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Anglo American Platinum ramps up ACP plant to restart refined PGM production
Anglo American plc (the “Company”)
Registered office: 20 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AN
Registered number: 3564138 (incorporated in England and Wales)
Legal Entity Identifier: 549300S9XF92D1X8ME43
ISIN: GBOOB1XZS820
JSE Share Code: AGL
NSX Share Code: ANM
5 May 2020
Anglo American Platinum ramps up ACP plant to restart refined PGM production
Anglo American plc notes the announcement by Anglo American Platinum Limited released today
to the Johannesburg stock exchange. The text of the announcement is copied below:
Anglo American Platinum has safely and successfully completed the repair of the Anglo
Converter Plant (ACP) Phase B unit. The ACP and full downstream processing operations are
completing a safe ramp-up and expect to be fully operational from 12 May 2020. Force majeure
to suppliers of concentrate will be lifted on that date.
CEO of Anglo American Platinum, Natascha Viljoen, stated:
“I am pleased to report that we have safely and successfully completed the repair of the ACP
Phase B unit ahead of schedule, enabling the restart of refined production of our platinum group
metals and our base metals. We were vigilant in adhering to strict health and safety protocols to
keep the repair team safe during the lockdown, whilst ensuring that we were able to implement
social distancing and hygiene requirements which form our new way of working during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
We have carried out substantial testing to ensure the stability of the ACP Phase B unit, and as
we complete the ramp-up, we are engaging with suppliers of concentrate to lift force majeure
imminently. All temporary commercial arrangements applicable during the force majeure period
will revert to normal commercial terms.”
The estimated final cost of repairs for ACP Phase B is c.R150 million, in line with the lower end
of guidance provided. Repair work on the ACP Phase A unit continues and is progressing in line
with the project plan. All orders for long lead items have been placed and the dismantling work
started on site.
Due to the time taken to refine the respective platinum group and base metals, the force majeure
notice remains in effect for our refined metal customers. Force majeure arrangements with these
customers will be lifted in the future and in line with the provisions of our agreements.
Given the collective uncertainty around the start-up of ACP, the ramp-up of mining operations
and the potential impact of COVID-19, Anglo American Platinum retains its current guidance and
will provide an update as appropriate when we have further information and clarity on production.
A safe and successful repair under lockdown
In accordance with lockdown regulations, the repair team was able to continue with repairs
throughout the extended lockdown period in South Africa. All materials required for repairs were
ordered and available on site ahead of the lockdown, and there were no supply chain disruptions
that impacted the ability to complete the repairs. Safety protocols were implemented on site in
line with Government approvals and regulations. A construction work risk review was completed
to determine work phasing, method of execution, key resource identification and increased health
protocols.
The ACP construction repair team was split into two teams that self-isolated for the duration of
the repair work, and COVID-19 specific health protocols were put in place for cleaning, screening
and transport to site. A new shift pattern was introduced that fostered social distancing. Increased
site hygiene measures for sanitisation, together with site safety and health supervision were
implemented to ensure safety and quality of construction. We have reported zero injuries, zero
health issues or positive COVID-19 cases and did not experience any health and safety or
construction issues during the repair and ramp up.
The Company’s ability to continue these essential repairs during lockdown has been critical to
the resumption of the processing pipeline. As a result of the incidents at the ACP, and the need
to shut operations to secure a safe operational environment for employees, the Company could
not process any metal to final product during this period. With mining activity resuming to varying
degrees under the current Level 4 lockdown restrictions, the Company is now able to begin
processing concentrate and releasing metal from the pipeline.
For further information, please contact:
Media Investors
UK UK
James Wyatt-Tilby Paul Galloway
james.wyatt-tilby@angloamerican.com paul.galloway@angloamerican.com
Marcelo Esquivel Robert Greenberg
marcelo.esquivel@angloamerican.com robert.greenberg@angloamerican.com
Katie Ryall Emma Waterworth
katie.ryall@angloamerican.com emma.waterworth@angloamerican.com
South Africa
Pranill Ramchander Emma Chapman
pranill.ramchander@angloamerican.com emma.chapman@angloamerican.com
Sibusiso Tshabalala
sibusiso.tshabalala@angloamerican.com
Jana Marais
jana.marais@angloamerican.com
Notes to editors:
Anglo American is a leading global mining company and our products are the essential
ingredients in almost every aspect of modern life. Our portfolio of world-class competitive mining
operations and undeveloped resources provides the metals and minerals that enable a cleaner,
greener, more sustainable world and that meet the fast growing consumer-driven demands of
the world’s developed and maturing economies. With our people at the heart of our business, we
use innovative practices and the latest technologies to discover new resources and mine, process,
move and market our products to our customers around the world – safely, responsibly and
sustainably.
As a responsible miner – of diamonds (through De Beers), copper, platinum group metals, iron
ore, steelmaking and thermal coal, and nickel – we are the custodians of what are precious
natural resources. We work together with our business partners and diverse stakeholders to
unlock the sustainable value that those resources represent for our shareholders, the
communities and countries in which we operate, and for society as a whole. Anglo American is
re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives.
www.angloamerican.com
The Company has a primary listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange and
secondary listings on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Botswana Stock Exchange, the
Namibia Stock Exchange and the SIX Swiss Exchange.
Sponsor
RAND MERCHANT BANK (A division of FirstRand Bank Limited)
Date: 05-05-2020 08:05:00
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