Mining firm Anglo American reveals its social and environmental financial commitments in Minas regions.
In a recent event, Ana Sanches, the president of Anglo American in Brazil and the Brazilian Mining Institute (Ibram), emphasised the company's commitment to prioritising the well-being of its employees. Sanches participated in a panel discussion at the Annual Business Connection 2025, where she detailed Anglo American's extensive social and environmental investments that have transformed nearby municipalities.
Anglo American has been integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its operations, recognising the mining sector's essential need for ESG practices, particularly in the management of natural resources, social impact, and transparency in governance.
The company's efforts in environmental rehabilitation are evident in its Dawson coal operation in Queensland, Australia. After restoring 82 hectares of land, the area has been returned to sustainable agricultural use, such as cattle grazing. This rehabilitation involved returning stockpiled topsoil rich in native seed banks and bacteria, plus sowing grass to prevent erosion and support grazing. Studies have shown improved cattle weight gain compared to non-mining grazing land, indicating the success and environmental viability of the land's restoration.
Anglo American is also advancing carbon neutrality goals through innovative partnerships like Envusa Energy—a joint venture with EDF Renewables in South Africa—to deploy large-scale renewable energy projects (wind and solar) aimed at decarbonizing its mining operations. This initiative aligns with their Sustainable Mining Plan and climate ambitions, targeting full carbon neutrality by 2024.
In Minas Gerais, Anglo American is investing approximately R$48 million in the construction of a highway in the municipality of Serro, in partnership with the state government. The company has also made a historic agreement with Conceição do Mato Dentro municipality worth R$500 million, marking the largest partnership ever between a mining company and a municipal government in the country. The funds from the agreement will be used to build and maintain a hospital in Conceição do Mato Dentro. The agreement also includes offering engineering courses to the local population, with the support of the Federation of Industries of Minas Gerais (Fiemg), chaired by Flávio Roscoe.
Anglo American's investments in technology and projects aimed at minimising environmental impacts and generating lasting social benefits are evident in its focus on circular economy solutions. Collaborations with technology partners such as Betolar aim to implement metal extraction techniques that enhance recycling and reduce waste footprints, contributing to more sustainable resource use.
The company's strategic restructuring, like the demerger of its Valterra Platinum unit, focuses on resources critical to decarbonization technologies. This prioritisation not only supports global sustainability but also provides economic stability and growth opportunities that benefit stakeholders aligned with ESG values.
Anglo American's comprehensive commitment to sustainable management initiatives in mining is clear. Through environmental rehabilitation, social benefits, and a robust ESG approach, the company demonstrates a commitment to aligning its business with global sustainability goals and reducing operational risks.
- Anglo American, recognising the mining sector's need for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, has been integrating these principles into its operations to prioritize natural resources management, social impact, and transparency in governance.
- In the field of environmental-science, Anglo American's Dawson coal operation in Queensland, Australia, restored 82 hectares of land, transforming it into sustainable agricultural land suitable for cattle grazing through innovative methods, demonstrating the success and environmental viability of such rehabilitation efforts.
- To further environmental initiatives, Anglo American is also collaborating with finance and business entities, such as EDF Renewables in South Africa, to deploy large-scale renewable energy projects and achieve carbon neutrality goals by 2024, aligning with their commitment to sustainability and reducing operational risks.
