Anglo American to decide fate of South African thermal coal assets this year

Global miner Anglo American will decide this year whether to sell its South African thermal coal business, Chief Executive Mark Cutifani told Reuters on Monday.

Anglo American and other mining companies have come under growing pressure to reduce their exposure to coal because of concern over climate change. South32 has agreed to sell its South African thermal coal operation to Seriti Resources, subject to regulatory approval.

"I expect we will take a view this year. But we will consult with our key stakeholders before we do that," Cutifani said in an interview on the sidelines of the African Mining Indaba industry conference in Cape Town.

Cutifani said Anglo American would consult with government, communities and employees before a decision is announced.

It has already received interest from potential buyers both inside and outside of South Africa, he said.

The diversified miner had no plans to exit its coking coal business but was rather looking at ways to reduce its carbon impact, he said.

Metallurgical coal, which Anglo American mines in Australia, is used in steel production.

"Its use in steel is absolutely critical for its use in industry on a global basis so it's a very different conversation than thermal coal," Cutifani said.

Increasing pressure from investors, regulators and climate change activists is prompting miners to limit their exposure to fossil fuels.