Mining company Anglo American has announced that it plans to be black empowered across all its operations by the end of next year.

The company's platinum mining division, Anglo Platinum, is leading the way in the development of its black economic empowerment (BEE) strategy, with an empowerment transaction and employee share ownership schemes (Esops) already in the pipeline.

Anglo American Chief Executive, Tony Trahar, also revealed that Anglo Platinum is currently considering the development of an Esop, while the parent company is looking at ways to involve South African employees not already involved in an Esop.

Mr Trahar commented: "The objective must be, by next year, to have every operating entity in South Africa black empowered to the level required, and sometimes in excess of the levels required by prevailing legislation."

He suggested that such a move would be a "very exciting development" for the company.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd