The Acting Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American’s Metallurgical Coal business, Mr David Diamond, today announced some 328 people evacuated from Theodore were being sheltered in the company’s Dawson Mine camp, motels and other accommodation facilities at Moura.

“The community spirit shown by the people of Moura and the region over the past few days has been extraordinary and our company is proud to be helping their effort,” Mr Diamond said.

The Acting General Manager of Anglo American’s Dawson Mine, Andy McLeod, today also announced a $100,000 company donation to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal. In addition, Anglo American employees will be able to make donations to the Appeal through voluntary payroll deductions.

“Anglo American is the largest employer in the region and a number of employees unable to get to work due to flood waters have been volunteering their time to help the community,” Mr McLeod said.

“Most of the people evacuated from Theodore left with just the clothes they were wearing so we are providing them with shelter and basic necessities such as food, clothes and toiletries,” Mr McLeod said.

The 328 people processed by Dawson Village team for accommodation at the camp and other facilities were distributed as follows:

• 48 at Dawson Village;
• 110 at the Coal and Cattle Motel;
• 87 at Moura Hotel;
• 34 at the Caravan Park;
• Four at Moura Hospital; and
• Two transferred out by air.

“We have capacity at our Dawson and Kotti Doon camps to house more evacuees should that be required in the coming days,” Mr McLeod said.

“A large number of pets and other animals were also evacuated and are being looked after by the local veterinary clinic.

“I wish to commend the work of Banana Shire Council, emergency crews, local doctors and the Spotless team at Dawson Village for their tireless effort in coordinating evacuations, moving people safely, arranging accommodation and providing medical treatment in difficult conditions,” Mr McLeod said.

“I particularly wish to commend the local, teachers, housewives, nurses and small business owners who rallied together through Facebook and by phone to set up a crisis centre at Kianga Hall in a very short period of time, the centre is now filled with clothing and other community donations,” Mr McLeod said.

ENDS

Contact

Anglo American Metallurgical Coal External Affairs:
Aldo Pennini: 0407 592 260
Jacqui Strambi: 0439 774 526

Notes to editors:

Anglo American plc is 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