Local businesses, community groups and Drayton employees joined special guests including State MP Michael Johnsen for a day of fun filled activities including ‘Dunk a Mate for Charity’, fancy dress competitions, a jumping castle, petting zoo and face painting.

The event also provided community members with the opportunity to find out about the new Drayton South project application, which will be submitted to the New South Wales Department of Planning and Environment for approval in the coming weeks.

Drayton General Manager David O’Rourke said it was excellent to see such strong community support for the new application.

“We were pleased to have so many community groups, the local Chamber of Commerce, Muswellbrook Local Councillors and local families and businesses come out in support of this project,” Mr O’Rourke said.

“Economic coal reserves at the Drayton mine are due to run out in the near future, so our  500 existing employees are counting on the Drayton South project going ahead to enable the mine to extend its operation by another 15 years.

“The Drayton South project is also critical for our region and local economy, providing work to 140 businesses, ongoing support to many local sporting groups, community groups and local charities, and $30 million in annual state royalties used for roads, hospitals and schools.”

Drayton mine partnered with the Upper Hunter Community Services to host the event, with all proceeds of the gold coin donation BBQ going towards the important local community group.

Funds were also raised for Riding for the Disabled, Upper Hunter Youth Services, Muswellbrook Lifeline, Muswellbrook PCYC, local sporting groups including the Swim Club, Netball Club and several rugby league clubs, and two local schools.

The new project plan addresses the Planning Assessment Commission's previous recommendations, including reducing the mine footprint by a further 25 per cent, increasing the buffer between the mine and the local horse studs' operating areas and implementing world-class environmental management practices.

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.