Anglo American plc
A British multinational mining group producing copper, iron ore, platinum-group metals, diamonds and other minerals.
Last updated October 27, 2026
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Overview
Anglo American plc is a London-headquartered multinational mining group with historical roots in the southern African gold industry. Ernest Oppenheimer established the Anglo American Corporation in Johannesburg in 1917 with financing from British, American and South African interests. The company’s name reflected its original Anglo-American funding base and its ambition to develop mineral resources in southern Africa. It later became one of the region’s most influential mining groups and expanded into coal, diamonds, platinum-group metals, copper, iron ore, steelmaking coal, nickel, phosphates and other natural resources. A defining part of Anglo American’s history is its long association with De Beers. The group became De Beers’ majority shareholder in 1926 and subsequently built a substantial position in the global diamond industry. Platinum-group metals also became central to its South African operations, while coal and iron ore provided important bulk-commodity exposure. Over time, Anglo American developed and acquired assets across Africa, South America, Australia and other regions, creating a diversified portfolio of mines, processing facilities, logistics systems and mineral-marketing activities. The modern plc was formed in 1999 through the merger of Anglo American Corporation and Minorco. The transaction moved the group’s primary listing to London and created a secondary Johannesburg listing. Gold operations were separated into AngloGold, which later became AngloGold Ashanti, and other non-core activities were subsequently sold or demerged. The group also separated the Mondi paper and packaging business and disposed of building-materials, steel and selected coal assets as it progressively concentrated on mining. In the twenty-first century, copper became increasingly prominent in Anglo American’s strategy because of its use in electrification, power networks and renewable-energy infrastructure. Major copper interests have included operations and projects in Chile and Peru, including Los Bronces and Quellaveco. The group has also invested heavily in the Minas-Rio iron-ore project in Brazil, which uses a long slurry pipeline to transport ore to port. De Beers remains associated with the group’s diamond activities, although the composition and ownership of the portfolio have changed over time. Anglo American has repeatedly reorganised in response to commodity prices, capital requirements, environmental obligations and shareholder pressure. Its 2015–16 restructuring reduced the number of operating divisions, suspended dividends temporarily and placed various coal assets under review. In 2021, its South African thermal-coal operations were separated into Thungela Resources. Its platinum business was subsequently separated as Valterra Platinum in 2025. Anglo American has also pursued lower-carbon mining technology, including a hydrogen-powered haul truck developed with First Mode and Engie. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100; it also has a Johannesburg listing. Its operations have attracted scrutiny concerning environmental impacts, labour relations, community rights, tax and historic mining liabilities. Anglo American’s current portfolio, ownership interests and strategic plans should be assessed through its latest annual report and regulatory announcements, particularly because the group has been involved in major portfolio reviews and proposed transactions.
History
Anglo American began in 1917 when Ernest Oppenheimer founded the Anglo American Corporation in Johannesburg. Backed by British and American capital, the company initially concentrated on gold mining in southern Africa. It expanded into coal in the 1940s and became the majority shareholder of De Beers in 1926, establishing a relationship that would shape its later diamond business. During the post-war period, Anglo American developed large goldfields and diversified into steel, timber, pulp and paper, copper and other resources. Its first major expansion outside southern Africa came through investment in Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting in 1961. The group also created or developed businesses that later became AngloGold Ashanti, Anglo Coal and Mondi. The 1999 merger with Minorco created Anglo American plc and shifted the group’s primary public-market identity to London. Gold assets were separated into AngloGold, which later combined with Ashanti Goldfields. The group subsequently sold or demerged several non-core businesses while expanding its international mining footprint. It acquired Chilean copper interests, built positions in Brazilian iron ore and developed the Quellaveco copper project in Peru. The company’s strategy changed substantially after the commodity downturn of 2014–16. Anglo American reduced its workforce, consolidated operating divisions, suspended dividends for a period and placed several coal assets on the market. It later sold South African thermal-coal operations into Thungela Resources and continued to focus its portfolio on copper, iron ore, platinum-group metals, diamonds and selected future-facing minerals. Major development projects included Minas-Rio in Brazil, a large iron-ore operation connected to the Atlantic coast by a slurry pipeline, and Quellaveco in Peru. Both projects required substantial capital and long-term relationships with governments, communities and joint-venture partners. Anglo American also supported innovation in exploration and mining equipment, including diamond-based drilling technology and hydrogen-powered haulage. Environmental, social and governance issues have been a recurring feature of the group’s history. The proposed Pebble copper-gold mine in Alaska generated strong opposition over potential effects on Bristol Bay’s salmon fishery; Anglo American withdrew from the project in 2013. The company has also faced disputes and criticism relating to labour conditions, community impacts, historical liabilities and alleged health effects near mining sites. These issues have influenced the group’s permitting, divestment and decarbonisation decisions. In 2024 Anglo American rejected takeover proposals from BHP while undertaking a broad portfolio simplification. In 2025 its platinum division was separated as Valterra Platinum. Because mining ownership, projects and commodity priorities can change quickly, current operating details should be checked against the company’s latest filings and announcements.
- 2025
Platinum division separated as Valterra Platinum
[7]The platinum mining division was demerged and listed as Valterra Platinum.
- 2021
Thungela demerger
[6]South African thermal-coal assets were separated into Thungela Resources.
- 2014
Minas-Rio began shipping iron ore
[1]The Brazilian Minas-Rio iron-ore project entered operation and began exporting ore through its integrated pipeline and port system.
- 2013
Pebble project exited
[1]Anglo American withdrew from the proposed Pebble partnership in Alaska after years of environmental and permitting controversy.
- 1999
Anglo American plc created
[1]Anglo American Corporation merged with Minorco, creating the present plc structure.
- 1961
International expansion begins
[1]The group expanded beyond southern Africa through a major investment in Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting.
- 1926
De Beers majority interest acquired
[1]Anglo American became the majority shareholder of De Beers, beginning a long-term connection with the diamond industry.
- 1917
Anglo American Corporation established
[2]Ernest Oppenheimer founded the Anglo American Corporation in Johannesburg to develop southern African gold resources.
Products and positioning
A globally diversified mining major increasingly focused on copper and other minerals associated with electrification, while retaining significant iron ore, diamond and platinum-group-metals businesses.
Base metals
Copper
Copper is a central part of Anglo American’s portfolio and is produced through mines and concentrator facilities in South America. The metal is sold primarily as concentrate and supports electrical equipment, construction, manufacturing and energy-transition infrastructure. Major development and operating interests have included Quellaveco in Peru and assets in Chile.
Bulk commodities
Iron ore
Anglo American produces iron ore for the steel industry through Kumba Iron Ore in South Africa and Minas-Rio in Brazil. Minas-Rio is integrated with beneficiation, a long slurry pipeline and export-port infrastructure. Iron ore remains an important source of scale and cash flow within the group’s diversified mining portfolio.
Precious and specialty metals
Platinum-group metals
The group’s historic platinum business covered platinum, palladium, rhodium and associated metals used in catalytic converters, chemical processing, jewellery and technology. The division was separated from Anglo American as Valterra Platinum in 2025, so its status as part of the Anglo American portfolio requires reference to current corporate disclosures.
Gemstones
Diamonds
Anglo American’s diamond exposure is principally through its 85% interest in De Beers, subject to subsequent ownership changes or transactions. The business covers diamond mining, sorting, sales and related activities serving jewellery and industrial markets.
Base and specialty minerals
Nickel and phosphates
Nickel and phosphate-related resources have formed part of Anglo American’s broader minerals portfolio. Nickel serves stainless steel, alloys and battery-related applications, while phosphate and polyhalite products are used in fertiliser markets. The exact assets and ownership interests have changed as the group has simplified its portfolio.
Controversies
2020
Allegations concerning lead exposure in Zambia
Anglo American was named in allegations concerning historic lead contamination and alleged health effects associated with mining activity in Zambia. The legal and factual status of such claims should be checked against court records and current company disclosures.
2020
Zambian plaintiffs sue Anglo American over alleged lead poisoning
In 2020, thirteen plaintiffs filed a suit against Anglo American in a Johannesburg court, alleging that the company caused widespread lead poisoning from a mine it owned until 1974 in Kabwe, Zambia. The suit seeks compensation and a clean-up of the area. The claims are allegations, not a determination of liability.
2007
Pebble Mine environmental controversy
Anglo American faced strong opposition over its proposed participation in the Pebble copper-gold project in Alaska. Critics argued that a large mine and tailings dam could threaten Bristol Bay’s salmon habitat through acid drainage, metals and other pollutants. Anglo American exited the partnership in 2013.
2002
Disputed valuation of Chilean copper assets
Anglo American’s acquisition of the Disputada de Las Condes copper operation from ExxonMobil drew criticism in Chile after historical details about the mine’s earlier sale by the state-owned ENAMI became public.
Marketing campaigns
- 2022Hydrogen-powered mine haul truck
South Africa · Global mining industry
Anglo American, First Mode and Engie demonstrated a large hydrogen-powered haul truck at the Mogalakwena operation. The project was presented as part of a pathway toward lower-emission mine transport and the company’s long-term carbon-neutrality objectives.
Outcome. Demonstration project and technology-development programme
Brand decisions
2024
Rejection of BHP takeover proposalsM&ABackground
BHP proposed acquiring Anglo American during a period when Anglo American was reviewing its portfolio and seeking to increase its exposure to copper.
Action taken
Anglo American rejected the proposals, characterising them as highly unattractive and setting out its own simplification strategy.
Aftermath
The proposed combination did not proceed, and Anglo American continued with portfolio changes and asset separations.
2020
Acquisition of Sirius Minerals and the Woodsmith projectM&ABackground
Sirius Minerals’ North Yorkshire polyhalite fertiliser project faced financial difficulty and required a new owner to continue development.
Action taken
Anglo American offered to acquire Sirius Minerals and continue funding construction of the Woodsmith project.
Aftermath
The acquisition was approved by shareholders and the project became part of Anglo American’s fertiliser-related portfolio.
Offer value. £400 million (2020)
2015
Portfolio restructuring and workforce reductionStrategyBackground
A severe downturn in commodity markets placed pressure on cash generation, debt and the profitability of several mining operations.
Action taken
Anglo American consolidated operating divisions, announced extensive workforce reductions, reviewed coal assets for sale and suspended dividends temporarily.
Aftermath
The group became smaller and more concentrated, with subsequent disposals and demergers supporting a sharper focus on selected commodities.
Recent events
Anglo American appoints Duncan Wanblad as CEO[10]
Reported:
Anglo American appointed Duncan Wanblad as its new CEO; he succeeds Mark Cutifani.
Anglo American tightens production guidance[11]
Reported:
In its 3Q21 production report, Anglo American tightened production guidance for diamonds, copper, iron ore and other output, citing operational challenges and, for some operations, water availability and plant performance.
Anglo American earns 25% interest in Pegasus A and B[12]
Reported:
Luminex announced receiving Anglo American's 2021 cash payment; together with cumulative spending, the payment gives Anglo American a 25% ownership stake in Pegasus A and B under the earn-in agreement.
- Unconfirmed
Glencore acquires Anglo American's Cerrejón stake[13]
Reported:
Anglo American sold its 33.3% interest in the Cerrejón joint venture in Colombia to Glencore for $294 million, completing its exit from thermal coal, according to the article.
Glencore announces acquisition of Anglo American and BHP stakes in Cerrejón[14]
Reported:
Glencore announced it would pay $588 million for Anglo American's and BHP's stakes in the Cerrejón coal mine in Colombia.
Anglo American completes Thungela demerger[15]
Reported:
Anglo American completed the demerger of its South African thermal coal operations into Thungela Resources, which began trading as a separate company on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges.
Zambian plaintiffs sue Anglo American over alleged lead poisoning[9]
Reported:
Thirteen plaintiffs filed a suit against Anglo American in a Johannesburg court, alleging that the company caused widespread lead poisoning from a mine it owned until 1974 in Kabwe, Zambia. The suit seeks compensation and a clean-up of the area; the claims are allegations, not a determination of liability.
Sources16 sources
- 1Anglo American plcen.wikipedia.org
- 2Anglo American: Our historyangloamerican.com
- 3Anglo American leadershipangloamerican.com
- 4Anglo American official websiteangloamerican.com
- 5London Stock Exchange company pagelondonstockexchange.com
- 6Thungela demergerangloamerican.com
- 7Platinum division separated as Valterra Platinumangloamerican.com
- 8Hydrogen-powered mine haul truckangloamerican.com
- 9Zambian plaintiffs sue Anglo American over alleged lead poisoningbiznews.com
- 10英美资源集团任命邓肯·万布拉德为首席执行官dailymaverick.co.za
- 11英美资源集团收紧产量指引globalminingreview.com
- 12英美资源集团取得Pegasus A和B项目25%权益prnewswire.com
- 13嘉能可收购英美资源集团的塞雷洪股权dailymaverick.co.za
- 14Glencore宣布收购Anglo American和BHP持有的Cerrejón股份iol.co.za
- 15英美资源集团完成Thungela分拆themarketreporter.co.uk
- 16Anglo American Group raises Copper production guidance to produce 680000 to 760000 tons of Copper in 2022 - Shanghai Metals Market (SMM)news.metal.com
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