LONDON, February 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

In a video interview on video.merchantcantos.com Cynthia Carroll, the outgoing Anglo American CEO, explained the mining group's $1.5b loss for 2012.

Ms. Carroll blamed $4.6b of impairments and a poor macroeconomic performance for pushing Anglo American so far into the red but insisted an underlying profit of $6.8b demonstrated a good operational performance.

"On a more positive note, and partially offsetting the macroeconomic environment, was a strong operational performance," she said.

Finance Director René Médori insisted that the company had a strong balance sheet, with $18b in the coffers, after the impairment charges and higher capital costs. He said a 15% higher dividend showed confidence in the future.

In what will be the CEO's last set of results at Anglo American, Ms. Carroll said: "I am very optimistic about the future of the mining industry and I'm very proud of the role that Anglo American plays."

The interview and transcript are available now on video.merchantcantos.com.

MerchantCantos produces in-depth interviews, documentaries and webcasts with senior company executives. If you would like to contact us, please email prnsupport@merchantcantos.com or phone +44-207-936-1352.


SOURCE Anglo American

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