Anglo American ties safety to managers promotions

Anglo American has ramped up its programme to achieve zero deaths in accidents at its mines with an initiative to tie manager's promotion to the accomplishment of health and safety targets.

The announcement, made by group chairman Mark Moody-Stuart at the company's annual general meeting, underlined the intention to achieve a change in corporate culture. The most recent year saw 40 deaths at Anglo American's operations - down from 44 the previous year.

Chief executive Cynthia Carroll said that they would no longer accept a gradual approach - the company needed to achieve a step change in performance.

The company also faces other social responsibility challenges. Campaigning NGO ActionAid recently attacked Angloplat's programme to relocate 10,000 people for its platinum mine. The company said that it had aimed to achieve relocations in ways that genuinely improved the quality of life of the people affected.