We believe in conducting business now with an eye to the needs of the future. That means minimising any negative impacts of our operations on the environment and working with local communities to ensure that they benefit from our activities.

Anglo American owns or has rights to more than 2.5 million hectares of land on six continents. With those rights come responsibilities. Among the most important is managing and safeguarding the biodiversity to be found in those diverse environments.

Climate change is probably the dominant global issue of the 21st century. Inevitably, it is having a major impact on every aspect of agriculture commerce and industry – including mining. Some might argue that, as one of the world's major producers of coal, Anglo American is part of the problem. While we understand such concern, our priority is to aim to address the challenges of climate change in line with our commitment to sustainable development.

Anglo American seeks to make a lasting, positive contribution to the communities in which we operate. This includes creating a positive post-mining legacy in terms of the environment as well as the economic and social well-being of our neighbours.

The world is in a water crisis, beset by chronic shortages in some places, flooding in others and increasing levels of pollution. Yet life relies on water, as does Anglo American's business. This is why effective management of this increasingly strategic resource is among our top sustainable development priorities.

Anglo American's business focus is global. But when it comes to sourcing, our commitments are firmly local. And if we can't find what we need there initially, we work with local suppliers willing to develop their goods and services in ways that will ultimately meet our requirements. This can stimulate additional new business and employment opportunities in the process.