Higher production and lower costs for Anglo

Anglo American achieved a 7% increase in total production on a copper equivalent basis in Q4 2018, excluding the effect of the stoppage at Minas-Rio.

Anglo American has reported a 1% increase in total production on a copper equivalent basis in Q3 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, excluding the Minas-Rio stoppage.

The depressed state of the commodities sector has had an adverse impact on port and rail investments in South Africa.

Anglo American has begun to implement its strategy of selling off its South African coal mines to focus on diamond, platinum and copper production. Anglo currently mines nine different commodities in South Africa, but had been forced to resort to selling assets in order to reduce its debt level.

Kumba Iron Ore, the biggest iron ore producer in South Africa, has settled its tax dispute with the South African government, paving the way for its expected sale by Anglo American.

Iron ore producers and handlers are undergoing a period of market volatility, as China’s economy finds a new footing.