More than 2000 community members flocked to the Drayton South Community BBQ at the Muswellbrook Showgrounds on Sunday 9 August to show their support for the critical project and enjoy an action-packed day of entertainment and activities.

Guests enjoyed a range of attractions including the NRL Development Clinic, haul truck photo booth, Mines Rescue truck exhibit, face painting, market stalls and a live broadcast by 98.1 Power FM.

Drayton mine General Manager David O’Rourke said the free BBQ was a chance for Drayton to say thank you to the community for continuing to support the Drayton South project.

“We have been overwhelmed with the level of community support for Drayton South and are extremely grateful to have thousands of community members come along to the BBQ to support the project,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“During the project’s public exhibition period more than 3800 public submissions were made in support of the project, which is a clear sign that approval of Drayton South is important to local businesses, local families and the community groups and charities we work with.

“Our workers and their families greatly appreciate the tremendous endorsement from the community and look forward to the ongoing support through the next phase of the approval process.”

A number of local community groups and charities were represented at the BBQ including Riding for the Disabled, Variety Bash, Scone Neighbourhood Centre, Muswellbrook PCYC and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, who surprised guests with a special landing of the Bell 412 Helicopter.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service Community Liaison and Media Officer Barry Walton said the service had a longstanding partnership with Drayton and was delighted to be able to land the helicopter at the BBQ and show the Service’s support for Drayton South.

“This was a great opportunity to thank the staff at Drayton for their continued support of the Rescue Service through the Anglo American workplace giving program,” Mr Walton said.

“We are very thankful to Anglo American for its ongoing support, which helps ensure the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service is free of charge to the community.”

A special Drayton South information stand provided guests with key information about how the project will apply world class environmental management practices to ensure there are no adverse impacts on the environment and neighbouring properties.

The Drayton South project is currently being assessed by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and is expected to be referred to the Planning Assessment Commission as part of the next phase of the approval process.

ENDS

Contact: Corporate Affairs, Vanessa Davies – 0400 927 185

Notes to editors:

Anglo American is a global and diversified mining business that provides the raw materials essential for economic development and modern life. Our people are at the heart of our business. It is our people who use the latest technologies to find new resources, plan and build our mines and who mine, process and move and market our products – from bulk commodities and base metals to precious metals and diamonds (through De Beers) – to our customers around the world. Our diversified portfolio of products spans the economic development cycle and, as a responsible miner, we are the custodians of precious resources. We work together with our key partners and stakeholders to unlock the long-term value that those resources represent for our shareholders, but also for the communities and countries in which we operate – creating sustainable value and making a real difference. Our mining operations, growth projects and exploration and marketing activities extend across southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.