the Sadiola and Yatela operations. In 
this regard, an agreement between AngloGold 
Ashanti and employees at these operations 
was successfully concluded and implemented 
to phase retrenchments as necessitated by 
restricted and suspended mining operations. 
The agreement, effective from 31 May 2018, 
focused on providing an additional social 
package, among others, so helping to soften 
the impact of the retrenchments.

In the DRC, the government announced a new 
mining code that purports to make several 
changes to the operating environment for the 
DRC’s extractive industries, including those 
in its mining, and oil and gas sectors. These 
changes may impact the protections enjoyed 
by AngloGold Ashanti’s joint venture in the 
country. The joint venture is operated and 
jointly owned by Barrick Gold Corporation 
(previously Randgold Resources (45%)). 
The other owners are AngloGold Ashanti 
(45%) and Société Minière de Kilo-Moto SA 
(SOKIMO) (10%). Engagement continues 
between mining industry representatives in 
the DRC and the country’s Ministry of Mines, 
ahead of the publication of the regulations 
that will govern implementation of the new 
code. This engagement aims to address 
concerns about the revised mining code and 
in particular the protection to be afforded 
to title holders who benefit from a 10-year 
stability agreement under the 2002 Mining 
Code. Industry representatives account for 
more than 85% of the DRC’s copper, cobalt 
and gold production and its most significant 
development projects. The representatives 
have submitted a formal proposal to the 
Ministry of Mines that is designed to address 
concerns on the regulatory changes. Among 
other things, industry proposes linking a sliding 
scale of royalty rates to the prices of key 
commodities, which industry representatives 
believe would be a more effective mechanism 
than the windfall tax introduced in the new 
code. At current prices, this proposal would 

immediately give the government a higher 
share of revenues than provided for in the new 
code. It also deals with stability arrangements, 
state guarantees and mining conventions. 
See the press release of 29 March 2018, titled 
“Mining industry submits code proposal to DRC 
Government” on www.anglogoldashanti.com  1 .

In the Americas, Colombia continued the 
peace process after decades of conflict. In 
Brazil, a country facing political change after 
the presidential elections in 2018, uncertainties 
arose around how potential policy changes 
might affect the mining industry. There was 
also a nationwide truck drivers’ strike which 
impacted our operations somewhat.

Water management challenges
Excess fissure water from the operations 
of Blyvooruitzicht Gold Mining Company 
Limited (in provisional liquidation) in West Wits 
remains a potential threat to our Mponeng 
mine, for maintaining process water balance 
and the mine’s ability to absorb a large 
amount of rainfall. Throughout the year, 
Covalent Water Company, a wholly owned 
subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti, managed to 
pump and discharge extraneous water from 
Blyvooruitzicht shafts, while the West Wits 
operations absorbed some of the acidic water 
from Blyvooruitzicht Mine 5 Shaft. To eliminate 
the risk, Covalent Water Company have begun 
evaluating options to intercept and process 
the acidic water. Covalent Water Company 
operates the Blyvooruitzicht 4 and 6 shafts in 
terms of a registered servitude.

27

In Ghana, for the Sansu community in the 
vicinity of the Obuasi mine, the issue of 
possible contamination of ground water 
resources was one of the focus areas during 
the year. In dealing with this, the Company 
commissioned two independent consultants 
– the Council for Scientific and Industrial 
Research and Envaserv Research – to 
independently test the ground water and 
investigate any possible mine pollution. The 
consultants representing the community and 
the mine respectively, concluded assessments 
in the second half of 2018. The findings of 
both studies were consistent, demonstrating 
no evidence of mine pollution on the ground 
water. Any abnormalities that were detected 
related to natural geological factors. The 
process to engage communities on the 
findings commenced at the end of the year, 
and it is planned that the Obuasi mine will offer 
guidance to the community in responding to 
its water quality challenges.

Ghana – Obuasi

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYSTAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND MATERIAL ISSUES

Our approach

Stakeholder engagement underpins 
the value creation process and is 
vital to the successful conduct of 
our business. Our stakeholders are 
those groups of people who may 
be affected by AngloGold Ashanti’s 
decisions and/or activities, and who 
can in turn influence our activities. 

Our stakeholder engagement is informed 
by our operating environment and our 
activities. The feedback obtained from 
stakeholder engagement feeds into the 
processes to determine our material issues 
and our business risks and opportunities. 
Engagements are driven by the need for us 
to determine and understand stakeholders’ 
perspectives, views and expectations, and 
aim to establish and maintain mutually-
beneficial relationships with all stakeholders. 
This is especially important in relation to our 
host communities, one of several important 
stakeholder groupings with which we engage. 
Building and nurturing our stakeholder 
relations is integral to securing and protecting 
our licence to operate, to addressing our 
material issues, and to enhancing shareholder 
value as we execute our strategy. 

We engage directly and indirectly with our 
various stakeholders. Such engagement 
is regular, transparent, and aligned with 
our values. Engagement is an inclusive, 
continuous two-way process. It is important 
that we understand stakeholders’ needs and 
expectations in order to better manage them; 
and we in turn provide and share information 
about AngloGold Ashanti, on our objectives, 
policies and standards, and our financial, 
operating and sustainability performance.

Oversight and accountability
Engagement is conducted in line with the King 
IV principles. Our stakeholder engagement 
process continues throughout the life cycle 
of an operation, from exploration through to 
closure. Our approach is to mindfully partner 
with our stakeholders to assess, manage and 
mitigate ethical and regulatory risks. 

The board is accountable for stakeholder 
engagement through each of the board 
committees, and maintains oversight of material 
issues concerning stakeholders through the 
Social, Ethics and Sustainability Committee. 

Given the diverse footprint of our business, 
there is a correspondingly diverse set of 
stakeholders, each operating within a unique 
social, economic, political and regulatory 
context. Engagement takes place either at 

group level, for an overview of the business 
as a whole, or at an operating level, with 
stakeholders who need to understand 
operational impact and stakeholder influence 
on the business. In all our interactions with 
stakeholders we demonstrate our adherence 
to our corporate values. 

We strive to conduct all stakeholder 
engagements in dynamic, honest, transparent 
and inclusive ways. Given the wide range 
of stakeholders, we adopt a multi-pronged 
approach, including:

•  visiting communities and government bodies 
in and around the areas in which we operate

•  undertaking community grievance procedures

•  seeking employee views by means of our 

group-wide engagement survey and “town 
hall” meetings 

Our stakeholders

Our major stakeholder groups are:

•  Employees

•  Investment community 

•  Governments and regulators

•  Communities

•  meeting providers of capital and financiers

•  Suppliers and industry partners

•  co-ordinating community focus groups in 
the regions where we have operations 

•  Media 

Identifying our material issues
We are guided by the International Integrated Reporting Council and its related framework, 
King IV, the GRI standards G4 guidelines and the Accountability AA1000 Stakeholder 
Engagement Standard, to identify major issues of material concern that affect the Company. 
As in the previous year, our internal review process involved:

•  A review of the previous year’s material issues 

•  Identification of emerging issues

•  Prioritising material issues, based on, among others, their relation to our strategy, 

operations and their potential impact on the business and our social licence to operate

28

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYSTAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND MATERIAL ISSUES CONTINUED

Our material issues
For 2018, the following were identified as our top 10 material issues:

Employee  
safety

Employee  
and community 
health

Contributing to 
self-sustaining 
communities

Responsible 
environmental 
stewardship

Integrated 
closure 
management

Employee, 
community and 
asset security

Artisanal and  
small scale 
mining (legal 
and illegal)

Respecting  
human rights

Talent 
management 
and skills 
development

Navigating 
regulatory and 
political uncertainty  
and risk

Stakeholders and their related material issues

Stakeholder 

Related material issue

Employees

Investment community

Governments and regulators

Communities 

Industry partners and suppliers

Media 

Engaging with employees – 
mitigating safety risk, employee 
wellness and ensuring stable 
labour relations
AngloGold Ashanti’s approach to employee 
engagement is aimed at promoting good 
labour relations, increasing productivity 
and maintaining a focus on our strategic 
objectives. The wellbeing of all our employees 
and their safety is the foundation of who 
we are and how we conduct ourselves. Our 
company value – Safety is our first value – 
captures the importance of safety, which 
remains our top priority. 

We ensure that employee engagement is 
professional and respectful and in line with the 
laws and regulations that govern the mining 
sector in our various operational jurisdictions. 

Furthermore, good labour relations encourage 

a collaborative approach to problem-solving 

in the workplace. Our engagement, using 

a variety of approaches, emphasises and 

reinforces the importance of being safe 

in the workplace, and of complying with 

safety procedures and standards. It also 

encompasses wellness, employee security, 

and performance against our strategic 

objectives, as we work to create value for  

our stakeholders.

AngloGold Ashanti employees have a right 

to freedom of association and to collective 

bargaining. This is embedded within the 

Company and is embraced and viewed by 

management as central to effective labour 

relations at all operations, where the country’s 

regulations allow. 

29

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYSTAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND MATERIAL ISSUES CONTINUED

Key employee engagements in 2018:
•  South Africa region: engagement was 

•  There were no unresolved labour issues  

in 2018

aimed at informing relevant stakeholders 
about the restructuring process which 
is aimed at protecting the longer-term 
sustainability of the business and limit 
job losses. The process was completed 
reaching a balance between preserving 
local jobs while we focused on creating a 
smaller, more profitable production base. 
These engagements helped to mitigate 
forced retrenchments, limiting the 2,000 
retrenchments initially anticipated to 72. 
This was achieved by offering voluntary 
severance packages, and preserving jobs 
when selling some of the mines and the 
non-core assets, such as healthcare facilities 
and rail networks in the Vaal River area.

Additionally, during the year we concluded 
wage negotiations and signed a three-
year wage agreement with all employee 
representatives – the unions. The wage 
negotiations were concluded amicably 
without any strikes or disruptions to work 
and we managed to agree on a new shift 
arrangement. This shift arrangement 
was implemented in November 2018. 
For further information, see .

•  Continental Africa region: we successfully 

finalised wage negotiations at Siguiri in 
Guinea. We also concluded a compressed 
working week agreement with the union for 
implementation at Geita in Tanzania

•  Employee survey – we conduct this survey 
every two years to understand employees’ 
perceptions and views of the Company. 
The next survey is planned to be conducted 
during 2019. For more detail on this, see 
.

Engaging with the investment 
community – managing 
expectations, particularly against 
strategic objectives
Our investment community is geographically 
diverse and includes financiers and bond 
holders, analysts and the providers of 
capital – our shareholders and prospective 
investors. We conduct our engagement with 
the investment community regularly, in person 
and by email, at our interim and annual results 
presentations, via conference calls, site visits, 
investor conferences and at one-on-one 
meetings. We engage in a transparent manner, 
in compliance with JSE Listings Requirements 
and with the regulations of the various other 
exchanges on which we are listed, including 
the NYSE.

Engagement here includes reporting, which 
we do periodically or as and when there are 
new developments, either within the Company 
or in the markets which impact the Company. 
We report on our operational, financial and 
sustainability performance, our delivery 
on our strategic objectives, as well as on 

material matters that may have an impact our 
performance, such as regulatory and political 
risk, corporate activity by way of acquisitions 
or sales, other corporate transactions, labour 
unrest, and community matters, among others. 

We believe that open and transparent 
engagement can enhance the valuation and 
company credit ratings thus improving our 
access to capital. These engagements are 
necessarily proactive and inform investors 
on new developments, and more importantly 
they inform investor sentiment. In addition  
to reporting on our performance, not limited 
to these topics of engagement during the 
year were:

•  Safety – improved safety performance

•  South Africa region restructuring – 

finalisation of asset sales, operational 
turnaround, and outsourcing of non- 
core assets

•  Asset sale proposals in Mali and Argentina 

and sale of greenfields tenements in 
Colombia

•  Management and director changes – 

appointment of new CEO and non-executive 
directors

•  Silicosis update – issued notice on the 

court’s approval of the settlement agreement 
on silicosis and tuberculosis

•  Obuasi – start of mine redevelopment, 

signing of the five-year joint venture contract 
for underground development with Ghana’s 
local mining and engineering sector, and the 
first blast

•  Balance sheet – in October 2018, a new 
five-year $1.4bn multi-currency revolving 
credit facility was agreed with our banking 
syndicate (see the  for  
further detail on this and its effect on our 
liquidity position)

Brazil – Lamego

30

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYSTAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND MATERIAL ISSUES CONTINUED

•  Progress at our low-capital, high-return 

projects – Siguiri, Iduapriem, Geita, Kibali, 
Tropicana, and Sunrise Dam

•  Enhancing our internal systems and 
activities to meet the requirements of 
applicable regulatory changes

•  Exploration – progress made at our 

Colombia projects and registration of 
maiden Ore Reserve for the  
Quebradona project

In addition, we proactively engage with 
shareholders leading up to the annual general 
meeting to ensure understanding of the 
resolutions put out in the notice of meeting. 
See .

Engaging with governments and 
regulators – mitigating regulatory 
and political risk
We focus on maintaining good working 
relations with governmental authorities, 
appraising them of any new developments at 
our operations and projects, discussing key 
concerns within each operating jurisdiction. 
Our aim is to encourage regulatory certainty 
and create an environment conducive to the 
investment and development necessary for 
the long-term growth of the business and the 
respective countries, while remaining law-
abiding citizens. Our responses in navigating 
political and regulatory uncertainty are also 
informed by our Code of Ethics. In engaging 
with governments and regulators, our actions 
generally fall into one of three categories:

•  Engaging proactively in policy development, 
regulatory proposals and conflict resolution, 
seeking mutually beneficial and sustainable 
outcomes

•  Disputing and seeking recourse where we 
believe that we have been treated unfairly 
and/or outside of accepted regulatory 
prescripts

Conversely, governments engage with us as 
a mining company to ensure that the benefits 
of mining flow through to the state at national, 
local and community levels. In addition to 
job creation, taxes, royalties and investment, 
the benefits of mining at a local level include 
employment, skills development, local 
procurement and infrastructure and service 
development. They also engage with us to 
ensure and monitor regulatory compliance. 

During 2018, the following engagements took 
place with governments and regulators:

South Africa: We engaged with the regulators 
on the Reviewed Mining Charter and as 
part of the Working Group on Occupational 
Lung Disease which continues to engage the 
Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases 
(MBOD) and Compensation Commissioner 
for Occupational Diseases (CCOD), the 
government departments responsible for 
certifying and compensating mineworkers 
with OLD. For more detail on these see . We also engaged on 
the restructuring of the South Africa operations 
which included the sale of our Vaal River mines 
as well as the sale and/or outsourcing of non-

core assets. These engagements were held 
with local, provincial and national government.

•  Ghana: We engaged with the Government 
of Ghana throughout the year and secured 
the necessary agreements and permits to 
enable us to begin the redevelopment of 
Obuasi. The relevant fiscal and development 
agreements, and environmental permits were 
granted, and signed by the Government of 
Ghana. All these agreements were ratified by 
Ghana’s parliament in June 2018. For further 
detail, see the .

•  Tanzania: Following legislative changes, 

we continued to seek engagement with the 
government of Tanzania to obtain clarity 
regarding the new laws and regulations. 
The changes apply to those companies 
that have in place long-standing mine 
development agreements. Arbitration 
proceedings began in July 2017. AngloGold 
Ashanti’s focus remains to pursue 
collaborative dialogue with the government 
of Tanzania. The arbitration proceedings 
have been suspended until July 2019 

•  DRC: We are working with our joint venture 

partner – Randgold Resources, now 
Barrick Gold Corporation – and peers in the 
industry in that country to lobby against the 
implementation of a proposed New Mining 
Code. Meetings took place throughout 
2018, between the then President, Joseph 
Kabange Kabila, and mining industry 
representatives. See  for more on this.

31

Australia – Tropicana

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYSTAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND MATERIAL ISSUES CONTINUED

•  Australia: We engage with the Government 

in Australia, with which we have a 
collaborative working relationship. We are 
currently planning a deep diamond drilling 
programme where, one kilometre to the 
south of Sunrise Dam, targets will be 
tested with in a programme partially funded 
by the Western Australian Government’s 
Exploration Incentive Scheme 

Engaging with communities – 
managing expectations, upholding 
human rights and ensuring security 
of assets and the community

Our community engagement aims to establish 
mutually beneficial partnerships with host 
communities for shared value creation. We are 
also driven by the need to maintain our  
social licence to operate, which is core to 
how we work with our host communities and 
conduct business.

We are guided by our global Engagement 
Management Standard that requires each 
operation to prepare and implement a 
community engagement strategy that is, 
among others, forward-looking and identifies 
potential areas of concern to stakeholders. 
We have local economic development 
programmes, run in partnership with local 
governments and host communities. These 
contribute to economic growth, stimulate 
income-generating opportunities, create 
employment, and aim to nurture sustainable 
livelihoods beyond the life of mine. 

Our proactive engagement is focused on 
ensuring that we work with governments in 
relation to their service delivery responsibilities 
to communities and society at large. For more 
information on our material issue, contributing 
to self-sustaining communities, see the .  

The following community engagement took 
place in 2018:

•  South Africa: the restructuring of our 

South African operations and sale of certain 
mines. In addition to the related employee 
and government engagement discussed 
previously, we also engaged with local 
communities (NPOs, NGOs and youth), 
small, medium and micro enterprises as 
well as those local municipalities in host 
communities affected and major labour-
sending areas. We continued with the 
roll-out of agreed social and labour plan 
programmes and related community 
development projects.

•  Ghana: Post-year end in January 2019, 
community and traditional leadership 
attended the official launch of the 
redevelopment of Obuasi. In line with our 
commitments to the Government of Ghana 
and the local community, we will focus 
on and promote Ghanaian participation in 
this redevelopment. This focus includes 
the recruitment of Ghanaians which has 
commenced, both locally and off-shore, 
as many Ghanaians work globally. Where 
we have imported specialist operational 
managerial and technical skills, we have 

identified Ghanaian successors who will be 
developed throughout the project.

is carried out by a training provider and 

indigenous mining contractor Carey Mining 

• Australia: At Tropicana, we ran a unique 
entry-level opportunity for indigenous 
people in Western Australia’s goldfields 
region during the year. Participants were 
taken on a pre-employment mining 
programme for traineeships in the mining 
and geology departments. The programme 

in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti 

Australia and the mining contractor 

at Tropicana. It is intended that the 

programme will run again in 2019. The 

programme was commended in the 

Western Australia Parliament by the 

Minister for Regional Development.

Colombia – Gramalote

32

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYSTAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND MATERIAL ISSUES CONTINUED

Engaging industry partners and 
suppliers – working on long-term 
partnerships, empowering the local 
population
We collaborate with our peers in the sector 
and industry bodies on engagement on 
various matters with governments, labour and 
other key stakeholders. This includes coming 
up with solutions to either sector or industry 
challenges, and on any new developments 
to promote the future of the industry. These 
industry partners include the World Gold 
Council, the International Council on Mining 
and Metals (ICMM), the Extractive Industries 
Transparency Initiative (EITI), Business Unity 
South Africa (BUSA), Business Leadership 
South Africa (BLSA), This is Gold, the 
Occupational Lung Disease (OLD) working 
group, and the Minerals Council South Africa 
(Minerals Council), previously the Chamber of 
Mines of South Africa.

During the year engagement included:

•  Industry partners: We engage regularly 
with the Minerals Council and Chamber 
of Mines in the various regions in which 
we operate. In South Africa, we focused 
primarily on negotiations related to the 
Reviewed Mining Charter, the gold sector 
wage negotiations, which ended with the 
signing of a three-year wage agreement, 
and continued work on occupational lung 
disease (for more details on this see ). 

•  Working Group on Occupational Lung 

Disease: Collaboration continued within the 
Gold Working Group on OLD and with other 
key stakeholders to agree a comprehensive 
solution to silicosis litigation and related 
statutory compensation. See also  for more information 
on work done on this.

•  Suppliers: AngloGold Ashanti always 

endeavours to have suppliers apply our 
business ethics and values. Our supplier 
Code of Conduct encourages all our 
suppliers, including contractors, to align 
their businesses with our internal policies 
and codes of ethical behaviour, particularly 
on human rights practices, labour relations 
and employment practices, the environment, 
our anti-bribery and corruption policies, and 
safety procedures, policies and standards. 
Our approach with suppliers involves 
ensuring responsible environmental, social 
and governance (ESG) practices are carried 
out by those we associate and/or do 
business with. Suppliers are assessed on 
their governance conduct in addition  
to their socio-economic behaviour. In 2018 
we also rolled out the application of the 
supplier assessment questionnaire which 
covers safety, environment, human rights, 
and governance, including anti-corruption 
matters. We are currently in the process 
of developing screening tools that can be 
applied at site level to risk-rate existing  
and potential suppliers for further due 
diligence investigation.

In addition, we work closely with suppliers to 
promote local procurement, transformation 
and capacity building. For example, in the 
redevelopment of Obuasi, in line with our 
commitments to the Government in Ghana 
and the community there, we awarded a 
five-year mining contract to the Underground 
Mining Alliance, a joint venture between 
Australia’s AUMS and Ghana’s Rocksure. The 
contract will employ and train approximately 
550 Ghanaians.

Engaging with the media – 
complements and supplements 
engagement with many other 
stakeholders
Our media engagement is transparent, 
covers a range of matters, and facilitates 
understanding of AngloGold Ashanti’s 
activities, and promotes accurate reporting 
and constructive relationships with other 
stakeholders. Engagement with the media 
augments and underpins communication with 
other stakeholders such as communities, 
investors and government, and other 
interested stakeholders. 

Successful media engagement is fundamental 
to ensuring accurate representation and 
understanding of the Company, management 
of our reputation and our credibility, and 
maintenance of our social licence to operate. 
It can be used to address speculation and 
misinformation in the public domain.

33

South Africa – Mponeng

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES

AngloGold Ashanti’s risk management 
process aims to strike a balance 
between mitigating and minimising 
our risks, and maximising the 
potential reward. A structured internal 
risk management process is in place 
to identify risks, while simultaneously 
taking into account the views and 
interests of our stakeholders.

The Audit and Risk Committee, which 
oversees risk management on behalf of 
the board, receives regular risk-related 
feedback from operational management. The 
committee regularly reviews and assesses 
all risk-related information and governance 
structures, ensuring that the roles and 
accountability for identifying, managing, 
mitigating, reporting and escalating risks and 
opportunities are clearly defined. The board 
has ultimate responsibility for managing and 
reducing risks and for realising value from 
opportunities. 

The risk management process supports 
delivery of our strategic objectives and 
provides a platform for identifying risks and 
opportunities. We continuously adapt to 
the ever-changing environment in which we 
operate and ensure that AngloGold Ashanti is 
positioned to alleviate and reduce risks and to 
take advantage of opportunities identified so 
as to enable sustained value creation.

Identifying and monitoring our risks and opportunities

Our risks and opportunities are identified, quantified and monitored 
with input from senior management to ensure accountability. 
They are reviewed quarterly, or more often as required, based 
on developments in our operating environment. The relevant risk 
owners are consulted to confirm status of risks and opportunities 
in terms of severity and likelihood, to ensure alignment with regular 
independent assessments.

Monitoring and reporting 

Risks and 
opportunities are  
identified with 
input from 
business units 
with the Executive 
Committee having 
accountability.

•  Board through respective 

committees (quarterly) and as part  
of the board strategy sessions

•  Audit and Risk Committee 

(quarterly)

•  Executive Committee  

(monthly review)

•  Operations: mine sites, etc  

(regularly/as required)

34

Tanzania – Geita

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

Our top 10 risks 2018-2019
The risks tabulated below are the top ten risks for the AngloGold Ashanti group as at the end 
of January 2019, ranked from highest to lowest in order of magnitude. The previously reported 
ranking is in parentheses. 

The top group risks are depicted in a ‘heat map’ below that plots the severity and likelihood of the 
top risks. 

A summary and explanation of our top 10 risks is given in the table overleaf.

Top group risks heat map 

Nature of risk
Strategic

Operational

External

Rank: 

(Previous)

Potential risk:

1 (1)
2 (2)
3 (5)
4 (4)
5 (3) 

6 (7)

7 (9)
8 (–)
9 (–)
10 (–)

Elevated political and country risk profile in core production areas 

Operational underperformance negatively impacting improved track record

Delivery of growth projects 

Adverse gold and commodity prices and currency movements

Cost competitiveness

Inability to develop projects and bring Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource  
to account

Critical skills and talent retention

Future regulatory implications for industry from the Vale tailings dam failure in Brazil

Failure to comply with local economic development requirements

Implications of industry consolidation impacting our divestment strategy

(–) indicates new group risk

Political

1

Y
T
I
R
E
V
E
S

Regulatory implications
of tailings dam failure

8

10

Divestment impediments

Local economic
development

9

Growth projects

7

Skills

4

3

Commodity prices
and currencies

2

Operational 
underperformance

5

Cost competitiveness

6

Ore Reserve and
Mineral Resource

LIKELIHOOD

Mali – Sadiola

35

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

Risk oversight and responsibility by board committee

Risk 

Nature of risk

Strategic objectives impacted

Responsible board committee

Strategic objectives

Elevated political and country risk profile  
in core production areas 

External 

Operational underperformance  
negatively impacting improved track record

Operational 

Social, Ethics and Sustainability Committee

Audit and Risk Committee

Audit and Risk Committee

Delivery of growth projects 

Strategic

Investment Committee

Adverse gold and commodity prices  
and currency movements

External

Cost competitiveness

Strategic

Inability to develop projects and bring  
the Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource 
to account

Strategic

Critical skills and talent retention

Operational

Regulatory implications for industry of 
the Vale tailings dam failure in Brazil

Operational 

Failure to comply with local economic 
development requirements

External

Implications of industry consolidation 
impacting our divestment strategy

External

Audit and Risk Committee

Investment Committee

Audit and Risk Committee

Investment Committee

Investment Committee

Social, Ethics and Sustainability Committee

Remuneration Committee

Social, Ethics and Sustainability Committee

Social, Ethics and Sustainability Committee

Investment Committee

36

Focus on people, safety,  
and sustainability 

Ensure financial  
flexibility 

Optimise overhead, costs  
and capital expenditure 

Improve portfolio quality 

Maintain long-term optionality 

Given its role to 
support value creation, 
the board has 
ultimate responsibility 
for oversight and 
management of risks 
and their impacts

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY  
 
   
       
  
  
    
    
    
 
    
    
  
    
    
    
    
    
    
   
    
   
   
 
   
  
MANAGING OUR RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

Mitigation of top ten group risks 2018-2019

Risk

Potential consequences

Mitigation developments and actions

1.  Elevated political and 
country risk profile in 
core production areas

•  Regulatory uncertainty

•  Increased tax and royalties

•  Adverse impact on our business plans

•  Adverse impact of market capitalisation

•  Increased operational costs

•  Reduced cash flow

•  Reputational damage – continued scrutiny from 

governments, international NGOs and communities 

•  Political instability 

•  Compromised employee safety and security

Tanzania 

•  In July 2017, the Government of Tanzania passed  
into law a new legal framework for the country’s 

extractive industries

•  Ongoing stakeholder engagement with greater focus on government structures, local community and non-

governmental organisations (NGOs)

•  Exploring opportunities for inclusive engagement and broader collaboration with NGOs (activists)

•  Continuous monitoring of legislative/political landscape conducted in anticipation of any negative impact  

on business

•  Use of joint venture alliances, including host country partnerships, in line with host country regulatory requirements 

•  Applying arbitration proceedings under rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law – a 

precautionary measure to safeguard AngloGold Ashanti assets in Tanzania

•  Continued engagement with key stakeholders on our position, including government, business, media  

•  Working capital lock-up as VAT is not being refunded

and communities

•  Ensuring compliance with legislation in conjunction with the Mining Development Agreement (MDA)

South Africa 

•  Regulatory uncertainty around the new 2018  

•  Restructuring of the South African asset base was completed after a collaborative effort with key stakeholders 

Mining Charter 

•  Potential protracted labour disputes

•  Widespread allegations of corruption in State  

owned entities

•  Full compliance with the Labour Relations Act and the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) 

•  Security/operational readiness for any potential labour/community unrest

•  Working towards compliance with the new 2018 Mining Charter targets – required by 31 March 2020

•  The Minerals Council South Africa filed an application for judicial review of certain clauses of the new 2018  

Mining Charter

37

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

Risk

Potential consequences

Mitigation developments and actions

1.  Elevated political and 
country risk profile in 
core production areas 
continued

DRC 

•  Political instability 

•  Regulatory uncertainty

•  Adoption of the 2018 Mining Law introduces several 
amendments to the 2002 Mining Code which are 

•  The elections have been relatively peaceful compared to the 2006 and 2011 elections which were  

marred by violence. 

•  Continuous engagement with government through the joint venture partner (Barrick) on fiscal stability

•  An alternative structure has been tabled to the government consisting of an article 220 decree, aimed at 

unfavourable to holders of existing mining titles and 

preserving historic rights

which breach the stability guarantee

•  VAT refund agreement signed with the DRC Tax Administration in 2018 permitting AngloGold Ashanti to offset the 

amount of tax credits eligible for repayment against other payments to government

2.  Operational 

•  Unsustainable, loss-making operations resulting in 

•  Further improvements in the delivery on business plans and operating margins

underperformance 
negatively impacting 
improved track record

reduced cash flow and decreased liquidity

•  Drive Operational Excellence programmes to improve productivity, efficiency and improve costs structures towards 

•  Reduced earnings, uncertain delivery on targets and 

the targeted quantile in line with the Operational Excellence initiatives

disproportionate penalty on share price

South Africa

•  Decline in investor confidence

•  Credit ratings impact

•  Restricted ability to invest in strategic growth and 

development projects

•  Eskom power supply interruptions could potentially 

aggravate operational underperformance in the South 

Africa region

•  Proceeds from the sales of Kopanang and Moab Khotsong used to reduce debt to improve liquidity

•  TauTona and Savuka placed into orderly closure

•  New shift arrangements implemented at Mponeng to improve face time and associated production, safety  

and cost efficiencies

•  Implementation of a safe production strategy continues to remove people from danger and to create more flexibility 

in mining plans

•  Long-term research will be conducted under the auspices of the Mine Health and Safety Council to provide further 

insights into and improve seismicity-related risks

•  Short-term rand gold hedge to protect cash flow in the South Africa region

•  Cost management efforts continue, aimed at ensuring structures are appropriately resized for the  

smaller production base

•  AngloGold Ashanti’s representation on Eskom’s Energy Intensive User Group

38

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

Risk

Potential consequences

Mitigation developments and actions

3.  Delivery of growth 

Ghana – Obuasi

projects

•  Inability to bring the Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource 

•  Obuasi redevelopment project provides a potential tier one asset that has an all-in sustaining cost that is lower than 

to account

the average for the group 

•  Adverse socio-economic stakeholder impact and 

•  The investment development agreement (stability agreement); reclamation security agreement and security 

reputational damage

agreement which maintains law and order, have been signed-off and ratified by the Ghana parliament

•  This is key growth project. It is critical that it is  

•  Underground mining contract awarded with first blast delivered in February 2019

delivered on time and on budget

•  Recruitment of key personnel well advanced and in line with the labour plan submitted to and approved by the 

Minerals Commission

•  A local employment procedure in place to address employment concerns of host communities on the concession

•  First gold pour expected at the end of 2019

•  Obuasi has a large Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource and it is anticipated that these will be successfully developed

Colombia

•  Project delays will adversely impact investment or 

Quebradona Project

project returns

•  Use of constitutional right to engage in popular 
consultations to circumvent an array of public  

and private projects/programmes is creating  

investment uncertainty

•  Maiden Ore Reserve of 1.26Mt (2.8bn lb) of copper and 2.22Moz of gold declared

•  Progressing to feasibility study phase in 2019 and early 2020

Gramalote Project

•  Continue to advance Gramalote projects up the value curve

La Colosa

•  Declared force majeure at La Colosa depending on legal advice and assessment of scope, consequences and costs 

of each option

•  Duration of care and maintenance or force majeure to be assessed – currently estimated at least three years

•  Following the outcome of a popular consultation vote, all voluntary social spend is to be terminated

South Africa – Mponeng

•  Failure to develop projects places the existing Ore 

•  Mponeng life-of-mine extension project has been delayed to 2021 

Reserve and our ability to turn our Ore Reserve and 

Mineral Resource to account

•  Greater emphasis placed on off-mine overhead allocated cost component where further synergies need to be 

achieved, focusing on non-labour elements to reduce infrastructure and footprint and thus Mponeng’s  

overhead cost

39

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

Risk

Potential consequences

Mitigation developments and actions

4.  Adverse gold and 

•  Inadequate free cash flow/liquidity impacting our  

•  Streamlining the business by selling non-core assets to focus on core assets and enhance cost competitiveness

commodity prices, and 
currency movements

credit ratings

•  Maintain capital allocation discipline and efficiency improvements

•  Inability to develop strategic growth and development 

projects to bring the Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource 

to account

•  Lower market capitalisation

•  Need to recapitalise the company at distressed equity 

prices and in poor market conditions 

•  Credit ratings impact

•  A sustained period of significant gold price volatility 

may adversely affect our ability to evaluate the feasibility 

of undertaking new capital projects, the continuity of 

existing operations and their ability to meet operational 

targets, or to make other long-term strategic decisions

•  Maintain focus on cost and capital discipline to deliver competitive all-in sustaining costs

•  Maintain long-term sustainability and optionality by ensuring our pipeline of opportunities is continuously replenished

•  Further reduce our annual interest bill

•  Further deleverage the balance sheet

•  Manage input costs to the extent possible

•  Focus on execution of Operational Excellence initiatives to counter inflation and improve margins

•  Entered short-term rand gold hedge to protect cash flow in the South Africa region

Colombia – La Colosa

40

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

Risk

Potential consequences

Mitigation developments and actions

5.  Cost competitiveness

•  Reduced profit margins owing to high cost  

•  Drive Operational Excellence programmes to improve productivity and efficiency

of production

•  Exiting assets in Mali and Argentina with a view to focusing limited capital and resources on other parts of the 

•  Operational underperformance leading to failure to 

portfolio that generate or have the potential to generate higher returns

achieve business plans, develop strategic growth and 

development projects to bring the Ore Reserve and 

•  Redevelopment of Obuasi and other lower cost projects

Mineral Resource to account

•  Drive Colombian assets up the value curve

•  Monitoring cost competitiveness is key to achieving 

•  Exploration focus as a key source for new ounces

profit and cash flow targets to maintain our credit and 

investment ratings 

•  Organisational design that is fit for purpose in the 

context of the desired business portfolio

•  Increased management efforts to focus on capital optimisation, capital efficiency and allocation to these assets that 

will generate maximum returns 

6.  Inability to develop 

•  Ore Reserve write-down and possible decline in  

•  Focused project management to deliver projects on budget and schedule

projects to bring the Ore 
Reserve and Mineral 
Resource to account

market capitalisation 

•  Impairments and lower future earnings per share

•  Reduced production profile and business plan

•  Loss of tenements

•  Allocating capital and other resources to those assets that generate or have the potential to generate higher returns

•  Robust business planning, portfolio optimisation and considered feasibility studies to withstand potential risks

•  Focused exploration on Mineral Resources near existing assets

•  Focused greenfields exploration processes targeting new discoveries in Nevada, Minnesota and Australia (Butcher 

•  Premature mine closure or mothballing of operations

Well joint venture)

7.   Critical skills and talent 

•  Failure to execute and deliver on strategic objectives

•  Remuneration based on competitive, market-related salaries and benefits

retention

•  Potential impact on productivity and safety levels

•  Short- and long-term incentive schemes to provide financial and non-financial benefits

•  Increased labour costs

•  Global performance management system, aligning roles with strategic plans

•  Depending on the skills or talent lost – potential impact 

•  Implementation of integrated talent management and succession planning process across the business, with an 

on market confidence

increased coverage ratio for critical skills

•  Insufficient talent and succession planning

•  Continue Chairman’s Young Leaders programme (emerging talent pool) to aid development of a healthy talent 

•  Higher cost of retention

•  Failure to meet localisation targets

pipeline for future leadership positions

•  Update CEO’s talent pool and succession/development plans

•  Increase training capacity for scarce artisan’s skills where required

•  In South Africa, the employee transition framework includes a retention strategy that involves a tailored approach  

to ensure critical skills are available when needed

41

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

Risk

Potential consequences

Mitigation developments and actions

8.  Future regulatory 

•  Adverse socio-economic stakeholder impact and 

•  Tailings management framework, standards and guidelines in place to deal with TSF risks at operational, regional, 

implications for the 
industry from the Vale 
tailings dam failure in 
Brazil

reputational damage

corporate and external review perspectives:

•  Environmental licensing processes for mining companies 
are expected to be extremely difficult, especially those 

involving tailings storage facilities (TSFs)

•  Significant changes expected in federal and state 

regulations, as well as much more intense regulatory 

scrutiny and control of TSFs and cost increases 

associated with inspecting, maintaining and 

constructing TSFs

•  Significantly increased pressure from local communities 

and elevated risk to the social licence to operate

•  Certain types of TSFs may be prohibited and this may 
result in operational restrictions until alternative facilities 

can be constructed

•   Operational level – responsible for management of day-to-day operation of TSF

•   Regional level – providing technical guidance to operations, conducting quarterly inspections and monitoring 

implementation of recommendations

•   Corporate level – conducting TSF audits annually or bi-annually

•   Annual independent third-party reviews of TSFs 

Brazil
•  Created a multidisciplinary group to manage the demands and alternatives studies

•  Technical study of LOM versus different scenarios of TSF/licences availabilities

•  Technical study of alternatives to minimise TSF usage or replace the current process in the short term

•  Increase communication with employees, communities and external media-on-demand 

9.  Failure to comply 

•  Adverse regulatory response

•  Developed local economic development and procurement framework and guidelines 

with local economic 

development 

requirements

•  Suspension of licence due to non-compliance

•  Focus on sharing of economic benefits between the Company and other stakeholders in the country

•  Failure to achieve strategic growth business plan and 
development projects to bring the Ore Reserve and 

Mineral Resource to account

•  Strategic contracts awarded to local suppliers in 2018

•  Strive to meet local content requirements throughout the portfolio

10.  Implications of 

industry consolidation 

•  These developments may result in sales processes not 
realising full value, sale process may be convoluted or 

impacting our 

may not eventuate in a sale

divestment strategy

•  Potential intention by industry peers to sell assets is 
generating excess of gold assets available for sale 

•  Merger activity within the gold mining industry points to 
benefits of scale, liquidity, improved jurisdictional profile 

on core assets creating top tier differentiation

•  Focused on organic opportunities to create value over acquisition options

•  Revised ranking for investment opportunities based on returns and affordability with respect to maintaining leverage 

ratios at or around targeted levels as well as improving returns to shareholders

•  Focused exploration on ore sources near existing assets

•  Targeting new discoveries in Nevada and Minnesota in the United States and the Butcher Well joint  

venture in Australia

•  Drive Colombian assets up the value curve

•  Identify suitable joint venture partnerships and alternative sources of funding

•  Asset sale processes have been accelerated

42

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES CONTINUED

Opportunities 
We recognise that identifying and managing opportunities is an important component of risk 
management. We identify suitable opportunities – endeavouring to exploit, harness and/or 
maximise them – with the aim of creating value by mitigating our risks. This table lists our key 
opportunities along with the strategy for each.

Top group opportunities

Type

Opportunity

Related strategic action

Strategic

Obuasi

•  First gold by the end of 2019

•  Full scale production by 2020

•  Planning for local content and a smooth transition

Type

Opportunity

Related strategic action

Strategic 
continued

Renewed optimism and 

•  Negotiate fair and sustainable wage agreement and 

potential for mining regulatory 

shift arrangements (South Africa)

certainty in South Africa

•  Implement and influence Mining Charter

•  Advance Mponeng Phase 2 feasibility study

Business planning and portfolio 

•  Sound business planning with top-down goals 

optimisation processes

•  Portfolio optimisation and revise fit for  

purposes structures

Disciplined approach to growth

•  Continue with disciplined investment to ensure 

Streamlining the portfolio

•  Initiated processes to sell the Company’s interest in 

pipeline of brownfields and greenfields expansions 

•  Maintain diversified portfolio capable of withstanding 

“single jurisdiction / operation” shocks

Cerro Vanguardia in Argentina 

•  Initiated processes to sell the Company’s interests in 

Sadiola mine in Mali.

Greenfields exploration

•  Focused on ore sources near existing assets 

Operational

Improving production mix

•  Improved efficiencies and mine plan changes driven 

•  Generative all-in costs per metre improved by 32% 

over three-year average

•  Targeting new discoveries in Nevada and Minnesota 
in the United States and in Australia (Butcher Well)

Brownfields exploration

•  Focus on Ore Reserve and Mineral Resource 

replacement

•  Strong focus on sites with shorter Ore Reserve lives

•  Notable growth at Geita and Sunrise Dam

Stakeholder relations 

•  Enhanced engagement model to build strong 

stakeholder relationships

Colombia

•  Progress Quebradona and Gramalote projects up the 

value curve

•  Advance engagements at La Colosa and lift  

force majeure

•  Sell tenements outside of key projects to focus efforts 
on key projects while retaining upside participation

43

through operational excellence initiatives 

•  Inward investment into high-return projects

Benefits from increase in 

•  Actively improve the quality of the portfolio 

gold price enhanced by cost 

reduction

•  Focus on margins through initiatives to improve all-in 
sustaining costs and all-in costs, through Operational 
Excellence initiatives 

•  Improve leverage to the gold price

Pursuing key growth 

•  Focused brownfields exploration activities 

opportunities for our asset 

portfolio

•  Prefeasibility studies for life-of-mine extensions and 

improved recoveries 

South African business 

•  Transformed loss-making portfolio into more focused, 

transformation

profitable and sustainable business

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYCFO’s REVIEW

AngloGold Ashanti recorded another 
solid performance in 2018, making 
steady progress on strategic efforts 
to improve the quality of its portfolio, 
strengthen its balance sheet and 
advance value-enhancing options in 
its project pipeline. 

Christine Ramon
Chief Financial Officer

Financial highlights of the year 
under review include:

Key guidance metrics met or exceeded 
for the sixth consecutive year 

All-in sustaining costs (AISC) decreased 
by 7% to $976/oz in 2018 from  
$1,054/oz in 2017 

Adjusted EBITDA of $1.48bn despite 
asset sales and a flat gold price 

Headline earnings per share increased 
to 53c in 2018, from 6c in 2017 

Free cash flow improved significantly  
to $67m from $1m in 2017 

Dividend of ZAR 95 cents per share 
(approximately 7 US cents per share) 
declared 

Net debt down 17% to $1.66bn in 2018 
from $2bn in 2017 with the Net debt to 
Adjusted EBITDA ratio lower at  
1.12 times 

Maintaining a reliable track record of predictable,  
rational behaviour as custodians of shareholder  
capital is central to our approach.

Group performance 
AngloGold Ashanti’s cash flows and earnings 
showed steady growth over 2018, and for 
the sixth consecutive year, production, capital 
and all cost guidance metrics were met or 
improved upon.

Cash flows from the business continue to 
improve. Adjusted EBITDA in 2018 remained 
steady at $1,480m, versus $1,483m in 2017, 
as a result of a flat gold price and lower costs, 
despite a 355,000oz drop in production 
following the sale and orderly closure of  
Moab Khotsong, Kopanang and TauTona in 
South Africa. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) of 
$976/oz in 2018, compared to $1,054/oz in 
2017, were below the low end of the guidance 
range, progressing the shift towards the 
bottom end of the industry cost curve. 

the Obuasi mine, a transformational  
project for AngloGold Ashanti and Ghana,  
also commenced.

In addition, the balance sheet was strengthened 
after debt was further reduced and the US$1bn 
and A$500m revolving credit facilities were 
refinanced extending the maturity date by 
five years. Furthermore, progress was made 
on self-funded brownfields projects aimed at 
sustainably improving mine lives and margins. 
Exploration, which remains a cornerstone of 
the business, delivered another strong result, 
as the maiden Ore Reserve for the Quebradona 
project in Colombia was registered. The efforts 
of the exploration programme contributed to 
the gold Ore Reserve of 4.3Moz and Mineral 
Resource of 4.5Moz for the year ended  
31 December 2018. 

The restructuring of the South African asset 
base was completed after a collaborative effort 
with key stakeholders. The redevelopment of 

Strategic priorities
Maintaining a reliable track record of 
predictable, rational behaviour as custodians 

44

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYCFO’s REVIEW CONTINUED

of shareholder capital is central to our 
approach. Capital allocation will remain 
disciplined and focused on improving value 
creation without placing financial or operating 
risk on the business. This model does 
not prioritise scale, but rather focuses on 
margin and free cash flow improvement in a 
sustainable manner to improve direct returns 
to shareholders over time. 

Given AngloGold Ashanti’s current valuation 
and the suite of opportunities available 
within its existing portfolio and project 
pipeline. AngloGold Ashanti favours organic 
opportunities to create value, over those 
available through acquisition. Our equity 
remains an important asset that should be 
protected while efforts are undertaken to close 
the considerable valuation gap that exists with 
global industry peers. Within this framework, 
we will target returns of at least 15% through 
the cycle, using conservative discount rates 
that account for specific jurisdictional and 
operating risks. 

the full suite of financing opportunities available 
when determining whether to proceed with an 
investment, notably partnerships, asset sales 
and project financing. 

AngloGold Ashanti places a premium on 
a clear and uncompromising method of 
allocating capital. This means that certain 
investments may not be made if the returns 
they offer rank below other available 
opportunities within the portfolio. For example, 
given fiscal uncertainty related to the Sadiola 
sulphide project, the Company and IAMGOLD 
Corporation initiated a process last year to 
identify third parties that may be interested in 
acquiring their collective interest in Sadiola. 
In addition, a process to divest the Cerro 
Vanguardia mine in Argentina commenced 
subsequent to year-end. As with Mali, 
Argentina has been an excellent jurisdiction 
for the Company for almost two decades but 
with competing demands for limited capital, 
another owner may be better placed to invest 
in extending the life of these assets. 

Preserving the integrity of the balance sheet 
is fundamental to the long-term health of the 
business and enforces disciplined decision-
making in allocating capital. This means that the 
Company will rank and prioritise its investments, 
assessing them not only on their returns 
but also on their affordability with respect 
to maintaining leverage ratios at or around 
targeted levels as well as improving returns to 
its shareholders. Importantly, the Company will 
weigh these competing priorities and consider 

In South Africa, the difficult but necessary 
work of restructuring the loss-making portfolio 
into a smaller business was completed, 
recently returning these assets to generating 
free cash flow. To protect the cash flows of 
the South African region from rand gold price 
risk for 2019, a short-term rand gold hedge 
was entered into on a zero cost collar basis 
at a floor of R545,000/kg and an average cap 
of R725,500/kg for 300,000oz of our South 
African gold production. 

45

Margin improvement continues
We continue to focus our efforts on driving 
operational excellence and cost efficiency 
across our business, regardless of the gold 
price environment in which we operate and 
over which we have no control.

Our clear aim of improving margins by 
focusing on the controllable factors in our 
business, through Operational Excellence, 
assisted us to achieve a healthy AISC margin 
of 23%, a strong improvement on the prior 
year margin of 16%.

Balance sheet strategy to enforce 
capital discipline
Our balance sheet strategy continues to 
enforce capital discipline, with net debt at 
$1.659bn, the lowest level since 2012 and 
17% lower than last year. Our net debt to 
adjusted EBITDA ratio of 1.12 times reflects 
ample headroom to our 3.5 times debt 
covenant. Liquidity remains strong, providing 
good flexibility in a volatile climate. 

The refinancing of the $1bn and A$500m 
revolving credit facilities into a $1.4bn single 

All-in sustaining costs vs. gold price
($/oz)

Reinvestment

1,300

14%
margin

1,100

900

700

2013

19%
margin

21%
margin

21%
margin

16%
margin

23%
margin

Restructuring

Continuous improvement

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

AISC*

Average gold price

* World Gold Council standard, excludes stockpiles write-off

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYCFO’s REVIEW CONTINUED

Net debt
($m)
4,000

Undrawn facilities* 
(at 31 December 2018)

Net debt to adjusted EBITDA
(times)
4

Self-funded development 
of Tropicana, Kibali

-47%

c.$2.12bn

•  ZAR facilities  R4.750bn

•  $ RCFs** 

$1,457m

•  Cash 

$329m

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

*   Total calculated with ZAR facility at R14.3473/$ (excluding
    DMTNP), and A$ facility at 0.70492 to A$ 
** $1.4bn RCF includes a capped facility of A$500m

3,000

2,000

1,000

multicurrency facility was concluded in the 
fourth quarter of 2018, resulting in the only 
near-term maturity being the $700m bonds 
maturing in April 2020. With the US dollar 
facility undrawn and significant cash balances 
at year-end, we have flexibility in deciding on 
refinancing options for the bond.

For a gold-producing company such as 
AngloGold Ashanti, which produces a single, 
cyclical commodity in an increasingly  
complex global operating environment, it 
is our view that over time, lower levels of 
debt will translate into lower risk and added 
strategic flexibility. 

this new target is achievable, even as we 

invest inward, pay dividends to shareholders 

subject to approval by the board of directors 

and service debt obligations. 

A lower net debt to adjusted EBITDA target 

signals our intention to further deleverage the 

balance sheet on a self-funded basis, whilst 

keeping our capital allocation framework intact. 

This means making wise capital investments 

on both brownfields and greenfields projects, 

whilst maintaining our current dividend policy.  

We remain strongly levered both to the gold 

Covenant 3.5 times

1.0 times
New target 
through the cycle

1.12 times

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

3

2

1

0

*   Last 12 months Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio

Free cash flow generation  
(Adjusted FCF) 
1,000

800

600

400

200

0

(200)

(400)

(600)

(800)

(1,000)

(1,200)

155

821

(666)

2012

703

(1,064)

(361)

2013

Continued positive cash flow 
momentum
We continue to follow a balanced approach, 
i.e. positive free cash flow generation while 
reinvesting in our portfolio. 

Our dividend policy remains to pay out 10% of 
free cash flow, before growth capital, subject 
to the approval of the board. Our dividend 
policy represents a key element of our capital 
allocation policy, namely a dividend as a 
‘royalty’ owed to shareholders from the surplus 
cash generated by the business, before any 
investment in growth is pursued.

391

249

142

371 (1)

169

202

424 (2)

116

308

278 (4)

150
128

174 (3)

124

50

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

price and currencies and we expect cash  

Pre-growth capex

Adjusted free cash flow generation

Taking this into account, the Company is now 
targeting a lower net debt to adjusted EBITDA 
ratio of 1.0 times through the cycle, down from 
the previous target of 1.5 times. We believe 

flow generation across the business to 

continue to benefit from prevailing market 

conditions as well as from efficiency 

improvements in our business.

(1)  Adjusted for bond redemption premium of $61m on part settlement of $1.25bn high-yield bonds; for Obuasi redundancy costs of $210m 

and 2014 Rand Refinery loan of $44m

(2)  Adjusted for bond redemption premium of $30m on settlement of remaining $1.25bn high-yield bonds
(3)  Adjusted for SA retrenchment costs paid of c.$49m
(4)  Adjusted for SA retrenchment costs paid of c.$61m

46

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
Australia – Tropicana

CFO’s REVIEW CONTINUED

Free cash flow before growth capital was 
$217m (2017: $125m). The board has 
exercised its discretion by adjusting the metric 
of free cash flow before growth capital to 
take into account the abnormal South African 
retrenchment payments of $61m (2017: $49m) 
and has approved a dividend of 95 ZAR cents 
or approximately ~7 US cents per share (2017: 
70 ZAR cents or 6 US cents per share).

The continuation of the dividend is a reflection 
of our capital discipline and commitment to 
improving shareholder returns on the back 
of sustainable free cash flow generation. 
Importantly, we will maintain adequate balance 
sheet flexibility and utilise our cash flows and 
available facilities to fund our ongoing capital 
and operational requirements. 

Delivery against 2018 financial 
objectives
1.  Maintain our focus on cost and capital 
discipline to deliver competitive all-in 
sustaining costs and all-in costs 
 The group continued yet again to focus on 
sustainably reducing the cost associated 
with producing gold. AISC for the year 
ended at $976/oz, a 7% decrease from 
2017 at $1,054/oz. 

2.  Continue to enhance margins and cash 
flows through continuing focus on 
operational efficiencies and productivity 
through Operational Excellence
 Our margins on total cash costs, AISC, 
and All-in costs (AIC) were 39%, 23% and 
15%, respectively. All margins reflected 

increases from 2017 (total cash costs: 
37%; AISC: 16%; and AIC: 10%); and were 
positively affected by the reduced South 
African footprint as well as the benefit of the 
Operational Excellence initiatives of the last 
couple of years.

3.  Maintain the dividend underpinned by 

sustainable cash generation
 The Company declared a dividend of ZAR 
95 cents per share (~7 US cents per share) 
for the year under review. Free cash flow 
before growth capital, remained sufficient to 
maintain the declaration of a dividend since 
the introduction of the new dividend policy 
two years ago. 

4.  Seek resolutions for the Tanzanian and DRC 

regulatory uncertainty
 In Tanzania, AngloGold Ashanti’s focus 
continues to be on pursuing a collaborative 
dialogue with the government of Tanzania. 
The arbitration proceedings which 
commenced in July 2017 are currently 
suspended until July 2019.

 In the DRC, our joint venture partner at Kibali,  
Barrick Gold Corporation (previously Randgold 
Resources), continues its efforts of constructive 
dialogue with the DRC government.

5.  Progress the implementation of the  

Obuasi project
 Following receipt of all the requisite 
Ghanaian Government approvals, including 
parliamentary ratification, and environmental 
approvals in June 2018, redevelopment of 
the Obuasi high-grade ore body has started 
in earnest. 

 Given the delayed receipt of permit 
approvals in 2018, some capital expenditure 
has been deferred from 2018 into 2019 and 
from 2019 into 2020. The latest outlook on 
the capital spend profile is expected to be 
10%, 60%, and 30% in 2018, 2019 and 
2020, respectively.

6.  Execute on low-capital, high-return 

brownfields projects, while continuing  
to move long term projects up the  
value curve
 There are a number of capital projects that 
we continued to focus on during the year, 
including the Obuasi redevelopment project, 
discussed in the previous section. 

 At Siguiri, the new Combination Plant 
construction has been completed and 
commissioning is expected at the end 
of the first quarter of 2019. The plant will 
allow for the treatment of harder rock at 
the Siguiri mine. Additionally, a new power 
plant intended to bridge the gap to meet 
the mine’s additional power requirements 
was completed and ready for commercial 
operations at the end of the fourth quarter of 
2018, as planned. 

 At Mponeng, during 2018, the raise boring 
of the reef pass from 123 level to 126 
level was completed and the construction 
contractor was mobilised in December 2018 
to construct the tip and control chute. The 
process of installing additional support to 
consolidate the hanging wall and side walls 
of the pump chamber and substation will 
follow in the second half of 2019. 

47

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CFO’s REVIEW CONTINUED

 Alternative project design configurations are 
being studied for Phase 2. 

 At Quebradona (94.9% AngloGold Ashanti 
interest and 5.1% B2Gold interest), the 
prefeasibility study was completed. A 
maiden Ore Reserve of 1.26Mt of copper 
and 2.22Moz of gold has been declared. 
AngloGold Ashanti will proceed with the 
feasibility study, the results of which will be 
announced in 2020. 

 The Gramalote project is a joint venture 
between AngloGold Ashanti (51%) and 
B2Gold (49%), with AngloGold Ashanti as 
the operator and manager of the project. 
Following additional infill and resource 
extension drilling, the Mineral Resource 
model is being updated. The additional 
drilling has indicated the potential for Mineral 
Resource growth and potentially higher 
grades through selectivity.  

 Final budgets, schedules and work plans 
for advancing Gramalote will be developed 
once the Mineral Resource model has been 
finalised and the updated audited project 
economics are available.

7.  Maintain financial flexibility and further 

reduction in finance costs
 Our net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of  
1.12 times reflects a significant decrease 
compared to 2017 at 1.35 times. This 
remains well within our debt covenant level 
of 3.5 times. As indicated, the Company will 

now focus at reducing this ratio to 1.0 times  
through the cycle in order to improve 
balance sheet flexibility.

Production, profitability and returns

Production for 2018 came in toward the top 
end of guidance at 3.400Moz. Compared to 
2017, production was 9% lower mainly due to 
the sale and closure of assets in South Africa. 
Production from retained operations for 2018, 
excluding Moab Khotsong, Kopanang and 
TauTona, was 3.349Moz at a total cash cost of 
$765/oz, compared with 3.279Moz at a total 
cash cost of $738/oz in 2017. 

AISC for these retained operations were  
$968/oz, compared with $1,017/oz in 
the same period last year. AISC for the 
International operations were $920/oz for 
2018 compared to $972/oz for 2017. AISC for 
the South African operations, including Moab 
Khotsong, Kopanang and TauTona, were 
$1,178/oz compared with $1,245/oz in 2017. 

Cash flows from operating activities for the year 
ended 31 December 2018 decreased by 14% to 
$857m compared to $997m in 2017, reflecting 
working capital lockups of $131m and the 
retrenchment costs related to the restructuring 
the South African business unit. In 2018, the 
Company generated $205m of operating 
cash flow less capital expenditure compared 
to $167m in 2017 reflecting a solid operating 
performance and lower capital expenditures. 

Free cash flow for the year, before taking 
growth capital into account, was $217m 
versus $125m a year earlier. Free cash flow 
was negatively affected by delayed Kibali 
loan repayments due to the presidential 
elections in the DRC, which slowed down the 
administrative processes. It is anticipated that 
these loan repayments will resume during the 
course of this year. Free cash flow excluding 
abnormal costs such as the South Africa 
region redundancies, financing costs and other 
costs was $140m in 2018, compared to  
$50m a year earlier. 

In September 2018, the Government of 
Argentina introduced the payment of export 
duties on exported goods. In terms of 
an existing tax stability agreement, Cerro 
Vanguardia is entitled to a refund of these 
export duties. At 31 December 2018, $14m 
was reflected as receivable and impacted free 
cash flow generated by the operation.

Total capital expenditure (including equity 
accounted investments) decreased by 24% 
to $721m in 2018, compared to $953m in 
2017 and below the bottom end of the market 
guidance of between $800m to $920m. 
This included project capital expenditure of 
$148m invested in growth projects at Obuasi, 
Siguiri and Kibali in Continental Africa and 
Mponeng in South Africa. Capital expenditures 
were lower in South Africa due to the sale 
of assets in the region early in the year. 
Capital expenditures were also lower in the 

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at 
Kibali as the project development phase is 
coming to an end and the asset is ramping  
up production. 

On 14 February 2019, Sadiola Exploration 
Limited (SADEX), the subsidiary jointly 
held by AngloGold Ashanti and IAMGOLD 
Corporation, entered into a share purchase 
agreement with the Government of Mali, 
whereby SADEX agreed to sell to the 
Government of Mali its 80% participation in 
Société d’Exploitation des Mines d’Or de 
Yatela (Yatela), for a consideration of $1. The 
transaction remains subject to the fulfillment 
of a number of conditions precedent, among 
which the adoption of two laws, confirming 
the change of status of Yatela to a State Entity, 
and also the creation of a dedicated state 
agency, notably in charge of mine rehabilitation 
and closure. As part of the transaction, and 
upon its completion, SADEX will make a one-
time payment to the said state agency, in an 
amount corresponding to the estimated costs 
of completing the rehabilitation and closure 
of the Yatela site, and also financing certain 
outstanding social programmes. 

Upon completion and this payment being 
made, SADEX and its affiliate companies 
will be released of all obligations relating to 
the Yatela project including those relating to 
rehabilitation, mine closure and the financing of 

social programmes.

48

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
CFO’s REVIEW CONTINUED

Liquidity, cash flow and statement 
of financial position
Headline earnings for the year ended  
31 December 2018 were $220m, or 53 US 
cents per share, compared with $27m, or 
6 US cents per share, in 2017. Adjusted 
earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation (adjusted EBITDA) of $1,480m 
in 2018 (compared to $1,483m in 2017) 
was essentially flat year-on-year. The ratio of 
Net debt to adjusted EBITDA at the end of 
December 2018 was 1.12 times compared 
with 1.35 times at the end of December 2017. 
Management has successfully maintained 
financial flexibility by remaining at or below 
its targeted leverage Net debt to Adjusted 
EBITDA ratio of 1.5 times, and well below the 
covenant ratio of 3.5 times, which applies 
under our revolving credit agreements. 

Net debt decreased by 17% to $1.659bn at 
31 December 2018, from $2.001bn at the 
31 December 2017. Financial flexibility was 
further improved in October 2018, when a new 
five-year $1.4bn multi-currency revolving credit 
facility was agreed with our banking syndicate 
replacing our existing $1bn US Dollar and 
A$500m Australian Dollar facilities. 

Strong liquidity is provided both by this new 
revolving credit facility, which was fully undrawn 
at the end of 2018, and $329m in cash. The 
dividends declared for the year under review 
of ~7 US cents per share, will result in an 

estimated cash outflow in April 2019 of $28m. 
A dividend of 6 US cents per share were 
declared and paid in 2018. Our dividend policy 
is based on 10% of free cash flow generation 
pre-growth capital expenditure, subject to the 
board’s discretion taking into consideration 
prevailing market conditions, the strength 
of our balance sheet and our future capital 
commitments.

We remain subject to an uncertain tax 
environment. Across the group, we are due 
refunds for input tax and fuel duties for an 
amount of $276m (2017: $252m; 2016: 
$199m), including attributable amounts of 
equity accounted joint ventures, which have 
remained outstanding for periods longer than 
those provided for in the respective statutes. 
Considerable effort continues to be made to 
reduce these outstanding amounts.  

The normalised 2018 effective tax rate was 
33% compared to 38% in 2017. Deferred tax 
rate resets in South Africa; legislated tax rate 
changes in Ghana and an expected tax holiday 
in Guinea had an impact on the tax charge 
for the current year, while the prior year was 
influenced by losses incurred in South Africa, 
mainly adjustments for silicosis, retrenchments, 
and impairments; as well as net deferred tax 
assets not raised on the remaining Vaal River 
assets and liabilities not transferred to held 
for sale. The prior year normalised effective tax 
rate of 38% was influenced by losses incurred 

49

in South Africa, mainly adjustments for silicosis, 
retrenchments, and impairments; as well as net 
deferred tax assets not raised on the remaining 
Vaal River assets and liabilities not transferred to 
held for sale. If the adverse effect of the South 
African taxes is excluded, the normalised rate 
for the group for 2017 was 30%.

Looking ahead to 2019
Key areas of focus for 2019 remain bringing 
Obuasi into production, executing on a 
series of affordable, high return brownfields 
improvements and progressing two key 
projects in Colombia up the value curve. 
Operational Excellence initiatives remain at 
the heart of our efforts to counter inflation and 
improve margins. 

Priorities for 2019 are: 

•  Continued focus on sustainable free cash 

flow generation

•  Improve margins

•  Maintain strict cost and capital discipline

Acknowledgement 
I would like to express my appreciation to 
our committed and diligent finance team 
across the group who have proactively 
addressed business challenges 
associated with the developing market 
nature of the jurisdictions that we operate 
in. The overall reduction in group costs, 
improvement in margins and strict 
capital discipline is a reflection of the 
success of their efforts. In addition, we 
continue to maintain a high standard of 
governance and compliance to internal 
controls across the organisation. The 
quality financial information prepared 
for our stakeholders is testament to the 
high calibre of our financial team whom 
I applaud. Finally, I look forward to the 
year ahead with enthusiasm as we focus 
on our strategic objectives with the aim 
of improving shareholder returns, on a 
sustainable basis.

•  Advance Obuasi to first production by the 

Warm regards

end of 2019

•  Complete asset sale processes

•  Ongoing stakeholder engagement

•  Advance Colombian projects up the  

value curve

Christine Ramon

Chief Financial Officer

19 March 2019

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYSECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY

SECTION 2: DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY

Ensure financial flexibility and 
optimise overhead, costs and 
capital expenditure

Disciplined ca pital alloca tion with 
a f ocus on sustained marg in and 
free cash f low improvements will 
lead to long-term value crea tion.

Delivering on the f ollowing 
stra teg ic objectives

Ensure financial  
flexibility 

Optimise overhead, costs  
and capital expenditure 

Adjusted EBITDA of

Free cash flow improves significantly to

Net debt

Enforced

$1.48bn

$67m

down 17% capital discipline

IN THIS SECTION

INTEGRATED REPO RT 2018

50
50

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFINANCIAL REVIEW

Five-year summaries
Summarised group financial results – income statement

US dollar million

Revenue from product sales (1)

Cost of sales (1)

Gain (loss) on non-hedge derivatives and other commodity contracts

Gross profit

Corporate administration, marketing and other expenses

Exploration and evaluation costs

Other operating expenses

Special items

Operating profit 

Dividends received

Interest received

Other losses 

Finance costs and unwinding of obligations

Fair value adjustments

Share of equity-accounted investments' profit (loss)

Profit (loss) before taxation

Taxation

Profit (loss) after taxation from continuing operations 

Discontinued operations

(Loss) profit from discontinued operations

Profit (loss) for the year

Allocated as follows:

Equity shareholders

- Continuing operations

- Discontinued operations

Non-controlling interests

(1)  Years 2014 to 2017 restated for IFRS 15

2018

 3,943 

 (3,173)

2017

 4,510 

 (3,736)

2016

 4,223 

 (3,401)

2015

 4,143 

 (3,422)

2014

 5,082 

 (4,102)

 2 

 772 

 (76)

 (102)

 (97)

 (170)

 327 

 2 

 17 

 (9)

 (178)

 (3)

 122 

 278 

 (128)

 150 

–

 150 

 133 

–

 17 

 150 

 10 

 784 

 (64)

 (114)

 (88)

 (438)

 80 

–

 15 

 (11)

 (169)

–

 22 

 (63)

 (108)

 (171)

–

 (171)

 (191)

–

 20 

 (171)

 19 

 841 

 (61)

 (133)

 (110)

 (42)

 495 

–

 22 

 (88)

 (180)

 9 

 11 

 269 

 (189)

 80 

–

 80 

 63 

–

 17 

 80 

 (7)

 714 

 (78)

 (132)

 (96)

 (71)

 337 

–

 28 

 (17)

 (245)

 66 

 88 

 257 

 (211)

 46 

 (116)

 (70)

 31 

 (116)

 15 

 (70)

 13 

 993 

 (92)

 (142)

 (28)

 (260)

 471 

–

 24 

 (7)

 (276)

 (17)

 (25)

 170 

 (225)

 (55)

 16 

 (39)

 (74)

 16 

 19 

 (39)

51

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Summarised group financial results – statement of financial position

US dollar million

Assets

Tangible and intangible assets

Investments

Inventories

Cash and cash equivalents

Other assets

Total assets

Equity and liabilities

Total equity

Borrowings

Provisions

Deferred taxation

Other liabilities

Total equity and liabilities

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

 3,504 

 1,675 

 758 

 329 

 377 

 3,880 

 1,645 

 783 

 205 

 706 

 4,256 

 1,578 

 756 

 215 

 348 

 4,219 

 1,557 

 736 

 484 

 288 

 5,088 

 1,553 

 1,524 

 468 

 501 

 6,643 

 7,219 

 7,153 

 7,284 

 9,134 

 2,694 

 2,050 

 927 

 315 

 657 

 2,704 

 2,268 

 1,064 

 363 

 820 

 2,754 

 2,178 

 995 

 496 

 730 

 2,467 

 2,737 

 954 

 514 

 612 

 2,871 

 3,721 

 1,199 

 567 

 776 

 6,643 

 7,219 

 7,153 

 7,284 

 9,134 

Guinea – Siguiri

52

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Summarised group financial results – statement of cash flows

US dollar million

Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
Dividends received from joint ventures
Net taxation paid
Net cash inflow from operating activities from continuing operations
Net cash (outflow) inflow from discontinued operations
Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditure
Net (payments) proceeds from acquisition and disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures
Net proceeds (payments) from disposal and acquisition of investments, associate loans, and acquisition and  

disposal of tangible assets
Interest received

(Increase) decrease in cash restricted for use
Other
Net cash (outflow) inflow from investing activities from continuing operations
Cash outflows from discontinued operations
Net cash (outflow) inflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Net (repayments) proceeds from borrowings
Finance costs paid
Dividends paid
Other
Net cash outflow from financing activities from continuing operations
Cash outflows from discontinued operations
Net outflow from financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Translation
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

53

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

 932 
 91 
 (166)
 857 
–
 857 

 (652)
 (8)

 315 
 12 

 (4)
 2 
 (335)
–
 (335)

 (214)
 (130)
 (39)
 (10)
 (393)
–
 (393)

 129 
 (5)
 205 
 329 

 1,151 
 6 
 (160)
 997 
–
 997 

 (830)
 (27)

 (12)
 15 

 (8)
–
 (862)
–
 (862)

 48 
 (138)
 (58)
–
 (148)
–
 (148)

 (13)
 3 
 215 
 205 

 1,302 
 37 
 (153)
 1,186 
–
 1,186 

 (711)
 (1)

 (12)
 14 

 8 
–
 (702)
–
 (702)

 (546)
 (172)
 (15)
 (30)
 (763)
–
 (763)

 (279)
 10 
 484 
 215 

 1,250 
 57 
 (163)
 1,144 
 (5)
 1,139 

 (667)
 (12)

 810 
 25 

 (17)
–
 139 
 (59)
 80 

 (867)
 (251)
 (5)
 (61)
 (1,184)
 (2)
 (1,186)

 33 
 (17)
 468 
 484 

 1,343 
–
 (153)
 1,190 
 30 
 1,220 

 (849)
 42 

 (11)
 21 

 24 
–
 (773)
 (170)
 (943)

 (144)
 (246)
 (17)
 (9)
 (416)
 (5)
 (421)

 (144)
 (16)
 628 
 468 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Ratios and statistics

Operating review – gold
Production from continuing operations
Production from continuing and discontinued operations
Gold sold from continuing operations
Gold sold from continuing and discontinued operations

Continuing operations
Closing spot price at year-end
Average gold price received
Total cash costs
All-in sustaining costs (1)
All-in costs (1)

Earnings

Gross profit
Gross margin
Adjusted EBITDA (2)
Adjusted EBITDA margin
Interest cover

Asset and debt management
Net debt to adjusted EBITDA (2)

Continuing and discontinued operations
Profit (loss) attributable to equity shareholders
Profit (loss) attributable to equity shareholders
Headline earnings (loss)
Headline earnings (loss)
Adjusted headline earnings (loss)
Adjusted headline earnings (loss)
Capital expenditure (3)
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Free cash inflow (outflow)

See footnotes overleaf

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

 3,400 
 3,400 
 3,412 
 3,412 

 1,268 
 1,261 
 773 
 976 
 1,068 

 772 
 20 
 1,480 
 39 
 11 

 3,755 
 3,755 
 3,772 
 3,772 

 1,258 
 1,251 
 792 
 1,054 
 1,126 

 784 
 18 
 1,483 
 34 
 10 

 3,628 
 3,628 
 3,590 
 3,590 

 1,247 
 1,243 
 744 
 986 
 1,071 

 841 
 21 
 1,548 
 38 
 10 

 3,830 
 3,947 
 3,850 
 3,965 

 1,160 
 1,150 
 712 
 910 
 1,001 

 714 
 18 
 1,472 
 37 
 7 

 4,225 
 4,436 
 4,248 
 4,458 

 1,266 
 1,256 
 785 
 1,020 
 1,114 

 993 
 20 
 1,616 
 33 
 6 

 1.1 

 1.3 

 1.2 

 1.5 

 1.9 

133
 32 
 220 
 53 
 214 
 51 
 721 
 857 
 67 

 (191)
 (46)
 27 
 6 
 9 
 2 
 953 
 997 
 1 

 63 
 15 
 111 
 27 
 143 
 35 
 811 
 1,186 
 278 

 (85)
 (21)
 (73)
 (18)
 49 
 12 
 857 
 1,139 
 141 

 (58)
 (14)
 (79)
 (19)
 (1)
 (0)
 1,209 
 1,220 
 (112)

000oz
000oz
000oz
000oz

$/oz
$/oz
$/oz
$/oz
$/oz

$m
%
$m
%
times

times

$m
US cents
$m
US cents
$m
US cents
$m
$m
$m

54

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Ratios and statistics continued

Asset and debt management

Equity

Net capital employed

Net debt

Net asset value - per share

Market capitalisation

Return on net capital employed

Net debt to equity

Other

Weighted average number of shares

Issued shares at year-end

Exchange rates

Rand/dollar average

Rand/dollar closing

Australian dollar/dollar average

Australian dollar/dollar closing

Brazilian real/dollar average

Brazilian real/dollar closing

Argentinean peso/dollar average

Argentinean peso/dollar closing

$m

$m

$m

US cents

$m

%

%

million

million

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

 2,694 

 4,657 

 1,659 

 653 

 5,180 

8

62

 417 

413

13.25

14.35

1.34

1.42

3.66

3.87

28.14

37.81

 2,704 

 5,031 

 2,001 

 659 

 4,178 

3

74

 415 

 410 

13.30

12.36

1.30

1.28

3.19

3.31

16.57

18.65

 2,754 

 5,101 

 1,916 

 675 

 4,290 

6

70

 413 

 408 

14.68

13.73

1.35

1.39

3.48

3.26

14.78

15.89

 2,467 

 5,190 

 2,190 

 609 

 2,877 

5

89

 410 

 405 

12.77

15.46

1.33

1.37

3.33

3.90

9.26

12.96

 2,871 

 6,640 

 3,133 

 711 

 3,515 

 4 

109

 408 

 404 

10.83

11.57

1.11

1.22

2.35

2.66

8.12

8.55

(1) World Gold Council standard, excludes stockpiles written off.

(2) The Adjusted EBITDA calculation is based on the formula included in the revolving credit agreements for compliance with the debt covenant formula.

(3) Includes attributable share of equity-accounted investments.

55

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYECONOMIC VALUE-ADDED STATEMENT
For the year ended 31 December 2018

INPUTS – ECONOMIC VALUE DISTRIBUTED 2018 = 82% 

OUTPUT – ECONOMIC VALUE GENERATED (100%)

$m

EMPLOYEES

FOCUS ON PEOPLE, 
SAFETY AND 
SUSTAINABILITY

Salaries and wages

Training and development

GOVERNMENT

Current tax (4)

Royalties (5)

Employee taxes (5)

Production, property and other taxes (5)

COMMUNITY(3)

Social licence to operate

Region specific economic development 

plans

S
E
U
S
S

I

I

I

L
A
R
E
T
A
M
D
N
A
S
E
V
T
C
E
J
B
O
S
S
E
N
S
U
B
G
N
T
R
O
P
P
U
S

I

I

NAVIGATING 
REGULATORY AND 
POLITICAL RISK

MANAGING 
COMMUNITY 
EXPECTATIONS AND 
DEMONSTRATING 
CONTRIBUTION

OPTIMISE OVER- 
HEAD, COSTS 
AND CAPITAL 
EXPENDITURE

SUPPLIERS and SERVICES

1,676

1,839

Production costs

Corporate expenditure and  

other overheads

Rehabilitation expenditure

Exploration and evaluation

Audit, governance and assurance

PROVIDERS OF CAPITAL

Finance cost and unwinding of obligations

Dividends

202

178

24

208

169

39

TOTAL DISTRIBUTION

3,326

3,735

TOTAL INCOME
Gold sales and by products (1)

Interest received

Royalties received

(Loss) / profit from sale of assets

Income from investments

2018

2017

$m

1,002

966

36

659

176

114

268

101

713

698

15

714

242

148

234

90

21

$m

27

VALUE RETAINED

ECONOMIC VALUE RETAINED 2018 = 18%

2018

4,045

3,943

17

10

(20)

95

2017

4,558

4,510

15

18

8

7

2018

719

2017

823

Gold revenue by region – 2018

% Value retained per year
602

% Value retained per year
1,983

14

14

16

16

• Continental Africa

15

16

15

20

20

$m

16

20

20

• Americas

• Australasia

• South Africa

17
17
780

18

18

1,021

18

18

18

18

Breakdown of contribution – 2018

6

21

%

50

• Employees

• Government

• Community

22

• Supplier

• Capital providers

1

Gold revenue by region – 2018

Gold revenue by region – 2018

602

602

1,983

1,983

$m

$m

• Continental Africa

• Continental Africa

• Americas

• Americas

• Australasia

• Australasia

• South Africa

• South Africa

780

780

1,021

1,021

Taxation by country ($m) (4)
Breakdown of contribution – 2018
2018
2017
Breakdown of contribution – 2018
1
(1)
South Africa
Argentina
46
62
• Employees
• Employees
6
28
30
Australia
6
31
35
Brazil
• Government
• Government
14
22
Ghana
• Community
• Community
Guinea
33
19
50
50
(16)
1
United States of America
• Supplier
41
Tanzania
76
• Capital providers
• Capital providers
(2)
(2)
Other

%
%

• Supplier

21

22

21

22

1

1

56

(1)  Gold income decreased by 13% 
mainly due to the sale of assets 
in the South Africa region (Moab 
Khotsong and Kopanang mines).

(2)  Economic distribution providing 
human, financial, social, natural 
and manufactured capital, guided 
by business objectives and 
material issues identified through 
the operating process to ensure 
sustainable long-term value retention 
for stakeholders, underpinned by 
our key behavioural programme 
operational excellence, implemented 
at every step of the business from 
exploration through the entire chain 
to divestment / disposal.

(3)  Community and social investments 
% Value retained per year
exclude expenditure by equity-
accounted joint ventures.

14

16

(4)  Current taxation includes normal 
15

20

16

taxation and witholding taxation on 
dividends paid per jurisdiction in 
which the group operates. 

20

18

17
(5)  Employee, production, property and 
18
other taxes and royalties reported 
on a cash basis.

18

Across the group, we are due for 
refunds of input tax and fuel duties 
amounting to $276m (2017: $252m), 
including attributable amounts for 
equity-accounted joint ventures, 
which have remained outstanding for 
periods longer than those provided 
for in the respective statutes.

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY

SECTION 2: DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY

Improve portfolio quality and 
maintain long-term optionality

An overview of our performance, a 
summary of our Mineral Resource and 
Ore Reserve portfolio and initiatives 
to enhance and improve the quality 
of our portfolio and ensure long-term 
optionality.

Delivering on t he f ollowing   
stra teg ic objectives

Improve portfolio quality 

Maintain long-term optionality 

IN THIS SECTION

South Africa  
restructured –  
now cash positive 

Self-funded, value 
enhancing projects 
making good progress

Obuasi  
redevelopment  
begins

Maiden Ore Reserve 
declared at  
Quebradona

INTEGRATED REPO RT 2018

57
57

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018REGIONAL REVIEWS
Continental Africa

AngloGold Ashanti has seven mines  
in the Continental Africa region, six  
of which are currently in operation.  
Of these six, AngloGold Ashanti 
manages four. 

Obuasi in Ghana was not operational in 2018, 
having been on care and maintenance  
since 2016. The mine’s redevelopment has 
begun and the first face blast took place on  
11 February 2019. 

In Mali, a share purchase agreement was entered 
into with the government of Mali on 14 February 
2019 in respect of Yatela which is in closure – see 
details under Yatela below. Additionally a sale 
process has been initiated for Sadiola.

Ghana
Iduapriem, which comprises the Iduapriem 
and Teberebie properties in a 110km2 
concession, is located in the western region 
of Ghana, some 70km north of the coastal 
city of Takoradi and about 10km south-west 
of the Tarkwa mine. Iduapriem is an open-
pit mine with two circuits each comprising 
two-stage milling – a gravity circuit and 
a carbon-in-leach (CIL) plant. The gravity 
circuit recovers about 30% of the gold and 
the remainder is recovered by the 418ktpm 
capacity CIL plant. 

Obuasi, which has been primarily an 
underground operation, mining to a 
depth of 1,500m, is in the Ashanti region, 
approximately 60km south of Kumasi. 

Though the mine was placed on limited 
operations towards the end of 2014, and 
on care and maintenance from 2016, a 
decision was made to redevelop the mine 
in 2018. The redevelopment project has 
since commenced. The redevelopment 
decision was reached after the completion 
of a study, signing of the necessary 
agreements with government and the 
issuance of the necessary environmental 
permits for the project. It is envisaged that 
the redevelopment will deliver a modern, 
mechanised underground mining operation. 

Democratic Republic of the Congo
Kibali, one of the largest mines of its kind in 
Africa, is situated adjacent to the town of Doko 
and 210km from Arua on the Ugandan border. 
Kibali is co-owned by AngloGold Ashanti 
(45%), Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick) (45%) 
following its merger with Randgold Resources 
Limited, and Société Minière de Kilo-Moto 
(SOKIMO) (10%), a state-owned gold mining 
company. The metallurgical plant comprises 
a twin-circuit sulphide and oxide plant with 
conventional carbon-in-leach (CIL), including 
gravity recovery. Barrick manages the mine 
now which comprises both open pit and 
underground operations. 

Tanzania
Geita, one of our flagship mines, is located in 
north-western Tanzania, in the Lake Victoria 
goldfields of the Mwanza region, about 120km 
from Mwanza and 4km west of the town of 
Geita. The Geita gold deposit is mined as a 

58

Guinea

Mali

1

2

3

Ghana

4

DRC

5

Tanzania

LEGEND

1

Guinea / Siguiri (85%)

2 Mali / Morila (40%) / Sadiola (41%) / Yatela

3

4

5

Ghana / Iduapriem / Obuasi

DRC / Kibali (45%)

Tanzania / Geita

Yatela is undergoing closure and a sale process has 
been initiated for Sadiola.

Operations

0

2,000km

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Continental Africa

multiple open-pit and underground operation, 
with the underground operation having begun 
in 2016. The mine will continue to operate as 
a mixed open-pit and underground operation 
until the entire economic open-pit Mineral 
Resource is exhausted. The mine is currently 
serviced by a CIL processing plant with an 
annual capacity of 5.1Mt.

Republic of Guinea 
Siguiri is a multiple open-pit oxide gold mine 
in the relatively remote district of Siguiri, around 
850km north-east of the country’s capital, 
Conakry. The gold processing plant treats about 
981ktpm. A combination plant conversion 
project began during 2017. This conversion 
will allow the mine to treat six million tonnes of 
sulphide ore and six million tonnes of oxide ore. 
Commissioning is currently underway with the 
first material fed through the plant on 1 March 
2019. AngloGold Ashanti holds an 85% interest 
in Siguiri, with the remaining 15% held in trust 
for the nation by the government of Guinea. 

Siguiri is contractor-mined using conventional 
open-pit techniques. The area has significant 
gold prospectivity and exploration potential.

Mali
Morila is a joint venture between AngloGold 
Ashanti and Barrick, in which each has a 40% 
interest. The remaining 20% is held by the 
government of Mali. Barrick now manages the 
mine. Morila is situated 280km south-east of 
Bamako, the country’s capital. The mine had 
completed mining in 2009 and transitioned to a 
tailings storage treatment operation at the end 
of 2016. Although the mine has been a tailings 
treatment operation, after the discovery more 
recently of additional economic ore, limited 
mining operations have resumed. The higher-
grade ore being mined will partly replace the 
tailings storage treatment. The plant, which 
incorporates a conventional carbon-in-leach 
(CIL) process with an upfront gravity section to 
extract the free gold, has an annual throughput 
capacity of 5.5Mt.

Contribution to regional production

Contribution to group production

%

•  Tanzania 

  DRC 

  Ghana 

•  Guinea 

•  Mali 

37

24 

17

16

6

%

•  Continental Africa  45
•  Rest of AngloGold 
  Ashanti 

55 

Sadiola is a joint venture between AngloGold 
Ashanti (41%) and IAMGOLD (41%). The 
government of Mali owns the remaining 18%. 
The Sadiola mine is situated in south-western 
Mali, 77km south-southwest of the regional 
capital Kayes. On-site surface infrastructure 
includes a 4.9Mt per annum CIL gold plant, 
where the ore is eluted and smelted. The mine, 
which began operating in 1996, ceased mining 
during the year and transitioned to a stockpile 
treatment plan. To ensure the Sadiola sulphide 
project generates good returns, an agreement 
with the government of Mali on the terms for 
investment in the Sadiola sulphide project is 
needed, to also prevent the mine from being 
placed on suspended exploitation. While 
this agreement has not yet been reached, 
AngloGold Ashanti and IAMGOLD, who 
collectively own an 82% interest in Sadiola, 
have initiated a process to identify third parties 
that may be interested in acquiring their 
collective interests in Sadiola. The process 
is at a very preliminary stage and there is no 
certainty of its outcome.

Yatela  
On 14 February 2019, Sadiola Exploration 
Limited (SADEX), the subsidiary jointly held by 
AngloGold Ashanti and IAMGOLD Corporation, 
entered into a share purchase agreement 
with the government of Mali, whereby 
SADEX agreed to sell to the government its 
80% participation in Société d’Exploitation 
des Mines d’Or de Yatela (Yatela), for a 

59

consideration of $1. The transaction remains 
subject to the fulfillment of several conditions 
precedent, including the adoption of two 
laws, confirming the change of status of 
Yatela to a State Entity, and the creation of a 
dedicated state agency, notably in charge of 
mine rehabilitation and closure. As part of the 
transaction, and upon its completion, SADEX 
will make a one-time payment to the said 
state agency, of an amount corresponding 
to the estimated costs of completing the 
rehabilitation and closure of the Yatela site, 
and also financing certain outstanding social 
programmes. Upon completion and this 
payment being made, SADEX and its affiliate 
companies will be released of all obligations 
relating to the Yatela project, including those 
relating to rehabilitation, mine closure and the 
financing of social programmes.

Mali – Sadiola

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Continental Africa

Key statistics

Operational performance

Tonnes treated/milled

Pay limit

Recovered grade

Gold production (attributable)

Total cash costs

Total production costs

All-in sustaining costs (1)

Capital expenditure (2)

Productivity

Safety

Number of fatalities

AIFR

People

Average no. of employees: total

– Permanent employees

– Contractors

Training and development expenditure

See footnotes overleaf

Production
(000oz)

2014

1,597

2015

1,435

2016

1,321

2017

1,453

2018

1,512

Productivity
(oz/TEC)

2014

14.36

2015

20.61

2016

20.70

2017

23.01

2018

20.70

Units

2018

2017

2016

27.3

0.040

1.373

0.050

1.72

1,512

773

1,028

904

313

20.70

0

0.49

14,833

5,697

9,136

1

28.0

0.040

1.367

0.047

1.61

1,453

720

1,012

953

409

23.01

0

0.39

13,593

5,467

8,126

5

27.6

0.035

1.199

0.043

1.49

1,321

717

1,005

904

291

20.70

0

0.51

12,691

5,331

7,360

3

Mt 

oz/t

g/t

oz/t

g/t

000oz

$/oz

$/oz

$/oz

$m

oz/TEC

per million hours worked

$m

60

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Continental Africa

Key statistics (continued)

Environment

Total water consumption

Total water use per tonne treated

Total energy usage

Total energy usage per tonne treated 

Total GHG emissions

Total GHG emissions per tonne treated

Cyanide used

No. of reportable environmental incidents

Total rehabilitation liabilities: 

– restoration

– decommissioning

Community and government

Community expenditure

Total payments to government

– Dividends 

– Taxation

– Withholding tax (royalties, etc.)

– Other indirect taxes and duties

– Employee taxes and other contributions

– Property tax

– Other (includes skills development) 

(1)  Excludes stockpile write-offs.
(2)  Includes attributable share of equity-accounted investments.

Units

2018

2017

2016

15,575

0.592

9.32

0.35

676

0.026

8,185

1

378

235

143

8

352

9

117

135

24

56

1

10

16,651

0.614

9.17

0.34

666

0.025

7,274

2

431

253

178

9

331

10

114

98

47

51

1

10

11,911

0.428

8.46

0.30

682

0.025

7,693

0

430

262

168

8

260

13

76

79

25

46

1

20

Total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs
($/oz)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

783
968
678
815
717
904
720
953
773
904

Total cash costs

All-in sustaining costs

ML

kL/t

PJ

GJ/t

000t CO2e
t CO2e/t
t

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

61

AIFR(per million hours worked)201420152016201720181.560.500.510.390.49INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Continental Africa

Operating performance 
The Continental Africa region produced 
1,512,000oz of gold at a total cash cost of 
$773/oz in 2018, compared to 1,453,000oz 
at a total cash cost of $720/oz in 2017. The 
region delivered a solid performance with 4% 
improvement in production boosted by higher 
tonnes treated particularly from underground 
mining at Kibali and Geita and improved 
underground grade from Geita. 

Geita built on its solid performance the 
previous year, delivering 564,000oz of gold, 
an increase of 5% compared to 2017. The 
increase was due to a range of operational 
improvements which assisted in accessing 
higher-grade ore particularly in the fourth 
quarter of 2018. These improvements included 
advance grade control and underground 
mining efficiencies. This was driven by a 5% 
year-on-year increase in recovered grade as 
a result of the higher-grade underground ore 
mined at Nyankanga and Star & Comet. 

At Siguiri, production was negatively impacted 
by a 16% decrease in recovered grade, 
owing to the treatment of lower-grade oxide 
material and an 11% decrease in tonnes 
due to delays in the commissioning of the 
CIL combination plant. The leach circuit 
was converted during the year to a hybrid 
CIL circuit as part of the combination plant 
project. As a result, production decreased 
year-on-year, exacerbated by depleted high-
grade oxide deposits. The marginal delay 
in the commissioning of the ball mill in the 

combination plant and three-stage crushing 

plant resulted in the limited treatment of 

available higher-grade harder ore with the 

plant feed being supplemented by lower-grade 

oxide ore. The required new power plant was 

successfully commissioned during the year.

Iduapriem’s production increased 11% year-

on-year to 254,000oz, the mine’s highest 

production since its acquisition in 2004. 

The production increase was driven by the 

6% increase in tonnage treated and a 5% 

improvement in recovered grades, a result of 

improved grinding and plant efficiency. These 

improvements resulted from the mining of 

deeper, higher-grade areas in the Teberebie 

pit. The increase in tonnes treated was 

derived on the back of Operational Excellence 

initiatives which led to improved plant utilisation 

and throughput rates. Total tonnes mined 

increased 8% year-on-year to 38Mt, the highest 

tonnage ever mined at Iduapriem. This helped 

in meeting the grade improvement targets 

and the continuation of the extensive waste-

stripping programme at Blocks 7 and 8, which 

will provide the foundation for sustainable 

production over the future life-of-mine.

At Kibali, production increased 35% year-

on-year to 363,000oz, another significant 

improvement. The higher production was 

on the back of higher throughput, a result of 

improved plant availability that led to above 

design capacity throughput, and a 6% 

increase in plant recovery. 

This helped to further improve the recovery 
factor/rate since commissioning. Production 
was aided by an increase in tonnes mined and 
an 8% increase in tonnage treated, a result of 
improved plant performance, as well as 26% 
increase in recovered grade as higher-grade 
underground mining displaced lower-grade 
open-pit ore. This was on the back of the 
successful commissioning of the underground 
materials handling system at the end of 2017.

At Sadiola, production declined due to a 9% 
drop in the recovered grade owing to the limited 
availability of oxide ore with the in-situ oxide ore 
depleted as mining had ceased by the end of 
March 2018. The mine had begun transitioning 
to its stockpile treatment plan at the beginning 
of the year, partly compensated for by a 
3% increase in tonnes treated as a result of 
newly-installed variable speed drives in the mill. 
Production for the rest of the year was from a 
blend of the remaining full grade and marginal 
ore stockpiles. Plant operations were efficient 
and consistently exceeded planned throughput, 
with a 3% increase in tonnes treated compared 
to the previous year. This helped to partly offset 
the lower feed grade and provided flexibility 
to maintain a steady production and revenue 
profile for the year.

At Morila, production continued to increase 
due to the 19% improvement in recovered 
grade as mining resumed during the year with 
the treatment of higher-grade ore, partially 
offset by a decrease in throughput due to the 
treatment of harder ore, blended with tailings 
mineralised waste ore. Plant throughput 

was 11% down year-on-year, impacted by 
unplanned downtime and the replacement 
of the ball mill. The mine is expected to 
continue treatment of mineralised waste ore, 
augmented by higher-grade ore from targeted 
mining areas, for the next two years, after 
which the mine will transition to full closure.

Costs
All-in sustaining costs (AISC) were $904/oz for 
2018, compared with $953/oz for the previous 
year, a 5% year-on-year improvement 
despite inflationary pressures. The notable 
reduction in AISC reflected the various cost 
efficiency initiatives implemented through the 
Operational Excellence programme which 
focuses on sustainable costs improvements. 
Costs for the region were also assisted 
by lower underground costs at Geita as 
underground operations stabilised during the 
year, the 45% reduction in sustaining capital 
expenditure, and higher production from 
Kibali, Geita and Iduapriem.

The Operational Excellence programme is a 
group-wide efficiency-driven initiative, focused 
on optimising mine plans, systems and costs 
management. Additionally, this has translated 
into a review of asset potential and the further 
entrenchment of capital discipline. Various 
enhancement projects are tracked through a 
project management system, as we strive to 
meaningfully move down the cost curve. This 
has been a necessary step change, driven by 
actively working to prioritise sustainable cash 
flow improvements at every level of the business. 
Through this process, we have drastically 

62

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
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Obuasi redevelopment project
During 2018, Obuasi remained in the 
care and maintenance phase whilst the 
redevelopment project for recommencing 
operations continued. Following receipt 
of all the requisite Ghanaian Government 
approvals, including parliamentary 
ratification, and environmental approvals in 
June 2018, redevelopment of the Obuasi 
high-grade ore body has started in earnest. 
Establishment of the project and operating 
teams have progressed well and all key 
roles have been filled. Detailed design has 
continued, focusing on the processing plant 
and underground infrastructure. Critical long-
lead items have been ordered. Demolition 
of redundant processing plant structures 
has begun. Refurbishment planning was 
completed, and works are set to commence 
by end of March 2019. The housing 
refurbishment programme has also begun 
and the expansion of the mining contractor’s 
camp is well advanced.

The underground mining fleet has been 
delivered and commissioned and the 
underground mining contractor has 
commenced mobilisation. Operational 
readiness activities, including the design of 
the mine operating systems, has progressed 
to plan. The project is being developed in 
two phases, the first is to achieve production 
at 2,000tpd with the second aiming to 
achieve production of 4,000tpd by the 
end of 2020. The first blast took place in 
February 2019.

In order to ensure meaningful Ghanaian 
participation in the project, a key 
commitment made by AngloGold Ashanti 
at the outset of Obuasi’s redevelopment, 
the mining contract was awarded to a 
joint venture Underground Mining Alliance 
Limited (UMA) formed by Ghana’s Rocksure 
International (Rocksure) (30%) and Australia’s 
African Underground Mining Services 
(AUMS) (70%), which will also help facilitate 
the transfer of underground mining expertise 
to Accra-based Rocksure. 

To facilitate the JV and effect operating cost 
and import duty savings, AngloGold Ashanti 
(Ghana) Limited purchased the mining fleet 
at a cost of approximately $46m. 

As announced in November 2018, this 
mining fleet purchase increases the initial 
project capital expenditure range from $450m 
to $500m to $495m to $545m. However, 
at the same time, this purchase reduces 
the contract rates over the period of the 
contract and is estimated to improve AISC 
by approximately $25/oz. Given the delayed 
receipt of permit approvals in 2018, some 
capital expenditure has been deferred from 
2018 into 2019 and from 2019 into 2020. The 
latest outlook on the capital spend profile is 
expected to be 10%, 60%, and 30% in 2018, 
2019 and 2020, respectively.

The first gold pour is still planned for the end 
of 2019, with the first face blast having taken 
place in February 2019.

improved mine planning and forecasting, with the 
results reflected in improved consistency in our 
reported cost performance. 

tailing storage facility, was completed in the 

last quarter of the year with project handover 

completed on 31 October 2018. Other notable 

Capital expenditure 
Capital expenditure for the region increased 
in line with planned inward company 
investments in growth projects, particularly 
at Siguiri and Obuasi during 2018. Ore 
Reserve development projects continued at 
Geita for the Star & Comet and Nyankanga 
underground operations, together with waste-
stripping projects at Iduapriem. These projects 
provide access to the ore bodies identified 
for future gold extraction. The balance of 
the capital spend was used for capitalised 
exploration and stay-in-business projects to 
improve asset reliability across our mines to 
ensure safe, risk-free mining and production. 

During the year, the region continued to drive 
continuous cost improvements through the 
Operational Excellence programme which 
is now well entrenched across all sites and 
disciplines in the region, also reflected in the 
all-in sustaining cost reduction. The focus 
remains on delivering systemic and sustainable 
operational improvements in the management 
of the region’s stay-in-business projects.

At Kibali, the Azambi hydropower plant was 
commissioned during the third quarter in 
2018 and fully integrated into the energy grid 
in September, providing affordable power to 
the mine. The cyanide tailings storage facility 
First Lift Project, involving the wall lift on the 

projects at Kibali included the transition 

to owner mining which was successfully 

completed on 1 July 2018.

Growth and improvement
Construction of the Siguiri combination 
plant was successfully completed in March 
2019, and commissioning of the different 
sections of the plant is underway. The CIL 
circuit was commissioned in July 2018 and 
first gold from it was poured in August 2018. 
The 30MW power plant was commissioned 
in October 2018. It is now fully operational 
providing reliable, low-cost power to the 
Siguiri mine. The crushing and milling circuits 
for the treatment of the hard sulphide ore 
are currently being commissioned and full 
ramp-up is expected in the first half of 2019. 
The focus for the year will be to stabilise plant 
throughput and operating stability as the new 
plant is commissioned.

Exploration drilling continued at Saraya and 
Foulata to support a prefeasibility study for 
the Block 2 permit area. This study is due 
to be completed during 2019 and is aimed 
at improving the mine’s ounce profile from 
2020 onwards and potentially extending 
the life of the mine. The current option on 
the Siguiri Block 2 considers the trucking of 
oxide material to the existing process plant to 
displace marginal ore. The evaluation of this 
has been completed. 

63

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The requisite permitting and feasibility study 
are scheduled for the latter part of 2019. 

Development of Geita’s Star & Comet and 
Nyankanga underground sections continued 
during the year. Approximately 4,130m of 
development was completed to access 
new areas for stope mining and further 
exploration. Open pit mining at Nyankanga 
and Geita Hill continued with Geita Hill 
reaching the end of its economic life and 
Nyankanga scheduled to be completed in 
the first half of 2019. Surface exploration 
continued at Selous, a satellite pit 2.4km from 
Star & Comet expected to supplement the 
underground operation in the near term.

Other notable projects at Geita were 
completion of the 40MW power plant and 
the purchase of underground mining plant 
and equipment. The power plant was 
commissioned in August and is currently 
in full operation, providing reliable, low-
cost power to the mining operations. The 
purchase of the underground mining plant 
and equipment is in line with the strategy to 
transition to owner mining at Star & Comet, 
planned for the first half of 2019, with the 
full change over for the rest of the mine’s 
sections expected to follow in coming years.

At Iduapriem, waste stripping at Teberebie  
Cut 1 continued during the year and is 
expected to be completed in the first half in 
2019 when full grade mining should begin. 
Once completed, waste stripping will provide 
access to the ore body until 2021. Brownfields 
drilling continued at the Ajopa pit and open pit 
mining will continue into 2019 to supplement 
ore from the larger Teberebie pit. Iduapriem’s 
plant expansion concept study has been 
completed on the plant de-bottlenecking. The 
next focus area will then be to find a solution 
for an additional tailings storage facility.

At Kibali, an aggressive exploration programme 
continued with a notable success being 
declaration of the maiden Mineral Resource of 
0.96Moz for Kalimva and Ikamva that supports 
a prefeasibility study for future mining.

There was no capital expenditure at Sadiola 
and the sulphide project was suspended 
pending further negotiations with the 
government of Mali. As stated above, the 
parties have now initiated a sale process, albeit 
at a very preliminary stage. Open pit mining 
was completed during the year and treatment 
of stockpile material has begun. The mine is 
expected to embark on a phase of suspended 
exploitation towards the latter part of 2019.

Ghana – Obuasi underground

64

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
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Sustainability performance
Safety
There were no fatalities in the Continental Africa 
region during the year, maintaining a 38-month 
fatality-free period since October 2015. The 
region recorded another best-in-class safety 
performance during 2018 but achieved an all 
injury frequency rate (AIFR) of 0.49 (2017: 0.39) 
per million hours worked. The AIFR increased 
year-on-year due to the increase in injuries 
experienced during the year, caused mainly by 
mobile and other machinery. 

During the year, an internal ‘Safety Culture’ 
survey was conducted throughout the 
region. The survey was targeted at a 
10% sample of the workforce, in line with 
practice. Responses from approximately 
15% of the sample indicated that a strong 
‘Safety Culture’ is evident at all operations. 
Most employees consider their respective 
operation to be a ‘safe place to work’ and 
trust management in safety-related initiatives 
and communication. The survey indicated 
that employees feel engaged and participate 
in safety efforts at operations. Improvement 
areas were identified and actions to address 
these have been developed. 

Environment
One reportable environmental incident was 
reported in the region during 2018, occurring 
on 18 November within the processing plant 
area at Siguiri. The incident was caused by an 
overflow of tailings slurry from the processing 
plant containing elevated levels of cyanide. 

This caused the death of four birds in a 
stagnant tailings pool within the plant area and 
the death of a cow outside the plant fence 
adjacent to the pool. 

Remedial actions were immediately put 
in place to deal with the incident. The 
tailings overflow was stopped, the pool was 
detoxified, the tails were pumped back into the 
plant, contaminated soil was removed and the 
faulty equipment replaced. 

There was no risk to community health as 
the spillage was contained in an area that 
is inaccessible by the community. Nor was 
there a risk to employee health as the cyanide 
concentrations were within normal operating 
limits and all plant employees are trained to 
handle cyanide.

Siguiri was granted an environmental certificate 
for the Silakoro pit project in March 2018. This 
high-grade pit is located approximately 1.5km 
to the east of the existing processing plant.

In June 2018, the Ghana Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) approved two 
crucial environmental permits for Obuasi 
mine, for the redevelopment project as well 
as for the tailings and water infrastructure 
project. Obuasi also received an additional 
environmental permit for the expansion of the 
40-man camp residential area in September 
2018 to complement the project. 

All managed mine sites in the region – 
Sadiola, Siguiri, Iduapriem and Geita – were 

successfully audited and certified to the 
ISO 14001:2015 standard during the year. 
Obuasi’s certification remained suspended 
for the year as the mine was on care and 
maintenance for 2018.

Security and human rights
No significant incidents were reported during 
the year, and no human rights violations were 
recorded. However, proactive management of 
artisanal small-scale mining, illegal mining and 
general criminality remains a priority for the 
security department. 

A marked reduction in injuries to community 
members was recorded, from 18 injuries in 
2017 to six injuries in 2018. These injuries 
occurred when miners illegally invaded our 
tenements. All injured people were treated on 
the scene by the mine’s medical emergency 
personnel before being taken to hospital for 
further treatment where necessary.

Security adopted an integrated approach, 
working with other sustainability disciplines, 
to enable effective management of the 
multifaceted challenges facing the operations. 
Implementation of the five-point security plan 
actively includes community involvement, 
focusing on regenerating and sustaining 
relationships with communities, public security, 
pertinent governmental agencies and security at 
sites, and is aimed ultimately at removing people 
from risk. The Voluntary Principles on Security 
and Human Rights (VPSHR) remain the key 
driver of our security management practices. 

The Human Rights Working Group 
representatives at corporate, regional 
and operational levels continued with 
implementation of the Human Rights 
Framework across the Continental Africa 
region. The focus for 2018 remained on 
training and awareness, and ensuring the 
availability of adequate grievance mechanisms 
for all stakeholders and that human rights due 
diligence is included across our supply chain. 
Online human rights training was undertaken 
at all management levels and 47% have 
successfully completed training. 

Employees and labour relations
The labour relations climate remained peaceful 
and stable during the year, despite some 
labour stoppages challenges. A three-day joint 
capacity-building workshop on how to build 
peaceful and sustainable working relationships 
was organised for the mine negotiating team 
(general management representatives and 
union leadership). This capacity-building forum 
resulted in the development of an agreed 
internal mediation framework that provides a 
mechanism for resolving disputes and restricts 
recourse to a third party. 

In terms of training and development, efforts 
are underway by management to address 
compliance matters relating to protected  
jobs and expatriate employment legislation, 
and to continue promoting employment 
opportunities for local nationals and co-
ordinated succession plans for identified local 
national employees.

65

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
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In Siguiri, the 2018 wage negotiations were 
successfully conducted and finalised within  
10 days in a spirit of mutual understanding  
and trust with the agreed outcome remaining 
within mandate.

In Mali, the mine labour relations climate 
continued to be influenced by the uncertainty 
relating to the Sadiola sulphides project. 
Negotiations relating to the phased 
retrenchments necessitated by restricted 
and suspended mining operations were 
successfully concluded and implemented. 
These were effective from 31 May 2018. The 
final agreement focused mainly on providing an 
additional social package, thereby helping to 
soften the social impact of the retrenchments. 
This agreement nullified any wage increases for 
2018 and 2019. At Yatela, the retrenchment 

Tanzania – Geita

process, as approved by the labour inspector in 
2017, was concluded.

In Ghana, following commitment to develop 
a salary adjustment framework in 2017, 
Iduapriem successfully concluded a two-year 
salary adjustment framework with the Ghana 
Mineworkers Union in mid-2018. The industrial 
climate was very peaceful, and no adverse 
labour incidents were recorded during the year.

Community development 
In Tanzania, community development is one of 
the material issues to which we are committed. 
Our support at Geita was guided by the 
community investment procedure. In July 2017, 
the parliament of Tanzania amended the Mining 
Act, 2010, and introduced section 105 which 
describes the procedure for mineral right holders 
to prepare and execute their corporate social 
responsibility (CSR) plans.

In Tanzania, towards the end of 2017, Geita 
management and the union concluded a 
compressed working week agreement for 
implementation in 2018. 

This agreement was concluded alongside a 
full review of the two-year collective bargaining 
agreement. The next full review of the bargaining 
agreement is planned for October 2019.

At Siguiri, AngloGold Ashanti promotes local 
economic development through the Siguiri 
economic development programme (SEDP). 
The SEDP comprises agricultural, skills and 
enterprise development projects aimed at 
developing small businesses and employment 
opportunities for local communities. Current 
projects include horticulture, a cashew 
plantation, rice-paddy farming and fish farming 
as well as education- related and healthcare 
projects. More information on community 
development work can be found in the Siguiri 
.

At Obuasi, the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi 
Mine Community Trust Fund endeavours to 
provide potable drinking water for communities 
within its operational area. The fund provided 
three mechanised boreholes for the three 
communities and a senior high school at 
a cost of $40,000. This project aims to 
increase access to drinking water, reduce 
the incidence of water-related diseases 
from unsafe drinking water sources within 
host communities and improve contact time 

66

between students and teachers in class. The 
project received supervisory support from 
the Works Department of Obuasi Municipal 
Assembly, the Municipal Education Directorate 
and the school authorities. The boreholes are 
projected to benefit a population of about 
11,000. Additionally in Obuasi, we also have 
school development programmes and provide 
healthcare assistance.

In Ghana, at Iduapriem during 2018, the 
mine initiated and implemented various 
developmental interventions in host 
communities to advance the Company’s 
participation and contribution to sustainable 
long-term socio-economic development. 

Continental Africa region: number of new 
cases of malaria

2015

2,244

2016

1,413

2017

1,683

2018

1,164

New cases of malaria down by 

31%

2018: 1,164 (2017: 1,683)

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
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One of the key programmes to support 
communities in the region is the malaria 
programme. A report from the outpatient 
department of Iduapriem’s Sam Jonah 
Hospital indicated that malaria incidence 
among employees, registered dependants 
and contractors increased from about 250 
confirmed cases in 2015, to 500 in 2016 
and declined to 319 cases in 2018. This 
contributed to a doubling of absenteeism on 
the mine from 63 to 116 days. In the mine’s 
host communities, available statistics show 
a high incidence of malaria and its effect on 
community health and people’s quality of life. 
According to a community baseline survey 
conducted by the Khana group in 2016, 
malaria constitutes about 58% of household 
illnesses in host communities. 

With the theme “End malaria for good in our 
communities,” Iduapriem launched its malaria 
control programme in 2017. The overall goal is 
to contribute to a reduced malaria burden on 
the mine and in host communities by 75% by 
2020 through integrated interventions including 
the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets, 
community sensitisation and training.

The programme covers employees, 
contractors, host communities and three senior 
high schools. In all, 6,947 insecticide-treated 
nets were distributed in 2018. An estimated 
15,000 people within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem 
municipality benefit from this programme. 

Only one occupational disease was diagnosed 
in the region. This was a noise-induced 
hearing loss case at Iduapriem in Ghana. The 
employee was provided with the necessary 
medical support and compensated in line 
with national labour regulations. No other 
occupational diseases were reported in the 
region in 2018.

In 2018, the region continued to focus on 
consolidation and customisation of the health 
strategy developed and reported on in 2017 
and its associated three-year plan, to regional 
and operational priorities. This included 
alignments with the company-wide approach 
and health management objectives as well 
as increased efforts towards a risk-based 
approach. The objectives of the strategy 
were incorporated in operational health team 
plans to assist teams to be more proactive 
and focus preventative strategies at both 
occupational and community level, and to 
ensure availability and development of the 
required skills for priority risks. 

Continental Africa has made significant strides 
in strengthening the preventative approach 
to workplace health risk, by identifying and 
assigning a regional occupational hygienist 
to oversee systems and ensure capacity 
development in occupational hygiene 
among nationals across the region. Six 
employees were identified and trained for 
formal certification in, firstly, the intermediate 
certificate and then in the advanced certificate 

in occupational hygiene. This distance learning 
initiative is being conducted in collaboration 
with the University of the Witwatersrand in 
South Africa. The first three candidates have 
completed their intermediate certification and 
will progress to the advanced level training in 
2019. Further efforts are underway to identify 
more candidates for this training. This is 
expected to not only improve capacity but 
to enhance focus on preventative workplace 
strategies so as to alleviate the current 
dependence on expatriates for occupational 
hygiene roles in the region. 

The positive impacts of the community-based 
malaria programme continued to be seen at 
Geita with the recording of a significantly low 
incidence of malaria of 0.17% for employees 
and contractors affected by malaria in 2018. 
This community-based malaria control 
programme extends to Geita Town, where 
around 90% of employees, contractors and 
families reside. The programme is based 
on a private-public partnership model with 
government authorities, NGOs and academic 
institutions to ensure sustainability and 
alignment with national priorities. 

principal recipient of indoor residual spraying 

activities for malaria control. AngloGold Ashanti 

Ghana was awarded $16 million to conduct 

malaria control activities in 14 districts, 

including Obuasi in the Ashanti region, and 45 

prisons nationally for the period 2018 to 2020. 

In 2018, the programme is estimated to 

have covered about one million structures, 

protecting just over 1.2 million people and 

creating just over 1,300 job opportunities in 

the communities involved. 

Sadiola and Siguiri also continued with 

malaria control efforts, using spraying 

activities to target surrounding villages. 

While there was a 46% improvement in the 

incidence of malaria from 2017 to 2018 

among employees and contractors in Siguiri, 

significant challenges remain in reaching 

those areas where most of the employees 

and their families reside. At Iduapriem, malaria 

incidence among employees and contractors 

continued to improve with the continued use 

of insecticide-treated nets at the workplace 

and within communities. 

The same model is used in Ghana, where 
malaria control activities continued in 
partnership with the Global Fund and the 
National Department of Health. AngloGold 
Ashanti was once again identified by the 
Ghana National Health department as a 

While the Ebola outbreak in the DRC did 

not affect any AngloGold Ashanti managed 

operations in 2018, Ebola continues to pose 

a risk in the country. All our mine sites have 

intensified their surveillance and preventative 

control efforts to mitigate this potential risk.

67

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Americas

The Americas region comprises three 
operations, featuring both open pit and 
underground mining – one in Argentina 
and two in Brazil. In addition, a 
brownfields project in Brazil and 
an active exploration programme in 
Colombia are underway.

Argentina
Cerro Vanguardia, in which AngloGold 
Ashanti has a 92.5% stake, is the Company’s 
sole operation in Argentina. Fomicruz, a state 
company, owns the remaining 7.5%. Located 
to the northwest of Puerto San Julián, in the 
province of Santa Cruz, Cerro Vanguardia 
operates multiple small open pits with high 
stripping ratios and multiple narrow-vein 
underground mines. The metallurgical plant, 
which includes a cyanide recovery facility, has 
a daily capacity of 3,000t.

Brazil 
AngloGold Ashanti Córrego do Sítio 
Mineração (AGA Mineração), which is wholly 
owned, comprises two operational units 
located in the state of Minas Gerais, close to 
the city of Belo Horizonte:

•  The Cuiabá complex comprises the Cuiabá 
and Lamego underground mines, and the 
Cuiabá and Queiroz plants. Cuiabá has 
been in operation for over 30 years while 
Lamego has been in operation for nine 
years. The Cuiabá mine has changed from 
cut-and-fill to sub-level stoping, increasing 

the contribution from narrow-vein ore bodies 
to the mine’s total production and improving 
rock-engineering controls (support, design 
and monitoring). Ore from the Cuiabá and 
Lamego mines is processed at the Cuiabá 
gold plant. The concentrate produced 
is transported by aerial ropeway to the 
Queiroz plant for processing and refining. 
Total annual capacity of the complete 
Cuiabá circuit is 1.75Mt. The Queiroz 
hydrometallurgical plant also produces 
around 200,000t of sulphuric acid as a by-
product, which is sold commercially in local 
Brazilian markets. 

•  Córrego do Sítio, in operation since 

1989, consists of one open-pit mine and 
one underground mine. The oxide ore 
mined is treated by heap leach and a 
pressure leaching plant treats sulphide 
ore. The sub-level stoping mining method 
is used underground. The distance from 
the main underground mine (Mina I) to 
the metallurgical plant is around 15km. 
Combined annual plant capacity is 1.6Mt. 

Gold production from both Cuiabá and 
1  Argentina
Córrego do Sítio is refined at the Queiroz plant 
  Cerro Vanguardia (92.5%)
141km from the Cuiabá gold plant. 

Brazil

2  Serra Grande
Serra Grande, which is wholly owned, is 
3  AGA Mineração
located in central Brazil, in the state of Goiás, 
4  Colombia
about 5km from the city of Crixás. It comprises 
  Gramalote (51%)
three mechanised underground mines: Mina III, 
La Colosa
Mina Nova and Mina Palmeiras, and an open 
  Quebradona (93.505%)
pit. One dedicated metallurgical plant, with an 
annual capacity of 1.5Mt, treats all ore mined.

68

Contribution to regional production

%

•  Argentina 

•  Brazil 

36

64 

Contribution to group production

%

•  Americas 

23

•  Rest of AngloGold 
  Ashanti 

77 

LEGEND

1

2

3

4

Argentina 
Cerro Vanguardia (92.5%)

Brazil 
Serra Grande

AGA Mineração

Colombia 
Gramalote (51%)
La Colosa
Quebradona (94.876%)

2

33

Project

Operations

0

400km

Projects

Operations

0

400km

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
REGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Americas

Key statistics

Operational performance

Tonnes treated/milled

Pay limit

Recovered grade

Gold production (attributable)

Silver production (attributable)

Total cash costs

Total production costs 

All-in sustaining costs (1)

Capital expenditure (100% basis)

Productivity

Safety

Number of fatalities

AIFR

People

Average no. of employees: total (2)

– Permanent employees

– Contractors

Training and development expenditure (excluding Colombia)  

$m

See footnotes overleaf

69

Units

2018

2017

2016

Production (including discontinued operations) 
(attributable) (000oz)

Mt 

oz/t

g/t

oz/t

g/t

000oz

Moz

$/oz

$/oz

$/oz

$m

6.8

0.121

4.142

0.103

3.55

776

5.9

624

875

855

176

7.5

0.104

3.576

0.102

3.49

840

5.8

638

973

943

234

7.0

0.100

3.421

0.106

3.64

820

4.7

578

909

875

225

oz/TEC

12.86

13.34

13.98

1

3.97

7,973

5,755

2,218

2

0

3.29

8,511

5,888

2,623

2

1

3.96

8,126

5,653

2,473

2

2014

996

2015

948

2016

820

2017

840

2018

776

Productivity
(oz/TEC)

2014

14.38

2015

15.05

2016

13.98

2017

13.34

2018

12.86

per million hours worked

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Americas

Key statistics (continued)

Environment (excludes Colombia)

Total water consumption

Total water use per tonne treated

Energy usage

Total energy usage per tonne treated

Total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 

Total GHG emissions per tonne treated

Cyanide used

No. of reportable environmental incidents

Total rehabilitation liabilities (includes Colombia): 

– restoration

– decommissioning

Community and government (includes Colombia)

Community expenditure

Total payments to government

– Dividends 

– Taxation

– Withholding tax (royalties, etc.)

– Other indirect taxes and duties

– Employee taxes and other contributions

– Property tax

– Other 

(1)  Excludes stockpile write-offs.
(2) 

 100% basis and excluding Colombia and Denver regional office.

Units

2018

2017

2016

AIFR
(per million hours worked)

7,813

1,114

4.13

0.59

168

0.024

2,305

0

138

102

36

9

234

6

65

48

9

67

2

37

8,283

1.071

4.23

0.55

182

0.024

2,704

0

147

106

41

10

297

9

116

53

13

84

2

20

8,067

1.115

3.94

0.54

180

0.025

2,333

1

149

108

41

9

237

6

80

50

7

71

3

20

2014

3.79

2015

5.61

2016

3.96

2017

3.29

2018

3.97

Total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs
($/oz)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

676
974
576
792
578
875
638
943
624
855

Total cash costs

All-in sustaining costs

ML

kL/t

PJ

GJ/t

000t CO2e
t CO2e/t
t

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

70

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Americas

Operating performance 
The Americas region produced 776,000oz at a 
total cash cost of $624/oz for the year ended 
31 December 2018, compared to 840,000oz 
at a total cash cost of $638/oz for the previous 
year. The region’s production decreased due 
to the lower contribution from Brazil, where 
production was negatively impacted by delays 
in development and infrastructure constraints 
at the Cuiabá complex. This was exacerbated 
by lower grades in the sulphide operation 
and excessive rainfall at the Córrego do Sítio 
complex, while Serra Grande experienced 
delays in receiving environmental deforestation 
and waste dump permits.

Full-year production at AGA Mineração in 2018 
was impacted by the Cuiabá complex delays 
in development and infrastructure constraints. 
The Cuiabá complex was impacted by 
geotechnical factors at the access ramp to the 
high-grade ore body. During the last quarter of 
the year, operating performance improved as 
measures were taken to improve mine quality 
by improving stope availability, drilling and mine 
recoveries while ensuring compliance to plan. 

At Córrego do Sítio, lower grades at the 
sulphide operation and excessive rainfall 
contributed to lower production. Production 
was also impacted by lower volumes placed 
on the heap leach, model changes and 
production stoppages due to the national  
driver strikes. 

At Serra Grande, 2018 production was lower 
as less ore was mined following receipt of 

environmental deforestation and waste dump 
permits later than expected. All permits had 
been received by year end.

unfavourable stockpile movements. A lower 
average silver price for the year and lower 
volumes sold also affected costs negatively. 

In Argentina, at Cerro Vanguardia, full-year 
output was maintained at the same level as 
2017, producing 282,000oz at a total cash 
cost of $476/oz compared to 283,000oz 
at a total cash cost of $522/oz in 2017. 
Production was maintained, despite the lower 
underground grade, mainly because of the 
higher volumes mined and treated. 

Costs 
The all-in sustaining cost (AISC) was $855/oz in 
2018, compared to $943/oz in 2017. Reduced 
costs were mainly due to lower sustaining 
capital expenditure, driven by a greater focus 
on capital management, and benefits derived 
from Operational Excellence initiatives.

In Brazil, the all-in sustaining cost declined 
year-on-year despite lower production 
volumes and inflationary pressures, which 
adversely impacted total cash costs. The 
6% improvement in AISC was boosted by 
good results from the Operational Excellence 
initiatives and a favourable exchange rate. 
In Argentina, total cash costs fell mainly as a 
result of the weaker exchange rate following 
the devaluation of the Argentine peso against 
the US dollar as well as improved efficiencies. 

These positive effects were partially weakened 
by rapidly rising inflation, which ended the  
year at 47%, mostly related to salary 
increments. Lower tonnes mined led to 

Several Operational Excellence initiatives were 
identified and implemented in the region during 
2018. In Brazil as part of the Operational 
Excellence programme, all sites conducted 
a full review of operations to improve 
efficiencies and reduce costs. Labour Reform, 
an engagement process with stakeholders, 
created an opportunity to implement a fourth 
working shift at all mines in Brazil. 

Combined with initiatives to optimise the 
work hand-over at shift change, productivity 
gains were generated on blasting cycles and 
development of main ramps and galleries. 
Operational Excellence initiatives also 

Brazil – Serra Grande

71

enhanced metallurgical performance and 
helped streamline capital expenditure.

The Operational Excellence initiatives at 
Cerro Vanguardia included underground 
development optimisation, cost reduction in 
material and services contracts, workforce 
recruitment freeze, nitrate and flocculant 
optimisation, cost reductions in mine 
drilling steel and cyclone pumps liners, and 
overhead restructuring. 

In September 2018, the government of 
Argentina introduced the payment of export 
duties on exported goods. In terms of 
an existing tax stability agreement, Cerro 
Vanguardia is entitled to a refund of these 
export duties should the payments result in a 
higher total tax burden compared to the tax 
imposed by the tax stability agreement. 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Americas

Capital expenditure
In Brazil, good capital discipline was 
maintained with stay-in-business capital 
expenditure proactively managed lower year-
on-year, supported by the more favourable 
exchange rate of the Brazilian real versus 
the US dollar. The Brazilian operations 
maintained their focus on Mineral Resource 
and Ore Reserve conversions with the main 
investment at all operations going into Ore 
Reserve development, to improve confidence 
levels and mine flexibility, in order to increase 
stope access. 

Capital expenditure in Argentina was lower 
in 2018 than the previous year, mainly due 
to reduced Ore Reserve development from 
underground optimisation and the tailings dam 
investment made during 2017, which was not 
necessary in 2018. The lower level of capital 
expenditure was also partly attributable to the 
weakness in the Argentine peso against the 
US dollar in 2018.

Growth and improvement
Going forward, Brazil plans to increase gold 
production. Productivity is expected to improve 
with maximisation of the assets as a result of 
the Operational Excellence initiatives underway, 
particularly in the areas of exploration, Ore 
Reserve development, mining and metallurgy. 
Significant cost reductions contributed to 
returning the Mineral Resource and Ore 
Reserve to plan. During the development phase 
at Serra Grande, while building confidence 

levels, conversion drilling works delivered results 
that were 55% better than planned (at 12,722m 
against 8,217m). In 2019, the Cuiabá complex 
is expected to improve production by accessing 
and mining the high-grade Serrotinho ore body. 
At Córrego do Sítio (CdS), higher development 
rates and production from underground mining, 
along with a new pushback at the open pit, 
are expected to lead to increased production. 
Drilling campaigns aimed at confirming ore 
sources are currently underway. Drill results 
will help support an improving production case 
in the medium term and extend the operating 
lives of the new open pit (CdS III) and of new 
underground mines at Mina II and the São 
Bento Deep ore bodies in the long term. 

The Cuiabá complex is expected to normalise 
access to high-grade areas, creating positive 
conditions so as to adhere to production and 
development plans to provide flexibility and 
improve confidence levels. Córrego do Sítio will 
focus on bringing the new open-pit pushback 
into production. 

Serra Grande has brought the Ingá ore body 
into production while work continues on 
exploring the potential of the Mangaba and 
Corpo IV ore bodies. The Palmeiras South 
mineral rights purchase negotiation was 
concluded in 2018, creating access to the new 
ore bodies.

Also at Serra Grande, the Santos Reis 
community resettlement activities have begun, 
which we plan to conclude during 2019, to be 

able to work on the expansion of the open pit 
for increased production. Additionally, with the 
purchase negotiations concluded in December 
2018, exploration work is expected to begin 
during the first half of the 2019 year in the high-
potential Palmeiras South area.

AGA Mineração is expected to deliver improved 
grades in 2019, which should result in higher 
production, and Ore Reserve conversion is a 
clear near-term focus. 

Production from the Serra Grande crown pillar 
is expected to lead to higher grades towards 
the end of the year but at lower throughput. 
The Palmeiras South licence is targeted for 
mid-2019. 

In Argentina, Cerro Vanguardia has been in 
operation for 20 years. Going forward, grades 
from open pit mines are expected to be below 
the current levels, with a resultant decrease 
in production. Lower production will impact 
the all-in sustaining cost which is expected to 
average around $1,000/oz over the remaining 
life of mine. Further cost-saving initiatives and 
operational improvements are being analysed 
in order to maintain cost reductions to mitigate 
the lower production impact in 2019. Fleet 
replacement is planned for 2019, which will 
be made up of five trucks and one loader, 
to replace the current old 773-truck fleet. 
Once these are in commission, use of the 
new vehicles is expected to bring additional 
savings given lower maintenance and better 
operational efficiencies.

72

Colombia – Gramalote

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Americas

Sustainability performance
Safety and health
A new methodology for health, safety and 
environment management, based on a 
risk-assessment approach, was introduced 
for strategic projects during 2018 in the 
region. Branded as PGR-SMART, the new 
methodology is being implemented at all 
business units, with training at all sites. It has 
been designed with an accompanying road 
map to monitor adherence and opportunities 
for improvement. Learning and change 
management were addressed through various 
initiatives such as the safety-maturity level 
research conducted by Du Pont at Cuiabá and 
the Risk Management Training for Leadership, 
which applies the Queensland University’s 
G-Mirm model. For contractor management, 
the new standard is implemented with training 
at all operations and top risk contractors are 
audited using the standard (before hiring and 
contract signing).

Environment
No environmental incidents were reported  
in 2018 (2017: 0). In Brazil, all licences critical 
to the operations were obtained despite the 
country having been through elections. 

On 7 February 2019, regulatory authorities 
in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state required the 
demobilisation at all tailings storage facilities 
(TSFs) constructed using the upstream design 
method. AngloGold Ashanti does not have any 
upstream TSFs in this state, but it does have one 
centreline facility at the Córrego do Sítio operation. 

While the design of the Córrego do Sítio TSF 
has been confirmed as a centreline facility 
by the regulators, as a precautionary step, 
operations here were temporarily suspended 
following the unfortunate accident at Vale’s iron 
ore mine in Minas Gerais in January 2019. We 
are in discussions with regulators in this regard 
and look forward to resuming operations at the 
TSF as soon as the regulators are satisfied that 
the design of the facility is suitable.

AngloGold Ashanti has a clear framework that 
sets principles, standards and guidelines for 
the construction, management and oversight of 
its TSFs. It is our obligation to ensure that our 
TSFs are stable, non-polluting and contained. 
We are guided in this by international practice, 
and conduct regular, detailed inspections by 
internal specialists and independent third-
party experts. Monitoring and preventive 
maintenance is ongoing. Since implementation 
of legislation in 2015, AngloGold Ashanti has 
been reinforcing its tailings dam management 
programme plan in Brazil. Activities in 2018 
included dam break simulations and other 
systems at all business units.

The Córrego do Sítio TSF supports production 
of about 95,000oz a year. The balance 
of 35,000oz of Córrego do Sítio’s annual 
production comes from its heap leach pad, 
which is not affected by the TSF suspension. 
In the meantime, scheduled maintenance was 
conducted and mining at the site continues 
as we stockpile ore ahead of the plant, given 
that the Córrego do Sítio plant has processing 
headroom above what is normally mined.

Community development
During the year, we continued to maintain 

constructive community relations, which 

reflects the community’s goodwill and our good 

relations with this key stakeholder. We continue 

to focus on community engagements as a key 

strategic objective to maintain and strengthen 

our social licence at all our operations. In 

Brazil, social investment in communities 

prioritises projects focused on culture, social 

development, health, income generation 

for sustainable solutions. Major projects 

implemented in 2018 included:

•  Sustainable Partnerships Programme 
(public call for projects): Social projects 
supported by the Company are selected 

by a committee, comprising AngloGold 

Ashanti, specialists in social projects and 

representatives of communities, in line with 

open and transparent management of social 

investments. In 2018, in support of this 

programme, an investment of more than 

BRL1.2m was made in 25 projects 

• Tax incentives: In Brazil, specific laws 

allow the Company to invest a portion of 

income tax paid in projects approved by 

the federal government in areas such as 

culture, sport, children and youth, elderly 

and disabled people, as well as health 

(particularly oncology). AngloGold Ashanti 

invested around BRL6m in such initiatives 

in 2018, for the benefit of cities surrounding 

its operations

73

•  Volunteerism: Established in 2004, the 

Holding Hands Programme has, to date, 
benefited more than 30,000 people  
through more than 140 activities (3,600 
voluntary participators). The programme 
aims to encourage employees to become 
involved in and to contribute to social 
causes within local municipalities where the 
Company operates

•  Good Neighbourhood Programme: The 
purpose of the initiative is to strengthen 
AngloGold Ashanti’s relationship and 
dialogue with communities in Brazil, 
including regular meetings and publication of 
a printed newspaper. A toll-free hotline also 
receives grievances and complaints

IN MEMORIAM
Regrettably, there was a fatal 
accident at Cuiabá in Brazil when 
Mr Heber de Oliveira Temoteo was 
fatally injured following an electricity-
related incident in January 2018. 
Our sincere condolences go to the 
families, colleagues, friends and 
communities of the deceased. 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYContribution to regional production

%

•  Sunrise Dam 

•  Tropicana 

46

54 

Contribution to group production

%

•  Australasia 

18

•  Rest of AngloGold 
  Ashanti 

82 

Australia – Sunrise Dam

REGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Australasia

AngloGold Ashanti’s operations in the 
Australasia region, Sunrise Dam and 
Tropicana, are located in the north-
eastern goldfields of the state of 
Western Australia.

Sunrise Dam, wholly-owned by AngloGold 
Ashanti, is located 220km north-east of 
Kalgoorlie and 55km south of Laverton. Gold 
production started at Sunrise Dam in 1997. 
Underground mining, carried out by a contract 
mining company, is now the primary source of 
ore for the operation, following the cessation 
of mining in the open pit in 2014. The 
owner-managed processing plant comprises 
conventional gravity and carbon-in-leach 
(CIL) circuits, with a flotation and fine grind 
circuit commissioned in mid-2018 to improve 
metallurgical recovery.

Tropicana, a joint venture between 
AngloGold Ashanti (70% and manager) and 
Independence Group NL (30%), is located 
200km east of Sunrise Dam and 330km east-
northeast of Kalgoorlie. The operation poured 
first gold in September 2013. Tropicana 
is a large open pit operation with mining 
carried out by a contract mining company. 
The processing plant is owner-managed 
comprising conventional CIL technology and 
high-pressure grinding rolls for energy-efficient 
comminution. A second ball mill was added 
to the grinding circuit in 2018 to optimise the 
circuit, improve metallurgical recovery and 
match mine output.

Darwin

Western
Australia

1
1

222222
2

Kalgoorlie

Perth

Brisbane

Adelaide

Sydney

Canberra

Melbourne

Operation

0

1,000km

LEGEND

1

2

Sunrise Dam

Tropicana (70%)

74

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Australasia

Key statistics

Operational performance

Tonnes treated/milled

Pay limit

Recovered grade

Gold production (attributable)

Total cash costs

Total production costs

All-in sustaining costs (1)

Capital expenditure (attributable)

Productivity

Safety

Number of fatalities

AIFR

People

Average no. of employees: total

– Permanent employees

– Contractors

Training and development expenditure

See footnotes overleaf

Production
(000oz)

2014

620

2015

560

2016

520

2017

559

2018

625

Productivity
(oz/TEC)

2014

62.00

2015

55.84

2016

46.81

2017

47.87

2018

49.55

Units

2018

2017

2016

9.5

0.07

2.10

0.065

2.01

625

762

1,010

1,038

156

49.55

0

9.14

1,051

238

813

1

9.4

0.06

1.84

0.061

1.89

559

743

991

1,062

153

47.87

0

8.53

974

226

748

1

8.9

0.06

1.86

0.058

1.82

520

793

1,056

1,067

109

46.81

0

9.49

925

211

714

1

Mt 

oz/t

g/t

oz/t

g/t

000oz

$/oz

$/oz

$/oz

$m

oz/TEC

per million hours worked

$m

75

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Australasia

Key statistics (continued)

Environment

Total water consumption

Total water use per tonne treated

Total energy usage

Total energy usage per tonne treated

Total GHG emissions 

Total GHG emissions per tonne treated

Cyanide used

No. of reportable environmental incidents

Total rehabilitation liabilities: 

– restoration

– decommissioning

Community and government

Community expenditure

Total payments to government

– Taxation

– Withholding tax (royalties, etc.)

– Employee taxes and other contributions

(1)  Excludes stockpile write-offs.

Units

2018

2017

2016

AIFR
(per million hours worked)

7,734

0.653

6.72

0.57

395

0.033

4,119

0

89

55

34

0.7

83

36

19

28

6,783

0.581

6.32

0.54

372

0.032

4,011

0

88

54

34

0.7

74

28

18

28

7,577

0.691

5.62

0.51

336

0.031

4,696

0

71

42

29

0.6

84

41

16

27

2014

10.73

2015

8.56

2016

9.49

2017

8.53

2018

9.14

Total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs
($/oz)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

804
986
702
875
793
1,067
743
1,062
762
1,038

Total cash costs

All-in sustaining costs

ML

kL/t

PJ

GJ/t

000t CO2e
t CO2e/t
t

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

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INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Australasia

Operating performance

The region delivered a strong performance in 
2018 producing 625,000oz, a 12% year-on-
year increase in production, due to higher mill 
feed grades and higher mill throughput  
at Tropicana.

At Sunrise Dam, the focus continued to be 
on lifting the mined grade while maintaining 
an underground ore production rate of 
approximately 3Mtpa. Underground ore 
is the primary source of mill feed which is 
blended with low grade stockpiled ore to fill 
the 3.8Mtpa capacity processing plant. Higher 
mined grades in the first and fourth quarters 
contributed to a 21% increase in year-on-year 
production, offsetting delays in metallurgical 
recovery improvements that were anticipated 
from the Recovery Enhancement Project 
(REP). A structured optimisation programme 
in the processing plant was delivering positive 
results by year end and, along with a higher 
proportion of Vogue ore in the feed blend, is 
expected to increase recovery rates to REP 
feasibility study levels in 2019.

Production at Tropicana in 2018 increased 
by 5% due to higher mill feed grades and 
higher mill throughput. The second 6MW ball 
mill was commissioned ahead of schedule in 
November with full ramp-up achieved within 
a week. The additional ball mill is expected to 
lift annual throughput to 8.2Mtpa and, through 
a reduction in grind size, to improve baseline 
metallurgical gold recovery by up to 3% to 

approximately 92%. The Long Island mining 
sequence was further optimised during 2018, 
with mining rates stabilising at approximately 
95Mtpa. Grade streaming continued in 2018 
with preferential processing of higher grade 
ore while low-to-medium grade ore was 
stockpiled. Mining during 2018 focused on the 
Havana South, Havana 3 and Tropicana 2 pits. 
It is anticipated that mining of the Tropicana pit 
will be completed in the first half in 2019, while 
mining will begin in the Boston Shaker open pit 
cutback 4 during the second half of the year.  

Costs
All-in sustaining costs at $1,038/oz for the 
region were slightly lower than the previous year, 
largely due to higher production and a weaker 
Australian dollar, which offset higher mining 
costs. Several once-off capital projects were 
completed in 2018 with capital expenditure at 
Sunrise Dam, including construction of the REP, 
a multi-year extension of the tailings storage 
facility (TSF) and installation and commissioning 
of two 2MW primary ventilation fans, which 
were all completed by year end. Once-off 
capital expenditure at Tropicana included the 
construction and commissioning of the 6MW 
ball mill.

Growth and improvement
Late in 2018, the Tropicana joint venture 
partners committed to conducting a 
feasibility study into the development of 
an underground mine beneath the Boston 
Shaker pit after a prefeasibility study 
confirmed that underground mining was 

technically and financially viable. Approval 
is expected in the first half of 2019 with 
development of a portal likely to start in 
mid-2019. Infill drilling was carried out during 
2018 to convert the Inferred Mineral Resource 
to an Indicated Mineral Resource, enabling 
a maiden underground Ore Reserve to be 
declared. Boston Shaker mineralisation 
remains open along strike and at depth.

In 2019, the focus at Sunrise Dam will remain 
on targeting higher grade sections of the 
underground stopes, while maintaining the 
underground production rate at approximately 
240,000 – 250,000 tonnes a month. The 
Vogue ore body will become the primary 
ore source in 2019, expected to account 
for approximately two thirds of underground 
ore production. The site is evaluating paste 
fill options to support production from wider 
sections of the large Vogue ore body.

The completion of capital projects, including 
the ventilation upgrades, during 2018 will 
contribute to improving the effective use of 
mining equipment and the reliability of the 
mine. The underground mine management 
system (UMMS) is expected to be 
commissioned during 2019, enabling real-time 
analysis of the mobile fleet to identify specific 
Operational Excellence projects that improve 
efficiency by optimising the effective time and 
performance quality metrics of the mining 
equipment. The UMMS will also enable remote 
surface control of services such as ventilation, 
power and dewatering.

77

Australia – Tropicana

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Australasia

The Sunrise Dam mineralised system 
remains open in all directions and at depth. 
During 2019, targets 1km to the south of 
the mine will be tested with deep diamond 
drilling in a programme partially funded 
by the Western Australian Government’s 
Exploration Incentive Scheme.

During 2018, AngloGold Ashanti earned 
a 51% interest in the Butcher Well/Lake 
Carey exploration joint venture tenements, 
where there is potential for the discovery of 
an additional Ore Reserve for processing at 
Sunrise Dam, possibly displacing low-grade 
stockpiles currently being blended with 
underground ore. 

AngloGold Ashanti Australia has the right to 
earn up to 70% interest from Saracen Mineral 
Holdings Ltd by spending up to A$25m 
on exploration in the tenements, which are 
located approximately 22km from Sunrise 
Dam. These tenements are part of the Butcher 
Well/Lake Carey exploration joint venture. 

Sustainability performance
Safety and health
There were no fatalities in the region during 
the year, maintaining the mines’ fatality-free 
performances since their inception. The all 
injury frequency rate was 9.14 (2017:8.53) 
per million hours worked. The deterioration 
was due to an increase in soft tissue injuries 
which are treated with on-sight physiotherapy 
following early detection. The incidence of 
more severe injuries remains low.

The Company’s safety programmes, 
including safety leadership, hazard and risk 
management and incident investigation, 
continued to be held for managers and 
supervisors, with these competencies being 
embedded into day-to-day leadership 
and supervision in the region. The general 
Company safety training programme targets 
and schedules were met and exceeded  
in 2018.

Bow tie risk assessments were completed for 
fatigue, fitness for work, mental health and 
diesel emissions during 2018. Annual health 
risk assessments and health and hygiene 
management plans were completed for both 
operations.

Workplace health and safety (WHS) legislation 
in Western Australia is undergoing significant 
reform. The WHS Bill in draft at the end 
of 2018 will be based on the content and 
structure of the national model WHS Act and 
is anticipated to be debated in Parliament in 
2019. There will be a set of general regulations 
and mining specific regulations. The act 
and regulations are currently scheduled for 
adoption as a total package in early 2020. 

In 2017, Sunrise Dam volunteered and was 
selected as the research site for the Western 
Australian regulator and mining industry-
funded study on nano-diesel particulates to 
better understand the potential health impact, 
as well as the potential impact of deeper 
underground mining. During 2018, research 
teams from Curtin University, the University 

Australia – Sunrise Dam

of Western Australia and the ChemCentre 
undertook analysis and final report preparation. 
The report is expected to be released in 2019.

The project to research and trial fatigue 
monitoring tools continued at Tropicana 
during the year. Several CAT trucks were 
fitted with Caterpillar driver safety systems 
(camera recognition) to monitor operators, 
with information sent to a central control. 
Capital has been approved to fit the rest of 
the open-pit mining truck fleet and some other 
heavy mobile equipment with this technology 
in 2019. 

Sunrise Dam was the first mine in Australia, and 
the first AngloGold Ashanti mine, to achieve 

ISO 45001:2018 certification, the leading 
certification standard for occupational health 
and safety (previously known as OHSAS 
18001). The new ISO 45001 standard uses 
a high-level structure consistent with other 
ISO management system standards such as 
ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, both of which have 
undergone updates in the past couple of years. 

Employees and labour relations
The Australasia region’s tailored Fairness@
AGAA programme, which uses the Company’s 
values as a guide to leadership behaviour, 
continued to be rolled out for new employees 
and employees of major contractors. This 
programme incorporates hands-on exercises 
and real-life case studies to help participants 

78

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Australasia

understand unlawful discrimination, 
harassment and workplace bullying. These 
concepts are explained in terms of current 
legislation as well as the Australasia region’s 
fairness in employment policy and grievance 
process. The programme is aligned with 
best practice in relation to Australian equal 
employment opportunity legislation. 

Complementing this training is the two-day 
Supervision@AGAA programme for new 
managers. These programmes form part 
of a comprehensive framework focused on 
leadership and accountability. 

We continue to support the Women in Mining 
of Western Australia mentoring programme, 
with employees participating both as mentors 
and mentees. Woman account for 19% of the 
workforce in the region.

Community development
We are actively involved in communities 
across the Western Australian goldfields, from 
Laverton to Kalgoorlie-Boulder and beyond, 
including remote Aboriginal communities 
such as Tjuntjuntjara. The Company supports 
education, youth, community development 

and health programmes and local training, 
along with offering employment and business 
participation opportunities. 

Environment
Environmental management and compliance
The region completed 2018 with no 
environmental incidents. Both Sunrise Dam and 
Tropicana achieved environmental certification 
under the new ISO 14001:2015, following 
audits conducted by Bureau Veritas in 2018.

Both mines have maintained certification 
under the International Cyanide Management 
Code. The Department of Mines conducted an 
environmental compliance inspection at Sunrise 
Dam in 2018 finding that the site was compliant 
with its environmental commitments.

In 2018, both sites made submissions for 
approval of key environmental amendments 
to increase operational flexibility. Tropicana 
applied for amendments to its three existing 
approvals in preparation for the proposed 
Boston Shaker underground mining project. 
These submissions sought variations under 
the National Environment Protection and 
Biodiversity Conservation Act, a Section 
45c application under the Western Australia 

Environment Protection Act to adjust the site’s 
Prescribed Premises Licence and a Mining 
Proposal Application to authorise underground 
mining and backfilling of open pits.

Climate change
Sunrise Dam and Tropicana fulfilled the 2018 
reporting obligations under the annual National 
Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme 
(NGER), which forms part of a single national 
framework for reporting and disseminating 
company information about greenhouse 
gas emissions, energy production, energy 
consumption and other information specified 
under NGER legislation.

Water
All groundwater monitoring at Sunrise Dam 
has been undertaken in accordance with 
AS/NZS 5667. The groundwater monitoring 
programme primarily focuses on achieving 
the requirements of the Environmental 
Protection Act licence and the site’s licences 
to take water. Additional monitoring for 
site operational requirements and ad-hoc 
environmental monitoring is also undertaken 
as required. Results from groundwater 
monitoring across Sunrise Dam remained 
within historic ranges.

Australia – Sunrise Dam

79

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
Australasia

At Tropicana, the risk caused by hypersaline 
water mounding below the TSF continues to 
be monitored and, during 2018, additional 
recovery bores were drilled and equipped 
to increase recovery rates and control rising 
water levels. A water balance model is being 
developed to more accurately model the 
dynamics of the system.

The Kamikaze borefield at Tropicana was 
expanded during the year and additional 
bores will be installed in 2019 following 
studies which determined that the aquifer 
was more substantial than originally 
modelled. There would be significant 
benefits to the operation should higher 
volumes of lower salinity water be drawn 
from the more proximate Kamikaze 
borefield. The improved water quality 
results in lower reagent consumption and 
lower operating costs.

Bo t h m in es repor ted b elow 
t heir r esp ectiv e emi ss ions 
bas e li n es a nd  r eceived 
a  “ no t  i n a n  exces s 
emiss ion s  pos ition” 
ju dg emen t  from  th e  Clean 
En erg y  Regula tor.

Biodiversity
The Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust 
(GVDBT) continued to make progress with 
the adaptive management partnership (AMP), 
which represents a co-ordinated approach 
to implementing adaptive management in 
the Great Victoria Desert, combining the 
philosophies and tools of landscape-scale 
management and collective action. The AMP 
will provide an ‘umbrella’ to co-ordinate 
activities, integrate science and action, 
and provide a monitoring and evaluation 
framework. Several funded projects in the 
Great Victoria Desert continued in 2018.

The independent GVDBT was created by the 
Tropicana joint venture as part of its offset strategy 
for the mine under the Federal Environmental 
Protection and Conservation Act 1999.

Integrated closure planning
The Australian government’s Senate 
inquiry into the Rehabilitation of Mining and 
Resources Projects in relation to Australia’s 
Commonwealth responsibilities was released 
on 28 November 2018. The report does not 
contain anything specific that would have 
direct impact on the Australian operations.

Tropicana’s mine closure plan, submitted 
to the regulator in 2017, was approved in 
October 2018. The site is required to submit 
its next update in 2022. Sunrise Dam’s closure 
plan was updated and submitted to the 
regulator for approval in 2018.

Australia – Tropicana

80

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
South Africa

Our South Africa region has 
undergone extensive restructuring to 
ensure its long-term sustainability

Following this restructuring and the sale of 

assets, AngloGold Ashanti’s South African 

operations currently are:

West Wits
•  Mponeng, the world’s deepest gold mine 
and our flagship South African operation 

is in the West Wits mining district south-

west of Johannesburg, on the border 

between Gauteng and North West Province. 

Mponeng exploits the Ventersdorp Contact 

Reef (VCR) via a twin-shaft system at depths 

of between 2,800m and 3,400m below 

surface. Ore is treated and smelted at the 

mine’s gold plant. 

Surface Operations
•  Surface Operations encompasses those 
surface facilities in the West Wits area 

and in the former Vaal River area, which 

process and extract gold from marginal 

ore dumps and tailings storage facilities. 

Surface Operations also includes Mine 

Waste Solutions (MWS), which operates 

independently, processing slurry material 

reclaimed hydraulically from various tailings 

storage facilities. Backfill is produced as a 

by-product, for use as mining support in 

mined out areas underground. 

Restructuring of the  
South Africa region 
The sales of the Kopanang and Moab 
Khotsong mines, in two separate 
transactions, were concluded on  
28 February 2018. Following these 
sales, which included the Nuclear Fuels 
Corporation of South Africa (Nufcor), 
uranium is no longer produced. TauTona 
(including its Savuka section) in the West 
Wits area had been placed on orderly 
closure following the cessation of mining 
in September 2017.

Contribution to regional production
(excluding technology)

North West

Carletonville

Klerksdorp

3

Gauteng

Pretoria

Swaziland

Bloemfontein

Lesotho

Durban

%

•  West Wits 
•  Vaal River* 
•  Surface Operations 

55
10
35

Operation

Cape Town

Port Elizabeth

East London

* For the first two months of the year 

Contribution to group production

0

400km

MAP LEGEND

1 West Wits / Mponeng

%

•  South Africa 

•  Rest of AngloGold 
  Ashanti 

14

86

2

3

Surface Operations / Mine Waste Solutions and other surface treatment facilities 
in the West Wits and Vaal River areas

Vaal River / Kopanang and Moab Khotsong were sold on 28 February 2018

81

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
South Africa

Key statistics

Operational performance

Tonnes treated/milled

Pay limit (1)

Recovered grade (1)

Gold production

Total cash costs

Total production costs 

All-in sustaining costs (2)

Capital expenditure 

Productivity

Safety

Number of fatalities

AIFR

People

Average no. of employees: total

– Permanent employees

– Contractors

Training and development expenditure

See footnotes overleaf

Production
(000oz)

2014

1,223

2015

1,004

2016

967

2017

903

2018

487

Productivity
(oz/TEC)

2014

4.40

2015

3.74

2016

3.56

2017

3.57

2018

4.45

Units

2018

2017

2016

34.9

0.44

16.11

0.219

6.82

487

1,033

1,187

1,178

73

4.45

2

10.25

18,803

17,049

1,754

11

38.9

0.43

15.97

0.202

6.93

903

1,085

1,247

1,245

150

3.57

7

12.68

26,245

22,738

3,507

28

39.6

0.37

13.81

0.219

7.51

967

896

1,089

1,081

182

3.56

6

12.02

28,507

25,205

3,302

29

Mt 

oz/t

g/t

oz/t

g/t

000oz

$/oz

$/oz

$/oz

$m

oz/TEC

per million hours worked

$m

82

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
South Africa

Key statistics (continued)

Environment

Total water consumption

Total water use per tonne treated

Total energy usage

Total energy usage per tonne treated

Total GHG emissions 

Total GHG emissions per tonne treated

Cyanide used

No. of reportable environmental incidents

Total rehabilitation liabilities: 

– restoration

– decommissioning

Community and government

Community expenditure (3)

Payments to government

– Taxation

– Withholding tax (royalties, etc.)

– Employee taxes and other contributions

– Property tax

– Other (includes skills development) 

(1)  Refers to underground operations only.
(2)  Excludes stockpile write-offs.
(3)  Includes corporate social investment expenditure.

Units

2018

2017

2016

AIFR
(per million hours worked)

20,503

23,161

14,770

0.423

4.13

0.15

1,332

0.038

0.527

10.05

0.26

2,733

0.070

11,842

10,122

1

76

13

63

5

91

–

2

83

3

3

1

119

18

101

6

118

–

5

105

3

5

0.586

10.54

0.27

2,864

0.073

9,672

0

95

15

80

5

106

–

5

93

4

4

2014

11.85

2015

10.81

2016

12.02

2017

12.68

2018

10.25

Total cash costs and all-in sustaining costs
($/oz)

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

849
1,064
881
1,088
896
1,081
1,085
1,245
1,033
1,178

Total cash costs

All-in sustaining costs

ML

kL/t

PJ

GJ/t

000t CO2e
t CO2e/t
t

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

$m

83

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
South Africa

Operating performance
Production
The South Africa region’s operations produced 
487,000oz at a total cash cost of $1,033/oz 
in 2018 compared to 903,000oz at a total 
cash cost of $1,085/oz the previous year. 
The decrease in production reflects, firstly, 
the reduction in the number of mines in the 
region with Kopanang and Moab Khotsong 
contributing for only two months of the year, 
following their sales on 28 February 2018. 
Secondly, following TauTona (including Savuka) 
being placed on orderly closure, there was no 
production from that mine in 2018. 

Production from retained operations, that is 
excluding those assets sold and undergoing 
orderly closure, was 436,000oz (up 2% year-
on-year). 

At MWS, 2018 production was 103,000oz at 
a total cash cost of $812/oz. Given current 
market conditions and the decision in the first 
half of 2018 to change its processing strategy, 
MWS will focus solely on gold recovery in future. 
The uranium plant has thus ceased operating. 
A strategic decision was also made to treat 
reduced higher-grade volumes from the sulphur 
paydam to ensure responsible reclamation and 
to facilitate future rehabilitation. 

Consequently, MWS remained cash positive 
despite the 5% year-on-year decline in 
production. Production was mainly impacted 
by lower recoveries as a result of carbon 
management challenges experienced during 
the third quarter of 2018, which improved 

toward the end of 2018. Tonnages were also 
impacted by unplanned stoppages owing 
to inclement weather and associated power 
outages. Approximately 167 hours of power 
failures were experienced in December alone. 

We engaged with Eskom management, the 
public power utility, and a protocol was agreed 
to create flexibility during inclement weather.

Following the sale of the Mispah and West 
Gold plants in February 2018, production from 
the hard-rock dumps was lower compared 
to 2017. The yield contribution from the 
West Wits surface sources was also down 
year-on-year due to the higher proportion of 
reclamation from the Savuka marginal ore 
dumps and tailings storage facilities (TSFs). 
Accordingly, mining strategies were changed 
during the third quarter of 2018 and feed 
grades are beginning to improve.

Costs 
The region’s all-in-sustaining cost of $1,178/oz 
was 5% lower year-on-year. The reduction in 
costs is in line with our strategy to ensure that 
the South African operations are safely returned 
to profitability while mitigating job losses. 

Cost management efforts continue in earnest, 
aimed at ensuring that both on- and off-mine 
cost structures are appropriately resized for the 
smaller production base. Efforts will continue 
in 2019 to realise further cost reductions within 
the off-mine cost structures. Focus has shifted 
to reducing legacy costs, and the streamlining 
of systems and work processes to right-size 

the cost base to the smaller footprint and 
drive further operational efficiencies through 
improved productivity. In addition, as part 
of Mponeng’s safe production strategy to 
increase face time, a new shift arrangement 
was agreed with the South African unions. The 
new shifts were successfully implemented on 
12 November 2018 and are expected to help 
improve productivity. Costs are expected to 
benefit from improved mining practices and 
the new shift arrangement.

Growth and improvement
At MWS, the AachenTM high-shear reactor 
technology for the refractory portion of the 
feedstock was commissioned in October 2018 
and is expected to assist in improving recoveries.

The planned Kareerand TSF expansion 
project is undergoing a feasibility study. The 
technical review is scheduled for the first half 
of 2019. This project is aimed at facilitating 
the continued operation of MWS and the 
associated retreatment of the Vaal River TSFs 
beyond 2040.

Phase 1 of the Mponeng project: 
Raiseboring of the reef pass from 123 level 
to 126 level was completed during 2018 
and construction of the tip and control chute 
began in December 2018. Installation of 
additional support to consolidate the hanging 
wall and side walls of the pump chamber and 
substation will follow in the second half of 
2019. The production ramp up on 123 and 
126 levels will continue during 2019. 

84

South Africa – Mponeng 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
South Africa

In April, a fatal accident at 126 level impacted 
Ore Reserve development (ORD) and certain 
construction activities. As a result, the 
production ramp up was delayed allowing 
for implementation of the enhanced support 
strategy in geologically affected areas. 

Construction of water management 
infrastructure is currently behind schedule 
with the piping installation still outstanding. 
Construction of ore-handling infrastructure 
has been completed. ORD at 126 level also 
encountered areas with higher geological 
complexity, which required additional 
secondary support, slowing advance rates. 

Phase 2 of the mine life extension project has 
been put on hold due to capital constraints and 
to allow for the completion of a feasibility study 
in 2019. Although this is a long-term project, 
sufficient development has been completed 
to ensure a life of mine (LOM) of approximately 
eight years.

The technology and innovation project remains 
on hold, in line with the accelerated placement 
of TauTona into orderly closure. However, work 
continues to establish the site for the high-
strength backfill plant at Mponeng. Delays 
were encountered in the development of 
the excavation and it is estimated that plant 
construction will begin in the first half of 2019. 

year-on-year due to the sale of assets early 
in the year. Phase 1 of the Mponeng project 
is nearing completion and is on budget. The 
project is expected to be completed during 
the second quarter of 2019. Remaining items 
include completion of water management 
infrastructure, sealing the dam and installing 
additional support in the pump and substation 
chambers on 127 level. Raiseboring of the 
ventilation hole, from 116 level to decline 3, 
is also underway and is expected to increase 
ventilation capacity for 126 level. 

The feasibility study for the LOM extension 
project was subject to a technical review in 
June 2018. A further study covering five areas 
with potential to improve the business case 
of the project will be concluded during the 
second quarter of 2019.

Sustainability performance 
People
The South Africa region embarked on the 
“Setting the South African region up for a 
Sustainable Future” initiative as a strategic 
decision to secure a sustainable future for the 
South African operations. The initiative was 
aimed at:

•  optimising operational LOM

•  increasing focus on responsible  

mine closure

Capital expenditure
Capital expenditure in the South Africa region 
was mainly on the Mponeng project. Total 
capital expenditure of $73m was 51% lower 

•  reducing Surface Operations’ footprint

•  continuing environmental restoration and 

rehabilitation post mining activities

In support of this, the Employee Transition 
Framework (ETF) was adopted. This 
framework integrates policies, procedures 
and practices to guide optimal application 
of human resource management in a rapidly 
evolving business and social environment. 

During the year, we embarked on a 
constructive approach to engagement with 
all our stakeholders, including employees, 
in South Africa regarding various matters 
relating to the restructuring and the 2018 
wage negotiations. We began 2018 in South 
Africa with the completion of the asset sales 
and by year-end had successfully transformed 
the South Africa region into a smaller, more 

focused, profitable business. The restructuring 
included a Section 189 process that involved 
facilitation by the Commission for Conciliation, 
Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) of the formal 
downscaling. The facilitation process, which 
was highly participative involving collaborative 
efforts between unions and company 
management, successfully managed to keep 
the number of forced retrenchments to a 
minimum. The process was aimed at striking 
a balance between preserving local jobs and 
rightsizing overhead structures for the smaller 
production base. Forced retrenchments 
were mitigated – from a total of 2,000 initially 
anticipated to 72 people. 

South Africa – Agricultural project

85

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
South Africa

Restructuring and the sale  
of non-core assets
A focus of the radical restructuring of 
the South African region was the sale of 
non-core assets, which involved a series 
of transactions to either close or sell – 
specifically the chemical laboratories 
and the rail transport network – and 
to outsource medical services at West 
Wits, a process which included buy-in 
from the unions and employees in the 
South African region. However, the 
provision of occupational health and 
primary health services to the retained 
business in Vaal River will be provided 
by Laboransan Occupational Health 
Services from 2019. The West Vaal 
hospital in Orkney is being managed by 
West Vaal Phodiclinic.

At West Wits, medical services have 
been outsourced to Life Occupational 
Health/Employee Health Solutions (Life 
EHS), which began providing these 
services to Mponeng and the other 
operations at West Wits from  
1 December 2018. Life EHS will initially 
provide services from two existing 
facilities, namely the occupational 
health centre and Mponeng medical 
station while building renovations are 
being completed at the new Mponeng 
medical centre.

This was achieved through offers of voluntary 
severance packages and the sale of some 
of the mines and non-core assets, which 
helped to preserve jobs through the transfer of 
ownership. 

As gold mining in South Africa involves 
narrow, hard-rock ore bodies with high silica 
quartz content at great depth, it is associated 
with the risk of silicosis, occupational 
tuberculosis (TB) and noise-induced hearing 
loss. Consequently, a high-level assessment 
(covering contributory causes, consequences 
and critical controls) of health risks in the 
South Africa region has been incorporated into 
the Company’s “health risk architecture”. 

On 17 September 2018, AngloGold Ashanti 
signed a three-year wage agreement with all 
unions – the Association of Mineworkers and 
Construction Union (AMCU), which represents 
48.9% of AngloGold Ashanti’s workforce in 
South Africa; Solidarity, which represents 3.7%; 
UASA, which represents 9.4%; and the National 
Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which represents 
32.8%. The wage agreement, effective from  
1 July 2018, covered wage increases for three 
years as well as a new shift arrangement to 
be implemented at Mponeng. The new shift 
arrangements were implemented on  
12 November 2018 and management of the 
change risk is in place. All employees in the 
South Africa region are covered by the wage 
agreement, including employees not affiliated 
to any trade union who fall into the worker 
categories outlined in the agreement. 

The new shift arrangement forms part of 
Mponeng’s safe production strategy to ensure 
safe workplaces and practices. It will allow for 
planned work cycle activities to be realised, 
resulting in improved safe production levels. It 
is also expected to contribute to improved face 
time and operational efficiency. The agreement 
is seen as being an important step in the 
process to improve productivity and employee 
remuneration – particularly those at the entry 
level – while providing certainty for three years.

Safety and health
Safety is AngloGold Ashanti’s first value, 

premised on the fundamental principle that the 

safety of our people is integral to our business. 

The region’s “Safe Production” strategy is critical 

in maintaining a safe work environment. We 

continue to strive for zero harm. The all-injury 

frequency rate (AIFR), the broadest measure of 

workplace safety, improved to 10.25 per million 

hours worked in 2018, from 12.68 in 2017. 

Seismic risk in South Africa remains high due to 

challenging operating conditions. Work in this 

area continues and is periodically reported to 

and gets oversight from the Social, Ethics and 

Sustainability Committee and board. 

The high-potential incidents (HPIs), a leading 

indicator for low-frequency, high-consequence 

events, continue to pose a risk for our 

operations. Although trending down, the 

continued occurrence of these incidents is an 

indication that residual operational risk profiles 

86

remain high with consequent vulnerability. 
During the year, we saw 74% fewer HPIs 
compared to 2017, down to 20 (2017: 77). 

Mponeng’s Safe Production strategy is 
underway, defined by ”a new way of work” 
and the implementation of various initiatives 
culminating from the Mponeng 2018 safety 
summit. The new shift arrangement allows 
for substantially increased face time, the 
completion of planned work cycle activities and 
improved safe production levels. Encouraging 
signs are evident with buy-in from all 
concerned, although it is early days. 

IN MEMORIAM
Regrettably, in 2018, we lost 
two colleagues in separate fatal 
accidents. At Moab Khotsong, 
Sikheto Mathebula was fatally 
injured in a tramming incident in 
February and, at Mponeng, Palo 
James Machini, a mechanical 
loader operator, was fatally injured 
in a seismic fall of ground in 
April during mechanical cleaning 
operations on 126 level. 

We extend our sincere 
condolences to the families, 
colleagues, friends and 
communities of the deceased. 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
South Africa

Key principles and drivers of the Safe 
Production strategy are: 

•  holistic, integrated work planning

•  promoting a culture of planning in all 

business processes

•  managing all logistical constraints and 

the provision of resources

•  implementation of work (mine) cycles 
and adequate face time to execute 
work safely (revised shift arrangements)

•  risk-based in all spheres (understand, 

reduce and manage)

•  line-owned

•  purpose-driven

•  unambiguous accountability to  

lowest level 

•  aligned with AngloGold Ashanti’s 

strategy and guidelines

•  compliance as a minimum requirement 

•  management of seismicity remains 
a critical element at Mponeng and 
mitigation measures are continuously 
instituted to reduce the seismic risk at 
all mining fronts 

Occupational diseases in the  
South Africa region 
Given the nature of ultra-deep, hard-rock, 
labour-intensive gold mining, the industry faces 
a variety of health challenges and workplace 
risks that are compounded by certain diseases 
prevalent in southern Africa, including 
occupational lung disease and HIV/Aids.  
A high-level assessment (covering contributory 
causes, consequences and critical controls) 
of health risks in the South Africa region 
has been incorporated into the Company’s 
“health risk architecture”. The all occupational 
diseases frequency rate (AODFR) for the region 
is marginally up at 12.84 per million hours 
worked in the four quarters ended September 
2018 (compared to 12.39 in 2017), driven 
by marginally rising annual rates of silicosis 
and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and 
dysbarism/barotrauma. 

The AODFR includes silicosis, occupational 
TB, NIHL, barotrauma (pressure-related injury 
to the middle ear following rapid descent/
ascent in deep-level mines) and all heat-related 
illnesses. In all, a 41% year-on-year reduction 
to 458 cases of occupational disease 
was reported in the four quarters to 2018 
(2017:778):

•  66 cases of NIHL

•  121 of occupational TB

•  39 of heat illness

•  162 of barotrauma

•  70 of silicosis 

87

South Africa – TB screening

New cases of HIV and TB in the South 
Africa region have declined by some 70% 
over 12 years. Much of this sustained 
success can be attributed to integrated 
health programmes across the business, 
including effective screening, diagnosis 
and treatment programmes, improved dust 
suppression on the mines, effective housing 
and accommodation strategies with a drive to 
family accommodation and private rooms, and 
a declining dependency on migrant labour. 

New cases of HIV (laboratory confirmed cases) 
have declined from 4.7% in 2005 to 1.1% in 
2018, and new TB cases have declined from 
3.02% in 2005 to 0.8% in 2018. Incidence rates 
for these two diseases, which are inextricably 
linked, have shown sustained and encouraging 
improvements over 12 years. While new TB and 
HIV rates continue to decline, sick absenteeism 
rates remain high at 5.4%, driven by the burden 

of chronic diseases, including hypertension, 
diabetes and obesity.

Silicosis litigation
On 3 March 2011, in Mankayi vs. AngloGold 
Ashanti, the Constitutional Court of 
South Africa held that section 35(1) of the 
Compensation for Occupational Injuries and 
Diseases Act, No. 130 of 1993, does not cover 
an “employee” who qualifies for compensation 
in respect of “compensable diseases” under 
the Occupational Diseases in Mines and 
Works Act, No. 78 of 1973, (ODMWA). This 
judgement allows such qualifying employee to 
pursue a civil claim for damages against the 
employer. Following the Constitutional Court 
decision, AngloGold Ashanti has become 
subject to numerous claims relating to silicosis 
and other Occupational Lung Diseases (OLD), 
including class actions and individual claims.

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
South Africa

1   www.silicosissettlement.co.za

2   www.oldcollab.co.za/

advanced stage of settlement negotiations, the 
Registrar of the SCA postponed the hearing 
date until further notice.

Ashanti has recorded a provision of $63 million 
to cover the estimated settlement costs and 
related expenditure of the silicosis litigation.

In November 2014, Anglo American South 
Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields Limited, 
Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited and 
Sibanye Gold Limited formed an industry 
working group on OLD (OLD 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 now also includes 
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM).

AngloGold Ashanti, along with other mining 
companies including Anglo American South 
Africa, ARM, Gold Fields Limited, Harmony 
Gold Mining Company Limited, DRDGOLD 
Limited, Randgold and Exploration Company 
Limited, and Sibanye Gold Limited, were 
served with a consolidated class action 
application on 21 August 2013. On 13 May 
2016, the South Gauteng High Court of 
South Africa ruled in favour of the applicants 
and found that there were sufficient common 
issues to certify two industry-wide classes: a 
Silicosis Class and a Tuberculosis Class. 

Settlement of the consolidated class action 
litigation was reached on 3 May 2018, after 
three years of extensive negotiations between 
the OLD Working Group companies and the 
lawyers of the claimants. On 13 December 
2018, the High Court issued a Court order 
setting out the process of how members of the 
settling classes and any interested parties can 
object to the proposed settlement. 

In the coming months, the High Court is 
scheduled to hold a hearing during which the 
Court will consider arguments by the parties 
to the settlement as well as arguments by 
other interested parties who are granted leave 
by the Court to participate, including parties 
filing objections to the proposed settlement. 
The purpose of this second hearing is to 
determine the fairness and reasonableness of 
the settlement.

On 3 June 2016, AngloGold Ashanti, together 
with certain of the other mining companies, filed 
an application with the High Court for leave to 
appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA). 
On 13 September 2016, the SCA granted the 
mining companies leave to appeal the entire 
High Court ruling to the SCA. On 10 January 
2018, in response to a postponement request 
from all parties involved in the appeal due to the 

If the settlement is approved by the Court 
and all its other conditions are met, a trust 
(Tshiamiso Trust) will be established and 
will exist for a minimum of 13 years. Eligible 
claimants will be able to seek specified 
payment from the Tshiamiso Trust and the 
amount of monetary compensation will vary 
depending on the nature and degree of the 
disease. As of 31 December 2018, AngloGold 

It is possible that additional class actions and/
or individual claims relating to silicosis and/
or other OLD will be filed against AngloGold 
Ashanti in the future. AngloGold Ashanti will 
defend all current and subsequently filed 
claims on their merits. Should AngloGold 
Ashanti be unsuccessful in defending any 
such claims, or in otherwise favourably 
resolving perceived deficiencies in the 
national occupational disease compensation 
framework that were identified in the earlier 
decision by the Constitutional Court, such 
matters would have an adverse effect on its 
financial position, which could be material.

For more details on the process, see  
websites  1   2 . 

Parallel to this class action settlement, the 
OLD Working Group continues in earnest to 
assist the Medical Bureau for Occupational 
Diseases (MBOD) and Compensation 
Commissioner for Occupational Diseases 
(CCOD). These institutions are government 
departments responsible for certification 
and compensation of mineworkers with 
OLD and are tasked with ensuring effective 
administration of responsibilities in terms of the 
Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works 
Act (ODMWA).

88

South Africa – Mponeng

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYREGIONAL REVIEWS CONTINUED
South Africa

Environment
After a rainfall event that exceeded 100mm 
in less than 24hrs, Vaal River’s Bokkamp 
pollution control dam overflowed, releasing 
an estimated volume of 1,000m3 that 
reached the Vaal River. Water quality analysis 
was undertaken of the release and from 
downstream in the river. Although the results 
from the point of release indicated that some 
of the International Finance Corporation’s 
effluent water quality standards had been 
exceeded, no detrimental environmental 
impacts were detected in the Vaal River 
itself. In addition to the internal analysis, the 
Department of Water and Sanitation was 
notified of the incident.

Contributing to communities
AngloGold Ashanti continues to support 
sustainable socio-economic development 
initiatives, including alternative livelihood 
creation in host and labour-sending 
communities of South Africa. This is often in the 
face of various challenges. At the AmaMpondo 

aseMalangeni agricultural project in the 
AmaMpondo Kingdom, the 2018 agricultural 
production season was marred by community 
conflicts. AngloGold Ashanti has since 
considered increasing the level of technical 
and governance support provided. An amount 
of R13.2m was allocated to the 2018-2019 
production season in partnership with Farmsol.

During 2018, two pioneering agricultural 
projects were launched and handed over 
to the respective co-operatives in the host 
communities of Matlosana and Merafong. The 
Matlosana and Wedela agricultural projects 
are included in our social and labour plan 
commitments to be implemented over a 
three-year period. The revitalised Masakhisane 
Enterprise Development Fund continues to 
support local business development projects 
by disbursing interest-free loans to small, 
medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). 
During 2018, the fund disbursed a total of 
36 interest-free loans at a value of R13.39m, 
assisting business initiatives in the Matlosana 
and Merafong communities. 

South Africa – Agricultural project

89

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Production metrics

Continental Africa

DRC

Kibali (45%)

Ghana

Iduapriem

Obuasi (1)

Guinea

Siguiri (85%)

Mali

Morila (40%)

Sadiola (41%)

Yatela (40%) (2)

Namibia

Navachab (3)

Tanzania

Geita

Americas

Argentina

Cerro Vanguardia (92.5%)

Brazil

AGA Mineração

Serra Grande

See footnotes overleaf

Attributable tonnes treated/milled (Mt)

2016

27.6

3.3

5.1

–

2015

27.2

3.1

4.7

1.0

2014

29.9

2.5

4.9

2.2

10.3

10.0

10.1

1.5

2.0

5.4

7.0

2.9

2.8

1.3

1.2

2.1

5.2

7.0

3.1

2.6

1.3

1.3

2.1

0.9

0.7

5.2

6.8

3.0

2.5

1.3

2018

27.3

2017

28.0

3.7

5.3

–

8.9

2.0

2.1

5.3

6.8

2.7

3.0

1.1

3.4

5.1

–

9.9

2.2

2.1

5.4

7.5

3.1

3.0

1.4

90

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Production metrics (continued)

Australasia

Australia

Sunrise Dam

Tropicana (70%)

South Africa

Vaal River

Great Noligwa (4)

Kopanang (5)

Moab Khotsong (5)

West Wits

Mponeng

TauTona (including Savuka) (6)

Surface Operations

Surface Operations (7)

Continuing operations – total

Discontinued operations

Cripple Creek & Victor (8)

AngloGold Ashanti – total

Attributable tonnes treated/milled (Mt)

2018

9.5

4.0

5.5

34.9

0.1

0.1

1.2

33.5

78.5

2017

9.4

4.0

5.4

38.9

0.6

1.1

1.0

0.4

35.8

83.8

2016

8.9

4.0

4.8

39.6

0.6

1.0

1.1

0.6

36.4

83.1

78.5

83.8

83.1

2015

8.2

3.9

4.3

36.8

0.7

0.9

0.8

0.8

33.6

79.1

11.3

90.4

2014

7.8

3.8

4.0

38.4

0.4

0.8

0.7

1.1

0.9

34.5

82.9

19.3

102.2

(1)   Obuasi was placed on limited operations at the end of 2014. In 2016, Obuasi was placed on care and maintenance, pending the start of the redevelopment project.  

In June 2018, the Parliament of Ghana ratified the regulatory and fiscal agreements that cover the redevelopment of the mine and the Environmental Protection 
Agency issued the environmental permits for the mine. 

(2)  Yatela in closure from 2015, now being considered for a share purchase agreement. 
(3)  Sold effective 30 June 2014.
(4)  Great Noligwa and Moab Khotsong are treated as one cash-generating unit from 1 January 2015.  
(5)  Sold effective 28 February 2018.  
(6)  TauTona placed into orderly closure during the September 2017 quarter. 
(7)  For the purposes of this report, Surface Operations includes MWS, which is operated and managed as a separate cash-generating unit. 
(8)  Sold effective 3 August 2015. 

91

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Production metrics (continued)

Continental Africa

DRC

Kibali (45%) 

Ghana

Iduapriem

Obuasi (1)

Guinea

Siguiri (85%)

Mali

Morila (40%)

Sadiola (41%)

Yatela (40%) (2)

Namibia

Navachab (3)

Tanzania

Geita

Americas

Argentina

Cerro Vanguardia (92.5%)

Brazil

AGA Mineração 

Serra Grande

See footnotes overleaf

Average grade recovered (g/t)

Attributable gold production (000oz)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2018

1,512

2017

1,453

2016

1,321

2015

1,435

2014

1,597

3.06

1.47

–

0.85

0.48

0.87

2.44

1.40

–

1.01

0.40

0.96

2.49

1.30

–

0.79

0.45

1.09

2.93

1.27

1.47

0.80

1.24

1.04

3.28

3.13

2.74

3.18

6.49

4.21

3.55

7.50

4.97

2.95

7.45

5.31

3.17

6.88

5.63

3.27

2.95

1.13

4.67

0.89

1.06

1.28

0.59

1.44

2.86

6.08

5.65

3.28

363

254

–

242

30

59

564

776

282

364

130

268

228

3

324

28

63

539

840

283

424

133

264

214

3

259

22

70

489

820

281

407

132

289

193

53

255

49

69

527

831

278

421

132

237

177

243

290

44

85

11

33

477

785

246

403

136

92

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Production metrics (continued)

Australasia

Australia

Sunrise Dam

Tropicana (70%) 

South Africa

Vaal River

Great Noligwa (4)

Kopanang (5)

Moab Khotsong (5)

West Wits

Mponeng

TauTona (including Savuka) (6)

Surface Operations

Surface Operations (7)

Technology

Technology

Continuing operations – total

Discontinued operations

Cripple Creek & Victor (8)

AngloGold Ashanti – total

Average grade recovered (g/t)

Attributable gold production (000oz)

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2.73

1.91

5.88

8.23

8.19

0.16

2.02

1.87

4.68

8.15

7.33

6.56

0.17

1.98

1.87

5.09

9.05

7.90

7.59

0.16

1.97

2.48

5.43

8.50

8.44

8.46

0.18

2.13

2.78

6.44

5.55

11.04

8.99

8.21

0.20

2018

625

289

336

487

12

39

265

171

2017

559

238

321

903

91

294

224

91

192

2016

520

228

292

967

91

280

254

146

186

3,400

11

3,755

10

3,628

0.35

0.32

3,400

3,755

3,628

2015

560

216

344

1,004

117

254

219

209

193

12

3,830

117

3,947

2014

620

262

358

1,223

78

140

234

313

232

223

3

4,225

211

4,436

(1)   Obuasi was placed on limited operations at the end of 2014. In 2016, Obuasi was placed on care and maintenance, pending the start of the redevelopment project. In June 2018, the Parliament of Ghana ratified the 

regulatory and fiscal agreements that cover the redevelopment of the mine and the Environmental Protection Agency issued the environmental permits for the mine.   

(2)  Yatela in closure from 2015, now being considered for a share purchase agreement. 
(3)  Sold effective 30 June 2014.
(4)  Great Noligwa and Moab Khotsong are treated as one cash-generating unit from 1 January 2015.  
(5)  Sold effective 28 February 2018.  
(6)  TauTona placed into orderly closure during the September 2017 quarter. 
(7)  For the purposes of this report, Surface Operations includes MWS, which is operated and managed as a separate cash-generating unit. 
(8)  Sold effective 3 August 2015. 

93

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Productivity (oz/TEC)

Continental Africa

DRC

Kibali (45%) 

Ghana

Iduapriem

Obuasi (1)

Guinea

Siguiri (85%)

Mali

Morila (40%)

Sadiola (41%)

Yatela (40%) (2)

Namibia

Navachab (3)

Tanzania

Geita

Americas

Argentina

Cerro Vanguardia (92.5%)

Brazil

AGA Mineração

Serra Grande 

See footnotes overleaf

2018

20.70

2017

23.01

2016

20.70

2015

20.61

2014

14.36

26.40

56.49

63.86

72.34

68.50

19.43

–

18.34

–

17.36

–

16.32

5.76

20.14

6.10

17.50

21.69

15.40

14.59

15.64

9.80

16.66

15.76

12.62

10.19

13.97

15.98

13.46

21.84

12.86

22.65

13.34

20.94

13.98

27.78

15.05

10.13

14.23

10.73

6.97

19.50

14.38

20.63

20.97

22.05

22.82

21.14

10.60

10.50

11.66

10.13

12.36

10.13

13.58

10.97

13.03

11.32

94

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Productivity (oz/TEC) (continued)

Australasia

Australia

Sunrise Dam

Tropicana (70%) 

South Africa

Vaal River

Great Noligwa (4)

Kopanang (5)

Moab Khotsong (5)

West Wits

Mponeng

TauTona (including Savuka) (6)

Surface Operations

Surface Operations (7)

Continuing operations – total

Discontinued operations

Cripple Creek & Victor (8)

2018

49.55

41.83

58.91

4.45

1.67

3.36

4.03

7.83

13.31

2017

47.87

40.58

55.20

3.57

1.97

4.22

3.66

1.92

7.60

9.66

2016

46.81

44.96

48.36

3.56

1.82

3.82

4.02

2.49

7.82

8.97

2015

55.84

45.09

65.69

3.74

2.41

3.44

3.48

3.70

8.12

9.50

2014

62.00

58.29

65.03

4.40

2.69

2.68

4.74

4.74

4.17

8.95

9.30

29.63

33.33

38%

Annual improvement in group  
productivity in 2018

Annual group productivity
(oz/TEC)

2014

9.30

2015

9.50

2016

8.97

2017

9.66

2018

13.31

(1)   Obuasi was placed on limited operations at the end of 2014. In 2016, Obuasi was placed on care and maintenance, pending the start of the redevelopment project.  

In June 2018, the Parliament of Ghana ratified the regulatory and fiscal agreements that cover the redevelopment of the mine and the Environmental Protection 
Agency issued the environmental permits for the mine. 

(2)  Yatela in closure from 2015, being considered for a share purchase agreement. 
(3)  Sold effective 30 June 2014.
(4)  Great Noligwa and Moab Khotsong are treated as one cash-generating unit from 1 January 2015.  
(5)  Sold effective 28 February 2018.  
(6)  TauTona placed into orderly closure during the September 2017 quarter. 
(7)  For the purposes of this report, Surface Operations includes MWS, which is operated and managed as a separate cash-generating unit. 
(8)  Sold effective 3 August 2015. 

95

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Costs

Continental Africa

DRC

Kibali (45%) 

Ghana

Iduapriem

Obuasi (1)

Guinea

Siguiri (85%)

Mali

Morila (40%)

Sadiola (41%)

Yatela (40%) (2)

Namibia

Navachab (3)

Tanzania

Geita

Americas

Argentina

Cerro Vanguardia (92.5%)

Brazil

AGA Mineração

Serra Grande

See footnotes overleaf

Total cash costs  

($/oz produced)

All-in sustaining costs (9) 
($/oz sold)

2014

783

578

865

1,086

2018

904

752

977

2017

953

1,090

1,033

799

930

796

2016

904

893

950

440

915

1,162

1,028

1,438

752

599

676

692

644

748

1,321

990

1,218

1,019

1,337

1,066

940

855

652

973

945

941

943

772

1,006

1,103

844

875

773

893

1,020

2015

815

642

1,020

1,185

965

815

886

717

792

873

712

861

2014

968

588

1,020

1,374

917

1,298

1,133

1,795

719

890

974

938

966

1,062

2018

773

600

804

844

1,145

938

804

624

476

723

660

2017

720

784

823

725

974

900

608

638

522

671

764

2016

717

740

908

167

784

1,123

991

530

578

563

562

634

2015

678

609

995

966

827

698

818

480

576

625

518

635

96

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Costs (continued)

Australasia

Australia

Sunrise Dam

Tropicana (70%) 

South Africa

Vaal River

Great Noligwa (4)

Kopanang (5)

Moab Khotsong (5)

West Wits

Mponeng

TauTona (including Savuka) (6)

Surface Operations

Surface Operations (7)

Continuing operations – total

Discontinued operations

Cripple Creek & Victor (8)

Total cash costs  

($/oz produced)

All-in sustaining costs (9) 
($/oz sold)

2018

762

920

594

1,033

2,002

1,083

977

1,030

773

2017

743

919

564

1,085

1,534

779

1,014

2,044

969

792

2016

793

926

630

896

1,324

729

779

1,148

899

744

2015

702

970

492

881

1,014

798

874

883

912

712

894

2014

804

1,105

545

849

1,074

1,023

685

746

882

941

785

829

2018

1,038

1,223

843

1,178

2,115

1,247

1,177

1,094

976

2017

1,062

1,203

885

1,245

1,593

938

1,259

2,242

1,045

1,054

2016

1,067

1,080

970

1,081

1,555

884

1,011

1,345

1,004

986

2015

875

1,110

671

1,088

1,226

1,018

1,170

1,044

1,006

910

2014

986

1,214

752

1,064

1,185

1,256

903

981

1,059

1,153

1,020

1,030

1,147

(1)   Obuasi was placed on limited operations at the end of 2014. In 2016, Obuasi was placed on care and maintenance, pending the start of the redevelopment project. In June 2018, the Parliament of Ghana ratified the 

regulatory and fiscal agreements that cover the redevelopment of the mine and the Environmental Protection Agency issued the environmental permits for the mine.   

(2)  Yatela in closure from 2015, now being considered for a share purchase agreement. 
(3)  Sold effective 30 June 2014. 
(4)  Great Noligwa and Moab Khotsong are treated as one cash-generating unit from 1 January 2015.  
(5)  Sold effective 28 February 2018.  
(6)  TauTona placed into orderly closure during the September 2017 quarter. 
(7)  For the purposes of this report, Surface Operations includes MWS, which is operated and managed as a separate cash-generating unit. 
(8)  Sold effective 3 August 2015. Numbers have been included to the date of disposal. 
(9)  Excludes stockpile write-offs.   

97

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Capital expenditure ($m)

Continental Africa

DRC

Kibali (45%) 

Ghana

Iduapriem

Obuasi (1)

Guinea

Siguiri (85%)

Mali

Morila (40%)

Sadiola (41%)

Namibia

Navachab (2)

Tanzania

Geita

Other and non-controlling interests

Americas

Argentina

Cerro Vanguardia (92.5%)

Brazil

AGA Mineração

Serra Grande

Other and non-controlling interests

See footnotes overleaf

2016

291

92

8

6

50

1

7

119

8

225

55

122

43

5

2015

315

124

15

23

25

6

2

116

4

196

62

89

33

12

2014

454

179

21

82

26

6

6

1

129

4

225

54

127

38

6

2018

313

64

43

48

82

2

1

59

14

176

33

96

35

12

2017

409

110

51

–

70

2

7

157

12

234

54

136

38

6

98

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Capital expenditure ($m) (continued)

Australasia

Australia

Sunrise Dam

Tropicana (70%) 

Other

South Africa

Vaal River

Great Noligwa (3)

Kopanang (4)

Moab Khotsong (4)

West Wits

Mponeng

TauTona (including Savuka) (5)

Surface Operations

Surface Operations (6)

Technology

Technology

Other

Continuing operations – total

Discontinued operations

Cripple Creek & Victor (7)

Sub-total 

Equity-accounted investments

AngloGold Ashanti – total

2018

156

79

76

1

73

–

7

54

12

–

3

721

721

(69)

652

2017

153

62

91

–

150

8

42

72

13

12

3

7

953

953

(123)

830

2016

109

32

77

–

182

16

42

76

25

17

6

4

811

811

(100)

711

2015

2014

78

29

48

1

206

21

47

85

28

17

8

4

799

58

857

(131)

726

91

31

59

1

264

7

26

45

97

35

46

8

6

1,040

169

1,209

(191)

1,018

(1)   Obuasi was placed on limited operations at the end of 2014. In 2016, Obuasi was placed on care and maintenance, pending the start of the redevelopment project. 

In June 2018, the Parliament of Ghana ratified the regulatory and fiscal agreements that cover the redevelopment of the mine and the Environmental Protection 
Agency issued the environmental permits for the mine. 

(2)  Sold effective 30 June 2014.
(3)  Great Noligwa and Moab Khotsong are treated as one cash-generating unit from 1 January 2015.  
(4)  Sold effective 28 February 2018.  
(5)  TauTona placed into orderly closure during the September 2017 quarter. 
(6)  For the purposes of this report, Surface Operations includes MWS, which is operated and managed as a separate cash-generating unit. 
(7)  Sold effective 3 August 2015. 

99

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Average number of employees (permanent and contractor employees)

Continental Africa

14,833

13,593

12,691

 11,942 

 16,070 

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

DRC

Kibali (45%) 

Ghana

Iduapriem

Obuasi (1)

Guinea

Siguiri (85%)

Mali

Morila (40%)

Sadiola (41%)

Yatela (40%) (2)

Namibia

Navachab (3)

Tanzania

Geita

Americas

Argentina

Cerro Vanguardia (92.5%)

Brazil

AGA Mineração

Serra Grande

See footnotes overleaf

2,497

2,428

2,180

 2,061 

 2,245 

1,733

1,321

1,598

1,066

1,576

766

 1,565 

 856 

 1,352 

 3,541 

3,869

3,353

3,509

 3,445 

 3,494 

411

435

305

592

324

588

 389 

 585 

 500 

 654 

 226 

 793 

4,567

7,973

4,251

8,511

3,748

8,126

 3,041 

 7,679 

 3,265 

 7,441 

1,775

2,001

1,877

 1,687 

 1,640 

4,736

1,462

4,932

1,578

4,662

1,587

 4,546 

 1,446 

 4,398 

 1,403 

100

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Average number of employees (permanent and contractor employees) (continued)

Australasia

Australia

Sunrise Dam

Tropicana (70%) 

South Africa

Vaal River

Great Noligwa (4)

Kopanang (5)

Moab Khotsong (5)

West Wits

Mponeng

TauTona (including Savuka) (6)

Surface Operations

Surface Operations (7)

Other

Other, including corporate and non-gold producing subsidiaries

Continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Cripple Creek & Victor (8)

AngloGold Ashanti – total

2018

1,051

576

475

2017

974

489

485

2016

925

422

503

2015

 836 

 400 

 436 

2014

 832 

 374 

 458 

18,803

26,245

28,507

 28,325 

 29,511 

3,525

6,092

5,400

228

2,290

1,268

1,589

3,879

6,143

5,962

3,822

3,161

3,278

2,157

4,055

6,310

6,105

4,723

3,140

4,174

2,400

 4,052 

 6,469 

 6,249 

 4,656 

 2,929 

 3,970 

 2,731 

 2,207 

 4,424 

 4,573 

 6,737 

 4,712 

 3,058 

 3,800 

 3,056 

44,249

51,480

52,649

 51,513 

 56,910 

44,249

51,480

52,649

 52,266 

 753 

 1,147 

 58,057 

(1)   Obuasi was placed on limited operations at the end of 2014. In 2016, Obuasi was placed on care and maintenance, pending the start of the redevelopment project.  

In June 2018, the Parliament of Ghana ratified the regulatory and fiscal agreements that cover the redevelopment of the mine and the Environmental Protection 
Agency issued the environmental permits for the mine. 

(2)  Yatela in closure from 2015, now being considered for a share purchase agreement. 
(3)  Sold effective 30 June 2014. Employee numbers have been included to the date of disposal.
(4)  Great Noligwa and Moab Khotsong are treated as one cash-generating unit from 1 January 2015.  
(5)  Sold effective 28 February 2018. Employee numbers have been included to the date of disposal.   
(6)  TauTona placed into orderly closure during the September 2017 quarter. 
(7)  For the purposes of this report, Surface Operations includes MWS, which is operated and managed as a separate cash-generating unit. 
(8)  Sold effective 3 August 2015. Employee numbers have been included to the date of disposal. 

101

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Safety

Continental Africa

DRC

Mongbwalu

Ghana

Iduapriem

Obuasi (2)

Guinea

Siguiri

Mali

Sadiola

Yatela

Namibia

Navachab (3)

Tanzania

Geita

Americas

Argentina

Cerro Vanguardia

Brazil

AGA Mineração

Serra Grande

Colombia

United States

Cripple Creek & Victor

See footnotes overleaf

All injury frequency rate (1)

Number of fatalities

2018

0.49

0.75

0.62

0.22

0.29

0.60

3.97

0.76

5.05

5.93

0.77

2017

0.39

0.39

–

0.13

1.25

–

0.43

3.29

1.77

3.48

5.49

1.26

2016

0.51

0.42

0.30

0.13

1.56

2.34

0.39

3.96

2.39

3.46

8.05

2.56

2014

1.56

1.98

1.06

3.01

0.39

0.50

0.00

6.39

0.51

3.79

1.40

4.22

4.53

0.32

9.54

2015

0.50

0.00

1.28

0.13

0.51

0.95

0.47

5.61

1.63

5.51

9.49

1.64

19.47

102

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

2

0

0

0

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Safety (continued)

Australasia

Australia

Sunrise Dam

Tropicana 

South Africa

Vaal River

Great Noligwa (4)

Kopanang (5)

Moab Khotsong (5)

West Wits

Mponeng

TauTona (including Savuka) (6)

Surface Operations

Surface Operations (7)

Other

Greenfields exploration

AngloGold Ashanti – total

All injury frequency rate (1)

Number of fatalities

2018

9.14

11.52

7.34

10.25

18.90

13.44

17.12

0.00

4.63

3.50

4.81

2017

8.53

12.10

6.11

12.68

20.99

15.55

18.88

12.79

4.21

2.24

7.49

2016

9.49

8.24

10.87

12.02

21.37

12.58

15.77

17.97

5.63

2.52

7.71

2015

8.56

11.59

6.80

10.81

17.50

13.54

13.37

11.88

5.14

7.96

7.18

2014

10.73

12.54

9.96

11.85

15.44

13.56

18.62

16.33

12.60

5.42

3.57

(8) 7.36

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

0

0

0

2

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

3

0

0

0

7

2

1

4

0

0

0

0

7

0

0

0

6

1

0

1

4

0

0

0

7

0

0

0

9

1

2

3

1

1

1

0

11

0

0

0

4

0

1

0

3

0

0

0

0

6

(1)  Per million hours worked.
(2)  Obuasi was placed on limited operations at the end of 2014. In 2016, Obuasi was placed on care and maintenance. 
(3)  Sold effective 30 June 2014. 
(4)  Great Noligwa and Moab Khotsong are treated as one cash-generating unit from 1 January 2015.  
(5)  Sold effective 28 February 2018. Safety numbers have been included to the date of disposal. 
(6)  TauTona placed into orderly closure during the September 2017 quarter. 
(7)  For the purposes of this report, Surface Operations includes MWS, which is operated and managed as a separate cash-generating unit. 
(8)  The all injury frequency rate for the group adjusted for the earthquake impact was 7.15. 

103

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Environmental performance (1)

Energy usage (PJ)

Water usage (ML)

Continental Africa
Ghana
Iduapriem
Obuasi (2)
Guinea
Siguiri
Mali
Sadiola
Yatela

Namibia
Navachab (3)
Tanzania
Geita

Americas
Argentina
Cerro Vanguardia
Brazil
AGA Mineração
Serra Grande
United States
Cripple Creek & Victor (6)

See footnotes overleaf

2018

9.32

1.56
0.26

2.29

1.31

3.90

4.13

1.87

1.72
0.54

2017

9.17

1.46
0.26

2.40

1.55
–

3.49

4.23

1.90

1.77
0.56

2016

8.46

1.02
0.30

2.58

1.40
0.10

3.07

3.94

1.76

1.64
0.54

2015

(5) 8.41

0.89
0.56

2014

(5) 9.47

0.62
1.46

2018

15,575

1,636
–

2017

16,651

2,137
–

2016

11,911

936
–

2015

16,931

750
3,129

2014

17,582

342
3,696

(5) 2.50

(5) 2.36

6,027

6,349

3,395

5,145

5,375

1.59
0.24

3.21

6.04

1.71

1.48
0.48

2.37

4,201
–

3,476
–

3,940
4

4,625
33

4,051
17

3,711

7,813

4,689

8,283

3,637

8,067

3,249

10,839

4,101

12,170

1,596

1,487

1,152

1,121

1,079

4,717
1,500

5,292
1,504

5,292
1,623

5,959
1,507

6,233
1,921

2,252

2,937

1.40
0.12

2.93

4.86

1.69

1.53
0.48

1.16

104

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Environmental performance (1) (continued)

Australasia

Australia

Sunrise Dam

Tropicana (4)

South Africa

Vaal River (5)

West Wits (5)

Mine Waste Solutions

AngloGold Ashanti – total

2018

6.72

2.49

4.23

4.13

1.20

3.10

0.83

25.31

2017

6.32

2.18

4.14

10.05

4.61

4.61

0.83

29.76

Energy usage (PJ)

Water usage (ML)

2016

5.62

2.03

3.59

10.54

4.87

4.93

0.74

28.55

2015

5.14

1.97

3.17

10.65

 4.89

5.03

0.73

2014

5.52

2.29

3.23

11.31

5.31

5.24

0.76

2018

7,734

1,808

5,926

14,770

4,507

3,256

7,007

 29.06

 32.34

45,892

2017

6,783

1,115

5,668

20,503

10,813

3,688

6,002

52,219

2016

7,577

1,779

5,798

23,161

12,275

4,411

6,475

50,716

2015

6,648

1,772

4,876

25,182

13,259

3,949

7,974

59,601

2014

6,749

1,866

4,883

27,219

13,402

2,626

11,191

63,721

(1)  Refer to the  for definitions of these environmental indicators.
(2)  Obuasi was placed on limited operations at the end of 2014. In 2016, Obuasi was placed on care and maintenance.
(3)  Sold effective 30 June 2014.
(4)  Excludes pre-production water use at Tropicana.
(5)  These include consumption by Surface Operations’ facilities located in these areas.
(6)  Sold effective 3 August 2015.

Colombia – Gramalote

105

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Environmental performance (1) (continued)

GHG emissions (000t CO2e)

Continental Africa
Ghana
Iduapriem
Obuasi (2)

Guinea
Siguiri
Mali
Sadiola
Yatela

Namibia
Navachab (3)
Tanzania
Geita

Americas

Argentina

Cerro Vanguardia

Brazil

AGA Mineração

Serra Grande

United States

Cripple Creek & Victor (5)

See footnotes overleaf

2018

676

134
31

156

89

266

168

102

45

21

2017

666

124
36

163

106
–

238

182

106

52

24

2016

682

108
41

194

104
7

228

180

120

41

19

2015

 694

95
79

 189

104
9

218

375

115

41

15

204

106

2014

 824

74
198

 178

118
18

238

449

118

36

14

281

No. of reportable environmental incidents

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

1

0
0

1

0
0

0

0

0

0

0

2

0
2

0

0
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0
0

0

0
0

0

1

0

1

0

2

0
2

0

0
0

0

1

0

1

0

0

4

0
1

0

0
0

0

3

0

0

0

0

0

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Environmental performance (1) (continued)

Australasia

Australia

Sunrise Dam

Tropicana 

South Africa

Vaal River (4)

West Wits (4)

Mine Waste Solutions

AngloGold Ashanti – total

GHG emissions (000t CO2e)

No. of reportable environmental incidents

2018

395

140

255

1,332

317

805

210

2,571

2017

372

122

250

2,733

1,242

1,290

201

3,953

2016

336

113

223

2,864

1,282

1,375

207

4,062

2015

336

116

220

2,756

 1,232

1,331

193

 4,162

2014

359

135

224

2,981

1,360

1,420

201

 4,613

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

2

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

3

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

1

0

0

4

0

0

0

1

0

0

1

5

(1)  Refer to the  for definitions of these environmental indicators.
(2)  Obuasi was placed on limited operations at the end of 2014. In 2016, Obuasi was on care and maintenance.
(3)  Sold effective 30 June 2014.
(4)  These include consumption by Surface Operations’ facilities located in these areas.
(5)  Sold effective 3 August 2015.

Australia – Tropicana

107

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Social performance (1)

Community investment ($000)

Continental Africa

Ghana

Iduapriem

Obuasi

Guinea

Siguiri (85%)

Mali

Morila (40%)

Sadiola (41%) and Yatela (40%)

Namibia

Navachab (2)

Tanzania

Geita

DRC

Kibali (45%) (3)

Mongbwalu (86.22%)

Americas

Argentina

Cerro Vanguardia (92.5%)

Brazil

AGA Mineração

Serra Grande

Colombia

United States

Cripple Creek & Victor/Denver office

See footnotes overleaf

2018

8,121

198

122

2,474

142

442

2017

9,025

415

120

890

47

455

2016

7,562

202

60

1,706

10

449

2015

6,008

2014

3,933

134

204

501

42

241

148

208

220

81

175

44

4,119

6,331

4,176

3,757

1,973

624

768

959

1,129

9,407

9,834

9,016

4,159

654

430

3,659

7,745

8,885

5,814

712

1,223

1,758

383

1,053

1,574

142

1,154

8

577

712

153

993

578

1,209

322

128

377

114

451

7

108

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYFIVE-YEAR STATISTICS BY OPERATION CONTINUED
Operational, financial and sustainability statistics

Social performance (1) (continued)

Community investment ($000)

Australasia

Australia

Sunrise Dam

Tropicana (3)

South Africa (4)

Sub-total

Equity-accounted investments

AngloGold Ashanti – total

2018

742

742

–

5,186

23,456

(1,207)

22,249

2017

684

684

–

5,971

25,515

(1,460)

24,055

2016

552

552

–

4,584

21,715

(1,559)

20,156

2015

344

344

–

6,288

16,799

(1,571)

15,228

2014

247

247

–

8,073

15,912

(1,113)

14,799

(1)  Refer to the  for the definition of this social indicator.
(2)  Sold effective 30 June 2014.
(3)  Kibali and Tropicana began production in the fourth quarter of 2013.
(4)  Community investment at the South African operations is aggregated and is overseen via the corporate entity and includes corporate community investment.

Tanzania – Geita water supply project

109

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVE – A SUMMARY

Our Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve 
portfolio, our natural capital input, is 
essential to the successful growth of our 
business. By discovering, developing and 
exploiting viable ore bodies sustainably and 
cost efficiently, AngloGold Ashanti is able to 
create long-term value. Improving the quality 
of this natural capital, enhances our ability 
to create value.

In particular, responsible management of our Ore 
Reserve and Mineral Resource, together with our 
exploration programme and planning, are vital in 
optimising and maximising the operating lives of our 
portfolio. In so doing AngloGold Ashanti ensures that it 
is able to deliver on its strategic objectives, namely, to 
maintain long-term optionality and improve the quality of 
our portfolio. See also  in this report. 

Currently, management of our Ore Reserve is focused 
on ensuring that it is maintained and grows, and that 
depletion is replaced. We do this through managed 
production, organic growth, and ensuring optionality  
and flexibility in our asset portfolio, which are all aimed  
at extending and maximising the operating lives of  
our assets. 

AngloGold Ashanti continuously strives to actively create 
value by growing its major asset – our Mineral Resource 
and Ore Reserve. This drive is supported by active, 
well-defined brownfields and greenfields exploration 
programmes, innovation in both geological modelling 
and mine planning, and continual optimisation of the 
asset portfolio.

MINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVE STATEMENT 
AngloGold Ashanti’s Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve are reported in 
accordance with the minimum standards described by the South African 
Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and 
Mineral Reserves (SAMREC Code, 2016 edition), and also conform with 
the standards set out in the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration 
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code, 2012 Edition). 

The Mineral Resource includes Ore Reserve component unless otherwise 
stated. In complying with revisions to the SAMREC code the changes 
to AngloGold Ashanti’s Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve have been 
reviewed and it was concluded that none of the changes during the year 
were material to the overall valuation of the Company. AngloGold Ashanti 
has therefore resolved not to provide the detailed reporting as defined in 
Table 1 of the code, apart from the maiden Ore Reserve declaration for 
Quebradona. As in previous years, we will continue to provide the high level 
of detail necessary to comply with our commitment to transparency and the 
requirements of the code.

Relevant strategic objectives:

Maintain 
long-term 
optionality

Improve 
portfolio 
quality

Ensuring a viable 
Mineral Resource 
pipeline will enable 
AngloGold Ashanti   
to deliver value-
adding growth over 
the long ter m

South Africa – Mponeng

110

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVE – A SUMMARY CONTINUED

PRICE ASSUMPTIONS
The SAMREC code requires the use of reasonable economic assumptions. These include long-range 
commodity price and exchange rate forecasts. These are reviewed annually and are prepared in-house 
using a range of techniques including historic price averages.

Gold price
The following local prices of gold were used as the basis for estimation:

Gold price

Local prices of gold

US$/oz

 1,100 

 1,100 

 1,400 

 1,400 

South Africa
ZAR/kg

Australia
AUD/oz

Brazil
BRL/oz

Argentina
ARS/oz

501,150

512,059

563,331

601,870

1,509

1,491

1,778

1,824

3,565

3,573

4,501

4,492

45,443

17,898

51,564

21,242

2018 Ore Reserve

2017 Ore Reserve

2018 Mineral Resource

2017 Mineral Resource

Copper price
The following copper prices were used as the basis for estimation:

 2018 Ore Reserve

 2018 Mineral Resource

 2017 Mineral Resource

Copper price

US$/lb

2.65

3.30

3.16

Note: For all tables in this section, rounding of numbers may result in computational discrepancies.

Mali – Sadiola

111

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
MINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVE – A SUMMARY CONTINUED

MINERAL RESOURCE
Gold
The AngloGold Ashanti Mineral Resource reduced from 208.2Moz in December 2017 to 
184.5Moz in December 2018. This gross annual decrease of 23.7Moz includes depletion of 
4.0Moz and the disposal of assets of 20.1Moz. The balance of 0.4Moz results from increases 
due to exploration and modelling of 4.5Moz and other factors of 1.0Moz, and reductions due 
to revised geotechnical design requirements of 4.0Moz and changes in cost of 0.2Moz. The 
Mineral Resource was estimated at a gold price of $1,400/oz (2017: $1,400/oz).

Gold: Mineral Resource 

Mineral Resource as at 31 December 2017

Disposals

Depletions

Additions 

AGA Mineração

Kibali

Moab Khotsong

Kopanang

Vaal River Surface

Sub total

Sub total

Increase due to exploration and modelling revisions

Exploration success resulted in the increase in 

Mineral Resource

Cerro Vanguardia

Increase due to a combination of reduced costs and 

Other

Reductions 

Mponeng 

revised estimation methodology

Additions of less than 0.5Moz

Sub total

Key reasons for the reduction were the removal of 
the TauTona shaft pillars and increased costs. The 

reduction was countered in part by drilling success

Other

Reductions less than 0.5Moz

Mineral Resource as at 31 December 2018

Moz 

208.2

(16.2)

(3.0)

(0.9)

188.1

(4.0)

184.1

0.6

0.6

0.5

2.3

188.1

(3.5)

(0.1)

184.5

112

Gold: year-on-year changes in Mineral Resource

Total (attributable) 

)
s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m

(

s
e
c
n
u
O

208.2

(4.0)

3.2

1.3

0.0

(0.2)

(4.0)

0.0

0.1

(20.0)

210

200

190

180

170

7
1
0
2

n
o
i
t
e
p
e
D

l

n
o
i
t
a
r
o
p
x
E

l

l

y
g
o
o
d
o
h
t
e
M

t
s
o
C

e
c
i
r
p

l

d
o
G

l

i

a
c
n
h
c
e
t
o
e
G

r
e
h
t
O

l

i

a
c
g
r
u

l
l

a
t
e
M

l

a
s
o
p
s
d

i

/
n
o
i
t
i
s
u
q
c
A

i

184.5

8
1
0
2

Australia – Sunrise Dam 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVE – A SUMMARY CONTINUED

Copper
The AngloGold Ashanti copper Mineral Resource reduced from 3.63Mt (8,000Mlbs) in December 
2017 to 3.61Mt (7,954Mlbs) in December 2018. This gross annual decrease of 0.02Mt includes 
a reduction due to methodology of 0.09Mt offset by a change in ownership of 0.05Mt and other 
factors which resulted in an increase of 0.02Mt. The Mineral Resource was estimated at a copper 
price of $3.30/lb (2017: $3.16/lb).

Gold: Ore Reserve 

Ore Reserve as at 31 December 2017

Disposals

Moab Khotsong

Copper: Mineral Resource

Mineral Resource as at 31 December 2017

Reductions 

Quebradona

Mineral Resource as at 31 December 2018

Copper: year-on-year changes in Mineral Resource

Total (attributable)  

8,000

0

0

(205)

0

0

0

0

)
s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m

(

s
d
n
u
o
P

8,100

8,000

7,900

7,800

7,700

7,600

7,500

7
1
0
2

n
o
i
t
e
p
e
D

l

n
o
i
t
a
r
o
p
x
E

l

l

y
g
o
o
d
o
h
t
e
M

t
s
o
C

e
c
i
r
p

l

d
o
G

l

i

a
c
n
h
c
e
t
o
e
G

l

i

a
c
g
r
u

l
l

a
t
e
M

Mt

3.63

(0.02)

3.61

 Mlb

8,000

(46)

7,954

Depletions

Additions 

Quebradona

Kopanang

Vaal River Surface

Sub total

Sub total

Initial Ore Reserve publication post successful conclusion of 

prefeasibility study

Geita

Additions primarily due to exploration success on 

underground targets at Star and Comet and Nyankanga 

Cerro Vanguardia

Reduced cost and exploration success

Sunrise Dam

Increase due to exploration success

Other

Additions less than 0.3Moz

117

7,954

Sub total

42

r
e
h
t
O

Reductions

Other

Reductions less than 0.3Moz

Ore Reserve as at 31 December 2018

8
1
0
2

Gold: year-on-year changes in Ore Reserve

Total (attributable)

l

a
s
o
p
s
d

i

/
n
o
i
t
i
s
u
q
c
A

i

ORE RESERVE
Gold
The AngloGold Ashanti Ore Reserve reduced from 49.5Moz in December 2017 to 44.1Moz in 
December 2018. This gross annual decrease of 5.4Moz includes depletion of 3.6Moz. The loss 
after depletions of 1.8Moz, results from the disposal of assets in the South African region of 6.1Moz, 
additions due to exploration and modelling changes of 4.3Moz, whilst other factors resulted in a 
0.1Moz addition and changes in economic assumptions resulted in a 0.1Moz reduction. The Ore 
Reserve was estimated using a gold price of $1,100/oz (2017: $1,100/oz).

52

50

48

46

44

42

40

)
s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m

(

s
e
c
n
u
O

113

49.5

(3.6)

3.8

0.5

0.0

(0.1)

(0.2)

0.0

0.0

0.3

(6.1)

7
1
0
2

n
o
i
t
e
p
e
D

l

n
o
i
t
a
r
o
p
x
E

l

l

y
g
o
o
d
o
h
t
e
M

t
s
o
C

e
c
i
r
p

l

d
o
G

l

i

a
c
n
h
c
e
t
o
e
G

r
e
h
t
O

l

i

a
c
g
r
u

l
l

a
t
e
M

r
o
t
c
a
f

e
u
n
e
v
e
R

l

a
s
o
p
s
d

i

/
n
o
i
t
i
s
u
q
c
A

i

Moz 

49.5

(4.8)

(0.3)

(0.9)

43.5

(3.6)

39.9

2.2

0.5

0.4

0.3

1.1

44.4

(0.3)

44.1

44.1

8
1
0
2

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVE – A SUMMARY CONTINUED

Copper
The maiden AngloGold Ashanti Ore Reserve for copper of 1.26Mt (2,769Mlbs) is based on 
exploration success and completion of the prefeasibility study at Quebradona. This Ore Reserve 
was estimated at a copper price of $2.65/lb.

Copper: Ore Reserve 

Ore Reserve as at 31 December 2017

Additions 
Quebradona
Ore Reserve as at 31 December 2018

Exploration success and completion of prefeasibility study 

Mt

0.00

1.26
1.26

Mlb

0

2,769
2,769

Copper: year-on-year changes in Ore Reserve

Total (attributable) 

3,000

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

)
s
n
o

i
l
l
i

m

(

s
d
n
u
o
P

2,769

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2,769

0

7
1
0
2

0

n
o
i
t
e
p
e
D

l

n
o
i
t
a
r
o
p
x
E

l

l

y
g
o
o
d
o
h
t
e
M

t
s
o
C

e
c
i
r
p

l

d
o
G

l

i

a
c
n
h
c
e
t
o
e
G

r
e
h
t
O

l

i

a
c
g
r
u

l
l

a
t
e
M

r
o
t
c
a
f

e
u
n
e
v
e
R

8
1
0
2

l

a
s
o
p
s
d

i

/
n
o
i
t
i
s
u
q
c
A

i

SALE OF ASSETS
AngloGold Ashanti sold various assets in the Vaal River area of its South Africa region. The sales 
processes were finalised on 28 February 2018. On conclusion of the sales and after depletions  
for that period of 2018, the final Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve at the time of the sale were  
as follows:

Operation
Kopanang

Moab Khotsong

Surface Operations

Category
Mineral Resource
Ore Reserve
Mineral Resource
Ore Reserve
Mineral Resource
Ore Reserve

Moz
  3.00
0.35
16.20
4.83
0.87
0.87

114

BY-PRODUCTS
Several by-products are recovered from 
the processing of the Ore Reserve for gold 
and are expected from that for copper. For 
2018, these included: 0.37Mt of sulphur from 
Brazil, 32.68Moz of silver from Argentina and 
23.58Moz of silver from Colombia.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
AngloGold Ashanti has established a 
Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve Steering 
Committee (RRSC), which is responsible for 
setting and overseeing the Company’s Mineral 
Resource and Ore Reserve governance 
framework and for ensuring that it meets 
the Company’s goals and objectives while 
complying with all relevant regulatory codes. 
Its membership and terms of references are 
mandated under a policy document signed by 
the CEO.

For more than a decade, the Company has 
developed and implemented a rigorous 
system of internal and external reviews aimed 
at providing assurance in respect of Mineral 
Resource and Ore Reserve estimates. The 
following operations were subject to an 
external review during 2018, in line with the 
policy that each operation/project will be 
reviewed by an independent third party on 
average once every three years:

•  Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve  

at Iduapriem 

•  Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve  

at Sunrise Dam 

•  Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve at  

Cerro Vanguardia

•  Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve at  

Serra Grande

•  Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve  

at Quebradona

The external reviews were conducted by Pivot 
Mining Consultants Pty (Ltd), AMC Consultants 
Pty Ltd, Golder Associates Pty Ltd, Ausenco 
Engineering Canada Inc. and Optiro Pty Ltd 
respectively. Certificates of sign-off have been 
received from the companies conducting 
the external reviews to state that the Mineral 
Resource and/or Ore Reserve comply with the 
SAMREC and JORC codes.

In addition, numerous internal Mineral Resource 
and Ore Reserve process reviews were 
completed by suitably qualified Competent 
Persons from within AngloGold Ashanti. 
No significant deficiencies were identified. 
The Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve are 
underpinned by appropriate Mineral Resource 
management processes and protocols that 
ensure adequate corporate governance. 
These procedures have been developed to be 
compliant with the guiding principles of the US 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

AngloGold Ashanti makes use of a web-based 
group reporting database called the Resource 
and Reserve Reporting System (RCubed) for 
the compilation and authorisation of Mineral 
Resource and Ore Reserve reporting. It is a 
fully integrated system for the reporting and 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
MINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVE – A SUMMARY CONTINUED

reconciliation of our Mineral Resource and 
Ore Reserve that supports various regulatory 
reporting requirements including the SEC and 
the JSE under SAMREC. AngloGold Ashanti 
uses RCubed to ensure a documented chain of 
responsibility exists from the Competent Persons 
at each operation to the Company’s RRSC.

AngloGold Ashanti has also developed an 
enterprise-wide risk management tool that 
provides consistent and reliable data that 
allows for visibility of risks and actions across 
the group. This tool is used to facilitate, control 
and monitor material risks to the Mineral 
Resource and Ore Reserve, thus ensuring 
that the appropriate risk management and 
mitigation plans are in place.

COMPETENT PERSONS
The information in this report relating to 
exploration results, the Mineral Resource 
and the Ore Reserve is based on information 
compiled by or under the supervision of 
the Competent Persons as defined in the 
SAMREC or JORC codes. All Competent 
Persons are employed by AngloGold Ashanti, 
except for Kibali and Morila where we have 
joint ventures managed by other companies, 
and have sufficient experience relevant to the 
style of mineralisation and type of deposit 
under consideration and to the activity which 
they are undertaking. 

The legal tenure of each operation and project 
has been verified to the satisfaction of the 
accountable Competent Person and it has 
been confirmed that the Ore Reserve for each 
is covered by the required mining permits or 
that there exists a realistic expectation that 
these permits will be issued. This is detailed in 
the . The Competent Persons consent 
to the inclusion of Exploration Results, and 
Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve information 
in this report, in the form and context in which 
they appear.

Accordingly, the Chairman of the Mineral 
Resource and Ore Reserve Steering Committee, 
VA Chamberlain, MSc (Mining Engineering), BSc 
(Hons) (Geology), MGSSA, FAusIMM, assumes 
responsibility for the Mineral Resource and Ore 
Reserve processes for AngloGold Ashanti and 
is satisfied that the Competent Persons have 
fulfilled their responsibilities. VA Chamberlain has 
31 years’ experience in exploration and mining 
and is employed full-time by AngloGold Ashanti. 
He may be contacted at the following address: 
76 Rahima Moosa Street, Newtown, 2001, 
South Africa.

A detailed breakdown of our Mineral Resource 
and Ore Reserve and backup detail is provided 
in the , which is available at www.aga-
reports.com and on the Company’s website, 
www.anglogoldashanti.com  1  .

1    www.anglogoldashanti.com/investors/annual-reports/

115

Ghana – Iduapriem exploration

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVE – A SUMMARY CONTINUED

GOLD – MINERAL RESOURCE BY REGION (ATTRIBUTABLE) INCLUSIVE OF ORE RESERVE

GOLD – MINERAL RESOURCE BY REGION (ATTRIBUTABLE) EXCLUSIVE OF ORE RESERVE

As at 31 December 2018 Category

Continental Africa

Americas

Australasia

South Africa

AngloGold Ashanti

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Tonnes

million

42.17

469.94

202.51

714.62

30.33

1,204.13

657.33

1,891.79

59.03

90.51

29.79

179.34

113.47

614.07

29.10

756.64

245.01

2,378.65

918.73

3,542.39

Grade

Contained gold

g/t

2.04

2.57

3.43

2.79

5.12

0.91

0.82

0.94

1.48

1.98

2.77

1.95

1.49

1.91

9.35

2.13

2.03

1.54

1.73

1.62

Tonnes

85.94

1,209.71

695.30

1,990.95

155.29

1,095.22

536.86

1,787.38

87.32

179.38

82.52

349.22

168.68

1,170.36

271.96

1,611.00

497.23

3,654.68

1,586.64

5,738.55

Moz

2.76

38.89

22.35

64.01

4.99

35.21

17.26

57.47

2.81

5.77

2.65

11.23

5.42

37.63

8.74

51.79

15.99

117.50

51.01

184.50

As at 31 December 2018 Category

Continental Africa

Americas

Australasia

South Africa

AngloGold Ashanti

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Tonnes

million

5.05

292.05

199.75

496.85

17.29

1,017.63

654.55

1,689.48

32.57

52.76

27.46

112.78

6.64

30.97

10.62

48.24

61.56

1,393.41

892.38

2,347.35

Grade

Contained gold

g/t

4.85

2.56

3.47

2.95

6.02

0.86

0.81

0.90

1.65

1.78

2.70

1.96

19.83

17.42

13.88

16.97

5.10

1.62

1.62

1.71

Tonnes

24.49

747.70

693.42

1,465.62

104.12

879.00

529.73

1,512.85

53.73

93.66

74.14

221.53

131.75

539.39

147.43

818.56

314.09

2,259.75

1,444.71

4,018.55

Moz

0.79

24.04

22.29

47.12

3.35

28.26

17.03

48.64

1.73

3.01

2.38

7.12

4.24

17.34

4.74

26.32

10.10

72.65

46.45

129.20

COPPER – MINERAL RESOURCE BY REGION (ATTRIBUTABLE) INCLUSIVE OF ORE RESERVE

COPPER – MINERAL RESOURCE BY REGION (ATTRIBUTABLE) EXCLUSIVE OF ORE RESERVE

Contained copper

Contained copper

As at 31 December 2018 Category

Tonnes 
million

Grade 
% Cu

Tonnes 
million

Mlbs

As at 31 December 2018 Category

Tonnes 
million

Grade 
% Cu

Tonnes
million

Americas

AngloGold Ashanti

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

–

242.57

325.40

567.97

–

242.57

325.40

567.97

–

 0.86

 0.47

 0.64

–

 0.86

 0.47

 0.64

–

 2.09

 1.51

 3.61

–

 2.09

 1.51

 3.61

–

Americas

4,617

3,337

7,954

–

AngloGold Ashanti

4,617

3,337

7,954

116

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

Measured

Indicated

Inferred

Total

–

138.52

325.40

463.92

–

138.52

325.40

463.92

–

 0.61

 0.47

 0.51

–

 0.61

 0.47

 0.51

–

 0.84

 1.51

 2.35

–

 0.84

 1.51

 2.35

Mlbs

–

1,848

3,337

5,185

–

1,848

3,337

5,185

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MINERAL RESOURCE AND ORE RESERVE – A SUMMARY CONTINUED

GOLD – ORE RESERVE BY REGION (ATTRIBUTABLE) 

Contained gold

As at 31 December 2018 Category

Continental Africa

Americas

Australasia

South Africa

AngloGold Ashanti 

Proved

Probable

Total

Proved

Probable

Total

Proved

Probable

Total

Proved

Probable

Total

Proved

Probable

Total

Tonnes 
million

35.92

170.89

206.81

11.24

186.94

198.18

26.43

37.63

64.06

107.67

564.02

671.70

181.26

959.49

1,140.75

g/t

1.57

2.64

2.46

2.75

1.02

1.12

1.27

2.27

1.85

0.31

0.87

0.78

0.85

1.27

1.20

Tonnes

56.31

451.70

508.01

30.90

191.14

222.04

33.50

85.26

118.76

33.89

488.59

522.47

154.60

1,216.69

1,371.28

Moz

1.81

14.52

16.33

0.99

6.15

7.14

1.08

2.74

3.82

1.09

15.71

16.80

4.97

39.12

44.09

COPPER – ORE RESERVE BY REGION (ATTRIBUTABLE)

Contained copper

As at 31 December 2018 Category

Tonnes 
million

Grade 
% Cu

Tonnes 
million

Americas

AngloGold Ashanti

Proved

Probable

Total

Proved

Probable

Total

–

104.05

104.05

–

104.05

104.05

–

 1.21

 1.21

–

 1.21

 1.21

–

 1.26

 1.26

–

 1.26

 1.26

Mlbs

–

2,769

2,769

–

2,769

2,769

Guinea – Siguiri

117

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
EXPLORATION – PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Exploration, both brownfields and 
greenfields, has an important 
role to play in delivering on our 
strategy. By discovering exploitable 
ore bodies, AngloGold Ashanti is 
able to grow and enhance this vital 
capital input and deliver on its 
strategy to create sustained value. 
Our exploration programme aims to 
deliver on this by promoting long-
term optionality and improving the 
quality of our portfolio.

Brownfields exploration focuses on 
delivering value through incremental additions 
to the Ore Reserve at existing mines as 
well as new discoveries in defined, near-
mine areas around existing operations. 
Brownfields exploration actively drives value 
creation by growing our Mineral Resource 
and Ore Reserve. The brownfields exploration 
programme employs innovative geological 
modelling and mine planning, and aims at the 
continued optimisation of our asset portfolio. 

Our greenfields exploration aims to discover 
a large, high-value Mineral Resource that will 
ultimately lead to the development of new 
gold mines. 

In 2018, $29.4m was spent on greenfields 
exploration (20% of exploration budget) and 
$94.8m on brownfields exploration (80% of 
exploration budget). 

PROGRESS IN 2018 
Greenfields exploration
AngloGold Ashanti’s greenfields exploration 
team is recognised as the industry’s most 
successful in Mineral Resource discovery (by 
SNL*, a leading industry research group). The 
team has a proven track record that includes 
the discovery of world-class ore bodies at La 
Colosa, Gramalote, Tropicana, and Nuevo 
Chaquiro. These discoveries are attributed 
to our committed team of geoscience 
professionals working on a portfolio of 
highly prospective and rigorously prioritised 
greenfields ground holdings. 

Greenfields has over 7,000km2 of highly-
prospective ground in three countries 
– Australia, Colombia and the United 
States – and ground positions in Argentina 
and Tanzania. In total, more than 90km of 
diamond, reverse circulation and aircore drilling 
were carried out in 2018.  

In Australia, in the Laverton district, the first 
stage of the Butcher Well and Lake Carey 
Earn-in with Saracen Mineral Holdings was 
completed in late August. AngloGold Ashanti 
now owns 51% of the Butcher Well and Lake 
Carey tenements. A scoping study on the 
Butcher Well and Mt Minnie projects was 
completed in July with positive results. 

Work completed as part of the agreement in 
2018 included 39km of reverse circulation and 
diamond drilling, 35km of aircore drilling and 
25,034 ground gravity stations. Elsewhere 
in Australia, reconnaissance exploration 

118

Related strategic objectives:

Improve portfolio quality 

Maintain long-term 
optionality 

*SNL 2016 Strategies for Gold Reserves 

Replacement, best for the period studied from 2001-

2015, page 16

drilling and geophysical programmes were 
undertaken on projects east of Kalgoorlie and 
in north-east Queensland. 

In Brazil, after a review of all the exploration 
results at the Tromai project, AngloGold 
Ashanti withdrew from the farm-in 
agreement with Equinox after expenditure of 
$8.7m. Exploration is now focused on the 
identification of new greenstone terranes 
elsewhere in Brazil.

In the United States, during the first quarter 
of 2018, roto-sonic drilling was completed at 
the Celina project area in Minnesota (100% 
AngloGold Ashanti). Follow up roto-sonic 
drilling was undertaken in the last quarter 
of the year. A total of 3km of drilling was 
completed with results still pending. 

At the Silicon project in Nevada, AngloGold 
Ashanti elected to maintain the 100% earn-
in option on the property for the second 
year with Renaissance Gold. One phase 
of reverse circulation and diamond drilling 
was completed during the year. A second 
phase was in progress at year-end, following 
up on the encouraging observations, with 
a total of 8km having been completed. An 
induced polarisation (IP) orientation survey 
line completed over the project highlighted 
an anomalous response in the vicinity of the 
drilling. Drilling will continue in 2019 to test 
structural targets within the project area. 

In Argentina, exploration properties were 
placed on care and maintenance.

Ghana – Iduapriem

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYEXPLORATION – PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE CONTINUED

Our exploration and project pipeline

EXPLORATION

  ALLOCATING CAPITAL

GENERATING VALUE

OUTCOMES

Greenfields exploration

•  20% of exploration budget

•  Active in Americas, Australia, Africa

•  Historic discovery cost of $13/oz

Brownfields exploration

•  80% of exploration budget

•  Historic discovery cost of $34/oz, with 

relatively low development cost

AngloGold Ashanti’s exploration 
team has discovered

49Moz 

to contribute to its Mineral Resource 
outside of South Africa over past 15 years

BOARD DECISION-MAKING 
PROCESS
•  All options reviewed to optimise risk 

and returns

•  Focus on affordability to protect 

balance sheet and improve returns to 
shareholders

•  All options reviewed to optimise risk  

and returns

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Examples of projects currently underway:
•  Geita underground

•  Obuasi redevelopment

•  Siguiri combination plant 

(commissioned)

•  Tropicana Long Island 

•  Sunrise Dam enhancement

Ore Reserve replacement

Improved margins

Life extension

Outlook 2019 
In 2019, focus will fall on the following:

Australia:
•  Tropicana: Boston Shaker underground prefeasibility drilling 
results confirmed depth extensions; exploration focus is on 
potential at Boston Shaker underground, Havana underground 
and satellite targets on the tenement 

•  Sunrise Dam: With successful intercepts in exploration blocks 

in 2018, including under-explored shear zones and open-ended 
mineralisation, exploration focus will continue a dip and strike 
extensions and shallow underground potential up-dip of current 
ore bodies  

Tanzania:
•  Geita: Increasing the underground Ore Reserve by targeting 

depth extensions at Nyankanga, Geita Hill, and Star & Comet, 
plus satellite targets

Guinea:
•  Siguiri: Block 2 prefeasibility study and Mineral Resource 

conversion at Siguiri to support new combination plant; satellite 
targets in the region

Ghana:
•  Iduapriem: Early stage satellite targets near Iduapriem which are 
producing encouraging results; growth potential also sits in main 
pit pushback

•  Obuasi: Growth potential below 50L extension at Obuasi, 
however, focus has been on ensuring operational readiness

119

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYEXPLORATION – PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE CONTINUED

In Colombia and Tanzania, exploration 
programmes are on hold pending an internal 
review process.

Brownfields exploration
Brownfields exploration was carried out in nine 
countries, in and around AngloGold Ashanti 
operations. A total of 664km of diamond and 
reverse circulation drilling was completed 
during the year.

South Africa: Exploration continued at 
Mponeng’s Western Ultra Deep Levels. All 
these holes target the Ventersdorp Contact 
Reef. The capital allocation for surface drilling 
was reduced and drill hole UD63A was 
stopped. Surface drilling at UD61A achieved 
an advance of 1,166m. 40% of the hole  
depth has been completed after drilling 
starting in March 2018.

Argentina: At Cerro Vanguardia, the 
exploration drilling programme was completed 
with a total of 9km drilled.

The trenching programme completed a total 
of 21,788m in 309 newly excavated trenches 
with 355 (9,678m) channels cut. In the surface 
reconnaissance programme, 129 chip samples 
were collected over the district.  

A geochemical sampling programme covering 
poorly explored areas was undertaken and 
collected 142 samples of guanaco scats. 
Ground magnetics surveys covered 125km² 
and a horizontal loop electromagnetic (HLEM) 
survey covered 3.19km².

Brazil: In the Iron Quadrangle, a total of 
180km were drilled. At Cuiabá, drilling of the 
Galinheiro and Galinheiro footwall ore bodies 
intersected economic grades in the shear zone 
quartz veins as well as in the typical Banded 
Ironstone Formations (BIFs). At Surucucu 
(SUR), the drilling programme showed the ore 
body to be uneconomic. 

Drilling at Fonte Grande Sul (Level 21) 
showed continuity of high grades down 
plunge. The VQZ ore body continues to show 
positive results, with continuity down plunge. 
At Dom Domingos, the BIFs are showing an 
unexpected continuity along strike while the 
down plunge continuity needs to be tested. 
Work also continued on the remnant ounce 
project. However, the LIB drilling programme, 
which commenced in the fourth quarter, 
experienced significant delays. The hole is 
likely to be stopped and redesigned.

For the regional targets, at Descoberto 
underground drilling began in the last quarter 
of 2018. Even though development restricted 
drilling from reaching deeper targets, the 
model indicates that the mineralised structure 
is continuing along strike and remains open 
on the eastern and western flanks. At Olhos 
D’agua the geological map was finalised in 
the first half of the year and drill sites were 
identified. The IP survey, surface sampling 
and drill plan as well as the soil sampling has 
been completed at Biquinha target and a 
preliminary analysis indicates that there is a gold 
anomaly southwest of Biquinha. At the Cuiabá 

120

southwest target line cutting, soil sampling and 
mapping continued throughout the last quarter 
of the year and two very good intercepts were 
retuned, which aligned with anomalies in an 
area with no outcrop.

At Lamego, Cabeça de Pedra continues to 
return low but economic grades, adding to 
Mineral Resource. Drilling was completed 
at CAR SW. The results show the normal 
limb has constant and continuous regions 
of high grade while on the inverted limb, the 
grades are lower and more dispersed with 
occasional high grades peaks. The drilling 
does, however, show the ore bodies are more 
continuous than expected.

Exploration drilling at Córrego do Sítio (CdS) 
consisted of underground Mineral Resource 
conversion drilling at Laranjeiras and Carvoaria 
with the objective of upgrading the confidence 
in the 2019-2021 mining blocks. At Laranjeiras, 
significant intercepts were reported up to 300m 
away from the interpreted geological model 
towards the South of the mine and indicated 
continuation of mineralisation. 

The development of exploration drives in 
preparation for 2019 drilling progressed. 
Development at Cachorro Bravo was 
completed, at Laranjeiras it is ahead of 
schedule and at Carvoaria development has 
been delayed.

At Cachorro Bravo (sulphide ore), the surface 
diamond drilling campaign was completed 

Guinea – Siguiri

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMineral Resource development drilling for the 
Nyankanga underground projects continued to 
provide positive results. Drilling at Nyankanga 
Block 3 Lower, has confirmed the potential 
down-dip extension of the designed mining 
stopes that remain open-ended to the east 
and south-east towards Block 2. The drilling 
results also confirmed the mineralisation within 
the defined Block 3 Lower mining stope and 
beyond, suggesting that Block 3 Lower is 
connected to Block 3 Upper. Mineral Resource 
conversion drilling at Nyankanga Block 3 
Upper, designed to test both down-dip and 
up-dip continuity, returned positive results. 
The results suggest up-dip continuity, with a 
connection to Block 4. 

EXPLORATION – PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE CONTINUED

and the programme verified the continuity of 
the 102 lens. The Rosalino Target (sulphide 
ore) diamond drilling was completed from 
surface. The available drilling results confirm 
the expected grades and thicknesses as well 
as the possibility of new, deep ore bodies.

The surface drilling campaign at CdS III 
finished in July and the results confirmed 
the mineralisation along CdS III’s main strike 
and further exploration potential has been 
confirmed for the Jambeiro target.  

A total of 87,085m were drilled at Serra 
Grande. Exploration drilling was completed at 
Limoeiro Target (Structure IV) and the drilling 
confirmed both an extension along strike and 
down dip of the mineralised zone. There was 
also a positive intersection in Structure IV 
(Orebody IV).

Another significant intersection confirmed 
the extension of Structure V to a strike length 
of 7.8km across the Crixás greenstone belt. 
At Structure A (Cajá Target), intersections 
confirmed the down plunge potential of the 
ore body. While at the VQZ S1 ore body drilling 
also confirmed the down-plunge continuity of 
the mineralisation.

At Inga mine, drilling confirmed the down 
plunge continuity of mineralisation. The LIB 
drilling test was successfully executed at 
Corpo IV to test the down plunge extensions.

At Mine III, a borehole confirmed the down 
plunge continuity of the mineralisation whilst 
another hole indicates a potential reduction in 
strike. At Palmeiras South, the first exploratory 

drill holes were drilled down plunge of the 
principal excavation, however, delays have 
been caused by access constraints. 

complete. Geotechnical, hydro geological and 
metallurgical drilling continued on the mountain 
with only the tunnel trace drilling remaining. 

At Mangaba, underground drilling intersected 
significant intercepts on the up-plunge side of 
the deposit, which resulted in an increase in 
Mineral Resource. While at Pequizão, positive 
results confirmed the continuity of Orebody G 
down plunge.

Colombia: A total of 12km was drilled at 
Gramalote. While no activities were performed 
during the first quarter of 2018 due to funding 
issues, diamond drilling focused on the 
Gramalote Pit in the second quarter of the 
year and grade control drilling continued at 
Plataforma Norte and Plataforma Sur.

The La Palma drilling programme was 
completed in October with some significant 
intercepts returned. The metallurgical test work 
was completed, and no material evidence was 
found that prevents the treatment of the ore at 
the designed plant. An exploration programme 
was completed in the area between Manizales 
and Cristales to identify areas with potential to 
be included in the formalisation process. The 
final report is expected by the second half of 
the year once all the assays are returned. 

The La Colosa project continued on care and 
maintenance after all field activities ceased in 
April 2017. At Quebradona, the infrastructure 
drilling campaign started in May 2018. 

Prefeasibility work was completed with the 
feasibility study pre-work drilling campaign 
being 93.5% complete and the test pits 65% 

121

A master 3D fault interpretation was finished 
using original greenfields information (field 
mapping and geophysics), photo interpretation 
(consultant) and mine interpretation (internal).
An external audit of the Mineral Resource and 
Ore Reserve was successfully concluded in 
December. 

Tanzania: A total of 68km of drilling was 
completed in 2018. The mineral rights 
pertaining to the Roberts area were obtained 
and surface exploration commenced within 
the area.

Guinea – Siguiri

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYEXPLORATION – PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE CONTINUED

Drilling at Block 5 returned significant results 
which improved Mineral Resource confidence 
as well as confirming the presence of Block 5 
lower. The results confirm the existence of the 
mineralisation and has identified a high-grade 
shoot within a low-grade zone located west of 
the Block 5 lower. 

The Star & Comet Cut 2’s Mineral Resource 
model update confirmed the pay ore shoot 
plunges towards the north. Significant 
economic intersections were reported which 
confirmed the down plunge extension of 
Star & Comet Cut 2 mineralisation below 
1000mRL. However, the ore shoot plunge 
is interrupted by an intrusive body further 
north. Drilling beyond the intrusive returned 
significant intersections and warrants the 
extension of the newly developed decline 
design. At Star & Comet Cut 3 the drilling 
confirmed the down-plunge continuity of gold 
mineralisation which remains open down-
plunge and requires further exploration target 
drilling. An expensed drilling programme was 
conducted at the Star & Comet northwest 
extension as part of the preparation for the 
upcoming downhole electromagnetic survey 
(DHEM survey). 

A drilling programme was carried out at Geita 
Hill Block 1 and 2 and assays from Block 2 
drilling have confirmed the expected Mineral 
Resource and have shown up-dip potential of 
mineralisation which needs follow-up. Assays 
from Block 1 drilling are still pending.

Two exploratory holes were completed at 
Nyankanga Block 5 from surface and none of 
the expected mineralisation was intersected 
due to the absence of the geological feature 
that was anticipated. 

Expensed Mineral Resource delineation and 
reconnaissance drilling programmes were 
conducted at the Selous and Mabe satellite 
targets. Most of the holes from Selous 
returned economic intersections and the 
current exploration target model suggests 
economic viability of the project and closer 
spaced drilling is underway.  

A detailed target consolidation project for 
Roberts and Kalondwa Hill was completed, 
which involved detailed field mapping, a review 
of existing datasets and geological modelling. 
A review of the Ridge 8 geology was 
conducted in order to update the geological 
understanding before Mineral Resource 
conversion drilling begins.

Guinea: At Siguiri, a total of 87km was drilled 
during the year. 

Prefeasibility drilling at Foulata and Saraya was 
completed. Reconnaissance drilling to the east 
and north-west of Foulata and to the west 
of Saraya are underway and no significant 
intersections have been received to date.  

The infill programme at Silakoro West is 
nearing completion, with one drill hole 
returning a significant intersection in the 
breccio-conglomerate unit which confirms the 

122

Guinea – Siguiri

northeast-southwest trend. A change in the 
design of the waste dump area is suggested 
upon completion of the Silakoro drilling. 

The corridor drilling results proved that the 
area is not prospective and that the ground 
should be released. 

The Tubani infill drill plan was completed 
with multiple significant intercepts reported. 
While at Sokunu, the fresh rock drilling 
programme showed an extension of the main 
mineralisation at depth. The Bidini West infill 
drilling was completed, and material was 
upgraded to Inferred Mineral Resource.

At Seguelen, sterilisation drilling returned 

multiple significant intercepts and therefore 

backfilling of the pit was not recommended.  

A sterilisation drill programme was also started 

after it became apparent that a change in 

design of the Silakoro waste dump could 

potentially cover a known mineralisation trend. 

The Eureka North infill drill programme is 

almost completed and significant intersections 
received are thinner than interpreted in the 
Mineral Resource model. This indicates 
extension of shallow mineralisation in oxide to 
the southeast. 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYinterpreted trend which corresponds to the 
southernmost structure.

structurally complex model for this area with 
no significant intercepts reported.

At Kalimva-Ikamva, a general review aiming 
to highlight potential opportunity around the 
Kalimva-Ikamva area identified three main 
targets to be tested in 2019 viz. Ikamva East, 
Kalimva-Ikamva interpreted fold hinge zone 
and Ikamva Northwest. 

At Oere, results from a reverse circulation drilling 

programme of 20 holes (1,805m) designed on 

eight fences supported the model of down dip 

planar mineralisation along the shear corridor. At 

Aindi Southwest, the analysis of all results of the 

auguring (25 x 400m) highlighted a 2.4km strike 

length of anomalism, supporting the southwest 

extension of Aindi Watsa main mineralisation. 

At Kombokolo main, analysis of the model 
was done, and an eastern, more prospective 
domain identified. One diamond hole was 
drilled and confirmed the geological model.

At Zakitoko-Birindi, assay results support the 

geological model and suggest a steep planar 

and sigmoidal shaped mineralised zone and 

confirm the down dip continuity although 

EXPLORATION – PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE CONTINUED

The Sanu Tinti programme is close to 
completion and multiple significant intersections 
were received. The main mineralisation does 
not extending to the north but extension to the 
south of Sanu Tinti were proven. For Kozan 
PB3 the infill programme is completed, and 
significant intersections were reported. 

In the reconnaissance programmes for the 
TSF and Sintroko West targets, no significant 
intersections were reported and the targets 
will be discarded. The Doko reconnaissance 
programme has just started. While at Kossise 
in the fresh rock reconnaissance programme 
some results confirmed the extensions of the 
mineralisation below Kossise pit in the fresh 
rock close to the main faults. At Sintroko PB2, 
significant intersections were received in the 
interpreted extensions in fresh rock and were 
restricted to an interval between two major faults. 

Ghana: No exploration was conducted at 
Obuasi. At Iduapriem 13km were drilled. 
Exploration focused on Mineral Resource 
conversion drilling at Block 7 & 8, Ajopa and 
Block 5 Ext with reconnaissance drilling at Mile 
5W and traverse drilling at the TSF target. 

Geochemical results from lease wide samples 
collected from the Teberebie and Ajopa leases 
were received with encouraging results. These 
will be reviewed and followed up with trenches 
in 2019.

The first interpretation for the Iduapriem 
sedimentary basin based on regional mapping 
and drilling was completed. There were 
three outcrops observed following a new 

Democratic Republic of the Congo: A total 
of 21km was drilled at Kibali. At KCD follow 
up drilling to test results from a 2017 borehole 
that intersected the 9000 and 12000 lodes was 
done. The 5101, 9101 and 9103 high-grade 
zones within the 9004 lode were confirmed. 
The KCD 12000 lode was not intersected. 

The Mengu Hill models were updated and the 
results show an 11% decrease in tonnes and a 
4% increase in grade. Further drilling is required. 
On the northwest KZ trend in the Marakeke-
Mengu Village gap, five trenches were 
excavated and the updated model indicated 
that there are three mineralised lenses.

In the Aerodrome North-Pamao gap, new 
data interpretation suggests two mineralised 
lenses. The main lens has the potential to 
positively impact the Aerodrome North pit 
design and therefore requires further follow 
up. Meanwhile at Ngyoba (Sessenge – Kibali 
river gap), the model was confirmed and 
the mineralisation down plunge is still open. 
Bottle roll tests across the main ore body were 
done because of a gold-arsenic association. 
The results indicated poor recoveries. These 
results combined with the preliminary gold 
deportment indicate a refractory ore type 
which is not economical for an underground 
project at the current grade.

The southwest projection of the Sessenge-
KCD complex folding corridor supports a 

Australia – Sunrise Dam

123

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYEXPLORATION – PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE CONTINUED

narrower when compared to the results 
obtained from trenches. At Birindi, results from 
the last two trenches support the pinching 
and swelling nature of the mineralisation as 
observed at Zakitoko and confirm the potential 
over the 900m strike length of Birindi. 

Mali: No drilling was completed in 2018. 

Australia: A total of 109km of drilling was 
done at Sunrise Dam. Significant intercepts 
were reported throughout the year with some 
encouraging results. Drilling of the Carey 
Shear Zone intersected mineralisation in an 
area previously thought to be barren. While at 
Vogue, drilling demonstrated the continuation 
of the wide, high grade zones.

Drilling also indicated up dip extensions to 
the Midway Shear Steep ore domains as well 
as a likely southerly extension of the current 
ore domains. There has been an increase 
in confidence in the Elle steep ore zone 
immediately above MWS Steep, as wide and 
high-grade infill results have been returned.

The MLE4 endowment panel is interpreted to 
contain some possible southerly extensions 
to Cosmo East. Results indicate that the 
most eastern ore domain of Vogue is holding 
together well with the most significant grades 
between the Carey Main and Carey 2 shear.  
A lack of significant intercepts in the bulk of 
the MLE4 panel suggests the area is unlikely to 
contain a significant ore body.

A wide, high-grade intercept in MLE5 was 
returned but the intercept is isolated and not 

close to any current infrastructure. Some 
high grade and relatively wide intercepts were 
returned from the northern Astro area.

Work is progressing towards building a 3D 
architectural model of the deposit to help  
with targeting.

Surface exploration drilling completed six 
reverse circulation holes (720m) to test a 
magnetic high cross-cut by northwest- 
southeast interpreted faults extending between 
the historic Jubilee pit and the Spartan 
prospect. Drilling also helped to meet tenement 
(E39/1729) expenditure requirements.

At Tropicana, a total of 74km of drilling was 
completed. Drilling was focused on the 
concept, prefeasibility and feasibility study 
stages of the Boston Shaker underground 
studies. In the concept study, many significant 
intercepts were returned showing that 
mineralisation remains open along strike and 
down-dip. The feasibility study priority 1 holes 
have been completed for a Mineral Resource 
update and four priority 2 holes will be 
completed in 2019.

The first phase of aircore drilling in the 
Southern Traverses region has highlighted 
some interesting geology and results for 
follow up in 2019. Highly anomalous and 
significant aircore drilling intercepts were 
returned from Angel Eyes West and a north-
north-west trending zone of anomalism is 
present over 1km strike and is open ended. 
These intercepts are to be followed up with 

lake based aircore and diamond drilling 
programmes in 2019. One mineralised 
reverse circulation drill intercept was reported 
from drilling at Wild Thing. While reverse 
circulation/diamond drilling at the Hidden 
Dragon Prospect was conducted off the 
back of 2016/2017 structural reconstruction 
work. Confirmation was received that the 
Environmental Impact Study submission to 
DMIRS for part funding of a drill programme at 
the Iceberg Prospect was successful. Drilling 
will be carried out in 2019.

A trial study on ultrafine soil sampling is 
planned for early 2019. Preliminary results from 
a previous two-year study are encouraging 
and this technique may be applicable to 
covered terrains, providing a method to quickly 
and cheaply screen target areas with minimal 
surface disturbance. A study is also underway 
on the multi-element geochemical data over 
the Tropicana joint venture project and the 
aim is to aid target generation and identify 
prospective corridors for exploration.

A study is ongoing to characterise the 
Proterozoic dykes that occur in the Tropicana 
mine so that these rock types can be 
distinguished in the grade control drill holes. 
This will help with on-going geological modelling 
of the deposit and grade control models.

The granting of the Madras mining lease 
application as well as other miscellaneous 
lease applications has been delayed due to a 
native title claim. 

124

South Africa – Mponeng

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYSECTION 2: DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY

Focus on people, safety  
and sustainability

Our input, outcomes and 
impacts in rela tion to our 
people and o ur communities as 
well as our ESG perf ormance.

Delivering on t he f ollowing   
stra teg ic objective

Focus on people, safety,  
and sustainability 

IN THIS SECTION

44,249

$15.2 million $22.3 million

$1.6 billion

Average number of employees

Training and development expenditure

Spent on community investment

Spend with local suppliers

INTEGRATED REPO RT 2018
INTEGRATED REPO RT 2018

125
125

SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYPEOPLE ARE OUR BUSINESS

At AngloGold Ashanti our people, our 

Top six human resource priorities: performance against strategy in 2018

Related strategic objective:

human capital or human resources, are a 

Strategic pillar

Focus areas

priority. Skilled, knowledgeable, engaged 

people able to innovate and drive our 

operational excellence programme and 

safe production, enabling us to deliver 

on our strategy and create value for 

stakeholders. Consequently, our human 

resources strategy is aligned with our 

business strategy. 

We place attracting and retaining talent, 
together with skills development and talent 
management at the forefront of the business. 

In 2018, our human resources strategy 
remained focused on our six human resource 
priorities as initially outlined in 2016.

Organisational design and 
operating model aligned 
with business strategy

Unlocking organisational flexibility for the future. Ensuring that AngloGold 
Ashanti has the optimal operating model and organisational structure for 
now and the future

Health of Discipline 
frameworks to enable 
Operational Excellence 

Ensuring that we have defined the right competencies and capabilities 
required per functional area to enable Operational Excellence and 
strategy execution

Develop capable values-
based ethics leaders

Ensuring the best leaders are in place, with a global mind-set, and  
having the requisite set of competences to shape and drive a 
performance culture

Focus on employee 
engagement and 
commitment

Integrated talent 
management and 
succession planning

Fully engaged employees that will thrive and give of their best in 
achieving their own and the Company’s objectives

Integrated cross-functional talent management with the requisite 
capabilities in place, enabling AngloGold Ashanti to navigate the 
business landscape and achieve strategic objectives

Simplified and integrated 
human resource systems

Fit-for-purpose human resources data is managed effectively in order to 
enable sound decision making, optimise internal and external reporting, 
and drive superior business performance

South Africa – Mponeng

126

Focus on safety, people  
and sustainability

Related material issues: 

Employee  
safety

Employee  
and community 
health

Employee, 
community and 
asset security

Talent management 
and skills 
development

Related SDGs:

No poverty

Gender equality

Decent work and economic growth

Reduce inequalities

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYPEOPLE ARE OUR BUSINESS CONTINUED

Employee engagement in the 
South Africa region
The human and intellectual capital in the South 
African operations over the past 18 months 
was mainly impacted by the operational 
restructuring in the region. 

There has been a significant reduction – 74% 
or around 20,000 people – in the workforce 
across the South Africa region since July 2017. 
This reduction was necessitated by a business 
decision to return the South African business 
to profitability. 

The restructuring process, which included 
the sale of assets in the Vaal River region in 
February 2018, entailed extensive engagement 
with all key stakeholders. The process included 
the placing of TauTona in the West Wits region 
into orderly closure. As a consequence of these 
asset sales and the outsourcing of certain 
services, a significant number of jobs was 
saved with the transfer of employees to the 
new owners, which, together with a focus on 

the on- and off-mine cost structures, helped 
to reduce the final number of total (voluntary 
and compulsory) retrenchments from an initially 
anticipated 2,000 to 72. The human resource 
aspect of the restructuring was guided by the 
Employee Transition Framework, reported on in 
2017, that outlined the optimal human resource 
management of the process in adapting to the 
rapidly evolving business and social landscape.

During the restructuring process, support 
was provided to all employees, particularly 
to those directly affected. Employees were 
given access to psycho-social aid and 
financial planning advice. Skills development 
training, ranging from courses in the fields 
of engineering and construction work, to 
agriculture and e-learning related skills, and 
various entrepreneurial programmes were 
also offered. This information was supplied 
to all employees in an internal publication 
“Skills for Tomorrow: Employee Prospectus 
2018” produced specifically to assist those 
employees affected by the restructuring.

Brazil – Serra Grande 

Employee training and development 2018

Continental Africa

Americas

Australasia

South Africa

Corporate office

Number of  

Training and development 

employees trained

expenditure ($000)

31,326

968

2,694

16,367

348

1,334

1,503

1,245

10,929

125

Global female representation

Training and development expenditure

Gender diversity: Board

Gender diversity: Executive Committee

%

•  Corporate office 
•  Continental Africa 

•  Americas 
•  Australia 
•  South Africa 

46
8

9
19
18 

$m

•  South Africa 

•  Americas 
•  Australasia 

•  Continental Africa 

11.1

1.6
1.2

1.3

Total:   

$15.2m

%

•  Male 

•  Female 

73

27

%

•  Male 

•  Female 

67

33

127

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
frameworks across the group, the Human 

Resources Discipline Framework was 

also launched. Its primary objective is to 

develop a Human Resources Competency 

Framework, establishing clear role profiles 

and accountabilities, and setting up career 

management frameworks for human resources. 

Integrated talent management 

AngloGold Ashanti’s integrated talent 

management approach was developed in 

2016 and has been continually strengthened 

and refined. It covers talent and succession 

planning, mentorship programmes, and 
development of future leaders, among other 
employee development initiatives.

Talent and succession planning
The CEO talent pool review is firmly established 
as an annual people and management practice 
that boasts the active participation of the 
Executive Committee and the keen interest 
of the board. The CEO talent pool comprises 
Stratum IV and higher (Vice President and up) 
roles, with a specific emphasis on ensuring a 
healthy pipeline of leadership and critical skills 
talent across the organisation.  

PEOPLE ARE OUR BUSINESS CONTINUED

Organisational design and 
operating model
AngloGold Ashanti has adopted a matrix 
operating model to ensure that we operate 
efficiently and to set out the depth of skills and 
lines of accountability within the organisation. 
The matrix is based on the following key 
principles of accountability: 

•  Corporate office (head office) is accountable 

for overall strategy and business 
development, including exploration, 
compliance and governance. It is also 
responsible for risk management, balance 
sheet management, capital allocation, talent 
management, sustainable development and 
investor relations

•  The regional operations have primary 

responsibility for all the operational aspects 
of the business. As the areas of primary 
accountability, they have authority for the 
execution of the agreed business plans  
and Company policies in line with the  
group strategy 

An integrated initiative was also adopted 
to review the operating model and off-mine 
costs across the business. This will lead to 
the introduction of measures to improve both 
costs and organisational effectiveness. This 
work is currently in progress and will continue 
in 2019.

Discipline Framework was approved by the 
board in 2018, endorsing the Company’s 
effective structures manned by capable 
people, processes and systems to deliver  
on the Company’s strategy and group  
business objectives.

The discipline framework provides key 
milestones and standard against which 
effective execution can be measured and to 
ensure that consistency, integrated reporting 
and governance can be achieved. The primary 
essence of the Health of Discipline Framework 
is to ensure that functional, technical, and 
leadership proficiency is available in all 
roles. In addition, it enables the effective 
management of career paths and promotion of 
employee growth, paving the way for a sound 
succession plan and a solid pipeline of talent. 
This is evidenced in the recent management 
changes that have taken place, primarily 
drawing from the well-developed pool of talent 
from within the organisation. 

In 2018 much ground was covered in 
implementing the human resources framework 
for various disciplines including metallurgy; 
geotechnical; mining and greenfields 
exploration, particularly in the Continental 
Africa, Americas and Australasia regions. 
Worth noting is the collaboration and sharing 
of knowledge and ideas that emerged during 
implementation of these frameworks.

Operational Excellence
To support our Operational Excellence 
programme, a company-wide Health of 

To ensure that our human resource 
function is equipped to support the 
business in implementing these discipline 

Ghana – Iduapriem

128

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYPEOPLE ARE OUR BUSINESS CONTINUED

Participants in our CEO’s cross-functional and 
regional talent and succession pools grew in 
2018, as indicated by the following:

•  The CEO talent pool grew year-on-year by 

15% to 235 employees in 2018 

•  A strong focus on internal appointments for 
key positions resulted in 84% of Stratum IV 
and above vacancies being filled by internal 
candidates

•  A retention rate of 92% for Stratum IV  

and higher 

•  A 9% rise in female representation in the 
CEO talent pool from 2016 to 2018. This 
remains a focus area

•  In South Africa, the number of historically 
disadvantaged South African employees 
rose by 23%, despite the significant 
reduction in the workforce in the region 

• Steady progress was made in reducing 

the number of expatriate employees with a 
corresponding increase in the appointment 
of local nationals. We continue to focus 
on prioritising the local appointment of 
general managers. During the year in the 
Continental Africa region, we increased 
the number of local hires, reducing 
dependency on expatriates 

•  Since 2016, there has been a 15% 

improvement in the talent pool aged 
between 26 and 35. This highlights the 
progression of younger high potential 
employees identified for leadership and 
critical scarce skills positions 

Continental Africa region:
Expatriates employed 
(number)

2014

211

2015

183

2016

166

2017

142

2018

133

Future Leaders Mentorship Programme
During 2018, we launched the Future Leaders 
Mentorship Programme (FLMP) to enhance 
the development of our emerging talent pool 
and support our integrated talent management 
strategy in developing high-potential key 
employees. The programme seeks to enhance 
their effectiveness in their current roles and to 
fast track their career progression, channelling 
them into leadership and other critical roles.

Through the FLMP, we promote professional 
relationships between employees where an 
experienced person (the mentor) assists 
another person (the mentee) in developing 
specific skills and knowledge that will enhance 
the mentee’s professional and personal 
growth. Mentors work with mentees to design 
and execute their individual development 
plans – guided by input from the mentees, 
line managers, and manager-once-removed 
and to accelerate their career growth and 
development. The mentor is an advocate who 

129

South Africa – Launch of Future Leaders Mentorship Programme

can help the individuals access networks and 
learning opportunities as well as supporting 
the mentees in their work towards reaching 
an independent view around career choices, 
guiding them to build their careers with 
AngloGold Ashanti.

Overall, 29 formal mentorship relationships 
are running across our operations in South 
Africa, West Africa and Australia. The focus 
in 2019 will be on the rollout of the FLMP to 
other operations, in our Continental Africa 
and Americas regions and on establishing 
mentorship more broadly as a practice within 
AngloGold Ashanti. 

One Young World Summit 
In October 2018, eight young leaders 
representing our South Africa, Continental Africa 

and the Americas regions attended the One 
Young World Summit in The Hague, Netherlands 
as part of an initiative to ensure that the 
development of participants in the Chairman’s 
Young Leaders Programme is a continuous 
process extending beyond the completion of 
the programme. The One Young World Summit 
provides a global platform for bright young 
leaders between the ages of 18 and 35 to come 
together and discuss global business and social 
priorities. Our involvement illustrates our support 
for emerging young leaders and we recognise 
that they will face varied and increasingly 
complex challenges as they assume leadership 
roles in the future. The young leaders who 
represented AngloGold Ashanti are now part of 
the One Young World Network which is made 
up of around 800 young leaders from some 200 
countries worldwide. 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYPEOPLE ARE OUR BUSINESS CONTINUED

Employee engagement and 
commitment
AngloGold Ashanti initiated its first biennial 
global engagement survey in August 2014. 
In March 2017, a second survey of employee 
engagement was conducted across the 
organisation to assess the success of 
measures implemented to maintain and 
improve employee engagement that had been 
put in place to redress gaps identified in the 
first survey. 

The overall results of this second survey 
showed an improvement in employee 
engagement across AngloGold Ashanti 
between 2014 at 69% and 2017 at 76%. 
This improvement is considered to be above 
the industry benchmark of 71%. In 2018, 
we focused on identifying and implementing 
interventions (jointly facilitated by leadership 
and human resources), to further improve 
employee engagement levels across the 
organisation. An update on progress  
made relating to implementation of the 
interventions was presented to the board.  
A third employee engagement survey will be 
conducted during 2019.

Our commitment to and engagement with 
our human capital includes employee 
relations and collective bargaining. AngloGold 
Ashanti employees have a right to freedom 
of association and collective bargaining. 
We engage in collective bargaining in every 
jurisdiction in which we operate, except 
Australia where this is not recognised. In 

South Africa, all trade unions participate in the 
central collective bargaining process through 
the Minerals Council South Africa (previously 
the Chamber of Mines) that represents gold 
mining companies, including AngloGold 
Ashanti. The most recent wage negotiations 
took place from June to September 2018, 
and resulted in a three-year wage agreement 
being concluded and signed with all unions 
on 17 September 2018 (effective from 1 July 
2018 to 30 June 2021). In other countries, 
wage negotiations are conducted between 
the employer and the trade union(s) through 
bargaining forums – also see regional reviews 
for Continental Africa and the Americas for 
further information on wage agreements that 
were recently concluded.

Fair and responsible pay 
AngloGold Ashanti has begun the process 
of developing a framework to define fair and 
responsible pay for all employees. Minimum 
wages are normally statutorily legislated in 
respect of the absolute minimum that an 
employer may pay an employee. At AngloGold 
Ashanti, we believe that a minimum wage 
is not a living wage. A living wage is seen 
to be fair and reasonable pay that enables 
an employee to afford basic food, shelter, 
and other basic needs in order to maintain a 
satisfactory standard of living. 

In determining the pay for employees, we 
balance two key elements – scarce skills and 
talent retention. This has become increasingly 
challenging and is compounded by the need 

to remain globally competitive. At AngloGold 
Ashanti, we can confirm that all employees 
are paid at least 25% more than the minimum 
wage in the respective regions, and in most 
instances much more than this. Furthermore, 
benchmarking exercises are conducted 
annually in each of our regions to ensure that 
all employees are paid a market-related salary 
for their roles, with due consideration of levels 
of performance.

Our remuneration philosophy is to pay 
employees at the median of the market-
related salaries. Those employees with 
scarce or critical skills receive pay that is 
closer to the 75th percentile of the market. 
The market median, which is well above the 
minimum wage, is calculated as the middle of 
a distribution of market salaries when ranked 
from lowest to highest. Given the median, 
50% of the sample falls above the median and 
50% fall below. Based on a recent exercise 
conducted in 2017, all employees are paid 
at or around the market median, with some 
employees being paid at the 75th percentile 
of the market. For further information, see our 
 in this report. 

In terms of our Supplier Code of Conduct, 
we encourage our suppliers to fairly pay their 
employees, with which all vendors (existing 
and potential) are required to abide. This code 
conforms with the United Nations Guiding 
Principles (UNGP) on Business and Human 
Rights to which AngloGold Ashanti has 
committed. Implementation of this code lies 
with the regional procurement offices and is 

applied within the laws of the respective country. 
Additionally, our Internal Audit conducts audits 
on supplier contracts and we also commission 
independent audits by external providers to 
review supplier compliance. As an example, 
at Siguiri, we have ensured that the mining 
contractor employed pays a living wage by 
enforcing this code. At the tendering stage 
of the contract process, we gave potential 
suppliers guidance on expected labour 
rates in line with the salaries and benefits of 
employees at Siguiri. These rates were ultimately 
incorporated in the contract cost model.

Diversity and inclusion
Our business success is underpinned by our 
need to achieve an all-inclusive culture which 
leverages off the diversity of our employees 
and stakeholders. Embracing diversity drives 
social cohesion and enables us to tap into the 
full extent of the talents and potential of all those 
we work with. 

At AngloGold Ashanti we conduct diversity 
and inclusion assessments across the group, 
designed to better understand any practices 
that may act as barriers to inclusion. The 
findings of these assessments, which were 
carried out after a directive from the board’s 
Sustainability, Ethics and Social Committee, 
will culminate in the drafting of a global 
framework to address the highlighted issues. 
The framework will move away from a generic 
coverall approach, taking into consideration 
aspects specific to different regions, cultures 
and legislations. 

130

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYPEOPLE ARE OUR BUSINESS CONTINUED

AngloGold Ashanti works in many countries 
and to ensure we operate in line with our 
values of Dignity and Respect and Valuing 
Diversity. We strive to ensure widespread 
integration and acceptance of various cultural 
differences. Our geographic diversity provides 
us with many opportunities to engage with a 
multitude of cultures.

We recognise that diversity has to do with 
more than race or ethnicity. Our employees 
have varying characteristics based on their 
religious and political beliefs, gender or 
their ethnic, educational or socio-economic 
background, sexual orientation and geographic 
location, among others. Our current focus is 
gender equality. This consciously shines a light 
on women at all levels of the organisation, 
addressing equal opportunities, comparable 
pay, and suitable facilities in the workplace, 
particularly on mine sites.

We collaborate with the talent management 
team to increase representation by women in 
technical roles and to address the shortage 
of women at senior and junior management 
levels. Through the Chairman’s Young 
Leaders Programme, the talent management 
process contributes to building the female 
employee pipeline. 

During the year, AngloGold Ashanti focused 
on two ways to further gender equality. The 
first related to creating conditions that allow 

women to thrive in the organisation. The second 
focused on attracting, retaining, developing and 
promoting women in the Company. 

Promoting employment in the mining sector 
positively is key when working to attract 
more young women to the industry. Another 
important element in female recruitment is 
to promote the STEM (science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics) subjects at 
school and university and to encourage woman 
to select these when making education and 
career choices.

AngloGold Ashanti also supports and 
participates in the 30% Club’s Board Walk 
programme and Women in Mining initiatives. 
These provide networking opportunities, training 
and exposure to senior women in management 
and in executive positions. Participation in 
these programmes provides platforms for open 
conversations and sharing about the barriers 
and challenges women face in the workplace.

Our efforts to promote a diversity and inclusion 
agenda were recognised during 2018. At the 
annual Gender Mainstreaming Awards, hosted 
by Business Engage South Africa, the Company 
won the Empowerment of Women in the 
Community Award. It was runner up in several 
other categories. 

Executive Vice President: Human Resources, 
awarded South Africa’s Institute of People 
Management’s 2018 Human Resources Director 
of the Year award. Ria Sanz, our Executive 
Vice President: Group Legal, Commercial, 
Governance and Company Secretary, was 
honoured by her inclusion on the prestigious 
list of the Top 100 Global Inspirational Women 
in Mining. Our CFO, Christine Ramon, was the 
first runner-up for the Positive Role Model and 
for Gender Reporting by JSE-listed companies, 
and was second runner-up in the Woman 
in Executive Committees in Multinationals 
Award. Christine is also the first woman to be 
named South Africa’s CFO of the Year at the 
2018 CFO awards. She was also honoured 
with the Compliance and Governance, High 
Performance Team and Moving into Africa 
awards at the same event.

Diversity focus for 2019 
In the short-to-medium term, local focus 
groups are to be established which will 
combine to create a Global Women’s Forum. 
This will be a safe space for women to 
raise issues affecting them from a gender 
perspective. Policies are being made gender 
neutral. Where vacancies exist, priority will 
be given to female candidates, provided they 
meet role requirements.

Women leadership in AngloGold Ashanti also 

received various accolades with Tirelo Sibisi, our 

The formulation and approval of our Global 
Diversity and Inclusion Policy, with country-

specific implementation guides, will allow site 
management to design and guide initiatives 
locally with oversight coming from the centre.

Diversity and inclusion workshops and 
training is to be rolled out at all sites. The 
workshops will create a common platform for 
the introduction of a collaborative approach, 
with the aim of building a culture of inclusion 
within AngloGold Ashanti. This will be 
achieved by acknowledging and respecting 
the differences of all employees and 
communities, and by equipping and enabling 
staff to grow and improve on relationships 
within our organisation.

Key developments include:

•  more focus on succession planning for 

and development of potential mine general 
managers to ensure we have the right 
people running the business, and that we 
have a strong pipeline of successors in 
keeping with localisation requirements 

•  ensuring clear succession criteria for critical 
roles against which talent can be evaluated 
for succession planning purposes 

•  continuing to focus on female representation 
in key positions, especially for leadership 
roles (vice president and higher) 

•  investing in additional objective data points 
(such as leadership assessments) to inform 
succession and development planning 
decisions and investments 

131

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYPEOPLE ARE OUR BUSINESS CONTINUED

Keeping our people safe
What we did in 2018
Work continued on embedding and 
integrating safety into the business. A multi-
disciplinary Technical Standards Committee 
was established to provide input into and 
oversight of the development and review of 
safety-related standards applicable across 
the Company. The revised Major Hazard 
Control Standards, which we approved in 
November 2018, incorporate leading practice 
requirements for the development of critical 
controls and other defences to protect 
employees from harm in the workplace. 

Work on integrating safety into the Operational 
Excellence programme also began. This work 
included mapping and translating ISO 45001 
concepts into work processes to ensure 
that methods, such as approaches to risk 
management, are aligned across the Company.

Other aspects of safety-related work 
conducted during the year included the 
monitoring of compliance with existing critical 
safety controls for fatal risk hazards. Cross 
pollinating learnings from one region to another 
has assisted greatly in uplifting the general 
quality and compliance of lock out and tag 
out controls, which are considered crucial in 
preventing fatal injuries.

In engaging with and assessing line 
management, we have gained a deep 
understanding of site-specific issues and 
the actions required to address them. Action 
seeking to shift the operational culture so as to 
eliminate fatal incidents is currently underway 
at Cuiabá (AGA Mineração) in Brazil. 

This is the best in the Company’s history and 
was predominantly driven by the de-risking 
of the South Africa region. The AIFR for the 
South Africa region improved by 19%, from 
12.68 per million hours worked in 2017 to 
10.25 compared to 2018. 

From a certification and standards perspective, 
in February 2018, the ISO 45001 standard was 
issued to replace use of the OHSAS 18001 
assessment series. The move to ISO 45001 
was used to strengthen the internal safety 
assurance process. Work included reviewing 
internal safety standards and practices, along 
with the assessment protocols used. 

Alignment with ISO 45001 is expected to be 
completed in early 2019. Parallel to, and in 
support of, the Company move to migrate 
from OHSAS 18001, Sunrise Dam attained 
ISO 45001 certification during 2018. Other 
operations will be working toward ISO 45001 
certification over the next three years. ISO 45001 
is based on the conventions and guidelines of 
the International Labour Organisation.

Our safety performance 
Sadly, in the first four months of the year, there 
were three fatal injuries, two in South Africa 
and one in Brazil. The group AIFR of 4.81 per 
million hours worked for 2018, represents a 
36% improvement compared to 2017. 

Testament to these successes, the South 
Africa region’s Surface Operations was 
recognised by MineSafe as the most improved 
mining operation on a year-on-year basis. 
MineSafe is an industrial body representing 
a collaborative effort between mining 
companies, employee bodies and the South 
African Department of Mineral Resources, and 
the award is MineSafe’s highest ranking prize. 

The average AIFR for the other regions 
combined deteriorated by 15%, from 2.00 to 
2.29 in 2018. 

Reporting of high-potential incidents (HPIs) 
continues to raise awareness, facilitate 
organisational learning and effect more 
robust controls. Although the number of 
reported incidents is declining, the continued 
occurrence of HPIs is an indication that 
residual operational safety risk profiles remain 
high, with consequent vulnerability. However, 
during the year, there were 31% fewer HPIs in 
2018, from 210 in 2017 down to 145.

132

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG IMPACTS 

In conducting our business activities, we are mindful of the impact we may have on host communities and 

Related strategic objective:

the environment – our social and natural capital. Our values speak directly to our related responsibilities – 

dignity, respect and accountability, communities and societies and the environment. These responsibilities are 

in turn addressed by the first of the five pillars making up our strategy.

Contributing positively to communities and demonstrating responsible environmental stewardship are critical aspects of acquiring and 

maintaining AngloGold Ashanti’s social licence to operate. Strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance is also a 

Focus on people, safety,  
and sustainability 

critical element to maintaining our licence to operate and investor confidence. We continue to keep this as one of our key focus areas.

Related material issues: 

GOVERNANCE
Good corporate governance is integral 
to how we operate, to long-term value 
creation and thus to the sustainability of 
our business. We apply the principles 
and recommendations set out in the 
King IV Report and other relevant 
laws, and comply with all the listings 
requirements of the stock exchanges on 
which we are listed. We are committed 
to promoting good governance and 
providing ethical leadership with the 
board responsible for oversight of 
corporate governance, controls and risk 
management at AngloGold Ashanti. 

The board acknowledges that sound 
governance principles and practices 
underpin value creation for shareholders 
and the sustainability of the business, 
and are thus crucial to the achievement 

of the business objectives. Our 
governance processes are set out 
in  in this 
report. Also see the Audit and Risk 
Committee chairman’s letter for board 
accountabilities, corporate governance 
performance areas during the year, and 
our assurance processes.

We are committed to ethical leadership 
and good governance and transparency 
as an integral part of our culture. We 
engage openly with various indices such 
as the FTSE Russell, the Responsible 
Mining Index (RMI) and the RobecoSAM 
Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), 
which have given good ratings on our 
sustainability performance. 

This is also demonstrated in various 
ways, including our employee 
engagements and general relations as 

set out in  
section in this report, as well as in 
our stakeholder engagements. For 
example, the constructive shareholder 
engagements which have helped in 
guiding our remuneration policy. 

The remuneration committee engaged 
successfully with management 
throughout the year, balancing the goals 
of retaining and attracting talent across 
the business, addressing the legacy pay 
gap across the organisation and putting 
in place processes for delivery on our key 
strategic goals. 

Additionally, we have a strategy in 
place to attract, motivate and retain 
a skilled workforce through fair, 
responsible, transparent and competitive 
remuneration. 

Safety and communities: 

Employee  
safety

Employee  
and community 
health

Contributing to 
self-sustaining 
communities

Employee, 
community 
and asset 
security

Artisanal and  
small scale 
mining (legal 
and illegal)

Respecting  
human rights

Environment: 

Responsible 
environmental 
stewardship

Integrated 
closure 
management

133

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG IMPACTS CONTINUED

OUR INDICE RANKINGS

FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment (FTSE4Good)  
Index Series

In 2018, AngloGold Ashanti retained its status as a constituent 
of the FTSE4Good Index Series and was ranked among 
the top performers. This index identifies companies that 
demonstrate strong ESG practices, measured against global 
peers. In each of these practices, AngloGold Ashanti scored 
consistently higher than the averages for the industry as a 
whole (basic metals) and the gold mining sub-sector. 

AngloGold Ashanti scored as follows:

RobecoSAM Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI)

AngloGold Ashanti was selected in 2018, for the third 
consecutive year, for inclusion in the RobecoSAM Dow 
Jones Sustainability Emerging Markets Index for continued 
improvement in our sustainability practices. In 2018, 75 
companies in the metals and mining sector were invited to 
participate, with 58 being comprehensively assessed in terms 
of the economic, environmental and social factors. AngloGold 
Ashanti retained its membership of the DJSI emerging markets 
index and achieved an overall score of 66 (industry average 
score: 37), and was in the 86th percentile relative to its peers.

•  Overall rating: 4.2 out of a maximum achievable score of 5 

(2017: 3.2) 

The scoring was as follows:

•  Environmental performance: 4.2 

•  Economic performance: 64 (average industry score: 42)

•  Social performance: 4.0 

•  Governance: 4.6 

•  Environmental performance: 70 (average industry score: 33)

•  Social performance: 66 (average industry score: 35)

Responsible Mining Index
The Responsible Mining Foundation, a charitable non-profit 
organisation based in Amsterdam, has created the RMI to 
assess companies in terms of “what society can reasonably 
expect of large-scale mining companies”. The index examines 
the extent to which companies address a range of economic, 
environmental, social and governance (EESG) issues across 
their mining activities. 

The 2018 index covered 30 mining companies from 16 
countries, including publicly-listed, state-owned and private 
companies. Six performance measures were used to assess 
policies and practices on the EESG aspects for which 
AngloGold Ashanti’s ranking was as follows: 

•  1 for working conditions

•  3 for lifecycle management

•  4 for community wellbeing

This index series allows investors to better integrate ESG 
considerations into their investment decisions, assisting in 
ensuring that their portfolio holdings comply with best practice 
in each area.

The RobecoSAM Dow Jones Sustainability Index measures 
companies’ performance on sustainability practices. 
RobecoSAM publishes the globally recognised Dow Jones 
Sustainability Indices, together with S&P Dow Jones Indices.

•  4 for environmental responsibility

•  10 for business conduct

•  16 for economic development

134

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG IMPACTS CONTINUED

Safety
Safety remains our first value and our most 
significant material issue, and we remain 
committed to achieving our objective of zero 
injury and harm. We recognise that as a 
company, we will continue to be judged by our 
ability to protect employees from avoidable injury 
and harm. Safety management is embedded 
and integrated into the business, and our risk 
management processes support the drive to 
ensure that our workplaces are free from harm. In 
addition, line management is enabled to promote 
safe operations, through our safety strategy.

During 2018, understanding and 
management of operational safety risk profiles 
in challenging operating conditions continued 
to be a major focus.

Following on the implementation and 
continuous reinforcement of the safety strategy 
at our operations, our safety performance has 
improved over the years. The decline in the rail-
bound transport risk in South Africa has largely 
been due to installation of technical controls for 
underground transport at Mponeng, including 
collision avoidance devices, front-driven 
locomotives and electronic remote signalling.

Seismic risk continued to present a significant 
challenge in relation to ground control. 
Additionally, heightened risk due to business 
rationalisation and changes in organisational 
structures required a greater focus on change 
management. However, these were carefully 
controlled and managed, as evidenced in our 
improved safety performance.

In our other regions, there were no significant 
organisational changes or operational 
interventions to affect the overall risk profile. 
The progressive expansion of underground 
mining in these regions is not expected 
to materially change the risk profile, as 
mechanised mining methods are used.

Communities
One of AngloGold Ashanti’s values is that 
the communities and societies in which we 
operate should be better off for our having 
been there. As our operations either develop 
and expand, requiring land, or embark on 
closure, the principle of shared value gains 
prominence, making this value ever more 
significant. Increasingly, host communities and 
nations expect the mining industry to contribute 
to their development and to share yet more of 
the value generated from mineral extraction. 
Community expectations for a fair deal and 
meaningful existence include realising current 
value from the mineral endowments, land, as 
well as being able to thrive after the conclusion 
of mining operations. We have also observed 
a convergence of formal mining licensing 
requirements at national level, with societal 
interpretations of the social licence to operate.

AngloGold Ashanti remains committed to 
working with governments and communities 
in these matters and being accountable to our 
shareholders to mine responsibly and adhere 
to good ESG practices.

While community demands and the 
complexity of social challenges faced may 
be felt more acutely at our operations in 

emerging economies, where the challenges 
of poverty, unemployment and inequality are 
most visible, the concept of shared value is 
relevant across all our operations. 

Our social performance is a critical determinant 
of our continued ability to conduct our 
business activities, underpinning as it does our 
ability to maintain our social licence to operate. 

Our 2030 aspirational community goal, which 
is aligned with the SDGs, is: Self-sustaining 
communities – free from poverty and inequality. 
To deliver on this aspiration, we endeavour to 
ensure that communities experience real and 
sustainable benefits from our operating activities. 
Such an approach, which is likely to boost 
our competitive positioning, is aligned with the 
increasing emphasis on responsible investment. 

For more detailed information on our 
contribution to self-sustaining communities, 
see . This report also contains 
information on our performance and work 
relating to community health, community and 
asset security, respecting human rights and 
artisanal and small-scale mining. 

Socio-economic development and 
community upliftment 
The socio-economic development of 
host communities is vital if they are to be 
self-sustaining during and beyond mining 
operations. Our group sustainable development 
strategy focuses on strengthening the mine 
value chain by promoting local participation 
(ownership) and local value add. 

135

Ghana – Obuasi 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG IMPACTS CONTINUED

To embed this new approach across the 
Company, in August 2018, the executive 
signed off a group Local Procurement Policy. 
This policy seeks to establish a company-wide 
sustainable local procurement programme to 
safely and ethically stimulate economic and 
social development within the countries and 
communities where we operate. 

The policy recognises that building capability 
within the local value chain, along with 
establishing partnerships to support 
diversification of local suppliers, is central to 
their sustainability in the long term. This policy 
was formally launched throughout the group in 
2018. The launch was followed by a campaign 
in the Americas, Australasia and Continental 
Africa to mobilise and guide operations on its 
implementation.

In addition to the contribution made through 
local procurement, a range of enterprise 
development and social infrastructure-related 
initiatives continued across the Company. For 
the year, global community investment totalled 
$22.25 million. For further detail, see the 
Regional Reviews in this report, the  and 
the .

Community investment by region

%

•  Continental Africa 

•  Americas 

•  Australasia 

•  Southb Africa 

39

41

3

17

Principles underpinning the 
group Local Procurement Policy 
•   As a strategic imperative, we will make 
every reasonable effort to procure all 
goods and services locally. Non-local 
purchases will require requisite approval 

•  Beyond local ownership, we will drive 
strategic partnerships which create 
local employment, skills transfer, and 
economic value-add 

•  We should actively develop local 
suppliers to create capacity and 
capability

•  We will seek to create competitive and 
diverse options for supply that can be 
sustainable beyond life of mine

•  Implementation will require extensive 
internal and external engagement

Environment
While many of the environmental issues 
faced vary by region – a function of local 
conditions, the nature of the operation and 
differing regulatory frameworks – certain 
aspects such as water, land and energy, 
feature across the organisation. Although 
these are affected by both our business 
practices and local regulatory frameworks, the 
related environmental dynamics may vary. For 
instance, some operations experience water 
scarcity while at others the challenge relates 
to an excess of water. As we operate in water 
scarce areas, we remain conscious that this 

Total procurement spend

Proportion of spend on local suppliers

$2.06bn 78%

69%

Total centrally* 
managed 
procurement spend

$1.42 billion

31%

Total regionally* 
managed 
procurement spend

$0.64 billion

Total procurement spend
($ billion)

Community investment
($ million)

2014

2.60

2015

2.10

2016

1.98

2017

2.29

2018

2.06

2014

14.80

2015

15.22

2016

20.16

2017

24.05

2018

22.25

*  Centrally managed procurement relates to that which is managed or locally sourced while regionally managed 

procurement is that which is managed and sourced from beyond the borders of the country concerned

136

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG IMPACTS CONTINUED

resource is to be shared with other users 
such as local communities. We have become 
increasingly proactive in this, as our approach 
to environmental management and stewardship 
has matured over the years. This has gone 
hand in hand with enhanced understanding 
that good environmental management is a 
prerequisite for good business performance, 
and that the development and maintenance 
of controls to prevent and mitigate negative 
environmental impacts must be incorporated 
into business planning, resource allocation and 
work processes. 

Our 2030 aspirational environmental goal, 
which is aligned with the SDGs, is to ‘Eliminate 
harm and use natural resources optimally’. 

Additionally, operational leaders are 
assuming more accountability for reporting 
on and addressing environmental impacts. 
An indicator of our overall environmental 
performance is the number of reportable 

environmental incidents. Just two were 
reported in 2018, down from five in 2014.  
In addition, all our operating mines are now 
ISO 14001: 2015 certified.

Key aspects of our environmental stewardship 
and management relate to the issues 
discussed below:

Water management 
Water management has remained a key focus 
for AngloGold Ashanti. Variances in water 
consumption at our operations are influenced 
by differences in climate, the nature of available 
water sources, as well as mine and processing 
plant designs. Over the years, AngloGold 
Ashanti has consistently focused on reducing 
the absolute amount of water consumed, as well 
as the intensity of water use as measured by 
kilolitres of water used per tonne treated. Water 
import sources include utility companies, rivers 
and lakes, ground water, and water draining into 
pits and deep underground workings. 

Over the past year, we reduced our total water 
usage by12% from last year, with specific year-
on-year changes attributable to the reduction in 
number of operations in South Africa following 
the sale of some of the mines and putting 
others under orderly closure. Year-on-year water 
imports in South Africa reduced by 28% and 
intensity reduced by 20%. This resulted in an 
improved company performance across both 
parameters. Work continues to further improve 
these parameters at all operations.

AngloGold Ashanti has contributed actively to 
the development of the International Council of 
Mining and Metals (ICMM) water stewardship 
position statement and subsequent 
implementation of the guidance document. As 
a participant in its design, AngloGold Ashanti 
also presented an overview of the position 
statement at a thought leadership meeting of 
the Future Water Institute, University of Cape 
Town, in August 2018.

Energy and climate change
Climate change is a global challenge 
posing risk to society and the environment. 
AngloGold Ashanti is focused on climate 
change mitigation by reducing emissions and 
improving our efficiency of fossil energy use. 

Most of the energy we consume is generated 
from fossil fuels. It is either being purchased 
from coal-fired utilities or generated by our 
operations through the combustion of fossil 
fuels. A minor percentage of our energy is 
sourced from hydropower, with more than 
95% of the related greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions resulting from energy consumed. 
In 2008, AngloGold Ashanti announced a 
long-term target of reducing its GHG emission 
intensity by 30% from 2007 levels over 15 
years. The confirmed time-frame is 15 years 
(2022) using the metric of tonnes of CO2 
equivalent per tonne of ore treated. While there 
have been more improvements over the past 
10 years, the sale of some of the underground 

Water use 
(Megalitres)

2014

63,721

2015

59,601

2016

50,716

2017

52,219

2018

45,892

Water use efficiency
(Kilolitres per tonne treated)

Energy consumption
(Petajoules)

Energy intensity
(Gigajoule per tonne treated)

2014

0.60

2015

0.64

2016

0.59

2017

0.61

2018

0.57

2014

32

2015

29

2016

29

2017

30

2018

25

137

2014

0.30

2015

0.31

2016

0.33

2017

0.35

2018

0.32

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG IMPACTS CONTINUED

assets in South Africa early in 2018 provided 
another step change in our emission intensity 
profile, dropping to 46% below the 2007 
base year. Energy efficiency gains in South 
Africa contributed much of the reductions 
achieved during 2018. Overall, the Company’s 
greenhouse gas emissions intensity declined by 
35% for the year. Details of this are covered in 
the .

Protecting biodiversity
In minimising and addressing our impact on the 
environment, we seek to protect biodiversity in 
the areas in which we operate. This underpins 
our respect for the environment. One of our 
most significant biodiversity initiatives is that 
underway in the Australia region. This overseen 
by the Great Victoria Desert Biodiversity Trust 
which protects vegetation and threatened fauna 
in the Great Victoria Desert. For more on this 
see the .

In addition, in Colombia, we have obtained the 
necessary environmental approvals relating to 
biodiversity to certain of our projects. For the 
Gramalote project, the Flora Compensation 
Plan to offset project-related biodiversity 
losses that we submitted early in the year has 
since received a resolution from the Regional 
Environmental Authority and the Environment 
Ministry’s Forestry Directorate, allowing the use 
of and cutting of priority plant species in areas 
not already permitted. In the second half of the 
year, the Quebradona Project received its Biotic 

Research Permit from the Corantioquia Region 
Environment Authority. This critical permit is 
required to collect fauna and flora samples from 
within the project’s area of influence, and to 
complete environmental baseline studies. 

In South Africa, a prefeasibility study 
conducted for the Kareerand tailings storage 
facility expansion project identified key design, 
geotechnical and potential groundwater 
contamination. Work done included an 
environmental and social impact assessment. 

certifications. Additionally, MWS which is part 
of surface operations in South Africa, is also 
preparing for certification. This is the only active 
operation where cyanide code certification 
remains outstanding. The final certification audit 
is due in 2019.

Managing our tailings facilities 
Understanding the integrity of our tailings 
facilities and actively managing any potential 
risks remain priorities. We are mindful that 
while the likelihood of a tailings failure is low, 
the consequences should this occur could 
potentially be catastrophic. 

All our tailings and heap leach facilities are 
actively managed in line with international 
practice and are audited annually. Monitored 
facilities include all those under development, 
all active structures, those being reclaimed 
and dormant ones. Audit and risk ratings 
consider current and future stability, tailings 
capability under various operating and 
climatic conditions, potential impacts such as 
groundwater contamination and preparedness 
for adverse events. 

Audit considerations and our risk ratings 
consider current and future stability, tailings 
capability under various operating and 
climatic conditions, potential impacts such as 
groundwater contamination, and preparedness 
for adverse events. Any remedial action taken is 
also actively monitored. 

Mitigation measures for this included a 
combination of a groundwater interception 
borefield, phytoremediation and provision for 
water treatment after closure in 2042.  

AngloGold Ashanti has a clear framework that 
sets principles, standards and guidelines for 
the construction, management and oversight 
of its TSFs. It is our obligation to ensure 
that our TSFs are stable, non-polluting and 
contained. We are guided in this regard by 
international practice, and conduct regular 
detailed inspections by internal specialists 
and independent third-party experts, as 
well as ongoing monitoring and ongoing 
preventive maintenance.

Responsible consumption and cyanide  
code certification
AngloGold Ashanti participates in and is 
committed to the International Cyanide 
Management Code, of which it is a founding 
signatory. The code focuses on the safe 
manufacture, transportation and use of cyanide 
in gold production. 

During the year, Córrego do Sítio II (AGA 
Mineração) and Tropicana attained their maiden 

GHG emissions
(Kilotonnes)

2014

4,613

2015

4,162

2016

4,062

2017

3,953

2018

2,571

GHG emissions intensity
(Kilograms of GHG per tonne treated)

2014

43

2015

45

2016

48

2017

46

2018

32

138

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG IMPACTS CONTINUED

Integrated closure management
Integral to our environmental stewardship 
and management is mine closure. Closure 
planning has both environmental and 
social implications and it interfaces with all 
dimensions of sustainable development 
-the economic, social, environmental and 
governance aspects. At AngloGold Ashanti 
we have closure management processes in 
place which are executed from exploration 
stage until mine closure. Considerations in this 
process would include addressing the possible 
environmental impacts, such as the effects of 
pollution after closure, reclamation of land for 
productive use during operations and post-
closure, and effective management of mining 
infrastructure. In addition to risk mitigation, 
increasing attention is being paid to possible 
opportunities that need to be explored and 
capitalised on during the entire mining lifecycle 
– from design, through operations and beyond 
closure. This includes active and concurrent 
rehabilitation, repurposing of waste, supply 
chain development and alternative land and 
infrastructure use. 

land was done in Ghana, at Obuasi, where 
AngloGold Ashanti surrendered 60% of the 
Obuasi mine concession to the government of 
Ghana to, among others, encourage a range 
of socio-economic development activities in 
the region. Currently, accelerated rehabilitation 
is being undertaken at Sadiola and Siguiri. 

At Tropicana, a novel approach to  
rehabilitation includes biodiversity and 
community participation. 

At Yatela, where integrated closure is 
proceeding, rehabilitation is focused on care 
and maintenance of previously rehabilitated 
areas and continuation of the heap leach pads 
rinsing pilot project. The closure process here 
is due for completion in 2021. Further, the 
sale process is underway which will take into 
account completion of the rehabilitation and 
closure of the Yatela site.

Concurrent rehabilitation and effective land 
management continued to be central pillars 
of our integrated closure management 
programmes during the year.

Rehabilitation is sometimes accelerated to 
manage closure liabilities, reduce costs and 
free up land for alternative economic use as 
and when considered necessary. Freeing up 

Related actions in 2018 were:

•  In greenfields projects, the main closure 
elements and costs are detailed in the 
feasibility report and are the foundation of 

a new mine’s closure plan. In brownfields 
projects, incremental closure activities and 
associated costs arising from the project are 
documented, using the existing closure plan 
as a baseline and as a source of relevant 
rates. This approach is being applied to 
the Obuasi redevelopment and to the 
Quebradona project

•  Strengthening the local supply chain’s 
capability within the mining value chain 
is an important social and economic 
aspect of closure. Operations, particularly 
in Continental Africa, have begun 
implementation of the local procurement 
policy, setting targets and identifying 
opportunities at operational level

•  Accelerated environmental management of 
the South Africa region’s footprint which has 
shrunk following the asset sales and orderly 
closure of operations in recent years. Certain 
rehabilitation projects have been brought 
forward as we address our environmental 
liabilities

For more detailed information on environmental 
management and integrated closure, see 
.

139

Brazil – Cuiabá, AGA Mineração

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGYMANAGING OUR SUSTAINABILITY AND ESG IMPACTS CONTINUED

Rehabilitation liabilities per operation ($ million)

2017

Operation

Remediation obligations and 
provisions
The Company’s long-term environmental 
remediation obligations include 
decommissioning and restoration liabilities 
relating to past operations. These obligations 
are based on an operation’s Environmental 
Management Plan and the relevant regulatory 
requirements. An assessment of closure 
liabilities is undertaken annually and these 
liabilities are presented in the table alongside.

Provisions for remediation costs are made 
when either there is a present obligation, 
when it is probable that expenditure on 
remediation work will be required or when the 
cost can be estimated within a reasonable 
range of possible outcomes. These costs are 
based on information currently available, the 
technology expected to be available at the 
time of the clean-up, the expected time-
frame for remediation, laws and regulations 
presently or virtually certain to be enacted, and 
previous experience of remediation. Provision 
for restoration and decommissioning costs is 
made at the present value of the expenditures 
expected to settle the obligation using 
estimated cash flows based on current prices 
and discounted at a pre-tax rate that reflects 
current market assessments of the time value 
of money.

Operation

Continental 
Africa
Ghana
Iduapriem
Obuasi (3)
Guinea
Siguiri
Mali (4)
Morila 
Sadiola 
Yatela
DRC
Kibali (4)
Tanzania
Geita
Americas
Argentina
Cerro Vanguardia
Brazil
AGA Mineração 
Serra Grande
United States of 
America
Other
Colombia
La Colosa
Gramalote (4)
Australasia
Australia
Sunrise Dam
Tropicana 

2018

Decom-
missioning

Restoration

234.8

143.5

30.1
126.9

29.0

–
14.1
4.2

–

30.5
101.6

51.4

35.7
7.3

0.4

6.4
0.4
54.8

25.4
29.4

12.7
36.3

24.1

7.6
12.5
8.1

10.6

31.6
35.9

17.7

12.9
5.3

–

–
–
33.7

15.2
18.5

140

Total

378.3

Total

 430.9 

42.8
163.2

 44.3 
 211.4 

53.1

7.6
26.6
12.3

10.6

59.4

 9.0 
 26.6 
 13.2 

 10.5 

62.1
137.5

 56.5 
 146.6 

69.1

48.6
12.6

0.4

6.4
0.4
88.5

40.6
47.9

 66.2 

 57.3 
 16.4 

 0.5 

 5.8 
 0.4 
 88.3 

 42.1 
 46.2 

2018

Decom-
missioning

Restoration

12.4
4.6
–
–
2.7
1.6

–
–
0.2
3.3
–
403.6

63.3
26.1
–
–
14.2
3.1

2.8
0.2
–
16.9
–
276.4

2017

Total

 118.5 
 31.6 
 9.3 
 18.8 
 21.2 
 8.6 

 3.0 
 0.4 
 0.2 
 24.6 
 0.8 
 784.3 

Total

75.7
30.7
–
–
16.9
4.7

2.8
0.2
0.2
20.2
–
680.0

(18.6)

(38.9)

(57.5)

 (59.6)

–
385.0

–
237.5

–
622.5

 (29.1)
 695.6 

South Africa
Great Noligwa (1)
Kopanang
Moab Khotsong 
TauTona (2)
Mponeng
Legacy projects
- Vaal River
- West Wits
- Other
First Uranium SA
Nufcor

Less equity-
accounted 
investments 
included above (4)
Less liabilities held 
for sale included 
above (5)
Total

(1)   Includes Vaal River shared infrastructure which does not form part of the 

liabilities held for sale in 2017.   

(2)  Includes Savuka. 
(3)  Includes Mpasatia (Bibiani pit).  
(4)   The equity-accounted investments refer to the Mali assets, Kibali in the DRC 

and Gramalote in Colombia. 

(5)  Includes the liabilities held for sale of Moab Khotsong, Kopanang and Nufcor. 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 2 / DELIVERING ON OUR STRATEGY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY

SECTION 3

LEADERSHIP AND
ACCOUNTABILITY

We review our  perf ormance and philosophy 
regarding corpora te governance, remunera tion 
and assurance of the inf or ma tion pr esented in 
this Integ ra ted Report.

Ethical  
leadership

Responsible 
corporate citizen

Promoting 
diversity

Fair and 
responsible pay

IN THIS SECTION

INTEGRATED REPO RT 2018

141
141

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE:  
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

The Audit and Risk Committee 
is charged with ensuring the 
integrity of information and 
transparency of corporate 
reporting to stakeholders in line 
with relevant reporting standards. 

The Audit and Risk Committee executed 
its duties in terms of paragraph 3.84(g) 
of the JSE Listings Requirements as 
reported in the Audit and Risk Committee 
Chairman’s Letter in the  (pages 1 
to 6). 

It is the Audit and Risk Committee’s 
principal fiduciary duty to oversee the 
integrity of the group’s internal control 
environment and to ensure that the 
Company’s financial statements comply 
with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) and fairly present 
the financial position of the group and 
the Company and the results of their 
operations.

The Audit and Risk Committee’s duties 
to the Company as required by section 
94(2) of the Companies Act, JSE Listings 
Requirements, as recommended by King 
IV, and the board-approved terms of 
reference are set out in the Audit and Risk 
Committee’s annual work plan. These 
duties were discharged as follows:

•  Reviewed the trading and market updates and the half year and full 

•  Reviewed developments in reporting standards, corporate governance and 

year results

best practice

•  Confirmed the integrity and quality of and signed-off the group’s 

Integrated Report, Annual Financial Statements and the Form 20-F

•  Assessed accounting judgements and estimates

•  Reviewed the adequacy and effectiveness of the group’s compliance 

function

•  Conducted a self-assessment to evaluate the committee’s effectiveness

•  Reviewed the expertise, experience and performance of the finance 

function and Chief Financial Officer

•  Reviewed tax provisions and contingencies

•  Considered the Mineral Resource and Ore 

Reserve Report

•  Assessed going concern assumptions and 

solvency/liquidity requirements

•  Monitored the XBRL and i-XBRL filing 

processes

•  Assessed scope and effectiveness of 

systems to identify, manage and monitor 
financial and non-financial risks

•  Reviewed the procedures for detecting, 

monitoring and managing the risk of fraud

•  Reviewed scope, resources, results and 
effectiveness of internal audit department

•  Approved the internal audit plan, monitored 
its execution and approved subsequent 
changes to the plan

Financial 
reporting

Governance

System of 
internal control 
and risk 
management

External 
auditors

•  Assessed the effectiveness of the internal audit 

function through an independent external quality 
assurance review

•  Reviewed the terms of reference of the Audit 

and Risk Committee with no significant 
amendments required

•  Nominated the appointment of independent 

external auditors for approval by shareholders

• Assessed their effectiveness

• Reviewed and approved terms of engagement

• Approved the external audit remuneration

• Approved auditors’ integrated audit plan

• Pre-approved all non-audit services

•  Reviewed their independence based on written 
confirmation of independence and length of 
tenure and concluded there were no impediments 
to auditors’ independence

•  Ensured that a combined assurance model is applied to provide a  
co-ordinated approach to all assurance activities (see statement of 
internal control)

•  Assessed significant whistle-blowing reports

•  Monitored the governance of information technology (IT) and 

effectiveness of the group’s information systems, including cybersecurity. 
For IT governance processes, see page 3 of the 

142

•  Considered results of most recent reviews by the Independent Regulatory 

Board of Auditors (South Africa) and Public Company Accounting 
Oversight Board (United States) and confirmed that there were no 
significant matters reported

•  Approved the appointment of external auditors to provide independent limited 

assurance on certain sustainability indicators as included in the 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYAUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE:  
CHAIRMAN’S LETTER continued
Looking forward
The Audit and Risk Committee understands that its work is increasingly broad and complex  
and that, as a committee, we are required to keep abreast of developments impacting  
AngloGold Ashanti.

During 2019, the Audit and Risk Committee will continue to monitor:

•  the impact of the new leases’ accounting standard applicable from 1 January 2019 on the 

existing accounting policies and contracts in place

•  progress made in terms of the XBRL and i-XBRL tagging process for SEC and the Companies 

and Intellectual Property Commission for filing purposes

In the spirit of continuous refinement and improvement of the group’s combined assurance model 
and changing operational risk profile, the Audit and Risk Committee will continue to monitor the 
successful integration of the core technical engineering and mining disciplines into the combined 
assurance review process during 2019. The committee will also consider the group’s approach to 
Mandatory Audit Firm rotation which will be effective for the 2024 financial period.

Statement of internal control
The opinion of the board on the effectiveness of our internal control environment is informed by 
the conclusion reached by the Audit and Risk Committee.

The Audit and Risk Committee assessed the results of the formal documented review conducted 
by Group Internal Audit and other identified assurance providers in terms of the evolving 
combined assurance model of the group’s system of internal controls and risk management, 
including the design, implementation and effectiveness of the internal financial controls. The 
assessment, when considered with information and explanations given by management and 
discussions with both the internal and external auditors on the results of their audits, led to the 
conclusion that nothing has come to the attention of the board that caused it to believe that the 
Company’s system of internal controls and risk management is not effective and that the internal 
financial controls do not form a sound basis for the preparation of reliable financial statements.

Rhidwaan Gasant
Chairman: Audit and Risk Committee
19 March 2019

143

Group Internal Audit Statement
Group Internal Audit provides internal independent assurance to the AngloGold 
Ashanti Audit and Risk Committee delivering an assessment of the effectiveness of 
AngloGold Ashanti’s ethical culture, its governance of risk management, governance 
of information technology, compliance with laws, rules, codes and standards, and 
of the design, implementation and effectiveness of internal controls over financial 
reporting. Group Internal Audit conforms with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ 
International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing, and follows 
a risk based combined assurance programme in providing assurance on the internal 
control environment of the group. 

In this, it is further supported by a quarterly control self-assessment performed 
on internal controls over financial reporting. Group Internal Audit also reviews the 
managerial processes in place to support the preparation and finalisation of the 
Integrated Report. Group Internal Audit is of the opinion that the governance, risk 
management and internal control environment is effective and that the internal 
controls and processes designed and implemented to manage the Integrated Report 
reporting process are effective and form a sound basis for the preparation of a 
reliable Integrated Report. This assessment forms the basis for the Audit and Risk 
Committee’s recommendation in this regard to the board.

Thienus Coetzee
Senior Vice President: Group Internal Audit
Johannesburg

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYCORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Good corporate governance is 
an integral part of the group’s 
sustainability. Adherence to the 
standards and recommendations set 
out in the King IV Report and other 
relevant laws and regulations is vital 
to achieving our strategic priorities. 

performance, effective control and legitimacy. 

AngloGold Ashanti reviewed its application 

of the King IV principles and is satisfied 

that the Company is materially compliant 

with application of King IV. A statement 

on AngloGold Ashanti’s application of the 

principles of King IV is available on 

www.anglogoldashanti.com  1 .

Ethical leadership and  
corporate citizenship

The board is responsible for the oversight 
of corporate governance at AngloGold 
Ashanti. The board acknowledges that sound 
governance principles and practices underpin 
the creation of value and the sustainability 
of the business, and are thus crucial to the 
achievement of the business objectives. 
AngloGold Ashanti also recognises that 
strategy, performance, sustainability and risk 
are inseparable. 

Our values-driven culture and the Code of 
Business Principles and Ethics (Our Code) 
underpin AngloGold Ashanti’s governance 
structures and processes, committing the 
Company to high standards of business 
integrity and ethics in all its activities. 

The AngloGold Ashanti board is committed 
to promoting good governance and providing 
ethical leadership and thus supports the 
outcomes contained in the King Report 
on Corporate Governance for South Africa 
2016 (King IV), namely ethical culture, good 

Our Code, launched in 2010, is the defining 

document on AngloGold Ashanti’s values 

and ethics, in addition to applicable laws, 

regulations, standards and contractual 

obligations in the countries in which the 

Company operates. It provides a framework 

and sets requirements for the implementation 

of key corporate policies and guidelines. 

Among other areas, it addresses fraud, 

bribery and corruption, conflict of interests, 

gifts, hospitality and sponsorships, the use of 

company assets, privacy and confidentiality, 

disclosures and insider trading.

The board ensures that at all times the 

Company is, and is seen to be, a responsible 

corporate citizen by not only considering 

the financial performance of the Company, 

Board characteristics

AngloGold Ashanti  
board

Independent non-executive 
directors (9)

Sipho Pityana (Chairman)

Alan Ferguson

Albert Garner

David Hodgson

Maria Richter

Michael Kirkwood

Nozipho January-Bardill

Rhidwaan Gasant

but by striving also to enhance and invest 

Rod Ruston

in the economic life of the communities in 

which AngloGold Ashanti operates, society 

in general and the environment. The board’s 

Executive directors (2)

Social, Ethics and Sustainability Committee 

ensures the application of these principles and 

Kelvin Dushnisky (CEO)

the Executive Committee is responsible for 

Christine Ramon (CFO)

ensuring they are adhered to.

144

1    www.anglogoldashanti.com/wp-content/

uploads/2018/04/King-IV-Final.pdf

Board composition
The Company is governed by a unitary board of directors, which at year-end consisted of eleven 
directors – nine independent non-executive directors and two executive directors. The board 
comprises directors with a variety of skills, professional experience and backgrounds which 
complement each other in the execution of the board’s duties. The composition of the board 
promotes the balance of power and of authority and precludes any one director from dominating 
decision-making. 

e
r
u
n
e
T

y
t
i
s
r
e
v
i
D

9 years and longer

9.1%

6 to 8 years

3 to 5 years

36.4%

36.4%

Less than 3 years

18.1%

Female

Male

HDSA

27.3%

72.7%

36.4%

Other South Africans

9.1%

Non-South African

54.5%

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYThe group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 
position is held by Christine Ramon. As 
required by the JSE Listings Requirements, the 
Audit and Risk Committee annually considers 
and expresses its satisfaction at the level of 
expertise and experience of the CFO.

The Audit and Risk Committee concluded 
that Christine Ramon, together with other 
members of the financial management team, 
had effectively and efficiently managed the 
group’s financial affairs during the period under 
review as detailed in the CFO’s review, which is 
included in the .

Both the CEO and CFO are executive directors 
on the board.

Brazil – Serra Grande

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

New directors are appointed by the board 
pursuant to the recommendations of the 
Nominations Committee, which conducts 
a rigorous assessment of the credentials of 
each candidate. Several factors including 
the requirements of relevant legislation, best 
practice recommendations, qualifications 
and skills of prospective board members and 
the requirements of the Directors’ Fit and 
Proper Standards of the Company, as well 
as regional demographics are considered in 
appointing board members. The appointment 
of all directors is subject to the approval of 
the shareholders at the next annual general 
meeting following their appointment.

In terms of the Company’s Memorandum 
of Incorporation (MOI), one-third of the 
directors are required to retire at each annual 
general meeting and, if they are eligible and 
available for re-election, will be put forward 
for re-election by shareholders. The board 
has determined that the directors to retire at 
the forthcoming annual general meeting are 
Maria Richter, who is eligible and has offered 
herself for re-election, and Michael Kirkwood 
and David Hodgson, who have elected not to 
stand for re-election, in accordance with board 
policies and guidelines. See the .

Board diversity
AngloGold Ashanti supports the principles and 
aims of diversity at board level, and recognises 
and embraces the benefits of having a diverse 
board. Board policy on the promotion of gender 
diversity at board level aims to ensure that at 
least 40% of board members are women by 

2020. In 2018, women made up 27.3% of 
the board, down from 36% in 2017, a result 
of the resignation of Sindiswa Zilwa and the 
subsequent appointment of Alan Ferguson. 

When considering race diversity, for 
AngloGold Ashanti to leverage the benefits of 
having a globally diverse board aligned with 
the Company’s geographic footprint, race is 
not limited to ‘black’ as defined by the South 
African Department of Mineral Resources 
but also includes foreign black nationals. 
The voluntary target for race diversity at 
board level is 50% black representation. In 
2018, black representation from a global and 
historically disadvantaged (HDSA) perspective 
was at 36%, down from 55% on a global 
basis and 45% on a HDSA basis in 2017. 
This reduction is attributed to the resignations 
of Sindiswa Zilwa and the Chief Executive 
Officer, Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan. 

Both gender and race diversity will be 
considered in determining the optimum 
composition of the board and succession 
planning, and when possible will be balanced 
appropriately given the skills, experience, 
independence and knowledge required for the 
board to be effective as a whole.

Directors’ interests
Directors are required to declare their 
interests annually and to disclose any 
conflicts of interest, and if they arise, to 
determine whether there are any that conflict 
with their duties at AngloGold Ashanti. Once 
a conflict has been disclosed, it is managed 
appropriately by the board. A Declaration of 

Interest form is maintained by the company 
secretary and any new interest is declared at 
each meeting. 

Directors’ dealings in shares and closed 
periods 
In accordance with statutory and regulatory 
requirements, directors, management and any 
restricted employees may not deal directly 
or indirectly in the securities of the Company 
during specific closed or prohibited periods.

All directors and the company secretary require 
prior approval from the chairman to deal in the 
Company’s shares. The company secretary 
retains a record of all such share dealings. 

Independence of directors
Determination of director independence 
is guided by King IV, the Companies Act, 
the JSE Listings Requirements, the NYSE 
independence test and the Company’s 
internal policy on independence, as well as 
best practice. For the year under review, all 
non-executive directors were found to be 
independent in terms of mind, character and 
judgement.

Executive directors
The group’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), 
Kelvin Dushnisky, is responsible for execution 
of the Company’s strategy and reports to the 
board. He chairs the nine-member Executive 
Committee that is responsible for the day-to-
day management of the group’s affairs. The 
committee’s work is supported by country 
and regional management teams as well as by 
group corporate functions. 

145

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYCORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

The board and board committees
The board is supported by its committees and has delegated certain functions to these committees without abdicating any of its own responsibilities. This process of formal delegation involves 
approved and documented terms of reference, which are reviewed when required, or at least annually. 

AngloGold Ashanti’s board and committees

The overriding role of the board is to ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the business, for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders. Its overall role is one of strategic leadership. 
This includes the setting, monitoring and review of strategic targets and objectives, the approval of capital expenditure, acquisitions and disposals, and oversight of governance, internal 
controls and risk management.

Audit and Risk Committee

Social, Ethics and  
Sustainability Committee

Remuneration and Human  
Resources Committee

Nominations Committee

Investment Committee

Oversees the integrity of financial 
reporting, the existence of proper 
internal controls, the integrity of 
the ,  and , and 
of risk management processes, 
and assesses the Company’s 
continuing ability to operate as a 
going concern. The committee 
assists the board with the oversight 
of IT governance, risk management 
and the implementation of a group 
ethics and regulatory compliance 
programme. It ensures the 
Company has qualified external 
auditors and internal auditors. 

More detailed information on the 
committee’s achievements is 
available in the .

The key responsibility is to assist the 
board in monitoring matters relating 
to safety, health, the environment 
and ethical conduct and to ensure 
that the Company develops and 
behaves as a responsible corporate 
citizen. The committee ensures that 
the sustainability strategy positions 
the Company as a leader in mining 
and that sustainability objectives 
are effectively integrated into the 
business. 

This committee oversees the 
integrity of and approves the .

More information on the work done 
during the year by the committee is 
available in the .

Assists the board in ensuring that 
AngloGold Ashanti’s remuneration 
policies are in its long-term interests. 
The committee ensures that in 
terms of the decisions made, 
non-executive directors, executive 
directors, senior management 
and all other employees are fairly 
and responsibly remunerated 
and that shareholder value is 
delivered. It assists the board in 
the development of the Company’s 
human resources environment. 

More information on the 
achievements of the committee 
is available in the .

Develops processes to identify, 
assess and recommend board 
candidates for appointment as 
executive and non-executive 
directors, including the chairman,  
CEO and the company secretary, 
and at the same time fully 
considers succession planning 
and leadership in the group. 
The committee reviews board 
composition, including the 
balance of skills, experience and 
independence, and develops and 
implements the annual evaluation 
processes, whether internal or 
external.

Assesses individual capital 
projects and investment and 
divestment opportunities to ensure 
that investments, divestments 
and financing proposals are in 
accordance with AngloGold 
Ashanti’s primary objective of 
creating shareholder value on a 
sustainable long-term basis.

The latest approved board charter and the committees’ terms of references, containing detailed information regarding their respective responsibilities and mandates, are available at:  
www.anglogoldashanti.com/en/sustainability/policies/Pages/default.aspx

146

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYCORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

Board and committee meeting attendance
Directors’ attendance at board and committee meetings during 2018 was as follows:

Number of meetings in 2018

SM Pityana

R Gasant

DL Hodgson

NP January-Bardill

MJ Kirkwood

AH Garner (1)

RJ Ruston

MDC Richter

SV Zilwa (2)

AM Ferguson (3)

S Venkatakrishnan (4)

KPM Dushnisky (5)

KC Ramon

Board

Audit and Risk

Investment

Remuneration and 
Human Resources

Social, Ethics and 
Sustainability

Nomination

CEO Search (6)

NED Search (6)

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

5

2

7

2

10

5

n/a

5

n/a

n/a

5

3

5

5

3

1

n/a

n/a

n/a

4

n/a

4

4

n/a

n/a

4

4

n/a

1

n/a

n/a

n/a

4

4

4

n/a

n/a

4

4

n/a

n/a

4

2

1

n/a

n/a

n/a

5

5

n/a

5

5

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4

n/a

n/a

2

2

n/a

n/a

n/a

2

1

n/a

2

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4

4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4

4

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

4

4

n/a

1

n/a

3

n/a

3

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

(1)  AH Garner ceased being a member of the Audit and Risk Committee as of 15 May 2018 and was appointed to the Nominations Committee will effect from 16 February 2018.
(2)  SV Zilwa resigned with effect from 15 May 2018.
(3)  AM Ferguson was appointed with effect from 1 October 2018.
(4)  S Venkatakrishnan resigned as CEO with effect from 30 August 2018.
(5)  KPM Dushnisky was appointed as CEO with effect from 1 September 2018.
(6)  Two special purpose committees were established by the board during 2018, the CEO Search Committee and the NED Search Committee.

147

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYCORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

1   www.anglogoldashanti.com/company/leadership/

Board and committee evaluations
Board performance is evaluated annually and 
includes an assessment of the board as a whole, 
individual directors and each committee by 
members of the committee. An external board 
evaluation is conducted every third year and 
for the other two years, an internal evaluation is 
facilitated by the company secretary.

Evaluation of the effectiveness and 
performance of the board and its committees 
was internally assessed in 2018. The overall 
results indicated the board was performing 
well, and that the governance structures are 
better than satisfactory and closely aligned 
with best practice. 

Company secretary
The company secretary, Maria Sanz Perez, 
is responsible for developing, implementing 
and maintaining effective processes and 
procedures to support the board and its 
committees in the discharge of their duties and 
responsibilities. She advises the board and 
individual directors on their fiduciary duties and 
on corporate governance requirements and 
best practices.

In line with the JSE Listings Requirements, 
the board evaluated the qualifications, 
competence and experience of the company 
secretary in 2018 and was satisfied that Maria 
Sanz Perez is qualified to serve as company 
secretary. The board also confirmed the 
company secretary’s independence and that 
she maintains an arms-length relationship 

with the board and is not a director of the 
Company. Maria Sanz Perez’s qualifications 
and experience are available on the website, 
www.anglogoldashanti.com  1 . 

•  Voluntary Principles on Security and  

Human Rights

•  World Gold Council’s Conflict-Free  

Gold Standard

Legal, ethical and regulatory 
compliance 
The group’s geographical spread makes its 
legal and regulatory environment diverse 
and complex. Given the critical importance 
of compliance in building a sustainable 
business, group compliance plays an essential 
role in coordinating compliance with laws 
and regulations, standards and contractual 
obligations and in assisting and advising the 
board and management on designing and 
implementing appropriate compliance policies 
and procedures.

External and internal standards  
and regulations
AngloGold Ashanti adheres strictly to legislative 
and regulatory requirements, including several 
external and voluntary standards which are 
listed below.

The Company is a member of and a signatory 
to the:
•  International Council on Mining and Metals

•  Principles of the United Nations Global 

Compact

•  Extractive Industries Transparency  

Initiative (EITI)

•  United Nations Guiding Principles on 

Business and Human Rights

148

The Company is committed to complying with 
the following standards:

•  Universal Declaration on Human Rights

•  International Bill of Human Rights

•  International Labour Organisation

In addition, we have group policies and 
charters to which we adhere. Increasingly, 
customers and consumers want assurance 
that the gold they are purchasing has not 
contributed to conflict or human rights abuse. 
This has resulted in several measures being 
introduced by industry-related organisations of 
which we are part, to prevent gold and other 
commodities from being used to fund conflict 
and other violations of human rights. 

By virtue of its shares or depositary receipts 
being registered with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United 
States, AngloGold Ashanti is also subject 
to the various laws regarding securities 
that are applicable in that country. This is in 
addition to being subject to the various listing 
requirements applicable for all the stock 
exchanges that the Company is listed on. 
These are the JSE, Ghana and the Australia 
stock exchanges. 

Ghana – Obuasi

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYCORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

1   www.anglogoldashanti.com/sustainability/reports

South African Employment Equity 
Act 55 of 1998
In compliance with Section 21 of the 
Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, the 
Company is obliged to file with the Department 
of Labour, the employment equity statistics for 
its South African workforce. A report was filed 
with the Department of Labour in December 
2018, covering the period 1 August 2017 to 31 
July 2018. A copy of the report is available on 
the AngloGold Ashanti website  1 , in the section 
entitled “Employment Equity Reports”.

Governance – supply chain 
management and procurement 
policies
Supply chain management is about more 
than just procuring the right product, at the 
right time, at the right quality and in the right 
quantities. Effective supply chain management, 
undertaken with integrity and in line with our 
values and governance principles, can add 
value to our business by improving efficiency, 
relationships and reputation and, ultimately, 
can affect our long-term sustainability. As a 
global company operating on most of the 
world’s continents, responsible management 
of the supply chain is an increasingly important 
ethical and human rights consideration for 
our business. External ratings agencies 
and customers are ever more aware of the 
implications and importance of ethical conduct 
in the supply chain. 

Responsible supply chain management has 
the potential to add value to communities, 
local governments and society as a whole, 
particularly in developing countries. We have 
adopted a cross-functional approach to supply 
chain management to ensure best practice 
while complying with international human 
rights and labour standards and ensuring the 
economic participation of local stakeholders. 

Tax strategy and tax management 
policy

Our tax strategy, which is aligned with 

AngloGold Ashanti’s strategy and objectives, 

is to manage all our global tax obligations in 

a transparent, responsible and sustainable 

manner, within the governance framework 

established by our Tax Management Policy, 

respecting the differing interests of all our 

stakeholders.

We recognise that AngloGold Ashanti must 

earn and maintain its social licence to operate 

in partnership with government and community 

stakeholders, thus contributing towards their 

sustainable future in the countries where we 

operate. Aligned with our vision, mission and 

values, we acknowledge our obligations as 

a responsible corporate citizen and that our 

operations contribute material tax revenues, in 

terms of both taxes borne and taxes collected, 

to the economies of the countries in which we 

conduct our business.

AngloGold Ashanti is a member of the 
EITI, a global standard to promote open 
and accountable management of natural 
resources. The group is committed to 
reporting amounts paid to governments in 
respect of operations in countries that have 
implemented the standard. 

The principles governing the group’s tax 
strategy and policy have been reviewed 
and approved by the board of directors of 
AngloGold Ashanti who, together with the 
Audit and Risk Committee, monitor adherence 
to the policy.

Our tax policy governs the management 
of tax throughout AngloGold Ashanti and 
confirms the defined parameters within 
which the board-approved tax strategy is 
applied. This governance framework employs 
a combination of suitably skilled resources, 
internal processes, together with internal 
and external controls. Our approach to tax 
and our tax strategy are embedded in the 
organisation, through various regular regional 
governance meetings.

Our overall objective is to act responsibly 
in ensuring efficiency in our tax affairs in 
all countries in which AngloGold Ashanti 
operates, always in full compliance with 
the law while taking into account, however, 
that such laws may be subject to regular 
amendment and differing interpretations and 
practices prevailing from time to time.

149

South Africa

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYTHE BOARD 

Gender breakdown of the board

73%  27% 

Men  

Wom en

9

8

11

2

1

7

5

4

10 12

3

6

Independent non-executive directors

1

Sipho M. Pityana (Chairman)

2

Alan Ferguson

3

Albert Garner 

BA (Hons), MSc, Dtech (Honoris)

Appointed: 13 February 2007 
and Chairman on 17 February 
2014

BS, Accountancy and 
Business Economics, ACA

BSE, Aerospace and Mechanical 
Sciences

Appointed: 1 October 2018

Appointed: 1 January 2015

4

Rhidwaan Gasant 

5

Dave Hodgson

6

Nozipho January-Bardill 

BCompt (Hons), CA (SA), 
ACIMA, Executive Development 
Programme

BSc (Civil Engineering), BSc 
(Mining) (Hons), BComm, AMP

BA, MA Applied Linguistics, Dipl 
Human Resources Development

Appointed: 12 August 2010

Appointed: 25 April 2014

Appointed: 1 October 2011

7

Michael Kirkwood

8

Maria Richter 

9

Rodney Ruston 

AB, Stanford, Economics and 
Industrial Engineering

BA, Juris Doctorate

MBA Business, BE (Mining)

Appointed: 1 June 2012

Appointed: 1 January 2015

Appointed: 1 January 2012

Independent non-executive directors

Executive directors

10

Jochen Tilk* 

11

Kelvin Dushnisky  
(Chief Executive Officer)

12

Christine Ramon  
(Chief Financial Officer)

B Mining Engineering,  
Masters Mining Engineering

B.Sc. (Hons.), MSc and  
Juris Doctorate

BCompt, BCompt (Hons), 
CA(SA), Senior Executive 
Programme (Harvard)

Appointed: 1 January 2019

Appointed: 1 September 2018

Appointed: 1 October 2014

* Jochen Tilk joined the board on 1 January 2019 and therefore is not included in the above statistics

Detailed CVs of directors are available on the corporate website, www.anglogoldashanti.com

A key  role of  the  boa rd o f dir ect or s i s  to  e n su re  e t hi ca l  a n d 
effective  leader shi p  for  t he  lo ng-t e rm   su st ai n a b i l i t y o f t h e 
business, and  for   the  m ut ua l benef i t o f  a l l  st ak e h o l d e rs .

Board tenure

HDSAs

%

•  Less than three years 
•  Three to five years 
•  Six to eight years 
•  More than nine years 

18

37

36
9 

%

•  HDSA 

33

•  Other South Africans  22

•  Non-South Africans 

45

150

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYTHE BOARD CONTINUED

Audit and Risk Committee
Rhidwaan Gasant (chairman)

Social and Ethics and Sustainability Committee 
Nozipho January-Bardill (chairman)

Alan Ferguson

Michael Kirkwood

Maria Richter

Rodney Ruston

Board 

Chairman: Sipho M. Pityana
Supported by nine independent non-executive directors and two executive directors

Meetings in 2018: ten

The board of directors has ultimate responsibility for AngloGold Ashanti’s adherence 
to leading practice in ethical corporate governance. The board guides the strategy 
and applies its collective knowledge, experience, diversity and independence to 
ensure thoughtful, objective and diligent decision-making.

Investment Committee
Rodney Ruston (chairman)

Albert Garner 

Rhidwaan Gasant

Dave Hodgson

Christine Ramon

Jochen Tilk

Sipho M. Pityana

Dave Hodgson

Jochen Tilk

Remuneration and Human Resources Committee 
Michael Kirkwood (chairman)

Sipho M. Pityana

Alan Ferguson

Nozipho January-Bardill

Maria Richter

Nominations Committee*
Sipho M. Pityana (chairman)

Albert Garner 

Michael Kirkwood

Maria Richter

*  In 2018, the Nominations Committee was supported in its work by two additional committees which were constituted to seek a new Chief Executive Officer and 

potential candidates for appointment as non-executive directors.

151

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYEXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

Gender breakdown of the 
executive management

67%  33% 

Men  

Wom en

4

3

9

8

2

5

1

7

6

1

Kelvin Dushnisky 

2

Christine Ramon 

3

Charles Carter

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

B.Sc. (Hons.), M.Sc. and Juris 
Doctorate

BCompt, BCompt (Hons), 
CA(SA), Senior Executive 
Programme (Harvard)

Executive Vice President:  
Strategy and Business 
Development 

BA (Hons), DPhil

4

Graham Ehm

5

Ludwig Eybers

6

David Noko

Executive Vice President: 
Group Planning and Technical 

Chief Operating Officer: 
International 

Executive Vice President:  
Sustainable Development 

BSc (Hons), MAusIMM, MAICD

BSc (Min. Eng), Post graduate 
qualifications with Darden 
Business School, USA

MBA, Senior Executive 
Programme, Post Graduate 
Diploma in Company 
Directorships, Engineering 
Higher National Diploma

7

Maria Sanz Perez

8

Chris Sheppard

9

Tirelo Sibisi

Executive Vice President:  
Group Legal, Commercial and 
Governance and Company 
Secretary

BCom LLB, Higher Diploma in 
Tax, AMP (Harvard), Admitted 
Attorney

Chief Operating Officer: 
South Africa 

Executive Vice President: 
Group Human Resources 

BSc (Min. Eng.)

BSSc, Advanced HR Executive 
Development Programme, 
MBA, Post Graduate Diploma 
in Business Management

Detailed CVs of current executive management are available on the corporate website,  
www.anglogoldashanti.com

HDSAs

Ang lo Go l d As han ti’s  execu tive 
man a geme nt t eam *  (E xecu tive 
Co mm it t ee)  comprises nine m emb ers 
tw o o f  wh om  are  executive d irectors .

This committee oversees the day-to-day 
management of the group’s activities and is 
supported by country and regional management 
teams as well as by group corporate functions.

* As at 31 December 2018.

%

•  HDSA 

33

•  Other South Africans  22

•  Non-South Africans 

45

152

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT
SECTION ONE: REMUNERATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE: CHAIRMAN’S LETTER

Dear Shareholders

During 2018, the Remuneration and 
Human Resources Committee witnessed a 
leadership team that continued to consolidate 
its reputation for dependability through 
consistency, the delivery of strong results 
and the advancement of key strategic 
business objectives amid a seamlessly 
executed CEO transition. Through its focus on 
efficiencies, safety and prudent balance sheet 
management, the Company – which operates 
in an unpredictable industry – is now better 
positioned to react appropriately to prevailing 
market conditions, whatever they may be. This 
will stand AngloGold Ashanti in good stead 
moving forward.

Given complex operating environments in 
a number of the jurisdictions in which we 
operate, and exposure to volatile commodity 
and currency markets, the management team 
has done well to balance its commitments to 
stakeholders; it has continued the process of 
building a values-driven gold mining business.

AngloGold Ashanti again delivered across its 
key metrics during the period. All-in sustaining 
cost at $976/oz was a 7% improvement 
on the previous year. Free cash flow before 
investment in growth capital rose 74%, 
reflected good capital discipline. 

Good progress was made on growth projects 
across our operating regions, with capital 
expenditure of $721 million, slightly below 
the guided range. Production at 3.4 million 
ounces, was in the upper half of the guided 
range, and adjusted earnings before interest, 
tax, depreciation and amortisation (adjusted 
EBITDA), a respectable $1,480m, was similar 
to the previous year, supported by our timely 
decision to sell some high cost assets. This 
was achieved in a year when the dollar gold 
price lifted modestly, up less than 1% during 
the year, and operating costs were lower.

The remuneration committee engaged 
successfully with management throughout 
the year, balancing the goals of retaining and 
attracting talent across the business, with the 
need to keep a close eye on costs, address 
the legacy pay gap across the organisation 
and put in place processes that establish  
clear benchmarks to ensure delivery of key 
strategic objectives.

We are grateful to our shareholders for their 
continued constructive engagement over the 
years and for contributing to the creation of our 
remuneration policy, which was designed with 
considerable market feedback before being 
approved in 2017. The overall remuneration 
policy, is in all aspects aligned with AngloGold 
Ashanti’s transparency and sustainability 

ethos, and adheres to South African corporate 
governance recommendations, including the 
King IV reporting recommendations.

The new remuneration scheme, implemented 
in 2018, is simplified and creates a better and 
longer-term alignment of interest between 
management and shareholders and ensures 
compliance with regulatory requirements. The 
shift to the Deferred Share Plan (DSP) has 
replaced all previous short- and long-term 
incentive schemes. Importantly, this plan 
places a greater focus on the fundamental 
performance drivers of capital efficiency and 
cash generation, while reducing reliance on 
measures beyond management’s control, such 
as the gold price.

We continue to develop our leadership 
succession pool and have put in place a 
strategy to attract, motivate and retain a 
skilled workforce through fair, responsible, 
transparent and competitive remuneration.  
Our commitment to ‘Fair and Responsible Pay’ 
is an ongoing process and we have adopted 
a framework and set of principles to achieve 
this – for more on this also see .

In line with a global drive across many 
industries, AngloGold Ashanti is working to 
address gender inequality. 

CONTENTS 
Section one: Remuneration  
and Human Resources Committee: 
Chairman’s letter

Section two: Overview of  
remuneration policy

Section three: Remuneration  
implementation report

153

155

170

Brazil – Cuiabà

153

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION ONE: REMUNERATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE: CHAIRMAN’S LETTER CONTINUED

Female representation on our board of 
directors is 27% and female representation 
in the executive management team stands at 
33%. We are committed to gender equality 
and to ensuring men and women in equivalent 
roles are paid equally. There is still work to be 
done to further improve the gender balance at 
management level, and the leadership team 
and board are working closely together to 
achieve this important goal.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to 
Kelvin Dushnisky, our new CEO, who has a 
distinguished track record as a global gold 
mining executive. A smooth transition from 
his predecessor, Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan, 
was made easier when Kelvin was able to 
confidently support – and indeed commit 
to improving upon – our existing strategy. 
This is an approach focused on exceptional 
performance in the broad area of sustainability, 
the disciplined allocation of capital, tight 
management of costs to ensure a flexible 
balance sheet, continuous improvement of the 
portfolio and the development of an attractive 
pipeline of project options. The executive 
management team, led by Kelvin, remains 
committed to these strategic objectives 
that will allow AngloGold Ashanti to drive 
improvement in cash flow and returns, over 
the long term.

In practice, Kelvin has made abundantly 
clear that a strict set of return and leverage 
measures will be applied to all investments. 

He is also determined to enable his team to 
have a high degree of focus in managing the 
portfolio, through a reconfigured organisational 
structure explained elsewhere in this report. 
This structure will allow our Chief Operating 
Officers greater ability to directly manage the 
operations in their charge. We believe the 
change will help drive continued improvements 
in our fundamental performance.

That focus will also be improved by a 
structured sale of assets, with the proposed 
divestment of our operations in Argentina  
and Mali.

As I retire from this position, I’d like to bid a 
fond farewell to the members of the committee 
who have all played an invaluable role in our 
deliberations on remuneration.  I would also like 
to extend a warm welcome to Maria Richter, 
whom we are pleased to announce as my 
successor leading this important committee.

In closing, I would like to thank the members 
of the committee for their support and efforts 
during the past year, and Venkat for his 
unerring support both in the early part of 2018 
and in all the years prior.

Michael Kirkwood
Chairman: Remuneration and Human 
Resources Committee
19 March 2019

Australia – Sunrise Dam

154

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY

AngloGold Ashanti’s remuneration 
approach aims to create a 
sustainable executive remuneration 
structure with increased alignment 
to shareholder views and interests, 
underpinned by the Company’s 
strategic objectives and values. 

At AngloGold Ashanti, the remuneration policy 
aims to align with the Company’s strategic 
objectives while working to deliver on both 
internal and external stakeholder interests, in a 
manner that recognises uncontrollable market 
dynamics. This is accomplished by means of 
a governance and application framework that 
primarily aims to attract, motivate and retain 
a skilled workforce through fair, responsible, 
transparent and competitive remuneration.

The Deferred Share Plan (DSP) which 
replaced all previous short-term and long-
term incentive plans, was implemented in 
January 2018, following extensive engagement 
with shareholders in 2017. Management 
believes that this new scheme has achieved 
the objectives that it had set out upon the 
design of the scheme, namely: simplification, 
transparency, increased alignment to 
shareholder interests, while remaining 
compliant with regulatory requirements. 
The DSP has placed greater focus on cash 
generation and capital efficiency by reducing 
measures that are outside of management’s 
control such as the gold price. 

Shareholder engagement
Voting at the 2018, 2017 and 2016 annual  
general meetings has been as follows in respect  
of the remuneration policy and implementation  
report respectively:

Votes
Remuneration policy
16 May 2018

16 May 2017
4 May 2016

for

against withheld

98.35

98.23
87.17

1.65

1.77
12.83

0.21

0.60
0.30

Key principles of our  
remuneration policy
In order to continue to support AngloGold 
Ashanti’s remuneration approach, the 
remuneration policy is based on the 
following key principles:

Alignment with strategic objectives  
and shareholder interests

Ensure that performance metrics are 
challenging, sustainable and cover all 
aspects of the business including both 
critical financial and non-financial drivers

Remunerate to motivate and reward 
the right behavior and performance of 
employees and executives

for

Votes
Remuneration implementation report
16 May 2018
16 May 2017
4 May 2016

98.96
98.31
91.25

against withheld

1.04
1.69
8.76

0.21
0.30
0.12

As required by King IV AngloGold Ashanti’s 
remuneration policy and implementation report as 
detailed in this Remuneration Report will be tabled for 
separate non-binding advisory votes by shareholders 
at the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM). In 
the event that either the remuneration policy or the 
implementation report, or both, are voted against 
by 25% or more of the voting rights entitled to be 
exercised by shareholders at the AGM, the committee 
will ensure that the following measures are taken in 
good faith and with best reasonable efforts:

•  An engagement process with shareholders to 
ascertain the reasons for the dissenting votes

•  Appropriately addressing legitimate and reasonable 
objections and concerns raised which may include 
amending the remuneration policy or clarifying or 
adjusting remuneration governance and/or processes

155

Ensure that the remuneration structure 
is aligned with AngloGold Ashanti’s 
values and that the correct governance 
frameworks are applied across 
remuneration decisions and practices

Promote an ethical culture and responsible 
corporate citizenship

Apply the appropriate global 
remuneration benchmarks

Ensure that the remuneration of executive 
management is fair, responsible and 
transparent in the context of overall 
employee remuneration in the organisation

Provide competitive rewards to attract, 
motivate and retain highly skilled 
executives and staff vital to the success 
of the organisation

The use of performance measures that 
support positive outcomes across the 
economic, social and environmental context 
in which AngloGold Ashanti operate

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Remuneration design
When determining appropriate remuneration, 
the Remco considers:

•  The potential maximum total remuneration 

that each member of the executive 
management team could earn relative to 
their and the Company’s performance 

•  External influences, primarily being: 

•   shareholder views and recommendations 
associated with executive remuneration 

•  economic trends

•  competitive pressure

•  the labour market and the pay-gap 

between the executive management team 
and the rest of the employee population in 
the Company

•  Market benchmarks, choosing appropriate 

benchmarks in a market with similar 
attributes, including complexity, size and 
geographic spread

Remuneration practices are designed to be 
fair, responsible, transparent and compliant 
with legislative requirements within all the 
jurisdictions in which the Company operates.  

Given the approval of the new DSP which 
resulted in extensive changes to variable pay 
in 2017, the Remco believed that it would be 
more productive to engage with shareholders 
again in 2019, when AngloGold Ashanti have 
more visibility on the impact of the new scheme. 
This will enable AngloGold Ashanti to have more 
factual data to inform shareholder discussions.

Fair and responsible pay
Senior management remuneration continues 
to be a sensitive topic. Scarce skills and 
talent retention remain a challenge, and this is 
compounded with the need to remain globally 
competitive in countries where labour rates 
are generally cheaper. Balancing these two 
elements has become challenging, particularly 
given the global requirement to disclose senior 
management earnings, and the Remco’s 
requirement to ensure that executive earnings 
are not out of line with their peers.

In 2017 the process of developing a framework 
that describes how fair, responsible and 
transparent pay is defined for all employees 
commenced. This is a continually evolving 
journey, and as a group AngloGold Ashanti’s 
remuneration policy reflects the principles of fair 
and responsible pay as follows:

Remuneration policy element

Fair and responsible pay principle

AngloGold Ashanti’s 

AngloGold Ashanti’s variable pay is directly correlated to the 

remuneration is aligned to 

achievement of measures linked to the Company scorecard.  

the strategic objectives and 

These metrics are linked to the creation of value over a mix 

shareholder outcomes

of short, mid and long-term periods. Metrics are approved 

by Remco and recommended to the board for approval. 

AngloGold Ashanti is transparent with the approved metrics, 

and these are reported in the annual report.

Remunerate to motivate and 

reward the right behaviour and 

performance of employees and 

Individual performance is measured on an annual basis. Both 

executives

individual and company performance measures financial and 

non-financial drivers including safety and people metrics. 

Ensure that performance metrics 

The DSP includes 38% of metrics that measure non-financial 

are challenging, sustainable and 

targets. The metrics are reviewed by the Remco on an annual 

cover all aspects of the business 

basis to ensure that they are reflective of stretch performance.

including both critical financial 
and non-financial drivers

Ensure that the remuneration 

All remuneration falls under the ambit of Remco; all senior 

structure is aligned to the 

management remuneration is subject to approval by Remco. 

organisations values and that the 

The DSP contains a forfeit and malus clause. Executive 

correct governance frameworks 

management are subject to a minimum shareholding 

are applied across remuneration 

requirement.

decisions and practices

Continued overleaf

156

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Remuneration policy element

Fair and responsible pay principle

Remuneration policy element

Fair and responsible pay principle

Promote an ethical culture and 

It is imperative that all employees receive a minimum level of 

Apply the appropriate global 

The Mercer Survey is used to benchmark salaries for 

responsible corporate citizenship

remuneration that enables participation in the economy. To 

remuneration benchmarks

executive management. For senior management and below, 

this point, AngloGold Ashanti can confirm that all employees 

are paid at least 25% above the respective regional minimum 

wage, and in most instances much higher than this. 

Furthermore, benchmarking exercises are conducted on an 

benchmarking is conducted using locally available reputable 

surveys including, Remchannel (South Africa), Hay evaluation 

methodology and others. 

annual basis in each region to ensure that all employees are 

Provide competitive reward 

The executive comparison is based on a selected group 

paid a market related salary for the role which they occupy, 

to attract, motivate and retain 

of global competitors (page 170) which is approved by the 

with due consideration to levels of performance.

highly skilled executives and 

Remco on an annual basis. In addition, the Remco reviews 

All decisions on remuneration are scrutinised to ensure that 

staff vital to the success of the 

the benchmark list of comparator companies on an annual 

organisation

basis to ensure that it remains appropriate. In reviewing the 

they are:

•  Impartial and non-discriminatory

•  Rational and objective

•  Aligned to local legislation

Ensure that the remuneration of 

The difference in pay between job levels is justified in the 

executive management is fair 

context of the level of responsibility of the job, complexity 

and responsible in the context of 

of the job, and the consequence and impact of on the 

overall employee remuneration in 

organisation. The Gini co-efficient is used to ensure that the 

the organisation

income dispersion between high and low income earners is 

not outside market norms.

participants, Remco considers:

•  Global spread and complexity

•  Nature of business

•  Size of the peer group, which should also be large enough 

to create a sufficient benchmark from which to draw 

information

Each component of remuneration (base salary, variable pay 

and benefits) is analysed and compared with the market 

information and the overall package is reviewed accordingly. 

The market median is generally targeted for most roles, while 
the market 75th percentile is targeted for scarce skills.

157

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYIt is evident from the graphs above that the 
overall number of females represented in the 
organisation, at a stratum III and above level 
is low. This can generally be attributed to the 
mining sector being predominantly male. This 
is being actively addressed in the Human 
Resources practices and metrics have been 
included in the incentive scheme which is 
designed to improve the gender ratio. 

The Pay Gap ratio indicates that in the lower 
quartile men earn on average 1.12% less than 
females, 2.93% higher in quartile two, and 
3.81% higher in quartile three. It is important to 
note that while there is a higher number of men 
in the highest quartile population, the average 

pay received by males in this population is 
11.41% lower than their female counterparts. 
This confirms AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment 
to gender equality.

The pie chart below indicates a -12% difference 
between the number of men and women who 
received a bonus for their performance in 2018.

In addition to the organisations efforts to pay 
equal remuneration for men and women who 
perform equivalent roles, the organisation 
subscribes to various bodies and interest 
groups that focus on gender diversity. This 
has provided the opportunity to network and 
acquire best practice from other organisations 
particularly in the mining sector.

Proportion of colleagues at Stratum III and above who were awarded a bonus in 2018
(%)

Female

Did not receive a bonus  14
86
Received a bonus 

Male

Did not receive a bonus  26
74
Received a bonus 

REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

AngloGold Ashanti tracks the Gini co-efficient 
from a South African perspective to ensure 
that the income dispersion between high 
and low-income earners is not outside 
market norms. The analysis is conducted by 
PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. (PwC) as an 
independent third party and based on the 
November 2018 analysis, PwC concluded 
that AngloGold Ashanti is aligned to the 
South African industry average. 

Gender equality 
The AngloGold Ashanti board of directors 
is comprised of 27% female representation, 
which represents a 9% decline from 2017 
due to the resignation of Ms S. Zilwa as a 
Non- Executive Director in May 2018. The 
executive management team has 33% female 
representation.

AngloGold Ashanti is committed to gender 
equality, and the intention is to pay men and 
women equally for doing equivalent roles. 

At a stratum III and above level, the average 
gender pay gap is 17.34%. The image below 
illustrates the gender distribution for stratum 
III and above level staff across four equally 
sized quartiles. All individuals at this level are 
ranked from lowest to highest paid. This list 
is then divided into four sections (quartiles), 
with an equal number of employees in each 
section. The quartiles (from lowest to highest) 
are called the lowest quartile, quartile two, 
quartile three, and highest quartile.  

A pay gap percentage is calculated for each 
quartile. The pay gap percentage is the 
difference between the average earnings of 
men and women, expressed relative to  
men’s earnings. 

Pay gap across four quartiles
(%)

Q1

Female 
Male 

2017: 2.18% pay gap
2018: (1.12%) pay gap

Q2

Female 
Male 

2017: 2.20% pay gap
2018: 2.93% pay gap

Q3

Female 
Male 

2017: 1.67% pay gap
2018: 3.81% pay gap

Q4

Female 
Male 

2017: (14.87%) pay gap
2018: (11.41%) pay gap

23
77

20
80

15
85

12
88

158

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY 
REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

2019 remuneration policy and structure
The table below sets out the remuneration policy that applies to the executive management team for 2019, which was endorsed by shareholders at the 2018 annual general meeting. The table details 
each component’s link to the Company strategy, objectives, performance measurements and the maximum opportunity associated with each component. The full Remuneration policy can be found in 
the . 

Remuneration element  

and link to strategy 

Operation and objective

Base salary

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

A competitive salary 

•  Base salaries are reviewed annually and are effective from 1 January each year 

Executive base salary increases and 

Individual performance on a scale of 1 to 5, 

provided to executives 

to ensure that their 

experience, contribution 

and appropriate market 

comparisons are fairly 

reflected 

Pension

•  Executive base salaries are determined by considering performance; market 
comparison against companies with a similar geographic spread; market 

complexity, size and industry; and internal peer comparisons. AngloGold Ashanti 

positions guaranteed pay at the median of the applicable markets and where there 

is a shortage of specialist and/ or key technical skills, will pay higher than  

the median

•  The CEO makes recommendations on the Executive committee but does not make 

recommendations on his own base salary. This is reviewed by the Remco and 

approved by the board

increases for all non-bargaining unit 

measured against specific key performance 

employees are closely aligned, where 

indicators (KPIs). A CPI increase pool is 

practical. This is informed by inflation, which 

approved annually by Remco. In high-inflation 

can be matched directly or above/below 

countries, individual increases may be 

consumer price index (CPI)  

differentiated according to each individual’s 

performance rating. In low-inflation countries, 

a flat CPI is generally applied to all executives 

and employees 

Provides a post retirement 

•  Funds vary depending on jurisdiction and legislation

24.75% of base salary for the CEO and lower 

Not applicable

benefit aligned to the 

schemes in the respective 

country in which the team 

member operates

Medical insurance

•  Defined benefit funds are not available for new employees, in line  

with company policy

contributions for others, dependent on their 

scheme

Provides medical aid 

•  Provided to all executives through either a percentage of fee contribution, 

In line with approved policy

Not applicable

assistance aligned to the 
schemes in the respective 

country in which the team 

member operates

reimbursement or company provided healthcare providers

159

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Remuneration element  

and link to strategy 

Operation and objective

Benefits

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Provided to ensure broad 

Benefits are provided based on local market trends and can include items such as life 

In line with approved policy

Not applicable

competitiveness in the 

assurance, disability and accidental death insurance, assistance with tax filing, cash in 

respective markets

lieu of untaken leave (above legislated minimum leave requirements), and occasional 

spousal travel as per the executive travel guidelines.

Deferred Share Incentive Scheme (DSP) – endorsed by shareholders at the 2017 annual general meeting, and implemented with effect from 1 January 2018

With effect from 1 January 

Permanent employees who do not participate in a production bonus are eligible to 

2018, the Company has 

participate in the DSP. Participation is at the discretion of Remco. 

used a single incentive for 

short term and long-term 

performance. 

The Deferred Share Plan 

(DSP) is designed to reward 

the group’s executives 

to meet strategic short-, 

medium- and long- 

term objectives that will 

enable value delivery 

to shareholders, by 

achieving defined company 

objectives.

A portion of the award is paid in cash as a bonus, and the balance is delivered as 

either deferred cash (for Stratum levels III and below) or deferred shares (for Stratum 

level IV and above), vesting equally over a period of two to five years.

The total incentive is determined based on a combination of company and individual 

performance measures, defined annually and weightings are applied to each 

measure. The metrics are defined against the objectives that most strongly drive 

company performance and are weighted to financial outcomes, production, cost and 

sustainability.

Each metric is weighted and has a threshold, target and stretch definition based on 

the company budget and the desired stretch targets for the year.

CEO: Maximum award – 450% of base 
salary (150% is cash bonus; 300% delivered 

One set of performance metrics is used to 

determine the cash portion and deferred 

as deferred shares over a period of five 

portion. Future vesting of the deferred portion 

years), subject to Company and individual 

is subject to continued employment.

modifiers.

On Target award - 300% of base salary 

between company and individual KPIs:

Performance measures are weighted 

(100% is cash bonus; 200% delivered as 

deferred shares over a period of five years), 

subject to company and individual modifiers.

Threshold award – 150% of base salary (50% 

is cash bonus; 100% delivered as deferred 

shares over a period of five years), subject to 

company and individual modifiers.

CEO: Performance measures – 70% 
weighting towards company objectives

30% weighting towards individual KPIs  

(as reviewed by the board)

CFO and Exco: Performance measures – 
60% weighting towards company objectives

Below threshold achievement results in  

no payment.

40% weighting towards individual KPIs  

(as reviewed by the CEO)

CFO: Maximum award – 382.5% of base 
salary (120% is cash bonus; 262.5% 
delivered as deferred shares over a period of 

five years), subject to company and individual 

modifiers.

Company and individual performance 

measures are assessed over the financial 
year, with the exception of certain company 

measure that are measured over a trailing 

three-year basis, as indicated below.

160

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Remuneration element  

and link to strategy 

Operation and objective

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

A single set of 

At the end of each financial year, the Company and CEO’s performances are assessed 

On Target award - 270% of base salary (85% 

Company metrics, each with their own 

performance objectives 

by Remco and the board against the defined metrics to determine the quantum of the 

is cash bonus; 185% delivered as deferred 

weighting, are:

are used, reviewed and 

cash portion and the quantum of the deferred portion namely:

shares over a period of five years), subject to 

approved annually by the 

Remuneration Committee, 

based on impact on the 

Company’s performance.

Cash portion: Base pay x individual performance weighting x on target cash 
percentage x individual performance modifier (KPIs: 1 – 5 rating)

+

Base pay x company performance weighting x on-target cash percentage x company 

performance modifier

Deferred Cash / Shares: Employees up to Stratum level III will receive a deferred 
cash element whilst employees on Stratum IV and above will receive deferred shares, 

calculated as follows:

Base pay x individual performance weighting x on target deferred percentage x 

individual performance modifier (KPIs: 1 – 5 rating)

+

Base pay x company performance weighting x on-target deferred percentage x 

company performance modifier

The deferred shares are awarded as conditional rights to shares with dividend 

equivalents.

year period, depending on the level of the participant. 

* These measures are on a trailing three-year backward looking basis or on a combination of annual and three-year measures

161

company and individual modifiers.

•  Relative TSR*

•  Absolute TSR*

Threshold award –127.5% of base salary (40% 

•  All-in sustaining costs

is cash bonus; 87.5% delivered as deferred 

shares over a period of five years), subject to 

company and individual modifiers.

•  Normalised cash return on equity*

•  Production

•  Ore Reserve pre-depletion*

Below threshold achievement results in  

•  Mineral Resource additions pre-depletion*

no payment.

EXCO: Maximum award – 352.5% of base 
salary (105% is cash bonus; 247.5% delivered 

as deferred shares over a period of five years), 

subject to company and individual modifiers.

On target award - 249% of base salary (75% 

is cash bonus; 174% delivered as deferred 

shares over a period of five years), subject to 

company and individual modifiers.

Threshold award – 117.5% of base salary (35% 

is cash bonus; 82.5% delivered as deferred 

shares over a period of five years), subject to 

•  Safety, Health, Environment and 

Community*

•  People

Remco reserves the right to apply a safety 

multiplier to the total score which can detract 

from the final score. 

Relative TSR is measured against a carefully 

selected peer group of 10 comparators 

recommended by Remco and approved by 

the board. The comparator group is retained 

for measurement for the full three-year  

review period.

Full details of the DSP metrics are provided in 

Below threshold achievement results in  

the remuneration policy.

no payment.

Vesting of the deferred portion occurs over a period of time either a two, three, or five- 

company and individual modifiers.

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Malus and clawback
The Remco may determine that an unvested 
award or part of an award may not vest, or 
may determine that any cash bonus, vested 
shares, or their equivalent value in cash be 
returned to the Company in the event that any 
of the following matters is discovered:

•  A material misstatement of the Company 
results which may have caused the over 
allocation of Cash Bonus, Deferred Cash 
and Deferred Share allocations

•  Misconduct, this will include the lapse of all 
Deferred Cash and Deferred Shares, both 
vested and unvested in line with the rules of 
the DSP

•  Where there is an error in the calculation 
of any performance condition used in the 
calculation of the performance conditions 
which may have resulted in an overpayment

Prior period short- and long-term 
incentives
As highlighted before, with effect from January 
2018, AngloGold Ashanti implemented the 
DSP which replaced all previous short and 
long-term incentive plans. For purposes of 
the implementation report, which reflects the 
incentives payable in prior years, the following 
section describes the short and long-term 
incentives applicable prior to 2018. Awards 
under these plans have been made and/or will 
vest in 2018.

Operation and objective

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

Below threshold achievement results in a 0% payment 

performance are assessed over the 

Short-term incentive plan (STIP)

STIP metrics are defined annually and weightings are 

applied to each measure. The metrics are defined 

CEO:
Maximum award – 200% of base salary

against the objectives that most strongly drive 

(cash 80% + deferred equity/cash award 120%)

company performance and are heavily weighted to 

production, cost and safety.

Each metric is weighted and has a threshold, target 

and stretch definition based on the company budget 

and the desired stretch targets for the year.

The STIP is delivered as a cash element and a deferred 

equity element which is fully realised after 24 months.

Target award – 100% 

(cash 40% + deferred equity/ cash award 60%)

Threshold award – 50% 

(cash 20% + deferred equity/ cash award 30%)

CFO:
Maximum award - 175%

At the end of each financial year, the Company and 

CEO’s performances are assessed by Remco and the 

board against the defined metrics to determine the 

award to be granted.

(cash 70% + deferred equity/cash award 105%)

Target award – 87.5%

(cash 35% + deferred equity/cash award 52.5%)

Stratum III employees and above who are not on 

production bonuses, qualify for participation.

The deferral is intended to be delivered in equity, but 

Remco retains the discretion to deliver in cash should 

there be a requirement, for example, where the shares 

available for issue are below the required amount to 

satisfy employee allocation needs.

Threshold award – 43.75%

(cash 17.5% + deferred equity/cash award 26.25%)

Below threshold achievement results in a 0% payment

EXCO:
Maximum award – 150%

(cash 60% + deferred equity/ cash award 90%)

Target award – 75%

Participation in the STIP is at the discretion  

(cash 30% + deferred equity/cash award 45%)

of Remco.

Threshold award – 37.5%

(cash 15% + deferred equity/cash award 22.5%)

Below threshold achievement results in a 0% payment.

162

CEO: 

Performance measures:

70% company objectives

30% individual KPIs  

(as reviewed by the board) 

Both company and individual 

financial year

CFO and EXCO:
Performance Measures:

60% Company objectives

40% individual KPIs  

(as reviewed by the CEO) 

Both company and individual 

performances are assessed over the 

financial year.

The company metrics measures are:

•  Production

•  All-in sustaining costs

•  Adjusted free cash flow

•  Safety, health and environment

•  Ore Reserve pre-depletion

•  Project delivery/capital expenditure

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Operation and objective

Co-Investment Plan

Maximum opportunity

Performance measures

The CIP is offered annually to create shareholdings held by executives to meet their minimum 

150% of the equity originally 

Quantum based on STIP achievement

shareholding requirements (introduced in 2013). These were implemented to achieve alignment of 

invested over a deferred 

shareholder and executive interests.

24-month period

The executive invests up to 50% of their net cash bonus in company shares, after 12- and 

24-month periods, the Company offers an equity match of shares purchased on market, provided 

the executive remains in employment and retains the original investment.

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

The LTIP metrics are reviewed and defined annually in accordance with the strategy. (It is important 

to note that any amendment would be applied on a go-forward basis to newly allocated awards 

CEO:
Range of award – 160 – 250% 

The TSR is calculated by the growth in capital from purchasing a share in 

the Company, assuming that the dividends are reinvested each time they 

with no retrospective metric changes to existing awards).

of base salary

are paid. The TSR is then used to rank the performance of the Company 

Weightings are provided to the metrics which must be achieved over a three- year period.

The TSR is measured against a carefully selected peer group of 10 comparators that was 

recommended by Remco and approved by the board. The comparator group is retained for 

measurement for the full three-year review period. 

The score against all relevant measures contributes towards the percentage of total awards that will 

vest at the end of the three-year period.

Only senior management from Stratum IV and above are eligible to participate  

in the LTIP.

A share under the LTIP is a fully paid ordinary share in the capital of the Company, subject to 

performance vesting restrictions. The dilution may not exceed 5% of the Company’s ordinary  

share capital.

Participation in the LTIP is at the discretion of Remco.

Dividends

CFO: 
Range of award – 140 – 200% 

of base salary

EXCO: 
Range of award – 140 – 200% 

of base salary

against its competitors (Barrick, Gold Fields, Harmony, Kinross, Goldcorp, 

Newmont, Gold ETF (World Gold Council SPDR classification), Randgold, 

Newcrest and Sibanye-Stillwater). 

The remaining 50% performance measurement are:

•  Operational performance (measured through, all in cost, project Delivery 

and asset optimisation)

•  Future optionality (measured by technology innovation and Mineral 

Resource and Ore Reserve) 

•  Development and attraction and retention of people (measured by the 

succession cover ratio and talent retention)  

•  A safety multiplier applied to the total score which can either enhance or 
detract from the final score by 20%. The safety multiplier cannot however 

increase the maximum pay-out above the defined caps

At vesting, equivalent cash payments subject to applicable PAYE, are provided to all participants 

In line with AngloGold Ashanti 

Paid post vesting

of the STIP and LTIP.

dividend payment policy

163

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Remuneration scenarios at different performance levels
The graphs below depict the pay mix of the executive team in line with the 2018 
remuneration policy set out in Part 2. The graphs represent outcomes of the DSP detailed 
above at below threshold performance (which will result in zero variable pay), threshold, 
target and maximum performance.

CEO
(Rm)
Below threshold

Threshold

Target

Maximum

17

17

17

17

5

5

5

5

9

17

19

30

Base salary        Benefits            DSP cash           DSP deferral

37

59

CFO
(Rm)
Below threshold

Threshold

Target

Maximum

9

9

9

9

2

2

2

2

4

8

8

14

18

30

Base salary        Benefits           DSP cash           DSP deferral

Executive Committee
(Rm)
Below threshold

8

Threshold

Target

Maximum

8

8

8

1

1

1

1

3

7

6

10

15

24

Base salary        Benefits            DSP cash           DSP deferral

For on target performance 
the CEO can expect 
to receive 28% of total 
earnings in guaranteed 
pay, 25% in DSP cash, and 
47% of total earnings in 
deferred shares, payable in 
five equal tranches.

For on target performance 
the CFO can expect 
to receive 29% of total 
earnings in guaranteed 
pay, 22% in DSP cash, and 
49% of total earnings in 
deferred shares, payable in 
five equal tranches.

For on target performance 
Executive Committee 
members can expect 
to receive 35% of total 
earnings in guaranteed 
pay, 17% in DSP cash, and 
48% of total earnings in 
deferred shares, payable in 
five equal tranches.

164

Australia – Tropicana 

Pay mix for all employees is informed by market surveys. As 
such, the pay mix for all employees will vary depending on level, 
jurisdiction and the legislation in which we operate.

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Alignment of strategy, pay and performance in the DSP scheme

DSP metrics:
•  Production
•  All-in sustaining costs
•   Normalised cash return on equity
•   Relative and absolute total shareholder return 
•  Asset optimisation
•  Safety

E   S
OUR C O R
O pti m is e o v erh e a d, c o sts a n d 
c a pital e x p e n diture

T R A TEGIC FOCU

Im

pro
v
e p

S A

ortfolio q

R

E

A

S

u

ality

DSP metrics:
•  Production
•  All-in sustaining costs
•   Relative and absolute total  

shareholder return 
•  Asset optimisation

Supporting 
our strategy for 
sustainable 
cash flow 
improvements 
and returns

E

n

s

u

r

e

f

i

n

a

n

c

i

a

l

f

l

e

x

i

b

i

l

i

t

y

Focus on people, safety and sustainability

n

ality
ptio
m o
-te
g
n

r

aintain lo

M

DSP metrics:
•  People
•  Safety
•   Environment, health and community
•   Relative and absolute total shareholder return

165

DSP metrics:
•   Mineral Resource additions  

pre-depletion

•  Ore Reserve pre-depletion
•  Production
•  All-in sustaining costs
•   Relative and absolute total  

shareholder return 

DSP metrics:
•   Ore Reserve pre-depletion
•   Mineral Resource additions  

pre-depletion

•   Relative and absolute total  

shareholder return
•  All-in sustaining costs

In line with AngloGold Ashanti’s strategic 
objectives, the DSP metrics were designed to 
deliver on these key focus areas:

•   Maintain a strong foundation: People 
are the foundation of our business. Our 
business must operate according to our 
values if it is to remain sustainable in the 
long term. This includes a drive to improve 
safety performance, reduce fatalities, and 
retain key skills

•   Improving financial flexibility: Ensuring 

that our balance sheet remains able to meet 
our funding needs

•   Optimise our cost base: Ensure that all 

spend is optimally structured and necessary 
to fulfill the core business objectives

•   Improve portfolio quality: A focus on a 
portfolio of assets that must be actively 
managed to improve the overall mix of 
our production base as we strive for a 
competitive valuation as a business

•   Maintain long-term optionality, albeit at 
a reasonable cost: Creating a competitive 
pipeline of long-term opportunities 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY 
 
REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Reasons for termination

Voluntary  
resignation

Dismissal/ termination 
for cause

Normal and early retirement,  
retrenchment and death 

Mutual separation

Base salary

Paid over the notice 

Base pay will be paid until 

Base pay is paid for a defined period based 

Paid over the notice period or 

period or as a lump sum

employment ceases

on cause and local policy as executives have 

as a lump sum

different employment entities

Pension 

Pension contributions 

Pension will be paid until 

Pension will be paid until employment ceases

Pension contributions for the 

for the notice period will 

employment ceases 

be paid; the lump sum 

would not include pension 

contributions unless 

contractually agreed

notice period will be paid; the 

lump sum would not include 

pension contributions unless 

contractually agreed

Medical 

Where applicable medical 

Medical provision/

Medical provision/payment will be provided until 

Where applicable, medical 

provisions

provision for the notice 

payment will be provided 

employment ceases

period will be paid; the 

until employment ceases

lump sum would not 

include contributions 

unless it is contractually 

agreed

provision for the notice period 

will be paid; the lump sum 

would not include contributions 

unless contractually agreed

Recruitment policy
When recruiting executives, a comparative 
benchmarking exercise is undertaken to 
determine the size, nature and complexity of 
the role, and skills availability in the market 
prior to making a competitive offer. For new 
appointments, the Remco may compensate 
for remuneration forfeited from the previous 
employer. The intention is to not grant more 
than the executive would have received in 
a 12-month period. However, Remco does 
have the discretion to compensate higher 
values if, through a fair value valuation, it can 
be demonstrated that the amount forfeited 
exceeds that granted. Remco will compensate 
the amount forfeited through variable pay which 
can be a combination of equity and cash.  

Termination policy
Members of the executive management 
team have open-ended contracts (except 
where prescribed retirement ages apply) with 
termination periods defined in their contracts. 
In addition, incentive scheme rules clearly 
specify termination provisions by termination 
category. In the event of a termination, the 
Company has the discretion to allow the 
executive to either work out their notice or 
to pay the guaranteed pay for the stipulated 
notice period in lieu of notice.

Guaranteed pay includes base salary and 
other benefits as detailed in the table, but 
excludes variable pay.

Brazil – Córrego do Sítio AGA Mineração

166

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Voluntary  
resignation

Dismissal/ termination 
for cause

Normal and early retirement,  
retrenchment and death 

Mutual separation

Benefits

Applicable benefits may 

Benefits will fall away 

Benefits will fall away when employment ceases Applicable benefits may 

Reasons for termination

continue to be provided 

when employment 

during the notice period 

ceases

but will not be paid on a 

lump sum basis

continue to be provided during 

the notice period but will not be 

paid on a lump sum basis

DSP cash 

Forfeit, no bonus

No bonus

Discretion to pro-rate for period worked 

Discretion to pro-rate for period 

bonus

worked 

Deferred cash 

Unvested awards lapse

Unvested awards lapse

The vesting date will be accelerated, and 

The vesting date will be 

awards

the participant shall be entitled to receive a 

accelerated, and the participant 

proportion of the unvested deferred cash

shall be entitled to receive a 

Deferred share 

Unvested awards lapse

Unvested awards lapse

awards

proportion of the unvested 

deferred cash

Retrenchment and retirement (early, 
normal and late): Participant may continue 
to hold unvested shares post termination of 

Participant may continue to 

hold shares post termination 

of employment. Vested shares 

employment. Upon vesting, participant has up 

may be exercised within six 

to six months to exercise vested shares. Upon 

months following termination 

termination of employment, vested shares 

date

may be exercised within six months following 

termination date. 

Death: The vesting date will be accelerated, 
and the participant’s estate shall be entitled to 

receive the full vested and unvested deferred 

shares within 12 months from date of death.

Brazil – Lamego

167

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

Minimum shareholding requirements
Remco is of the opinion that share ownership by executive management demonstrates their 
commitment to the success of the Company and serves to reinforce the alignment between 
executive and shareholder interests. With effect from March 2013, a minimum shareholding 
requirement (MSR) was introduced for the executive team.

All executive management are required to have a minimum shareholding in the Company as per 
the table below:

Within 3 years of appointment/
from introduction of Minimum 
Shareholding Requirement 
(MSR)

Within 6 years of appointment/
from introduction of Minimum 
Shareholding Requirement 
(MSR)

Holding 
requirement

CEO 

100% of net annual base salary 200% of net annual base salary

Indefinite

Executive 
Management 75% of net annual base salary

150% of net base salary

Indefinite

The following count towards an individual MSR:

•  JSE / NYSE shares purchased on the market, either directly or indirectly, for personal reasons 

•  Vested shares from the Company’s previous share incentive schemes (BSP and LTIP and any other 

historic schemes), as well as vested shares from the Company’s current Deferred Share Plan 

Colombia – Gramalote 

168

Service contracts 
All members of the executive management 
team have permanent employment contracts 
which entitle them to standard group benefits 
as defined by their specific region and 
participation in the Company’s DSP. 

South African executives are paid a portion of 
their remuneration offshore which is detailed 
under a separate contract. This reflects global 
roles and responsibilities and considers 
offshore business requirements. All such 
earnings are subject to tax in South Africa. 

Change in control and notice 
periods
Executive management team contracts are 
reviewed annually and currently continue to 
include a change in control provision. The 
change in control is subject to the following 
triggers:

•  the acquisition of all or part of AngloGold 

Ashanti; or

•  a number of shareholders holding less than 
35% of the Company’s issued share capital 
consorting to gain a majority of the board 
and make management decisions; and

•  executive management contracts are either 
terminated or their role and employment 
conditions are curtailed

terms. The vesting date of a portion of 
unvested Deferred Share Plan awards will 
be accelerated to the date of the event. The 
balance of the shares will vest on the original 
vesting dates.  

Remuneration consultants
Where appropriate, Remco obtains advice 
from independent remuneration consultants. 
The consultants are employed directly by 
Remco and engage directly with them to 
ensure independence. 

Remco appointed PwC to provide specialist, 
independent remuneration advice on all forms 
of executive and non-executive pay. It is the 
committee’s practice to undertake a detailed 
review of potential advisors every three years. 
PwC’s appointment was extended by the 
Committee in 2017 for a further three years 
following a review of the quality of advice 
received, and a review of advisors in the 
external market. 

Key focus areas for 2018 with which PwC 
assisted were:

•  Gini co-efficient, wage differential 

calculations and associated benchmarking

•  Market trends, updates and best practice 

guidelines

•  Committee training where required

In the event of a change in control becoming 
effective, the executive will in certain 
circumstances be subject to both the notice 
period and the change in control contract 

In line with best common practice, the Remco 
which is comprised solely of independent 
non-executive directors, engages independent 
consultants in relation to remuneration 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW OF REMUNERATION POLICY CONTINUED

related matters. The current advisor is PwC 
whose appointment, terms of reference and 
fees payable are determined solely by the 
Remuneration Committee. PwC is invited 
to attend all the meetings of the committee 
and have regular access to the chairman and 
members of the committee. PwC informs 
and assists the committee’s deliberations by 
drawing on their global reach and perspective 
on compensation matters and trends. They 
brief the remuneration committee on regulatory 
developments in South Africa and major 
international markets. They comment on 
technical matters, and generally opine on the 
committee’s work. Each year, the committee 
evaluates the performance of PwC as the 
independent advisor and sets their fees to 
reflect time commitment, value added and 
market norms. For the year ended on  
31 December 2018, the fees payable to PwC 
amounted to c. R 431,800 (2017:  
c. R1,337,000). Note that in 2017 PwC’s fees 
included payment for work conducted on the 
variable pay scheme.

Additionally, the committee avails itself of the 
services and output of Mercer, who provide 
global survey data and analysis. Mercer’s 
charges amounted to c. R471,712  
(2017: c. R460,000).

Non-executive directors’ 
remuneration policy 
The Company’s non-executive directors 
(NEDs) are paid based on their role and there 
is no differentiation by nationality. The policy is 
applied using the following principles:

•  A board fee is paid for the six annual 

board meetings and board committee 
members receive annual committee fees for 
participation

•  Fees are reviewed annually and increases 
implemented in July. They are set using a 
global comparator group which is derived 
from companies with similar size, complexity 
and geographic spread

•  NEDs receive a travel allowance for travel 
outside of their home country for site visits 
and board meetings

•  NEDs are not eligible to receive any short- or 

long-term incentives

For the fifth successive year, no increase to 
non-executive director fees will be requested 
at the 2019 annual general meeting.

169

Australia – Tropicana 

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018

2018 Comparator benchmark group 

•  All benefits received by  

•  A pro rata sign-on cash bonus in 

This section of the Remuneration 
Report explains the implementation 
of the remuneration policy by 
providing details of the remuneration 
paid to executives and non-executive 
directors for the financial year ended 
31 December 2018. 

Executive pay

Anglo American Platinum Limited

Barrick Gold Corporation

Goldcorp Incorporated

Gold Fields Limited

Harmony 

Implats

Kinross Gold Corporation

Lonmin 

2018 has seen the gold price and share price 

Newmont Mining Corporation

relatively stable, although remaining relatively 

Randgold Resources Limited

low. Cost control remains a key imperative 

and the external market reflected similar 

challenges. 

Sasol 

Sibanye-Stillwater 

South32 Limited

On behalf of AngloGold Ashanti, Mercer 

Yamana Gold Incorporated

conducts an annual bespoke survey of 

executive remuneration. For 2018, Remco 

reviewed the comparator group against 

AngloGold Ashanti to ensure that changes 

in the market had not led to variances that 

made the current matches inappropriate. 

The review consisted of a detailed analysis of 

companies who it was felt were appropriate 

for inclusion in the benchmark. 

The companies included in the comparator 

group were ranked in terms of a number of 

criteria selected in areas which were, aligned 

with AngloGold Ashanti. The table below 

summarises the final comparator group.

In 2018, the January annual increases resulted 
in each member of the executive management 
team receiving an increase in line with the CPI in 
their respective jurisdictions. This is in line with 
increases for all AngloGold Ashanti employees.

In 2018, Mr Srinivasan Venkatakrishnan resigned 
as Chief Executive Officer effective 30 August 
2018, and Mr Kelvin Dushnisky was appointed 
as his replacement on 1 September 2018. The 
remuneration impact on Mr Venkatakrishnan 
and Mr Dushnisky is as follows:

•  Mr Venkatakrishnan received the standard 
payments as per policies currently in place 
for resignations at AngloGold Ashanti

170

Mr Venkatakrishnan terminated as at 
30 August 2018. These included BUPA 
medical insurance cover and International 
Pension Scheme membership 

•  All vacation leave due to  

Mr Venkatakrishnan was paid 

•  Mr Venkatakrishnan exercised all vested 

shares prior to his official last day of work. 
Any unvested shares lapsed, as per the 
rules of the scheme. 

•  Mr Kelvin Dushnisky was appointed on  

the following terms:

lieu of his previous company’s 2018 
performance year that would have 
been payable in 2019 valued at US$ 
800,000. Should Mr Dushnisky leave 
the employment of AGA within 24 
months from date of joining as a result 
of resignation or dismissal for cause, he 
will be liable to refund the Company on a 
pro-rated basis

•  Prior company share buy-out valued at 

US$ 4,200,000. This will vest in cash and 
shares per below vesting periods:

•  Basic salary of US$ 1,300,000 per annum

Vesting date

•  Medical aid insurance through BUPA

•  International Pension Scheme 

membership

1 January 2019

1 January 2020

Total

Value of cash sign-on 
bonus in US$

400,000

1,000,000

1,400,000

Vesting date
1 January 2019
1 January 2020
1 January 2021
Total

Value of Shares  
(US$)
1,400,000
700,000
700,000
2,800,000

Value of Shares  
(ZAR) (1)
20,188,000
10,094,000
10,094,000
40,376,000

Number of AngloGold 
Ashanti shares (2)
175,877
87,939
87,939
351,755

(1)  Exchange rate: 1 US$: 14.42 ZAR.
(2)  JSE 5-day VWAP prior to 1 September 2018: 114.7845.

The table overleaf represents the executive director and prescribed officer remuneration for 
2018 and 2017. It comprises an overview of all the pay elements received by the executive 
management team for the 12-month periods ended 31 December 2018 and  
31 December 2017 respectively.

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018 CONTINUED

Directors and other key management personnel
Executive directors and prescribed officers remuneration  
The table below summarises remuneration of executive directors and prescribed officers. It comprises an overview of all the pay elements available to the executive management team for the year 
ended 31 December 2018. 

Performance 
related 
payments (4)
ZAR ’000

Pension 
scheme 
benefits
ZAR ’000

Other benefits 
and encashed 
leave (3)
ZAR ’000

Total salary 
and benefits 
(IFRS)
ZAR ’000

Salary
ZAR ’000

Pre-tax gains 
on share 
awards 
exercised
ZAR ’000

2018 Total
ZAR ’000

2018 Total (6)
US$ ’000

2017 Total (6)
US$ ’000

2016 Total (6)
US$ ’000

Executive directors

KPM Dushnisky (1)(2)

KC Ramon

S Venkatakrishnan (5)

 5,740 

 8,692 

 8,995 

 6,529 

 8,187 

–

Total executive directors

 23,427 

 14,716 

Prescribed officers

CE Carter

GJ Ehm

DC Noko

ME Sanz Perez 

CB Sheppard

TR Sibisi

L Eybers

 9,557 

 8,693 

 7,014 

 6,953 

 7,415 

 6,347 

 7,946 

 8,050 

 7,019 

 5,751 

 5,730 

 6,080 

 5,416 

 6,549 

 1,421 

 725 

 2,275 

 4,421 

 1,381 

 248 

 658 

 869 

 696 

 793 

 248 

Total prescribed officers

 53,925 

 44,595 

 4,893 

16,022

 1,162 

 4,218 

 21,402 

 985 

 694 

 406 

 150 

 389 

 114 

 1,369 

 4,107 

 29,712 

 18,766 

 15,488 

 63,966 

 19,973 

 16,654 

 13,829 

 13,702 

 14,580 

 12,670 

 16,112 

–

–

 55,278 

 55,278 

 9,628 

 13,874 

 22,132 

–

–

–

–

 29,712 

 18,766 

 70,766 

 119,244 

 29,601 

 30,528 

 35,961 

 13,702 

 14,580 

 12,670 

 16,112 

 2,243 

 1,417 

 5,342 

 9,002 

 2,235 

 2,304 

 2,715 

 1,034 

 1,101 

 957 

 1,216 

 107,520 

 45,634 

 153,154 

 11,562 

–

 1,157 

 2,134 

 3,291 

 1,887 

 1,449 

 938 

 885 

 862 

 711 

 1,051 

 7,783 

–

 947 

 1,832 

 2,779 

 1,535 

 1,693 

 961 

 1,640 

 721 

 541 

–

 7,091 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

 All salary payments (including salary, performance related payments, pension and other benefits) for KPM Dushnisky are pro-rated in accordance with his start date (1 September 2018 - 31 December 2018).
 Other benefits for KPM Dushnisky represents a cash sign-on award of $1.2m accrued in 2018, payable as follows: $0.8m upon engagement and $0.4m on 1 January 2019. Full details of total cash and share sign-on awards 
are included below.
 Other benefits include health care, pension allowance, cash in lieu of dividends, vested CIP match awards, group personal accident, disability and funeral cover. Surplus leave days accrued are automatically encashed unless 
work requirements allow for carry over.

(4)  Represents the DSP cash portion; calculated on the financial year’s results; and payable in the 2019 financial year. 
(5) 

 Includes remuneration and pre-tax gains on share awards exercised for S Venkatakrishnan up to resignation date 30 August 2018. 

(6)  Convenience conversion to US$ at the year-to-date average exchange rate of $1:R13.25 (2017: R13.30; 2016: R14.68).

While the Company has endeavoured to comply with single figure reporting principles as recommended by King IV, we consider that disclosing remuneration consistent with prior years provides 
greater transparency, insight and usefulness for users of the Integrated Report and Annual Financial Statements, especially since the Company is in transition to a new incentive scheme.

171

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY 
 
 
REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018 CONTINUED

Directors and other key management personnel continued 
BSP awards

Balance at  
1 January 2018

Granted  
during 2018

Exercised  
during 2018

Lapsed  
during 2018

Balance at  
31 December 
2018 (1)  

Vested balance 
at 31 December 
2018 (1)

Pre-tax gains on 
awards exercised 
during 2018  
US$ ’000 (2) (3)

Closing indicative fair 
value of Balance at  
31 December 2018
US$ ’000 (4)

89,825

331,742

421,567

56,933

117,164

36,959

101,548

67,902

39,357

23,621

443,484

55,634

101,217

156,851

47,873

45,993

44,575

38,718

38,143

40,931

35,410

—

295,683

295,683

37,633

21,882

—

87,735

—

—

—

291,643

147,250

—

137,276

137,276

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

145,459

—

145,459

67,173

141,275

81,534

52,531

106,045

80,288

59,031

587,877

68,386

—

68,386

—

78,492

27,908

—

53,203

24,754

11,810

—

2,470

2,470

305

185

—

901

—

—

—

196,167

1,391

1,675

—

1,675

774

1,627

939

605

1,221

925

680

6,771

Executive directors

KC Ramon

S Venkatakrishnan

Total executive directors

Prescribed officers

CE Carter

GJ Ehm

L Eybers

DC Noko

ME Sanz Perez

CB Sheppard

TR Sibisi

Total prescribed officers

(1)  Vested awards not yet exercised are included in “Balance at 31 December 2018”. The “Balance at 31 December 2018” includes unvested awards, as well as vested awards not yet exercised.

(2)  Represents the actual pre-tax gains on date of exercise, converted to US$ at the convenience year-to-date average exchange rate of $1:R13.25.

(3)  Pre-tax gains on awards exercised are included in the 2018 remuneration table.

(4)  Represents the indicative fair value of closing share balance, at the JSE year end VWAP price converted to US$ at the December closing exchange rate of $1:R14.35.

The last BSP awards were granted in 2018. No further BSP share awards will be granted as the Company is transitioning to the new DSP. The BSP 2018 cash portion of the scheme, paid in February 
2018, was included in the 2017 remuneration table, while pre-tax gains on BSP 2018 share awards will be included in future remuneration tables when vested shares are exercised. BSP share awards 
vest at 100% over two years, with 50% vesting 12 months after the date of grant and the remaining 50% vesting 24 months after the date of grant.

172

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018 CONTINUED

Directors and other key management personnel continued 
LTIP awards

Balance at
1 January 2018 (1)

Exercised  
during 2018

Lapsed  
during 2018

Balance at  
31 December  
2018 (2)

Vested balance at 
31 December 2018  
2018 (1) (2)

Pre-tax gains on 
awards exercised 
during 2018  
US$ ’000 (3) (4)

Closing indicative fair 
value of Balance at  
31 December 2018 
US$ ’000 (5)

Executive directors

KC Ramon

S Venkatakrishnan

Total executive directors

Prescribed officers

CE Carter

GJ Ehm

L Eybers

DC Noko

ME Sanz Perez

CB Sheppard

TR Sibisi

358,334

634,782

993,116

352,962

387,556

146,061

339,221

332,634

231,328

195,971

—

203,786

203,786

50,219

86,659

—

75,041

—

—

—

67,590

430,996

498,586

72,148

70,302

14,492

55,330

55,090

10,260

—

290,744

—

290,744

230,595

230,595

131,569

208,850

277,544

221,068

195,971

Total prescribed officers

1,985,733

211,919

277,622

1,496,192

60,149

—

60,149

—

—

14,034

—

69,081

7,140

—

90,255

—

1,703

1,703

422

862

—

770

—

—

—

3,348

—

3,348

2,655

2,655

1,515

2,405

3,196

2,546

2,257

2,054

17,229

(1)  Represents the total long term incentive awards (including cash settled awards for 2016 and 2017). The “Balance at 31 December 2018” includes unvested awards, as well as vested awards not yet exercised.

(2)  Vested awards are included in “Balance at 31 December 2018”.

(3)  Represents the actual pre-tax gains on date of exercise, converted to US$ at the convenience year-to-date average exchange rate of $1:R13.25.

(4)  Pre-tax gains on awards exercised are included in the 2018 remuneration table.

(5)  Represents the indicative fair value of closing share balance, at the JSE year end volume weighted average price (VWAP) price converted to US$ at the December closing exchange rate of $1:R14.35. 

The last LTIP awards were granted in 2017 i.e. cash-settled LTIP 2017. No further LTIP awards will be issued as the Company is transitioning to the new DSP. Cash-settled LTIP 2016 awards vested 
in March 2019 at 47.3%, while cash-settled LTIP 2017 awards will vest in March 2020, based on the actual vesting percentage achieved at the time. Pre-tax gains on vested awards exercised are 
included in remuneration tables in the years exercises occur.

173

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018 CONTINUED

Directors and other key management personnel continued 
CIP matched awards

Executive directors

KC Ramon

S Venkatakrishnan

Total executive directors

Prescribed officers

CE Carter

GJ Ehm

L Eybers

DC Noko

ME Sanz Perez

CB Sheppard

TR Sibisi

Total prescribed officers

Balance at
1 January 2018 (1)

Granted  
during 2018

Vested and 
exercised  
during 2018 (1)

Lapsed  
during 2018

Balance at
31 December  
2018 (1)

Closing indicative fair 
value of Balance at  
31 December 2018 
US$ ’000 (2)

17,817

23,265

41,082

1,897

9,000

7,218

12,929

9,109

8,016

6,127

54,296

16,950

—

16,950

—

12,000

13,179

10,606

11,484

10,350

6,240

63,859

11,497

11,632

23,129

948

4,500

3,609

8,165

4,554

4,008

3,063

28,847

—

11,633

11,633

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

23,270

—

23,270

949

16,500

16,788

15,370

16,039

14,358

9,304

89,308

268

—

268

11

190

193

177

185

165

107

1,028

(1)  Vested CIP matched awards are included in the remuneration table as part of “Other benefits and encashed leave”. The “Balance at 31 December 2018” includes unvested awards only.

(2)  Represents the indicative fair value of closing share balance, at the JSE year end VWAP price converted to US$ at the December closing exchange rate of $1:R14.35.

174

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018 CONTINUED

Directors and other key management personnel continued 
DSP awards

Subsequent to year end and up to the date of this report, the following DSP awards were granted 
to executive directors and prescribed officers:

Special on-boarding incentives

The following table shows special once-off on-boarding incentives (cash and shares) awarded to 
KPM Dushnisky upon joining the Company:

Executive directors

KPM Dushnisky

KC Ramon

Total executive directors

Prescribed officers

CE Carter

GJ Ehm

L Eybers

DC Noko

ME Sanz Perez

CB Sheppard

TR Sibisi

Total prescribed officers

Indicative fair 
value of unvested 
awards based on 
grant  date price
US$ ‘000

Awards granted 
(unvested)

Total cash sign-on incentive

Upon engagement - 1 September 2018 (1)

1 January 2019 (1)

1 January 2020 (2)

US$ ‘000

800

400

1,000

2,200

67,742

89,782

157,524

98,451

82,037

77,380

67,548

67,712

71,409

63,424

527,961

965

1,279

2,244

1,402

1,169

1,102

962

965

1,017

904

7,521

Total share sign-on incentive

1 January 2019 (3) (5)

1 January 2020 (3)

1 January 2021 (3)

Number of 
shares

US$ ’000

Closing indicative fair 
value of awards at  
31 December 2018
US$ ‘000 (4)

175,877

87,939

87,939

351,755

1,400

700

700

2,800

2,025

1,012

1,012

4,049

(1)  Amounts included in the 2018 remuneration table as part of “Other benefits and encashed leave”.

(2)  Amount will be included in remuneration table for the financial year ending 31 December 2019.

(3)  Value of the share sign-on awards to be included in future years’ remuneration tables.

(4)   Represents the indicative fair value of closing share balance, at the JSE year end VWAP price converted to 

US$ at the convenience December closing exchange rate of $1:R14.35.

(5)  Shares were awarded on 20 February 2019 (40,877) and 21 February 2019 (135,000).

(1) 

 Represents the indicative fair value of unvested awards based on the grant date share price of R204.42 
converted to US$ at the December closing exchange rate of $1:R14.35. 

The DSP, which replaces all previous short-term and long-term incentive plans, was implemented 
in 2018. The DSP 2019 cash portion of the scheme, paid in February 2019, was included in 
“Performance related payments” in the 2018 remuneration table. The table above reflects the DSP 
2019 share awards granted in February 2019. These shares will vest in equal annual portions over 
five years from 2020 to 2024.

175

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018 CONTINUED

Minimum shareholding achievements
For the purposes of the MSR calculation, only fully owned and vested awards will count towards 
the determination of the MSR. 

Six-year target 
achievement 
date

MSR holding as at  
31 December 2018 
as percentage of 
net base pay

Three-year 
MSR target 
achievement 
percentage

Six-year 
MSR target 
achievement 
percentage

Mar-24

Mar-21

Mar-19

Mar-19

Mar-23

Mar-19

Mar-19

Mar-21

Mar-22

74%

425%

235%

318%

137%

562%

662%

126%

75%

100%

75%

75%

75%

75%

75%

75%

75%

75%

200%

150%

150%

150%

150%

150%

150%

150%

150%

Executive

Executive directors

KPM Dushnisky (1)

KC Ramon

Prescribed officers

CE Carter

GJ Ehm 

L Eybers 

DC Noko

ME Sanz Perez

C Sheppard

TR Sibisi

(1)  Executive Director appointed with effect from 1 September 2018 and the three-year MSR achievement is 

only due in March 2021. It is to be noted that the Executive Director purchased 50,000 American Depositary 
Receipts (ADRs) to the value of US$386,584.53 on 4 September 2018.

Deferred Share Plan (DSP) performance outcomes
The DSP measures resulted in an achievement of 108.9% out of 100%. 

The table on the next page summarises AngloGold Ashanti’s remuneration metrics, their 
weightings, and performance against these metrics applicable to the DSP during 2018:

Australia – Tropicana 

176

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018 CONTINUED

2018 DSP performance measure

Financial 
measures

Relative total shareholder return: three year relative ranking with the selected 
comparator group. The comparators are: Barrick, Gold Fields, Harmony, 
Newmont, Kinross, Goldcorp, Gold ETF (World Gold Council SPDR 
classification), Randgold, Newcrest and Sibanye-Stillwater
Absolute total shareholder return
Normalised cash return on equity (nCROE)
Production
All-in sustaining costs

Future optionality •  Ore Reserve additions (pre-depletion, asset sales, mergers and acquisitions)

•  Mineral Resource (pre-depletion, asset sales, mergers and acquisitions)
AIFR: three-year rolling average 

Safety, health, 
environment and 
community

Target 
weighting

Achievement Threshold measures Target measures

Stretch measures

10.00%

0.00%

Median TSR of 
comparators

Halfway between median 
and upper quartile

Upper quartile TSR of 
comparators

10.00%
15.00%
12.50%
15.00%
6.25%
6.25%
4.00%

6.33%
22.50%
16.69%
22.50%
9.38%
0.00%
6.00%

US$ COE
US$ COE
3,285oz (000)
$1,088/oz
Plus 2.4Moz
Plus 8.0Moz
≥5% performance 
improvement (6.87)

US$ COE + 2%
US$ COE + 2%
3,350oz (000)
$1,071/oz
Plus 3.9Moz
Plus 12.8Moz
≥10% performance 
improvement (6.51)

US$ COE + 6%
US$ COE + 6%
3,425oz (000)
$1,054/oz
Plus 4.9Moz
Plus 16.0Moz
≥15% performance 
improvement (6.15)

Major hazard management critical control percentage compliance

3.00%

4.50%

Safety management systems and practices protocol

3.00%

4.36%

90% of major hazards 
identified, assessed 
and controlled.
75% - compliant to 
proactive maturity level
90% compliance

92.5% of major hazards 
identified, assessed and 
controlled.
85% - proactive maturity 
level
95% compliance

95% of major hazards 
identified, assessed 
and controlled.
90% - proactive to 
resilient maturity level
100% compliance

1.50%

1.95%

Health - site compliance to the global safety standards on organisational health, 
wellness and fitness for work standard
Completion of bowtie risk assessments per region, including identification of 
critical controls and actions managed to closure
Number of reportable environmental incidents at operating mines
Greenhouse gas emissions intensity at gold producing operations, measured  
in kg CO2e/tonne
Community: number of human rights violations

1.50%

2.25%

1

2

3

1.50%
1.50%

0.75%
2.25%

2
-0.3% off base

1
-0.6% off base

0
-1% off base

2.00%

3.00%

≤ 2 human rights 
violations
5
1:1.48

≤ 1 human rights 
violations
3
1:1.56

0 human rights 
violations
1
1:1.64

Core value: 
People

Number of business disruptions as a result of community unrest
•  Strategic coverage ratio – measured by the number of successors ready to 

2.00%
2.00%

0.00%
3.00%

take up a role within one year for identified key leadership positions

•  Key staff retention – measured through turnover excluding retrenchments, 

2.00%

2.42%

85% pa

90% pa

95% pa

retirements and deaths within the leadership talent pool

•  Gender diversity – measured through female representation at  

1%

1%

leadership level

Total 

100%

108.9%

177

13% female 
representation

15% female 
representation

17% female 
representation

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018 CONTINUED

Vesting outcomes of the 2016 LTIP awards
The LTIP reflects ongoing poor TSR performance over the three-year period. The table below summarises AngloGold Ashanti’s 2016 LTIP metrics, 
their weightings and performance against these metrics, which will vest in 2019:

Target 
weighting Achievement

Threshold  
measures

Target  
measures

Stretch  
measures

LTIP percentage achieved
(%)

50%

0.00%

Sliding scale  
50% - 60%

Sliding scale 
60% - 80%

Sliding scale 
80% - 100%

2014

37.4

2015

32.4

2016

26.1

2017

41.0

2018

47.3

2016 LTIP 
Performance Measure

Total shareholder 
return

Portfolio 
optimisation

Relative total shareholder return:  
three-year relative ranking with the selected 
comparator group. The comparators are: 
Barrick, Gold Fields, Harmony, Newmont, 
Kinross, Goldcorp, Gold ETF (World Gold 
Council SPDR classification), Randgold, 
Newcrest and Sibanye-Stillwater
All-in cost

Project delivery

Asset optimisation

25%

17.60%

Future optionality

Innovation technology (South African region)

15%

13.00%

Core value: People

Core value: Safety

Colombia: Gramalote and La Colosa studies

2016 Mineral Resource (adjusted)
2016 Ore Reserve (adjusted)
•  Strategic coverage ratio
•  Retention of top talent pool
Sub-total
Multiplier: percentage compliance with 
AngloGold Ashanti’s safety standards
Total

10%

8.80%

100%
+-20%

39%
20.0%

100%

47.3%

As defined by 
the Management 
Action Plan
As per the project 
delivery matrix
As defined by 
the Management 
Action Plan
Measured against 
budget
Measured against 
budget
Plus 6Moz
Plus 2.2Moz
1:0.60
12% pa

178

Plus 11Moz
Plus 9Moz
Plus 3.4Moz Plus 4.0Moz
1:0.70
8% pa

1:0.85
5% pa

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY 
REMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018

Total remuneration outcomes:  
Kelvin Dushnisky, Chief Executive Officer

Start date:

Notice period:

Change of control (as described in the 

Remuneration Policy section “Change of control 

and notice periods”) on page 168:

1 September 2018

12 months

12 months

CEO
(%)

Maximum

17

Target

17

Actual earnings

17

5

5

5

5

5

29

59

37

39

Base salary        Benenfits          DSP Cash          DSP Deferral

Total actual pay for Mr Dushnisky in 2018, which could result from the remuneration policy stated 

above, is shown in relation to target and maximum earning potential. It should be noted that 

Mr Dushnisky’s earnings are reflected as annual figures although he effectively only earned the 

equivalent of four months as his start date was 1 September 2018.

Maximum DSP cash bonus opportunity: 150% 

Final cash bonus result: 113.7%

Maximum DSP share awards opportunity: 300% 

Final share award result: 227.5%

Total DSP opportunity: 450% 

Final DSP result for 2018: 341.2%

(as % of base pay) 

(as % of base pay)

*  Note that Mr Dushnisky will receive a pro-rated award based on the four months that he has been 

employed at AngloGold Ashanti

Key achievements in the year:
Mr Dushnisky spent his first months after joining AngloGold Ashanti on 1 September 2018 deepening 
his knowledge of the organisation by meeting with the executive teams and other employees, 
interacting closely with the board of directors, visiting sites, engaging with senior government 
representatives in key operating jurisdictions, and meeting with our major institutional shareholders.

Mr Dushnisky’s immediate achievements can be summarised as follows:

•  After studying the portfolio, Mr. Dushnisky worked closely with his executive management team 
to refine the Company’s strategic approach, in particular defining AngloGold Ashanti’s capital 
allocation methodology to target net debt to adjusted EBITDA of no more than 1.0 times, through 
the cycle (down from the current 1.5 times), and setting the hurdle for new investments at a 15% 
internal rate of return determined at a gold price of $1,200/oz. These clear capital allocation 
‘guardrails’ provide greater clarity for the Company’s operators and investors alike

•  Established the processes to streamline the portfolio by disposing of AngloGold Ashanti’s 

stakes in the Sadiola mine, in Mali, and the Cerro Vanguardia mine, in Argentina, to allow greater 
management focus on the balance of the portfolio of operations and projects. Mr. Dushnisky has 
made clear that the sales will only proceed if full value can be realised

•  Led the finalisation of the Company’s 2019 Business Plan and budget, ensuring conservative 

assumptions were used that will allow the Company to remain self-financing, even at gold prices 
well below those achieved in 2018. The plan to meet all funding requirements from self-generated 
cash flows was achieved in a year of relatively high capital investment commitments, given normal 
sustaining capital needs and peak financing requirements for Obuasi’s redevelopment

•  Met with the Company’s largest active shareholders and also key government stakeholders, 

including: Ghana’s President and Mines Minister; his Excellency the King of Ashanti; South Africa’s 
Minster of Mineral Resources; and Colombia’s President and Ministers of Mining and Energy, 
Environment, Economy and Foreign Affairs

•  Reconfigured the organisational structure, dividing the portfolio of operations into International and 
Africa units, with the latter incorporating the remaining South Africa portfolio. The new structure 
allows for improved management focus

•  Provided for a technical review of the Obuasi Redevelopment Project by a highly respected 

independent third-party, to provide an additional layer of assurance in the project’s schedule, capital 
and operating forecasts. The review validated AngloGold Ashanti’s feasibility study

•  Oversaw the final four months of the year, which included the most prolific production period of 

2018 and the ultimate delivery of AngloGold Ashanti’s sixth consecutive year meeting or improving 
on every element of its market guidance

•  Initiated the process of providing investors with greater transparency with respect to the Company’s 

global exploration programme in order to gain a clearer understanding of the genesis of future 
project opportunities

179

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018

CEO’s performance bonus outcome 2018

2018 DSP performance year bonus outcome

Weighting

DSP cash 
payment outcome

2018 DSP performance year bonus outcome

Weighting

DSP cash 
payment outcome

B -  Maximum DSP opportunity based on individual 

performance:

Total % of maximum cash bonus pay opportunity (A+B)

Maximum total cash bonus opportunity (as % of base pay)
Maximum total deferred share award opportunity (as % of base pay)

Final cash bonus result (as % of base pay)
Final deferred share award result (as % of base pay)
Base pay as at December 2018 (all offshore payments converted 
to rands at exchange rate of 12.7854:$1)

Note: eligible for four months as Mr Dushnisky joined on  
1 September 2018
Annual cash portion of DSP:
Annual deferred share portion of DSP (to vest over five years):
Total 2018 deferred share plan award:

37.5%

113.73%
x

100.00%
200.00%
=
113.7%
227.5%
x

 R17,221,100 
=

 R6,528,519 
 R13,057,038 
 R19,585,557

10.0%
10.0%
15.0%
12.5%
15.0%
6.25%
6.25%
20.0%
5.0%
100.0%

Financial performance targets
Relative total shareholder return
Absolute total shareholder return
nCROE
Production
All-in sustaining costs ($/oz)
2018 Ore Reserve pre-depletion (Moz)
2018 Mineral Resource additions pre-depletion (Moz)
Safety, Health, Environment and Community
People metrics
Total % for company performance:

Organisational performance weighting:

A - Organisational performance weighted outcome:

Individual performance results
Actual individual targets and strategic objectives are not  
disclosed in order to maintain commercial confidentiality in 
competitive markets
Individual performance weighting:

Maximum performance rating bonus correlation:

0.00%
0.00%
22.50%
18.19%
22.50%
9.38%
0.00%
24.20%
6.42%
108.90%
x
70.00%
=
76.2%

30.00%
x
125.00%
=

180

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018

Total remuneration outcomes:  
Christine Ramon, Chief Financial Officer

Start date:

Notice period:

Change of control (as described in the 
Remuneration Policy section “Change of 
control and notice periods”) on page 168:

1 October 2014

6 months

6 months

CFO
(%)

Maximum

Target

Actual earnings

9

9

9

2

2

2

8

8

14

30

18

18

Key achievements for the year:
•  Ms Ramon has led the integration of the Finance and Group Tax functions into the  

various operations by taking an active involvement in the operations, the people, and  
the cost drivers

•  Ms Ramon successfully completed the $1.4bn refinancing in October at a tighter margin 

and similar covenant terms as the last facility. An additional $115m local facilities were put 
in place for Geita mine to manage risk and cater for working capital requirements

•  Fully managed the liquidity requirements of the group, keeping all key metrics intact

•  Insurance renewals were completed in May 2018 with improved policy terms. Premium 

savings of $1.8m was achieved, equating to 13.6% year-on-year

•  Improved the risk function, with enhanced integration of operational and financial risks as 

well as greater focus on strategic risks. The 2018 oil hedge executed realised a net gain of 
$5m for the year

•  Actively provided oversight in managing working capital, reducing corporate costs and 

driving value in the procurement function for the South Africa region

•  Ms Ramon continues to play an active role in professional and industry bodies that have a 

Base salary        Benenfits          DSP Cash          DSP Deferral

role in formulating financial and accounting policy

Maximum DSP cash bonus opportunity: 120% 

Final cash bonus result: 89.5%

Maximum DSP share awards opportunity: 262.5% 

Final share award result: 195.8%

2018 DSP performance year bonus outcome

Total DSP opportunity: 382.5% 

Final DSP result for 2018: 285.3%

Financial performance targets

Weighting

DSP cash  
payment outcome

(as % of base pay) 

(as % of base pay)

Relative total shareholder return
Absolute total shareholder return
nCROE
Production
All-in sustaining costs ($/oz)
2018 Ore Reserve pre-depletion (Moz)
2018 Mineral Resource additions pre-depletion (Moz)
Safety, health, environment and community
People metrics
Total % for company performance:

181

10.0%
10.0%
15.0%
12.5%
15.0%
6.25%
6.25%
20.0%
5.0%
100.0%

0.00%
0.00%
22.50%
18.19%
22.50%
9.38%
0.00%
24.20%
6.42%
108.90%

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018

CFO DSP outcome continued

2018 DSP performance year bonus outcome

Weighting

DSP cash  
payment outcome

2016 LTIP performance measures

Weighting

Outcome

Total shareholder return
Operational performance
Future optionality
Core value: People
Total
Core value: Safety multiplier
A - LTIP performance measures:

B - Number of shares allocated in 2016
2015 number of shares allocated based on 200% of annual basic 
salary
C - Share price as at 25 February 2019

Value of 2018 vesting

50%
25%
15%
10%
100%
±20%

0.00%
17.60%
13.00%
8.80%
39.40%
20.00%
47.28%
x
 120 000 
 x 

 R199.35 
x
R11,310,322

Note: The value calculated above is an estimate. The actual value of the LTIP will be determined by the 
share price at the date when the award is exercised.

Organisational performance weighting:

A - Organisational performance weighted outcome:

Individual performance results

Actual individual targets and strategic objectives are not 
disclosed in order to maintain commercial confidentiality in 
competitive markets.

Individual performance weighting:

Maximum performance rating bonus correlation:

B - Maximum DSP opportunity based on individual 
performance:

Total % of maximum cash bonus pay opportunity (A+B)

Maximum total cash bonus opportunity (as % of base pay)

Maximum total deferred share award opportunity  
(as % of base pay)

Final cash bonus result (as % of base pay)

Final deferred share award result (as % of base pay)

Base pay as at December 2018 (all offshore payments converted 
to ZAR at exchange rate of ZAR 13.247: US$1

Annual cash portion of DSP:

Annual deferred share portion of DSP (to vest over  
five years):

Total 2018 deferred share plan award:

x
60.00%
=
65.3%

40.00%

x

125.00%

=

50.0%

115.34%

x

80.00%

175.00%

=

92.3%

201.8%

x

 8,873,104 

=

R8,187,391 

 R17,909,917 

 R26,097,307 

182

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITYREMUNERATION REPORT CONTINUED
SECTION THREE: REMUNERATION IMPLEMENTATION REPORT – JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2018

Non-executive directors’ fees and allowances
The board elected not to take an increase in 2018, given prevailing market conditions. This was 
the fifth year that non-executive directors had not received an increase.

The table below summarises directors’ fees for the period as well as the comparative totals for 
2017 and 2016: 

Non-executive directors’ fees and allowances 

2018

Non-executive 
directors

Director 
fees

Committee 
fees

Travel 
allowance

2017

2016

Figures in thousands (1) 

 (1) Total

Total

Total

SM Pityana (Chairman)

 342,000 

 87,750 

 11,250 

 441,000 

AH Garner

 134,000 

 38,500 

 27,500 

 200,000 

AM Ferguson (2)

 30,000 

 10,000 

 12,500 

 52,500 

MJ Kirkwood

 134,000 

 79,000 

 33,750 

 246,750 

NP January-Bardill

 134,000 

 56,000 

 7,500 

 197,500 

R Gasant

RJ Ruston

MDC Richter

DL Hodgson

SV Zilwa (3)

Total

 134,000 

 83,000 

 12,500 

 229,500 

 134,000 

 80,500 

 46,250 

 260,750 

 134,000 

 67,500 

 33,750 

 235,250 

 134,000 

 47,000 

 8,750 

 189,750 

 67,000 

 28,500 

 – 

 95,500 

 372 

201

 – 

231

180

182

212

203

167

212

378

200

 – 

249

189

193

231

200

176

 256 

 1,377,000 

 577,750 

 193,750 

 2,148,500 

1,960

2,072

Australia – Tropicana 

(1)  Directors’ compensation is disclosed in US dollars. 

(2)  Director appointed on 1 October 2018. 

(3)  Director resigned effective 15 May 2018.

183

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 3 / LEADERSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this document, 
other than statements of historical fact, including, 
without limitation, those concerning the economic 
outlook for the gold mining industry, expectations 
regarding gold prices, production, total cash 
costs, all-in sustaining costs, all-in costs, cost 
savings and other operating results, productivity 
improvements, growth prospects and outlook 
of AngloGold Ashanti’s operations, individually 
or in the aggregate, including the achievement 
of project milestones, commencement and 
completion of commercial operations of 
certain of AngloGold Ashanti’s exploration 
and production projects and the completion 
of acquisitions, dispositions or joint venture 
transactions, AngloGold Ashanti’s liquidity and 
capital resources and capital expenditures and 
the outcome and consequence of any potential 
or pending litigation or regulatory proceedings 
or environmental health and safety issues, are 

forward-looking statements regarding AngloGold 
Ashanti’s operations, economic performance 
and financial condition. These forward-looking 
statements or forecasts involve known and 
unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors 
that may cause AngloGold Ashanti’s actual 
results, performance or achievements to 
differ materially from the anticipated results, 
performance or achievements expressed or 
implied in these forward-looking statements. 
Although AngloGold Ashanti believes that the 
expectations reflected in such forward-looking 
statements are reasonable, no assurance can be 
given that such expectations will prove to have 
been correct. Accordingly, results could differ 
materially from those set out in the forward-
looking statements as a result of, among other 
factors, changes in economic, social and political 
and market conditions, the success of business 
and operating initiatives, changes in the regulatory 

environment and other government actions, 
including environmental approvals, fluctuations 
in gold prices and exchange rates, the outcome 
of pending or future litigation proceedings, and 
business and operational risk management. 
For a discussion of such risk factors, refer to 
AngloGold Ashanti’s annual reports on Form 
20-F filed with the United States Securities 
and Exchange Commission. These factors 
are not necessarily all of the important factors 
that could cause AngloGold Ashanti’s actual 
results to differ materially from those expressed 
in any forward-looking statements. Other 
unknown or unpredictable factors could also 
have material adverse effects on future results. 
Consequently, readers are cautioned not to place 
undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 
AngloGold Ashanti undertakes no obligation to 
update publicly or release any revisions to these 
forward-looking statements to reflect events 

or circumstances after the date hereof or to 
reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, 
except to the extent required by applicable law. 
All subsequent written or oral forward-looking 
statements attributable to AngloGold Ashanti or 
any person acting on its behalf are qualified by 
the cautionary statements herein.

Non-GAAP financial measures
This communication may contain certain 
“Non-GAAP” financial measures. AngloGold 
Ashanti utilises certain Non-GAAP performance 
measures and ratios in managing its business. 
Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed 
in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the 
reported operating results or cash flow from 
operations or any other measures of performance 
prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, 
the presentation of these measures may not be 
comparable to similarly titled measures other 
companies may use.

Australia – Tropicana 

184

INTEGRATED REPORT 2018SECTION 4 / CORPORATE INFORMATIONADMINISTRATION AND CORPORATE INFORMATION

AngloGold Ashanti Limited

Registration No. 1944/017354/06
Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa

Directors
Executive
KPM Dushnisky§ (Chief Executive Officer)
KC Ramon^ (Chief Financial Officer)

Non-executive
SM Pityana^ (Chairman)
AM Ferguson*
AH Garner# 
R Gasant^ 
DL Hodgson^ 
NP January-Bardill^ 
MJ Kirkwood*
MDC Richter#
RJ Ruston~
JE Tilk§

* British § Canadian #American
~ Australian ^South African

Officers
Executive Vice President – Group Legal, 
Commercial and Governance and Company 
Secretary:
ME Sanz Perez

Share codes:
ISIN: ZAE000043485
JSE: ANG
NYSE: AU
ASX: AGG
GhSE: (Shares) AGA
GhSE: (GhDS) AAD

JSE Sponsor: 
The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited

Auditors: Ernst & Young Inc.

Offices
Registered and Corporate
76 Rahima Moosa Street
Newtown 2001
(PO Box 62117, Marshalltown 2107)
South Africa
Telephone: +27 11 637 6000
Fax: +27 11 637 6624

Australia
AMP Building
140 St George’s Terrace 
Perth, WA 6000
(PO Box Z5046, Perth WA 6831)
Australia
Telephone: +61 8 9425 4600
Fax: +61 8 9425 4662

Ghana
Gold House, Patrice Lumumba Road
(PO Box 2665)
Accra, Ghana
Telephone: +233 303 773400
Fax: +233 303 778155

INTEGRATED REPO RT  2018

Investor Relations contacts
Stewart Bailey
Telephone: +27 11 637 6031
Mobile: +27 81 032 2563
E-mail: sbailey@anglogoldashanti.com

Fundisa Mgidi
Telephone: +27 11 637 6763
Mobile: +27 82 821 5322
E-mail: fmgidi@anglogoldashanti.com

Sabrina Brockman
Telephone: +1 646 880 4526
Mobile: +1 646 379 2555
E-mail: sbrockman@anglogoldashantina.com

General e-mail enquiries
Investors@anglogoldashanti.com

AngloGold Ashanti website
www.anglogoldashanti.com

Company secretarial e-mail
Companysecretary@anglogoldashanti.com

Share Registrars
South Africa
Computershare Investor Services (Pty) Limited
Rosebank Towers, 15 Biermann Avenue,
Rosebank, 2196
(PO Box 61051, Marshalltown 2107)
South Africa
Telephone: 0861 100 950 (in SA)
Fax: +27 11 688 5218
E-mail: queries@computershare.co.za
Website: www.computershare.com

Australia
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited
Level 11, 172 St George’s Terrace
Perth, WA 6000
(GPO Box D182 Perth, WA 6840) 
Australia
Telephone: +61 8 9323 2000
Telephone: 1300 55 2949 
(Australia only)
Fax: +61 8 9323 2033

Ghana
NTHC Limited
Martco House
Off Kwame Nkrumah Avenue
PO Box K1A 9563 Airport
Accra
Ghana
Telephone: +233 302 235814/6
Fax: +233 302 229975

ADR Depositary
BNY Mellon (BoNY)
BNY Shareowner Services
PO Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
United States of America
Telephone: +1 866-244-4140 
(Toll free in USA) or 
+1 201 680 6825 (outside USA)
E-mail:  
shrrelations@cpushareownerservices.com
Website: www.mybnymdr.com

Global BuyDIRECTSM
BoNY maintains a direct share purchase and 
dividend reinvestment plan for ANGLOGOLD 
ASHANTI
Telephone: +1-888-BNY-ADRS

3414/18

185

SECTION 4 / CORPORATE INFORMATIONw w w.an g log ol da sh an t i.com  / w w w.a g a-r ep ort s .co m