The global human population – almost nine-billion people – cannot be supported without mining, diversified miner Anglo American CE Mark Cutifani said during a panel discussion at the virtual Investing in African Mining Indaba on February 2.
Speaking during an environmental, social and governance- (ESG-) focused session, he used the example of crop nutrients, or fertiliser, as a result of mining, which “feeds billions of people”.
The company still operates within the metallurgical coal space, but Cutifani noted the group's continuing transition to green energy and the subsequent divestment from coal.
Similar to what other diversified miners are doing, Anglo is moving away from investing in coal mining and focusing more on other commodities – like platinum-group metals, base metals, diamonds and crop nutrients.
He further urged companies considering divesting from coal to ensure the transition is made into “responsible hands”, as the assets likely still have a lifespan of about ten years and that it could continue to make a positive contribution.