May 15, 2008 - Dr. R. Anthony (Tony) Hodge has been appointed ICMM President and will take up his position on 1 October 2008.

ICMM Chairman (and Chief Executive Officer, Lonmin) Brad Mills welcomed Tony Hodge at a meeting of the ICMM Council "“ made up of the CEOs of all member companies "“ held in Miami on Wednesday 14 May.

Brad Mills said, "I am looking forward to working with Tony"“ he has an excellent track record in the industry, and is ideally positioned to lead ICMM as we work towards a sustainable future for the mining and metals industry."

Tony Hodge said, "This is an exceptional opportunity - my enthusiasm for this role has only grown since having the opportunity to interact with the CEOs of our member companies this week. ICMM has made great progress since its creation in 2001, although there are many exciting and significant challenges ahead."

Tony Hodge is a leading authority on sustainable development in mining. He has worked as a professional engineer and consultant to industry and as an advisor to government during the course of his distinguished career. He served on the Canadian Prime Minister’s National Roundtable on Environment and Economy (1992-96), led the North American component of the Mining Metals and Sustainable Development (MMSD) project (2001-02) and was President of Friends of the Earth Canada (1989-92).

He is currently Kinross Professor of Mining and Sustainability in the Department of Mining Engineering, and Helen and Arthur Stollery Professor of Mining Engineering and Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, at Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

To help ensure a smooth transition to the new President, Dr. John Groom has accepted an interim role as Chief Operating Officer working with Tony Hodge and ICMM. John will be on a full-time secondment from Anglo American, a founding company member of ICMM, during this period.

Tony Hodge said, "I have known John Groom for over 10 years, having first worked with him during the MMSD project. His knowledge and experience of the foundation and continued growth of ICMM will be invaluable in the coming months.

"I would also like to thank my predecessor, Paul Mitchell. He leaves an organization that is well placed to help its members and the industry meet the significant challenge of delivering essential materials for humanity in an environmentally and socially sustainable way."

Tony Hodge is available for comment "“ please contact Fernanda Diez (details on next page). Full biographies and pictures of Tony Hodge and John Groom are also available from Fernanda Diez.

Notes to Editors:

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) is a CEO-led organization representing many of the world’s leading mining and metals companies as well as regional, national and commodity associations. An important part of its mandate is dedicated to sustainable development. ICMM members are committed to improving their sustainable development performance and to the responsible production of the mineral and metal resources society needs. ICMM's vision is for a respected mining and metals industry that is widely recognized as essential for society and as a key contributor to sustainable development.

ICMM’s 17 corporate members are:
Alcoa, Anglo American, AngloGold Ashanti, Barrick, BHP Billiton, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Gold Fields, Lonmin, Mitsubishi Materials, Newmont, Nippon Mining & Metals, Rio Tinto, Sumitomo Metal Mining, Teck Cominco, Vale, Xstrata, Zinifex.

ICMM’s 29 association members are:
Cámara Argentina de Empresarios Mineros, Cámara Asomineros Andi (Colombia), Cámara Minera de México, CAMIVEN (Cámara Minera de Venezuela), Chamber of Mines of South Africa, China International Mining Group, Cobalt Development Institute, Consejo Minero de Chile A.G., Eurometaux, Euromines, Federation of Indian Mineral Industries, Indonesian Mining Association, Instituto Brasileiro de Mineraçao, International Aluminium Institute, International Copper Association, International Molybdenum Association, International Wrought Copper Council, International Zinc Association, Japan Mining Industry Association, Lead Development Association International, Minerals Council of Australia, Mining Association of Canada, Mining Industry Associations of Southern Africa, National Mining Association USA (NMA), Nickel Institute, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, Sociedad Nacional de Minería (Chile), Sociedad Nacional de Minería Petróleo y Energía (Peru), World Coal Institute, World Gold Council.

International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)

International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM)

ICMM is a CEO-led industry group that addresses key priorities and emerging issues within the sector. It seeks to play a leading role by promoting good practice and improved performance internationally and across different commodities.

ICMM provides a platform for industry and other key stakeholders to share challenges and develop solutions based on sound science and the principles of sustainable development. Its vision is for a respected mining and metals industry that is widely recognized as essential for society and as a key contributor to sustainable development.

ICMM's mission is two-fold - to distinguish its members as industry leaders and to make a contribution to raising standards across the industry as a whole.

To be an ICMM member, a company must build trust and respect with key stakeholders as a result of good performance in sustainable development, including clear and comprehensive approaches to reporting and assurance.

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