Anglo American plc

Ernest Oppenheimer, a Jewish German émigré, founded the Anglo American Corporation (AAC) in 1917 in Johannesburg, South Africa, with financial backing from the American bank J.P. Morgan & Co. and £1 million raised from UK and US sources to start the gold mining company; this fact is reflected in the company's name.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/2006/08/21/anglo-american-update-cx_cn_0821miner.html |title=New Mining Target: Anglo American |date=21 August 2006 |first=Chris |last=Noon |work=Forbes |access-date=27 May 2008 |archive-date=2 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202073717/http://www.forbes.com/2006/08/21/anglo-american-update-cx_cn_0821miner.html |url-status=dead }} The AAC became the majority stakeholder in the De Beers company in 1926, a company formerly controlled by Alfred Beit, also a Jewish German émigré.{{cite book |last=Chilvers |first=Henry |date=1939 |title=The Story of De Beers |publisher=Cassell |page=227}}

In the late 1940s and 1950s, the AAC focused on the development of the Free State goldfields (seven major mines simultaneously) and the Vaal Reefs mine.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cNxCDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA149|title=Unsettled History: Making South African Public Pasts|first1= Leslie |last1=Witz|first2=Gary |last2=Minkley|first3=Ciraj |last3=Rassool |publisher=University of Michigan Press |year=2017 |isbn=978-0472073344}} During 1945, the AAC moved into the coal industry by acquiring Coal Estates. Twelve years later, Oppenheimer died in Johannesburg and was succeeded as head of the company by his son Harry, who also became chairman of De Beers.{{Cite news|last=Pallister|first=David|date=20 August 2000|title=Obituary: Harry Oppenheimer, diamond baron|work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2000/aug/21/guardianobituaries.davidpallister|access-date=10 October 2017|issn=0261-3077}}

In 1961, the AAC expanded outside of southern Africa for the first time and became a major investor in the Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company in Canada. In 1967, the company moved into the steel industry by acquiring Scaw Metals. From 1967 to 1975, it continued to grow and established a number of ventures, including the Mondi Group (timber, pulp and paper), Amgold (later AngloGold Ashanti) and then Amcoal (through the consolidation of several of its mining operations in South Africa; later known as Anglo Coal and in 2010 changed to Anglo Thermal). In 1982, Harry Oppenheimer retired as chairman of the AAC and was succeeded by Gavin Relly. Two years later, Oppenheimer retired from De Beers and passed the chairmanship to Julian Ogilvie Thompson,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/03/business/at-e-beers-the-dynasty-continues-under-a-new-name.html?pagewanted=all|title=At De Beers, the dynasty continues under a new name|newspaper=The New York Times|date=3 March 1985|access-date=19 March 2016}} who in 1990 also became chairman and chief executive of the AAC.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/02/business/company-news-anglo-american-chairman-apartheid-critic-to-retire.html|title=Anglo American chairman apartheid critic to retire|newspaper=The New York Times|date=2 March 1990|access-date=19 March 2016}}

File:Sculptures outside Anglo American.jpg

On 24 May 1999, Anglo American Corporation merged with Minorco to form Anglo American plc, with its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/anglo-american-creates-pounds-6bn-london-giant-1178568.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/anglo-american-creates-pounds-6bn-london-giant-1178568.html |archive-date=7 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Anglo American creates pounds 6bn London giant |date=16 October 1998 |first=Peter |last=Thal Larsen |work=The Independent |access-date=6 December 2019}}{{cbignore}} Its gold mining operations were spun off into the separate AngloGold corporation, which in 2004 merged with the Ashanti Goldfields Corporation to form AngloGold Ashanti. Anglo American reduced its stake in AngloGold Ashanti to 16.6% in 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.angloamerican.com/investors/shareholder-information/agm/Archive/ceo2008 |title=AGM 2008 - Chief Executive speech |date=15 April 2008 |website=Anglo American plc }}

In 2000, Julian Ogilvie Thompson retired as chief executive of Anglo American and was succeeded by Tony Trahar. Ogilvie Thompson also retired as chairman in 2002 and was replaced by Mark Moody-Stuart. In the same year, Anglo American acquired Tarmac, a supplier of building materials,{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/tarmac-falls-to-pounds-12bn-anglo-american-bid-1123813.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/tarmac-falls-to-pounds-12bn-anglo-american-bid-1123813.html |archive-date=7 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Tarmac falls to pounds 1.2bn Anglo American bid |newspaper=The Independent |date=6 November 1999|access-date=17 January 2018}}{{cbignore}} and Shell Petroleum Company's Australian coal assets.{{cite web |url=http://www.atimes.com/bizasia/BF02Aa01.html |title=Shell to shed coal to Anglo American |date=2 June 2000 |work=Asia Times Online |access-date=27 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010411065324/http://www.atimes.com/bizasia/BF02Aa01.html |archive-date=11 April 2001 |url-status=unfit }} In 2001, De Beers was privatised after being a listed company for more than 70 years.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/16/business/17.6-billion-deal-to-make-de-beers-private-company.html |title=$17.6 Billion Deal to Make De Beers Private Company |date=16 February 2001 |first1=Alan |last1=Cowell |first2=Rachel L. |last2=Swarns |work=The New York Times |access-date=27 May 2009}}

In 2002, South Africa's Mining Charter was approved,{{cite web|url=http://www.southafrica.info/business/trends/empowerment/charters.htm |title=Key empowerment charters |date=29 October 2004 |website=SouthAfrica.info |access-date=27 May 2009}} and Anglo American and other mining companies with operations in the country were mandated to transfer a percentage of their South African production to historically disadvantaged South Africans.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2316123.stm |title=South African mines charter welcomed |date=10 October 2002 |work=BBC News |access-date=27 May 2009}} From 2002 to July 2008 Anglo American carried out black community economic empowerment transactions (across all businesses with operations in South Africa) totalling R26 billion.{{cite web |url=http://www.miningweekly.com/article/employment-equity-next-big-transformation-challenge-for-anglo-american-south-africa-baum-2008-07-08/rep_id:3650 |title=Employment equity next big transformation challenge for Anglo American South Africa – Baum |date=8 July 2008 |first=Chanel |last=de Bruyn |work=Mining Weekly |access-date=27 May 2009}} Also, in 2002, Anglo Base Metals acquired the Disputada copper operations in Chile from ExxonMobil{{cite web|url=http://dallas.bizjournals.com/dallas/stories/2002/11/11/daily35.html |title=Exxon Mobil completes Chile copper business sale |date=13 November 2002 |work=Dallas Business Journal |access-date=27 May 2009}} and opened a representative office in Beijing, China.{{cite web |url=http://www.bjreview.com.cn/world/txt/2007-04/23/content_62271_2.htm |title=Getting Down to Business |date=26 April 2007 |first=Michael |last=Jones |work=Beijing Review |access-date=27 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930034515/http://www.bjreview.com.cn/world/txt/2007-04/23/content_62271_2.htm |archive-date=30 September 2011 |url-status=dead }} In 2003, Anglo American acquired a majority stake in iron ore producer Kumba Resources.{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/companies/anglos-stake-in-kumba-is-now-666-762268 |title=Anglo's stake in Kumba is now 66.6% |date=9 December 2003 |work=Business Report |access-date=27 May 2009}}

In 2007, Cynthia Carroll succeeded Tony Trahar, becoming the first non-South African and first female chief executive of Anglo American.{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2949496/Anglo-appoints-first-female-head.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2949496/Anglo-appoints-first-female-head.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Anglo appoints first female head |date=24 October 2006 |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=27 May 2009}}{{cbignore}} The Mondi Group, a paper and packaging business, was also spun out in 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/666643/Mondi-demerger-approved-Anglo-American-shareholders/ |title=Mondi demerger approved by Anglo American shareholders |date=26 June 2007 |work=Packaging News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218095256/http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/business/mondi-demerger-approved-by-anglo-american-shareholders/ |archive-date=18 February 2012}} During the next two years, Anglo American opened a representative office in New Delhi, India,{{cite web|url=http://www.chinamining.org/News/2008-11-07/1226027270d18913.html |title=Anglo American Plc keen on Indian tie-ups in mining |date=7 November 2008 |work=China Mining |access-date=27 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725165152/http://www.chinamining.org/News/2008-11-07/1226027270d18913.html |archive-date=25 July 2011}} acquired control of the Michiquillay copper project in northern Peru and the MMX Minas-Rio and Amapa iron ore projects in Brazil,{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/2008/01/17/mmx-anglo-american-markets-equity-cx_vr_0117markets23.html |title=Anglo American's $5.5 Billion Spending Spree |date=17 January 2008 |first=Vidya |last=Ram |work=Forbes |access-date=27 May 2009}} and later acquired stakes in the Pebble copper project in Alaska.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/leadership/forbes/2008/0616/100.html |title=Queen Bee |date=22 May 2008 |first=Phyllis |last=Berman |work=Forbes |access-date=27 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530220347/http://www.forbes.com/leadership/forbes/2008/0616/100.html |archive-date=30 May 2008 |url-status=dead }}

Anglo American was also accused in 2007 of damaging environmental practices: in order to complete its planned Alaskan Pebble Mine in collaboration with Northern Dynasty Minerals, the company considered building a massive dam at the headwaters of the world's largest sockeye salmon fishery, which it would risk obliterating.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/24/AR2007122401915_pf.html |title=Alaskans Weigh the Cost of Gold |date=25 December 2007 |first=Karl |last=Vick |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=27 December 2007}} Opponents also pointed to the use of cyanide, heavy metals, and acid mine drainage which can all have potentially devastating effects on the environment of the Bristol Bay area. Opponents of the Pebble Mine created Ballot Measure 4 to impose additional water quality standards on new large-scale mines in the state. However, in August 2007, Alaskans voted against the initiative.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna26445447 |title=Alaska voters defeat tougher mining rules |date=28 August 2008 |work=NBC News |access-date=25 August 2009}} As of September 2008, the Pebble Limited Partnership had not yet put forward a project proposal and was working to prepare a prefeasibility study for the project in the second half of 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.im-mining.com/2008/09/04/alaska-voters-validate-states-regulatory-framework-for-mining/ |title=Alaska voters validate State's regulatory framework for mining |date=4 September 2008 |work=International Mining |access-date=25 August 2009}} The mine proposal would still need to undergo environmental studies and the permitting process, including being subject to state and federal water protections.{{cite web|url=http://www.alternet.org/water/96843/alaska_chooses_largest_gold_mine_over_clean_water/ |title=Alaska Chooses Largest Gold Mine Over Clean Water |date=29 August 2008 |first=Kari |last=Lydersen |work=AlterNet |access-date=25 August 2009}} In December 2013, Anglo American withdrew from the Pebble Limited Partnership.{{cite news|last1=Goldenberg|first1=Suzanne|title=Anglo American pulls out of Alaska mines project|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/16/anglo-american-alaska-gold-mines|newspaper=The Guardian|date=16 September 2013|access-date=3 August 2015}}

In early November 2011, Anglo American entered into talks with the Oppenheimer family to divest the latter's remaining shares of De Beers, whereby Anglo American acquired an additional 40% stake for $5.1 billion, increasing their overall stake to 85%. This came at a time of increased labour strikes and international attention to Oppenheimer's involvement in conflict diamonds.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15590256|title=Anglo American in $5bn De Beers deal with Oppenheimers|access-date=10 November 2011|work=BBC News|date=4 November 2011}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/industries/anglo-american-raises-stake-in-de-beers-to-85-pct-with-51-bn-purchase-of-oppenheimer-stake/2011/11/04/gIQAiapQlM_story.html|title=Anglo American raises stake in De Beers to 85 pct with $5.1B purchase of Oppenheimer stake|access-date=10 November 2011|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=4 November 2011}}{{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Anglo American then sold a 24.5% share in its Chilean copper unit, Anglo American Sur, to Japan's Mitsubishi Corporation for $5.39 billion, paid with a promissory note due on 10 November 2011. With this deal, the Anglo American Sur complex was valued at $22 billion.{{cite web |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-11-09/anglo-american-sells-24-5-holding-in-aas-to-mitsubishi-for-5-39-billion.html |title=Anglo Sells Chile Unit Stake in 'Bold' Bid to Thwart Codelco |date=10 November 2011 |first1=Firat |last1=Kayakiran |first2=Matt |last2=Craze |website=Bloomberg News }}

In November 2012, Anglo American completed the sale of steel maker Scaw South Africa and its connected companies for a total of R3.4 billion in cash.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-angloamerican-idUSBRE8AP06720121126 |title=Anglo sells Scaw South Africa for $383 million |date=26 November 2012 |first=David |last=Dolan |website=Reuters }}

In July 2014, Anglo American said it was disposing of its 50% shareholding in Lafarge Tarmac, a building materials joint venture, to cement maker Lafarge SA for a value of not less than £885 million ($1.5 billion);{{cite news|title=Mining giant Anglo American to sell stake in Lafarge Tarmac for $1.5 bn|url=http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/223584359/scat/9d7afd9766a94f28/ht/Mining-giant-Anglo-American-to-sell-stake-in-Lafarge-Tarmac-for-15-bn|date=7 July 2014|work=London Mercury|access-date=7 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714130424/http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/223584359/scat/9d7afd9766a94f28/ht/Mining-giant-Anglo-American-to-sell-stake-in-Lafarge-Tarmac-for-15-bn|archive-date=14 July 2014|url-status=dead}} the sale was subsequently completed in July 2015 for $1.6 billion.{{cite news|last1=Mark|first1=Odell|title=Anglo American completed sales of Lafarge-Tarmac stake|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/87e5bd04-2c86-11e5-acfb-cbd2e1c81cca.html#axzz3hl5CKCzD|newspaper=Financial Times|access-date=3 August 2015}} In October 2014, Anglo American's Minas-Rio iron ore project in Brazil began operating and shipping ore.{{cite web |last1=Kayakiran|first1=Firat|title=Anglo's Minas-Rio to Lift Ebitda by $560 Million, Bernstein Says|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-10-28/anglo-s-minas-rio-to-lift-ebitda-by-560-million-bernstein-says|date=28 October 2014 |website=Bloomberg News |access-date=3 August 2015}}

In July 2015, Anglo American announced that it would cut 53,000 jobs (35% of their workforce) and that in the first half of 2015, they had a financial loss of US$3 billion.{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/anglo-american-posts-3-billion-loss-amid-plunging-commodity-prices-1437719758 |title=Anglo American to Slash 53,000 Jobs as Commodity Price Falls Hit Results |date=24 July 2015 |first=Scott |last=Patterson |work=The Wall Street Journal }} In early December 2015, the company announced that, as part of a restructure, it would be cutting a further 85,000 mining jobs, nearly two-thirds of its work force of 135,000, worldwide. It also announced the consolidation of six of its divisions into three businesses, while dividend payouts to investors were also suspended for a year.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-35038076 |title=Anglo American to cut workforce by 85,000 in restructuring |date=8 December 2015 |website=BBC News |access-date=9 December 2015}} The company also had its Dawson, Foxleigh and Callide coal mines in Central Queensland, as well as its Dartbrook coal mine in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, put up for sale as its shares dropped to a record low on the London Stock Exchange, falling by more than 12 per cent.{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-12-09/anglo-american-to-cut-85000-mining-jobs-worldwide/7012784 |title=Anglo American to cut 85,000 mining jobs worldwide as part of restructure, four Australian mines remain for sale |date=9 December 2015 |last1=Lannin |first1=Sue |website=ABC News |access-date=9 December 2015}}

In March 2017, British Indian industrialist Anil Agarwal purchased 11% of the company through his family trust Volcan.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/03/16/anil-agarwals-dawn-raid-anglo-american-throws-miners-future/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316185935/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2017/03/16/anil-agarwals-dawn-raid-anglo-american-throws-miners-future/ |archive-date=2017-03-16 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Anil Agarwal's 'dawn raid' on Anglo American throws miner's future up in the air |date=16 March 2017 |first=Jon |last=Yeomans |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=25 February 2018}} In September, he took the holding to 20% through another purchase worth about $1.5 billion.{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/0c0dcaec-9ede-11e7-9a86-4d5a475ba4c5 |title=Why Anil Agarwal has lifted his stake in Anglo American to 20% |date=28 September 2017 |first=Neil |last=Hume |work=Financial Times |access-date=25 February 2018}} In April 2017, the company sold its Eskom-linked thermal coal operations in South Africa for $166 million, marking an important step in the mining giant's strategic overhaul to sharpen its focus on three commodities.{{cite news|url=https://www.moneyweb.co.za/mineweb/mining-companies-investment/anglo-american-to-sell-eskom-tied-coal-operations-in-sa/ |title=Anglo American sells Eskom-tied coal operations in SA |date=10 April 2017 |work=Moneyweb |access-date=31 August 2017 |language=en-US}}

In October 2019, Anglo American announced a partnership with French energy company Engie{{cite web|url=https://www.miningmagazine.com/fleet/news/1373393/anglo-engie-to-roll-out-worlds-largest-hydrogen-truck |title=Anglo, Engie to roll out 'world's largest' hydrogen truck |date=11 October 2019 |first=Nia |last=Kajastie |work=Mining Magazine |access-date=23 December 2019}} and engineering firm First Mode to develop the world's largest hydrogen-powered mine haul truck.{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=Alan |date=17 December 2019 |title=First Mode forges $13.5M agreement with Anglo American to develop mining tech |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2019/first-mode-forges-13-5m-agreement-anglo-american-develop-mining-tech/ |access-date=6 June 2023 |website=GeekWire}}

In January 2020, Anglo American made a 5.5p per share offer to buy a polyhalite fertiliser project (in North Yorkshire, England) from Sirius Minerals for £400m.{{Cite news|url=https://www.yorkshirecoastradio.com/news/local-news/3027725/agreement-reached-for-takeover-of-whitby-potash-mine/|title=Agreement Reached For Takeover Of Whitby Potash Mine|date=2020-01-20|work=Yorkshire Coast Radio}} In salvaging the financially troubled project, Anglo American envisages spending around £230m to keep construction going.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Anglo American commits to saving £2.5bn potash mine project |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2020/01/20/anglo-amercian-commits-to-saving-2-5bn-potash-mine-project/ |access-date=20 January 2020 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=20 January 2020}} The sale was approved by shareholders in March 2020.{{cite news |last1=Morby |first1=Aaron |title=Anglo American seals potash mine project takeover |url=https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2020/03/04/anglo-american-seals-potash-mine-project-takeover/ |access-date=5 March 2020 |work=Construction Enquirer |date=4 March 2020}}

In April 2021, Anglo American announced the demerger of Thungela Resources, which will own a series of significant South African thermal coal assets,{{cite news|url=https://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/news/2021/04/13/anglo-american-spinning-off-thermal-coal-business/ |title=Anglo American spinning off thermal coal business|date=13 April 2021|newspaper=Investors' Chronicle|access-date=1 June 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.angloamerican.com/~/media/Files/A/Anglo-American-Group/PLC/products/thermal-coal/demerger/thungela-combined-pre-listing-statement-and-prospectus.pdf| title=Thungela Resources: combined pre-listing statement and prospectus|website=Anglo American|date=8 April 2021|access-date=1 June 2021}} in order to eliminate the risk of clean-up liabilities.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-06/anglo-s-coal-spinoff-is-worth-zero-research-firm-boatman-says?srnd=premium-europe|date=2021-06-06|title=Anglo's Coal Spinoff is Worth Zero, Research Firm Boatman Says|author= Thomas Biesheuvel }}

In May 2022, Anglo American and First Mode unveiled the world’s largest hydrogen powered mine haul truck at Mogalakwena PGM Mine in northeast South Africa. The project, which is expected to be fully implemented by 2026, is a first step in making eight of the company’s mines carbon neutral by 2040.{{Cite web |title=Anglo American unveils a prototype of the world's largest hydrogen-powered mine haul truck - a vital step towards reducing carbon emissions over time |url=https://www.angloamerican.com/media/press-releases/2022/06-05-2022 |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Anglo American |language=en}} The company has set a target of getting all of its operations to that status by 2040.{{Cite web |website=Bloomberg |title=World's biggest hydrogen trucks start work at Anglo American |url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/energy/583728/worlds-biggest-hydrogen-trucks-start-work-at-anglo-american/ |access-date=2022-05-10 |language=en-US}} President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa was present at the launch and stated, "Developing the hydrogen economy is a strategic priority for our country."{{Cite web |title=President Cyril Ramaphosa: Launch of Anglo American nuGEN |url=https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-launch-anglo-american-nugen-6-may-2022-0000 |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=Government of South Africa}}

BHP made an offer to acquire the company for £31 billion in April 2024; however, the offer was rejected by the company as "highly unattractive".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/apr/26/anglo-american-rejects-takeover-offer-from-mining-rival-bhp |title=Anglo American rejects £31bn takeover offer from mining rival BHP|date=26 April 2024|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=26 April 2024}} In May 2024, a revised offer was made by BHP and subsequently rejected by Anglo American.{{Cite web |title=Bloomberg |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-13/bhp-says-anglo-american-has-rejected-revised-proposal |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=www.bloomberg.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/bhp-says-anglo-american-rejected-revised-proposal-2024-05-13/|title=Anglo American rejects BHP's revised $42.7 billion buyout proposal|website=Reuter|date=May 13, 2024|author=Clara Denina|access-date=May 13, 2024}}

The platinum mining division, was demerged from Anglo American as Valterra Platinum on 31 May 2025.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mining-technology.com/news/anglo-american-demerger-majority-stake-valterra-platinum/|title=Anglo American completes demerger of majority stake in Valterra Platinum|date=3 June 2025|newspaper=Mining Technology|access-date=5 June 2025}}

Anglo American focuses on natural resources with six core businesses: Kumba Iron Ore, Iron Ore Brazil, coal (thermal and metallurgical), base metals (copper, nickel, niobium and phosphates), platinum, and diamonds, through De Beers, in which it owns an 85% share.{{cite web |url=http://www.angloamerican.com/about-us/at-a-glance |title=At a glance |website=Anglo American plc |access-date=3 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150816090712/http://www.angloamerican.com/about-us/at-a-glance |archive-date=16 August 2015 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.mining.com/anglo-american-completes-acquisition-of-de-beers-75382/ |title=Anglo American completes acquisition of De Beers |date=17 August 2012 |work=Mining.com |access-date=3 August 2015}} In 2008, the company had 105,000 permanent employees and 39,000 contract employees in its managed operations across 45 countries.{{cite web|url=https://www.angloamerican.com/~/media/Files/A/Anglo-American-Group/PLC/investors/annual-reporting/2009/rts-08-final.pdf |title=Making a difference - Report to Society 2008 |website=Anglo American plc |access-date=1 June 2009}}

In 2008, Anglo American (excluding De Beers) spent $212 million on exploring 21 countries for resources including copper, nickel, niobium phosphates and zinc.{{cite web|url=http://ar08.angloamerican.solutions.investis.com/ofr/resources/exploration.html |title=Annual Report 2008 - Exploration |website=Anglo American plc |access-date=1 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007150644/http://ar08.angloamerican.solutions.investis.com/ofr/resources/exploration.html |archive-date=7 October 2011}} The two main types of exploration for the company are greenfield and brownfield, with nearly 70% devoted to greenfield projects.{{cite web |url=http://www.angloamerican.co.uk/aa/business/whatwedo/exploration/ |title=What we do - Exploration |website=Anglo American plc |access-date=1 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924174352/http://www.angloamerican.co.uk/aa/business/whatwedo/exploration/ |archive-date=24 September 2008 |url-status=dead }}

Anglo American, along with De Beers, backed the manufacturing of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) to help improve the sensitivity of exploration surveys.{{cite web|url=http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/179269460.html |title=High definition exploration brings better prospects |date=October 2007 |first=Kyran |last=Casteel |work=Entrepreneur |access-date=1 June 2009}} Anglo American established Boart Products South Africa Limited in 1936 (later named Boart International) to turn the company's stockpile of boart, or low-grade natural diamonds, into drilling products.{{cite web|url=http://www.adventinternational.com/news/pressreleases/Pages/pressRelease_20050607.aspx |title=Advent to acquire Boart Longyear from Anglo American |date=7 June 2005 |website=Advent International |access-date=1 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707085535/http://www.adventinternational.com/news/pressreleases/Pages/pressRelease_20050607.aspx |archive-date=7 July 2011}} This initiative resulted in the development of the first mechanically set diamond drill bit and later led to additional research into cutting and abrasive tools.{{cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Boart-Longyear-Company-Company-History.html |title=History of Boart Longyear Company |website=Funding Universe |access-date=1 June 2009}}

In December 2010, following delays and high costs, Anglo American gained a key licence from the Brazilian government that would allow work to start on the Minas-Rio iron ore project.{{cite news|url=https://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFJOE6B907J20101210 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213155835/http://af.reuters.com/article/investingNews/idAFJOE6B907J20101210 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 December 2010 |title=Anglo to start building Brazil mine, gets licence |date=12 December 2010 |first=Eric |last=Onstad |website=Reuters |access-date=12 December 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mining-journal.com/production-and-markets/anglo-secures-key-environmental-permit-for-minas-rio |title=Anglo secures key environmental permit for Minas-Rio |date=12 December 2010 |work=Mining Journal |access-date=12 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101214171808/http://www.mining-journal.com/production-and-markets/anglo-secures-key-environmental-permit-for-minas-rio |archive-date=14 December 2010 |url-status=dead}} Production is initially expected to be 26.5 million tonnes per year; iron ore would be sent through a 525 km slurry pipeline to the Port of Açu.{{cite web |url=http://www.bnamericas.com/project-profile/en/Minas-Rio-Minas-Rio |title=Minas-Río |date=12 December 2010 |website=BNAmericas |access-date=12 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203090248/http://www.bnamericas.com/project-profile/en/Minas-Rio-Minas-Rio |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=live }} As of October 2014, Minas-Rio is operational and shipping ore.

In July 2018, Anglo American announced that it would spend $5.3 billion on developing the Quellaveco copper mine in Peru, which the company acquired in 1992, with the Japanese conglomerate Mitsubishi funding 40% of the total cost.{{cite web|url=https://www.mining-technology.com/news/anglo-american-build-5-3bn-copper-mine-peru/ |title=Anglo American to build $5.3bn copper mine in Peru |date=27 July 2018 |first=JP |last=Casey |work=Mining Technology |access-date=23 December 2019}} As part of the project, Anglo American also committed 650 million soles ($195 million) towards local community developments projects in Moquegua, where the Quellaveco mine is located.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-peru-anglo-american/anglo-american-agrees-to-earlier-community-payout-in-peru-after-protests-idUSKCN1VB2FE |title=Anglo American agrees to earlier community payout in Peru after protests |date=21 August 2019 |first=Mitra |last=Taj |website=Reuters |access-date=23 December 2019}}

In October 2020, Anglo American was accused of being responsible for lead poisoning in possibly over 100,000 people near Kabwe mine, which the company operated from 1925 - 1974.{{Cite web |title=Zambians sue Anglo American mining company over lead poisoning |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2020/10/21/anglo-american-sued-for-lead-poisoning-in-zambia-mining-town |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2020-10-21 |title=Anglo American sued over alleged mass lead poisoning of children in Zambia |url=http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/oct/21/anglo-american-sued-over-alleged-mass-lead-poisoning-of-children-in-zambia |access-date=2022-03-21 |work=The Guardian |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2020-10-21 |title=Zambia: Anglo American sued for 'mass lead poisoning' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54634511 |access-date=2022-03-21}} Numerous studies since 1971 have shown that people around Kabwe mine have been poisoned by lead. A 2015 study found that 100% of children tested in the area had lead in their blood exceeding CDC guidelines.{{Cite journal |last1=Yabe |first1=John |last2=Nakayama |first2=Shouta M. M. |last3=Ikenaka |first3=Yoshinori |last4=Yohannes |first4=Yared B. |last5=Bortey-Sam |first5=Nesta |last6=Oroszlany |first6=Balazs |last7=Muzandu |first7=Kaampwe |last8=Choongo |first8=Kennedy |last9=Kabalo |first9=Abel Nketani |last10=Ntapisha |first10=John |last11=Mweene |first11=Aaron |last12=Umemura |first12=Takashi |last13=Ishizuka |first13=Mayumi |date=January 2015 |title=Lead poisoning in children from townships in the vicinity of a lead-zinc mine in Kabwe, Zambia |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25303652/ |journal=Chemosphere |volume=119 |pages=941–947 |doi=10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.09.028 |issn=1879-1298 |pmid=25303652|bibcode=2015Chmsp.119..941Y |hdl=2115/58817 |s2cid=4574262 |hdl-access=free }}

Plaintiffs say that the lead originated from the lead mine and smelter, stating that “generations of children have been poisoned by the operations of the Kabwe mine...which caused widespread contamination of the soil, dust, water and vegetation.”{{Cite web |title=Zambia lead poisoning victims seek court approval for Anglo case |url=https://www.mining.com/web/zambia-lead-poisoning-victims-seek-court-approval-for-anglo-case/ |access-date=2022-03-21 |website=Mining |language=en-US}} Anglo American denies these allegations and has accused its successor ZCCM, which operated the mine after its nationalization in 1974. The class action certification hearing was held in February 2023 at the High Court of South Africa's Johannesburg branch.{{Cite news |last=Gbadamosi |first=Nosmot |date=8 February 2023 |title=Zambia Takes Anglo American to Court |work=Foreign Policy |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/02/08/zambia-south-africa-anglo-american-mining-court-lawsuit/ |access-date=9 February 2023}}

In 2013, the companies involved in the Cerrejón coal mine in Colombia, were accused of increasing illness in approximately 13,000 people living close to the mine.{{Cite web |date=2013-04-15 |title=Colombian miners hit out at Anglo American |url=http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/apr/15/mining-mining |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=The Guardian |language=en}} Anglo American was also accused of failing to compensate people who had been displaced by its expansion. In September 2020, a UN human rights expert advised that Colombia discontinue the mine citing environmental and human rights concerns.{{Cite news |date=2020-09-28 |title=UN rights expert urges Colombia to suspend some Cerrejon mine operations |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cerrejon-colombia-idUSKBN26J38P |access-date=2022-03-22}} In January 2021, the OECD launched an investigation into Cerrejón over human rights and environmental concerns. In February 2021, Anglo American announced plans to divest the Cerrejon mine by 2024.{{Cite web |title=Anglo American to exit thermal coal production by 2024 |url=https://www.montelnews.com/news/1198645/anglo-american-to-exit-thermal-coal-production-by-2024- |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=Montel |language=en}} In June 2021, Anglo sued the Colombian government for preventing the development of the La Puente coal pit.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-04 |title=Anglo American files Cerrejon lawsuit against |url=https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/2221732-anglo-american-files-cerrejon-lawsuit-against-colombia |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=Argus Media |language=en}}

For 2023, Anglo American reported Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions of 12.5 Mt CO2e.

The company has committed to carbon neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040, and 50% reductions in the Scope 3 emissions relative to a 2020 baseline.{{Cite web |title=Sustainability Report 2022 |website=Anglo American plc |url=https://www.angloamerican.com/~/media/Files/A/Anglo-American-Group-v5/PLC/investors/annual-reporting/2022/climate-change-report-2022.pdf |access-date=29 November 2023}}

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