VANCOUVER, Dec. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Anglo American today welcomed the British Columbian Government's decision to approve an Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Roman project, an open cut expansion of the Trend mine near Tumbler Ridge in north-east British Columbia.

Roman has the potential to produce up to four million tonnes of metallurgical coal per year and employ up to 450 people over its estimated 16 year mine life.

Anglo American's Metallurgical Coal business owns 100 per cent of Peace River Coal Inc. (PRC), the proponent for the Roman project and operator of the adjacent Trend mine.

Metallurgical Coal Chief Executive Officer, Mr Seamus French, said Anglo American would invest over $200 million to develop the Roman project over its life and its delivery was a key step in Anglo American's growth plans for Canada.

"We see tremendous opportunity in the Roman resource and plan to build on the success of the existing Trend operation, which has gone from strength to strength since Anglo American's 100 per cent acquisition in October 2011, including production increasing by 50 per cent," Mr French said.

"A comprehensive environmental management plan has been developed for the project and we look forward to progressing with our detailed mine plan.

"We will create many synergies with the current Trend mine and once operational, the Roman project will be fully integrated and utilize as much of the existing equipment and infrastructure as possible," Mr French said.

Additional plant capacity and mining equipment will be required in order to achieve and sustain maximum production.

Once the mine plan is complete, Anglo American will apply for a Mines Act Permit Amendment.

"Anglo American remains committed to providing employment opportunities for local and First Nations community members," Mr French said.

"We will increase recruitment in the north-east of BC, particularly for those people from communities closest to the mine, while retaining our employees at Trend," Mr French said. 

Construction is expected to begin as soon as the permitting process allows it. Project delivery timings for Roman will be staged to match the current market conditions.

Notes to editors:

Anglo American is one of the world's largest mining companies, is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London and Johannesburg stock exchanges. Anglo American's portfolio of mining businesses spans bulk commodities - iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal; base metals - copper and nickel; and precious metals and minerals - in which it is a global leader in both platinum and diamonds. Anglo American is committed to the highest standards of safety and responsibility across all its businesses and geographies and to making a sustainable difference in the development of the communities around its operations. The company's mining operations, extensive pipeline of growth projects and exploration activities span southern Africa, South America, Australia, North America, Asia and Europe.
www.angloamerican.com

SOURCE Anglo American