- Business
- Anglo American plc is a British multinational mining company primarily engaged in the exploration, mining, and production of a wide range of natural resources. The company’s core products and services include the extraction and sale of platinum group metals (PGMs), diamonds, copper, nickel, iron ore, polyhalite, manganese, metallurgical coal, thermal coal, niobium, and phosphates. It operates through six key business segments: Kumba Iron Ore, Iron Ore Brazil, coal (both thermal and metallurgical), base metals (such as copper, nickel, and niobium), platinum group metals, and diamonds through its 85% ownership of De Beers. Anglo American’s mining operations span Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. The company was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
Significant recent changes include Anglo American's strategic portfolio transformation focusing on copper, premium iron ore, and crop nutrients, highlighted by the sale of its steelmaking coal business for $4.9 billion in 2024. The company is also advancing the Woodsmith polyhalite fertiliser project in North Yorkshire, England, aiming to become a leader in sustainable crop nutrition. In 2025, Anglo American entered a major merger of equals agreement with Teck Resources Limited to create a global critical minerals champion with enhanced copper exposure exceeding 70%. Additionally, Anglo American agreed to the sale of its nickel business in Brazil to MMG Limited for up to $500 million, aligning with its strategic shift away from certain base metals. The company is implementing operational excellence, portfolio simplification, and growth-focused initiatives while targeting reduced capital expenditure and a leaner balance sheet. The ongoing demerger plan of Anglo American Platinum aims to unlock value by enabling shareholders direct participation in the platinum group metals sector.
Anglo American serves global industrial and agricultural markets with products essential to decarbonization, infrastructure, and food security. It maintains a diverse geographic footprint across mature and emerging mining jurisdictions, supporting large-scale and high-quality mineral production. The company’s focus sectors are aligned with major demand growth trends, and its comprehensive asset portfolio supports robust cash flow generation and future growth options. Anglo American employs approximately 60,000 people globally and continues to leverage partnerships and strategic alliances to foster innovation and sustainability in mining operations.
In summary, Anglo American plc is a leading global mining company specializing in precious and base metals, bulk commodities, and crop nutrients, with extensive geographic reach and significant strategic transformations enhancing its long-term growth and operational focus. It integrates large-scale mining operations with ongoing portfolio reshaping and partnerships, positioning itself strongly in the evolving mining landscape.