On Saturday 17 April 2010 Anglo American Metallurgical Coal (AAMC) released the terms of reference (ToR) for its tier one Grosvenor Project, a $AUS1.1 billion growth project planned for Moranbah in Queensland’s northern Bowen Basin with the capacity to create up to 1000 jobs.

AAMC Chief Executive Officer Seamus French said the Grosvenor project had progressed into the feasibility stage and next steps would involve conducting a detailed Environmental Impact Study (EIS), with construction planned for commencement in 2012.

“Establishing the Grosvenor project demonstrates AAMC’s commitment to Queensland and focus on growing its metallurgical coal business in this State,” Mr French said.

“The project involves developing a greenfield underground coal mine, producing up to seven million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of run-of-mine (ROM) coal, which would be processed to produce approximately five Mtpa of coking coal for export.

“It is our objective to develop a high-quality operation adjacent to our existing Moranbah North facility that will offer benefits to the community, the State and the people we employ, while at the same time enabling AAMC to continue to provide our customers with the high-quality metallurgical coal this region is renowned for,” Mr French said.

Mr French said AAMC had commenced engagement with stakeholders and community members in Moranbah and has been working closely with local government throughout this process.

Public notices appeared in local newspapers on Saturday as part of this consultation process.

The project site, as detailed on the application for Mining Lease (ML) 70378, is located within the northern region of the Bowen Basin, approximately 190 kilometres south-west of Mackay.

“Grosvenor will use the longwall mining method to mine coal and will have an anticipated mine life in excess of 30 years,” Mr French said.

The public notice released on Saturday, the draft ToR and an initial advice statement describing the project can be found on the Department of Environment and Resource Management’s (DERM) website: www.derm.qld.gov.au, or copies can be obtained from Hansen Bailey on (07) 3226 0900.

The draft ToR for the EIS will be available for public review and comment from Monday 19 April 2010 until close of business on Wednesday 9 June 2010.

For further information:

Aldo Pennini
Tel: 0407 592 260

Jacqui Strambi
Tel: 0439 774 526

Anglo American plc, one of the world’s largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Its portfolio of mining businesses spans precious metals and minerals – in which it is a global leader in both platinum and diamonds; base metals – copper and nickel; and bulk commodities – iron ore, metallurgical coal and thermal coal. Anglo American is committed to the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all its businesses and geographies and to making a sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations. The company’s mining operations and extensive pipeline of growth projects are located in southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America and Asia.www.angloamerican.com