Anglo American announces interim production report for Q3

Saturday, 24 Oct 2009

Anglo American plc has announced interim management statement production report for the third quarter ended September 30th 2009. Highlights are as follows:

1. Copper production increased 13.4% to 168,500 tonnes, compared to the third quarter of 2008, due to higher throughput and recoveries at Los Bronces and improved grades, recoveries and performance at Collahuasi

2. Iron ore production increased 15.7% to 11.9 million tonnes as the Sishen jig plant continued to ramp up to full production. The jig plant achieved production of 996kt in September, equating to annualized production of 12 million tonnes per annum, on track to achieve its planned annualized rate of 13 million tonnes per annum during the fourth quarter

3. Platinum refined production increased 15.8% to 629,000 pound, on track to meet full year target of 2.4 million ounces

4. Two additional high cost shafts placed on care and maintenance labor reduction of 11,715, exceeding full year plan further 4% productivity improvement achieved since June 2009

5. Thermal coal production declined by 1.0% and metallurgical coal production declined by 2.6%, as production was matched to demand in export markets. Coal production at Eskom mines improved, with demand increasing by 7.3%

6. Continued improvement in the demand for rough diamonds. Third quarter production 43% higher than second quarter and on track for full year production at 50% of 2008 levels