Families from across Singleton came out to show their support for Anglo American's critical Drayton South project, while enjoying a host of activities and entertainment.

Drayton South Project Director Rick Fairhurst said it was great to see so much community support for the new Drayton South project application as Anglo American seeks approval for the new plan.

"Having the community support us as we present the new Environmental Impact Statement and project benefits to the NSW Government is absolutely crucial to demonstrate how important this project is to the local industry, families and community," Mr Fairhurst said.

"With coal reserves at the Drayton mine due to run out in the near future, the new project will extend the operations of the mine by a further 15 years, saving 500 local jobs and providing work for 140 local businesses and $60 million in annual government royalties and taxes.

Mr Fairhurst said the new project plan addressed 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.

"We are committed to coexistence in the Hunter Valley and there is now far more support from the community, local businesses, Muswellbrook Council and the Chamber of Commerce for the project as it offers real benefits through jobs and ongoing spending in the community," Rick said.

Federal Member for Hunter, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, also came along to show his support for Drayton South and to speak with project directors and Drayton employees.  

Mr Fairhurst said Drayton employees had been the driving force behind the success of the community BBQ, setting up for the event, handing out information and answering questions from the public.

Families enjoyed a range of giveaways and activities on the day including a jumping castle and the very popular 'Dunk a Mate' stand, where locals lined up to 'dunk' their mates for a good cause.

Anglo American donated over $25,000 for important local charities including Relay for Life, Singleton Family Support, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and several local schools.

Singleton Family Support Manager Natalie Cowper said the donation would help support families in need throughout the Singleton region.

"We really appreciate this very generous donation from Anglo American and the funds raised will be used to provide direct services to support families in our community," Ms Cowper said.

Anglo American NSW Stakeholder Engagement Manager Matt Frodsham said the BBQ was a huge success and a chance for local families to find out about the details of the revised Drayton South plan, while continuing Anglo American's commitment to supporting local community groups.

"Anglo American is a proud supporter of the community in which we live and operate, so we are delighted to have so many community groups, local candidates and businesses come along to find out about the project," Mr Frodsham said.

"We are also very pleased to be able to make this donation to the local community groups that play such an important role in our community.

"This was the second community BBQ in the region, and Anglo American will continue to host monthly community BBQs to engage and inform the community about the project."

The next community BBQ will be held on Saturday 18 April at Simpson Park, Muswellbrook, in partnership with the Upper Hunter Community Services.

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.

www.angloamerican.com