11 February 2010
Anglo American plc announces that it has undertaken to subscribe in full to its entitlement to the $1 billion rights issue announced today by its 45% owned associate company, De Beers. Anglo American will invest $450 million in equity as part of a commitment by each of the three shareholders in De Beers to pro rata equity contributions.

During 2009, De Beers implemented a successful restructuring of its business and achieved significant efficiency improvements and cost reductions, with production and operating costs reduced by 45% and a 23% reduction in its global workforce as production was brought in line with demand.

The rights issue forms part of a wider refinancing package for De Beers designed to provide the company with a more appropriate capital structure and to secure ongoing banking facilities, at a time when the demand outlook for diamonds is improved, and to enable De Beers to invest in its future growth as the world’s leading diamond business.

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For further information, please contact:

United Kingdom
James Wyatt-Tilby, Media Relations
Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 8759

Caroline Metcalfe, Investor Relations
Tel: +44 (0)20 7968 2192

Leisha Wemyss, Investor Relations
Tel : +44 (0)20 7968 8607

South Africa
Pranill Ramchander, Media Relations
Tel: +27 (0)11 638 2592

Anna Poulter, Investor Relations
Tel: +27 (0)11 638 2079

Notes to Editors:

Anglo American plc is one of the world’s largest mining groups. With its subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, it is a global leader in platinum group metals and diamonds, with significant interests in copper, iron ore, metallurgical coal, nickel and thermal coal, as well as a divestment portfolio of other mining and industrial businesses. The Group is geographically diverse, with operations in Africa, Europe, South and North America, Australia and Asia.
www.angloamerican.co.uk