Can you provide more information about the quality of the ore and competitive advantages of the Minas Rio project?

Minas Rio is a massive deposit with at least 5.77 billion tons of ore identified, out of which 1.45 billion tons have been certified. The ore’s quality and chemical nature are excellent, as it is soft, easy to crush and float, and has low contamination levels. The final pellet feed grade will be around 68%. The low operating costs of Minas Rio will also make it competitive on the market, with costs of $30 per ton at the port and between $45 and $55 per ton delivered in China. The project has three development phases, with the first allowing for 26.5 million tons per year, and phases two and three adding 30 to 60 million tons, ultimately sustaining up to 90 million tons per year. Anglo American is currently focused on proving the success of the initial production stage before moving forward with additional phases.

Can you describe the state of development of the pipeline and dedicated port for the Minas Rio project?

Minas Rio is currently 65% complete overall, with land access achieved in critical areas such as the mine and plant. The electro and mechanical erection phase is currently underway, and most civil works have been completed on-site. At the port, the two stackers and the reclaimer are already in place, and earthworks are in progress at both the plant and pipeline. The port is a joint venture with LLX, called LLX MR, and is 58% complete. The pipeline, which spans 525 km, has had issues with land access causing discontinuity of the process and bottlenecks. However, 73% of the pipeline is now complete, with over 50% of it laid and buried, and farming activities taking place on top of it. The pipeline is considered a competitive advantage from an operating cost and environmental perspective. Anglo American has had a successful collaboration with partner Camargo Correa in the construction process of the pipeline.

What is Anglo American’s approach to environmental and corporate social responsibility policies for the Minas Rio project?

With over 13,000 people working on the project, Minas Rio has been a significant focus of Anglo American’s world-class CSR policies. The company has been listed on the FTSE and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last ten years, with a dedicated team ensuring responsible practices across all fronts. Anglo American is concerned not only with the construction of the project but also with the operating aspect, which is sometimes overlooked in the industry. The company considers the entire value chain and prioritizes solutions based on the environmental impact study and community needs. Currently, 9,000 people work in Conceicao, and Anglo American plans to work closely with the community to suggest solutions that meet both their needs and environmental and social responsibilities.