Speaking from the Hunter Valley town of Denman ahead of the PAC’s public hearing into the Project, Mr Bradley said the careful redesign of Drayton South took all legitimate public concerns into account.

“Let me be clear about what is at stake: 500 direct jobs, millions in state royalties, and the reputation of the NSW planning system to support investment by approving a fully compliant state significant project,” Mr Bradley said

“The revised proposal addresses all relevant NSW Government policies and each issue raised by the previous PAC.

“The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and our Response to Submissions, including those made by NSW Government agencies and special interest groups, were endorsed by the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) in its Assessment Report,” he said.

“Importantly, Drayton South’s viability will not be impacted by recent changes to the Mining SEPP. Environmental and social impacts were as closely scrutinised in the EIS as the Project’s economic benefits, which DPE states are overwhelmingly positive.

“The Project was significantly modified with particular regard to the operations of the Coolmore and Darley (Woodlands) studs. DPE found it sets the appropriate balance and coexistence can occur.

“In addition to redesigning the Project, Anglo American has offered to put in place a binding commitment that open cut mining will not extend beyond the current mine plan boundaries.

“Our proposal is based on independently peer-reviewed scientific and economic reports and robust technical advice, in stark contrast to unsubstantiated claims which will no doubt be raised today.

“We ask the Commission to objectively and dispassionately weigh Anglo American’s mindfulness of Government policy and commitment to coexistence against threats from Coolmore and Darley that their current, wealthy Dubai and Ireland-based owners will decide for any reason to sell up.

“What is certain is that without the approval of Drayton South, 500 direct jobs will go, with devastating implications for the social wellbeing of the local community, which overwhelmingly supports the Project with thousands of positive submission already made to the PAC, in addition to the 4000 made to the DPE.

“What is also at stake is assurance to investors, both local and global, that a carefully designed state significant resource project, which was modified in response to all legitimate community concern and meets all planning and environmental requirements, will receive positive approval in this State.

“Anglo American and our 500-strong workforce at the existing Drayton operation trust the PAC will be guided by the Terms of Reference set by Planning Minister Rob Stokes and DPE’s positive assessment. Drayton South should go ahead.”

“It’s time for facts, not hollow threats,” Mr Bradley said.

ENDS

Contacts: Vanessa Davies – 0400 927 185

(Alternate media contact: Kimberley Ramplin – 0401 710 679)

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.