Risk management and internal controls

AngloGold Ashanti has in place the systems necessary to assist management and the board to effectively manage the wide range of risks faced by the group's operations so as to promote the creation and preservation of shareholder wealth.

The board is satisfied that there is an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing significant risks and internal controls, and, where weaknesses are identified, these are promptly addressed within AngloGold Ashanti and its operations as risk mitigation processes are part of the group's overall risk management framework. The group has a sound system of internal control, based on policies and guidelines, in all material subsidiaries and joint ventures under its control.

The board reviews and approves the risk strategy and policies that are formulated by the executive directors and senior management. Management is accountable to the board and has established a system of internal controls to manage significant group risk. This system assists the board in discharging its responsibility for ensuring that the wide range of risks associated with the group's global operations are effectively managed in support of the creation and preservation of shareholder wealth. Full reviews of the risk control and disclosure processes are undertaken regularly.

AngloGold Ashanti has established a group risk management policy with supporting standards that provides an overarching and consistent framework for the assessment and management of risks. Risks are ranked using a common methodology. Where a risk is assessed as material, it is reported and reviewed by senior management.

Risk management’s focus is to ensure that AngloGold Ashanti delivers value to its stakeholders. The risk management systems meet the requirements of the King Code on Corporate Governance in South Africa 2002 (King II) and the United States of America (US) Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). The King Code on Corporate Governance in South Africa 2009 (King III) will be applied by yearend 2010. In conducting its annual review of the effectiveness of risk management, the board considers the key findings from the ongoing monitoring and reporting process, management assertions and independent assurance reports. The board also takes account of material changes and trends in the risk profile, and considers whether the control system, including reporting, adequately supports the board in achieving its risk management objectives. The board furthermore, receives assurance from the Audit and Corporate Governance Committee, which derives its information, in part, from regular internal and external audit reports and, where considered necessary, from other reports on risk and internal control throughout the group.

The group's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are both required, in terms of SOX, to certify on Form 20-F that its financial statements present a true and fair view, in all material respects, of the group's financial position, cash flows and operational results, in accordance with the relevant, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the US. The certificates further provide that both officers are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure and internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. The certification process is pre-approved by the board of directors prior to filing of the Form 20-F with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

All eight key components of the 'Enterprise Risk Management – Integrated Framework' issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) have been incorporated into the group's process to comply with SOX section 404 dealing with the group's internal control system. The requirements of King II have also been included as are those of International Standard ISO/DIS 31000 ‘Risk Management – Principles and Guidelines on Implementation’.

In respect of those entities in which AngloGold Ashanti does not have a controlling interest, the directors who represent AngloGold Ashanti on the boards of these entities, seek assurance that significant risks are being managed.

In light of the current global financial crisis, as well as management restructuring, AngloGold Ashanti is engaged in an enhanced focus upon risk management to benefit from opportunities and cope with uncertainty.

Risk factors

The following sections describe many of the risk factors that could affect AngloGold Ashanti. However, there may be additional risks unknown to AngloGold Ashanti and other risks, currently believed to be immaterial, that could turn out to be material. These risks, either individually or simultaneously, could significantly affect the group’s business and financial results.

The risk factors highlight the group’s exposure to risk without explaining how these exposures are managed and mitigated or how some of the risks are also potential opportunities. The risk factors set out in this document have been organised into the following categories: risks related to AngloGold Ashanti’s results of operations and its financial condition as a result of factors that impact the gold mining industry generally; risks related to AngloGold Ashanti’s results of operations and its financial condition as a result of factors specific to AngloGold Ashanti and its operations and risks related to AngloGold Ashanti’s ordinary shares and American Depositary Shares, or ADSs.

Risks related to AngloGold Ashanti’s results of operations and its financial condition as a result of factors that impact the gold mining industry generally

Commodity market price fluctuations could adversely affect the profitability of AngloGold Ashanti's operations.

AngloGold Ashanti’s revenues are primarily derived from the sale of gold and, to a lesser extent, uranium, silver and sulphuric acid. The market prices for these commodities fluctuate widely. These fluctuations are caused by numerous factors beyond AngloGold Ashanti's control. For example, the market price of gold may fluctuate for a variety of reasons, including:

• speculative positions taken by investors or traders in gold;
• changes in the demand for gold as an investment;
• changes in the demand for gold used in jewellery and for other industrial uses, including as a result of prevailing economic conditions;
• changes in the supply of gold from production, disinvestment, scrap and hedging;
• financial market expectations regarding the rate of inflation;
• strength of the US dollar (the currency in which the gold price trades internationally) relative to other currencies;
• changes in interest rates;
• actual or expected sales or purchases of gold by central banks and the International Monetary Fund;
• gold hedging and de-hedging by gold producers;
• global or regional political or economic events; and
• the cost of gold production in major gold producing countries.

The market price of gold has recently experienced significant volatility. During 2009, the gold price traded from a record high of $1,226.10/oz to a low of $801.65/oz. On 10 March 2010, the afternoon fixing price of gold on the London Bullion Market was $1,120.50/oz.

The price of gold is often subject to sharp, short-term changes resulting from speculative activities. While the overall supply of and demand for gold can affect its market price, because of the considerable size of above-ground stocks of the metal in comparison to other commodities, these factors typically do not affect the gold price in the same manner or degree that the supply of and demand for other commodities tends to affect their market price. In addition, the recent shift in gold demand from physical demand to investment and speculative demand may exacerbate the volatility of gold prices.

A sustained period of significant gold price volatility may adversely affect AngloGold Ashanti's ability to evaluate the feasibility of undertaking new capital projects or continuing existing operations or to make other long-term strategic decisions.

If revenue from gold sales falls below the cost of production for an extended period, AngloGold Ashanti may experience losses and be forced to curtail or suspend some or all of its capital projects or existing operations, particularly those operations having operating costs that are flexible to such short- to medium-term curtailment or closure, or change its dividend payment policies. In addition, it would have to assess the economic impact of low gold prices on its ability to recover any losses that may be incurred during that period and on its ability to maintain adequate cash reserves.

Foreign exchange fluctuations could have a material adverse effect on AngloGold Ashanti's operational results and financial condition.

Gold is principally a dollar-priced commodity, and most of AngloGold Ashanti's revenues are realised in, or linked to, dollars while production costs are largely incurred in the local currency where the relevant operation is located. As a result of its global operations and local foreign exchange regulations, some of AngloGold Ashanti's funds are held in local currencies, such as the South African rand and the Australian dollar. The weakening of the dollar, without a corresponding increase in the dollar price of gold against these local currencies, results in lower revenues and higher production costs in dollar terms. Conversely, the strengthening of the dollar, without a corresponding decrease in the dollar price of gold against these local currencies, yields significantly higher revenues and lower production costs in dollar terms. Exchange rate movements may have a material effect on AngloGold Ashanti's operating results. For example, a 1% strengthening of the South African rand, Brazilian real, the Argentinean peso and the Australian dollar against the US dollar will, other factors remaining equal, result in an increase in total cash costs under International Financial Reporting Standards incurred of nearly $4/oz, or 1%.

The profitability of AngloGold Ashanti's operations, and the cash flows generated by these operations, are significantly affected by fluctuations in input production prices, many of which are linked to the prices of oil and steel.

Fuel, energy and consumables, including diesel, heavy fuel oil, chemical reagents, explosives, tyres, steel and mining equipment consumed in mining operations form a relatively large part of the operating costs and/or capital expenditures of any mining company. AngloGold Ashanti has no influence over the cost of these consumables, many of which are linked to some degree to the price of oil and steel.

The price of oil has recently been volatile, reaching a high of $79.43 per barrel and a low of $38.87 per barrel in 2009 as compared to an all-time high oil price of $145.11 per barrel on 11 July 2008. AngloGold Ashanti has estimated that for each $1 per barrel rise in the oil price, other factors remaining equal, the average cash costs under IFRS of all its operations increases by about $0.41/oz with the cash costs of certain of its mines, particularly Geita, Cripple Creek & Victor, Siguiri and Sadiola, which, being more dependent on fuel, are more sensitive to changes in the price of oil. Furthermore, the price of steel hich is used in the manufacture of most forms of fixed and mobile mining equipment, is also a relatively large contributor to the operating costs and capital expenditure of a mining company and has also been volatile recently. For example, the price of flat HRC (North American Domestic FOB) steel reached a high of $656 per ton and a low of $410 per ton in 2009 as compared to an all time high price of $1,240 per ton during May 2008.

Fluctuations in the price of oil and steel have a significant impact upon operating cost and capital expenditure estimates and, in the absence of other economic fluctuations, could result in significant changes in the total expenditure estimates for new mining projects or render certain projects non-viable.

Energy cost increases, and power fluctuations and stoppages, could adversely affect AngloGold Ashanti's results of operations and its financial condition.

AngloGold Ashanti's mining operations are dependent upon electrical power generated by local utilities or by power plants situated at some of its operations.

In South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti’s operations are substantially dependent on electricity supplied by Eskom, the stateowned utility. Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa, or the NERSA, continue to recognise the need for new supply capacity and a series of tariff increases and proposals have been tabled. In the third quarter of 2009, Eskom applied to NERSA for a tariff review to obtain an additional 45% increase annually for the next three years, which was later reduced to 35% annually for three years. On 24 February 2010, NERSA approved an increase of about 25% per year for three years and as energy prices represent a large portion of AngloGold Ashanti’s operating costs in South Africa, the resulting increases will have an adverse impact on the cash costs of its South African operations.

In addition, generating capacity was severely impaired in 2008 when Eskom warned that it could no longer guarantee the availability of its supply of electrical power to the South African mining industry. Consequently, AngloGold Ashanti, along with other mining companies with South African operations, was forced temporarily to suspend mining operations at its South African mines. AngloGold Ashanti’s South African mines continue to work within a constraint of 90% of average capacity. AngloGold Ashanti cannot give assurance that power supply to its South African operations will not experience future interruptions as the South African economic situation further improves, thereby potentially increasing the demand on the national grid system in South Africa.

In Ghana, AngloGold Ashanti’s operations depend on hydroelectric power supplied by the Volta River Authority, or the VRA, an entity controlled by the government of Ghana which is supplemented by thermal power from the Takoradi plant as well as the smaller unit recently commissioned at Tema. The VRA’s principal electricity generating facility is the Akosombo Dam and during periods of below average inflows from the Volta reservoir, electricity supplies from the Akosombo Dam may be curtailed, as occurred in 1998, 2006 and the first half of 2007. In addition, during periods of limited electricity availability, the national power system is subject to system disturbances and voltage fluctuations, which can damage AngloGold Ashanti's equipment. The VRA has in the past also obtained power from neighbouring C?te d’Ivoire, which has intermittently experienced some political instability and civil unrest.

These factors, including increased power demand from other users in Ghana, may cause interruptions in AngloGold Ashanti's power supply to its operations in Ghana or result in increases in the cost of power even if they do not interrupt supply. Consequently, these factors may adversely affect AngloGold Ashanti’s results of operations and its financial condition.

From January 2009, and after negotiation, Ghana increased the rate at Obuasi from 9.2 to 9.3 US cents per kilowatt hour and at Iduapriem from 9.2 to 10.2 US cents per kilowatt hour. Even though these rates are expected to remain at these levels in the short term, they could be impacted by any significant spike in the crude oil price given the country’s dependence on light crude oil for firing the thermal power plants.

AngloGold Ashanti's mining operations in Guinea, Tanzania and Mali are dependent on power supplied by outside contractors and supplies of fuel being delivered by road. AngloGold Ashanti's power supply has been disrupted in the past and it has suffered resulting production losses as a result of equipment failure.

Global economic conditions could adversely affect the profitability of AngloGold Ashanti's operations.

AngloGold Ashanti's operations and performance depend significantly on worldwide economic conditions. During 2009, following the global financial crisis that had severe negative impacts upon banking systems, financial institutions and financial and credit markets in the latter half of 2008, general economic indicators continued to deteriorate, including declining consumer sentiment and business confidence, increased unemployment, reduced levels of capital expenditure, ongoing disruption in financial and credit markets and uncertainty regarding corporate earnings. In recent months, certain indices and economic data have shown some signs of improvement and stabilisation. However, there can be no assurance that these improvements will be broad-based or sustainable and how they will affect the markets relevant for AngloGold Ashanti remains uncertain.

A continuation of the global economic downturn may have follow-on effects on AngloGold Ashanti's business. For example:

• the insolvency of key suppliers could result in a supply chain break-down;
• the failure or potential failure of hedging and derivative counterparts and other financial institutions may negatively impact AngloGold Ashanti's results of operations and its financial condition;
• other income and expense could vary materially from expectations depending on gains or losses realised on the sale or exchange of financial instruments and impairment charges may be incurred with respect to AngloGold Ashanti's investments;
• other amounts realised in the future on AngloGold Ashanti's financial instruments could differ significantly from the fair values currently assigned to them;
• AngloGold Ashanti's defined benefit pension fund may not achieve expected returns on its investments, which could require AngloGold Ashanti to make substantial cash payments to fund any resulting deficits; and
• the reduced availability of credit may make it more difficult for AngloGold Ashanti to obtain, or may increase the cost of obtaining, finance for AngloGold Ashanti's operations.

In addition, uncertainty regarding global economic conditions may also increase the volatility or negatively impact the value of the market value of AngloGold Ashanti's securities.

Inflation may have a material adverse effect on AngloGold Ashanti's operational results.

Most of AngloGold Ashanti's operations are located in countries that have experienced high rates of inflation during certain periods.

Since AngloGold Ashanti is unable to influence the market price at which it sells gold it is possible that significantly higher future inflation in the countries in which AngloGold Ashanti operates may result in an increase in future operational costs in local currencies (without a concurrent devaluation of the local currency of operations against the dollar or an increase in the dollar price of gold). This could have a material adverse effect upon AngloGold Ashanti's results of operations and its financial condition.

While none of AngloGold Ashanti's operations are currently materially adversely affected by inflation, significantly higher and sustained inflation in the future, with a consequent increase in operational costs, could result in operations being reduced or rationalised at higher cost mines.

AngloGold Ashanti faces many risks related to the development of its mining projects that may adversely affect its results of operations and profitability.

The profitability of mining companies depends, in part, on the actual costs of developing and operating mines, which may differ significantly from estimates determined at the time a relevant mining project was approved following the completion of the relevant feasibility studies. The development of mining projects may also be subject to unexpected problems and delays that could increase the cost of development and the ultimate operating cost of the relevant project.

AngloGold Ashanti's decision to develop a mineral property is typically based, in the case of an extension or, in the case of a new development, on the results of a feasibility study. Feasibility studies estimate the expected or anticipated project economic returns. These estimates are based on assumptions regarding:

• future gold, other metal and uranium prices;
• future foreign currency exchange rates;
• anticipated tonnage, grades and metallurgical characteristics of ore to be mined and processed;
• anticipated recovery rates of gold, uranium, silver and other metals extracted from the ore;
• anticipated capital expenditure and cash operating costs; and
• the required return on investment.

Actual cash operating costs, production and economic returns may differ significantly from those anticipated by such studies and estimates. Operating costs and capital expenditure are driven to a significant extent by the costs of the commodity inputs, including the cost of fuel, chemical reagents, explosives, tyres and steel, consumed in mining activities and credits from byproducts, such as silver and uranium.

There are a number of uncertainties inherent in the development and construction of an extension to an existing mine, or in the development and construction of any new mine. In addition to those discussed above, these uncertainties include the:

• timing and cost of the construction of mining and processing facilities, which can be considerable;
• availability and cost of skilled labour, power, water and transportation facilities;
• availability and cost of appropriate smelting and refining arrangements;
• need to obtain necessary environmental and other governmental permits and the time to obtain such permits; and
• availability of funds to finance construction and development activities.

The cost, timing and complexities of mine development and construction can increase because of the remote location of many mining properties. New mining operations could experience unexpected problems and delays during development, construction and mine start-up. In addition, delays in the commencement of mineral production could occur. Finally, operating cost and capital expenditure estimates could fluctuate considerably as a result of changes in the prices of commodities consumed in the construction and operation of mining projects.

Accordingly, AngloGold Ashanti's future development activities may not result in the expansion or replacement of current production with new production, or one or more new production sites or facilities may be less profitable than currently anticipated or may not be profitable at all. AngloGold Ashanti’s operating results and financial conditions are directly related to the success of its project developments. A failure in AngloGold Ashanti’s ability to develop and operate mining projects in accordance with, or in excess of, expectations could negatively affect its results of operations and its financial condition and prospects.

AngloGold Ashanti faces uncertainty and risks in its exploration, feasibility studies and other project evaluation activities.

Exploration activities are speculative in nature and feasibility studies and other project evaluation activities necessary to determine whether a viable mining operation exists or can be developed are often unproductive. These activities also often require substantial expenditure to establish the presence, and to quantify the extent and grades (metal content), of mineralised material through exploration drilling. AngloGold Ashanti undertakes feasibility studies to estimate the technical and economic viability of mining projects, including the determination of appropriate mining methods and metallurgical recovery processes to mine and extract gold from the ore. These activities are undertaken in order to estimate the Ore Reserve.

Once mineralisation is discovered it can take several years to determine whether adequate ore reserves exist. During this time, the economic feasibility of production may change owing to fluctuations in factors that affect revenue, as well as cash and other operating costs, including:

• future metal and other commodity prices;
• future foreign currency exchange rates; and
• the required return on investment as based upon the costs and availability of capital.

Feasibility studies also include activities to estimate:

• anticipated tonnage, grades and metallurgical characteristics of the ore to be mined and processed;
• anticipated recovery rates of gold, uranium and other metals from the ore; and
• anticipated capital expenditure and cash operating costs.

These estimates depend upon the data available and the assumptions made at the time the relevant estimate is made. Ore Reserve estimates are not precise calculations and depend on the interpretation of limited information on the location, shape and continuity of the occurrence and on the available sampling results. Further exploration and feasibility studies can result in new data becoming available that may change previous Ore Reserve estimates which will impact upon both the technical and economic viability of production from the relevant mining project. Changes in the forecast prices of commodities, exchange rates, production costs or recovery rates may change the economic status of reserves resulting in revisions to previous Ore Reserve estimates. These revisions could impact depreciation and amortisation rates, asset-carrying values provisions for closedown, restoration and environmental clean-up costs.

AngloGold Ashanti undertakes annual revisions to its Ore Reserve estimates based upon actual exploration and production results, depletion, new information on geology and fluctuations in production, operating and other costs and economic assumptions. These factors may result in reductions in its Ore Reserve estimates, which could adversely affect the life-of-mine plans and consequently the total value of AngloGold Ashanti's mining asset base. Ore Reserve restatements could negatively affect AngloGold Ashanti’s results, financial condition and prospects, as well as its reputation.

The increased demand for gold and other commodities, combined with a declining rate of discovery, has resulted in existing reserves being depleted at an accelerated rate in recent years. AngloGold Ashanti therefore faces intense competition for the acquisition of attractive mining properties. From time to time, AngloGold Ashanti evaluates the acquisition of Ore Reserve, development properties and operating mines, either as stand-alone assets or as part of companies. AngloGold Ashanti’s decisions to acquire these properties have historically been based on a variety of factors including historical operating results, estimates of and assumptions regarding the extent of Ore Reserve, cash and other operating costs, gold prices and projected economic returns and evaluations of existing or potential liabilities associated with the relevant property and its operations and how these factors may change in the future. Other than historical operating results, all of these factors are uncertain and could have an impact upon revenue, cash and other operating issues, as well as the uncertainties related to the process used to estimate Ore Reserve.

As a result of these uncertainties, the exploration programmes and acquisitions engaged in by AngloGold Ashanti may not result in the expansion or replacement of the current production with new Ore Reserve or operations. AngloGold Ashanti’s operating results and financial condition are directly related to the success of its exploration and acquisition efforts and its ability to replace or increase existing Ore Reserve. If AngloGold Ashanti is not able to maintain or increase its reserves, its results of operations and its financial condition and prospects could be adversely affected.

AngloGold Ashanti faces many risks related to its operations that may adversely affect its cash flows and overall profitability.

Gold mining is susceptible to numerous events that may have an adverse impact on a mining business, its ability to produce gold and meet its production targets. These events include, but are not limited to:

• environmental hazards, including discharge of metals, pollutants or hazardous chemicals;
• industrial accidents;
• underground fires;
• labour disputes;
• activities of illegal or artisanal miners;
• mechanical breakdowns;
• electrical power interruptions;
• encountering unexpected geological formations;
• unanticipated ground conditions;
• ingresses of water;
• process water shortages;
• unanticipated increases in gold lock-up and inventory levels at heap-leach operations;
• fall-of-ground accidents in underground operations;
• failure of mining pit slopes, heap-leach facilities, water dams, waste stockpiles and tailings dam walls;
• legal and regulatory restrictions and changes to such restrictions;
• safety-related stoppages;
• seismic activity; and
• other natural phenomena, such as floods, droughts or inclement weather conditions, potentially exacerbated by climate change.

Seismic activity is of particular concern in underground mining operations, particularly in South Africa due to the extent and extreme depth of mining, and also in Australia and Brazil due to the depth of mining and residual tectonic stresses. Despite the implementation of technology and modifications to mine layouts and support technology with a view to minimising the incidence and impact of seismic activity, seismic events have in the past, and may in the future, cause the death of, or injury to, employees and contractors.

Seismic activity may also cause the loss of mining equipment, damage to, or destruction of, mineral properties or production facilities, monetary losses, environmental damage and potential legal liabilities in South Africa and elsewhere where seismic activity may be a factor. As a result, these events may have a material adverse effect on AngloGold Ashanti's results of operations and its financial condition.

AngloGold Ashanti is subject to extensive health and safety laws and regulations.

Gold mining operations are subject to a variety of industry-specific health and safety laws and regulations depending upon the jurisdiction in which they are located. These laws and regulations are designed to improve and to protect the safety and health of employees.

From time to time, new health and safety laws and regulations, or amendments to existing health and safety laws and regulations, are introduced in the jurisdictions in which AngloGold Ashanti operates. Should compliance with new standards require a material increase in expenditure or material interruptions to its operations or production, including as a result of any temporary failure to comply with applicable regulations, AngloGold Ashanti's results of operations and its financial condition could be adversely affected. For example, in South Africa the government has introduced compulsory shutdowns of operations to enable investigations into the cause of accidents that have occurred at those operations and certain of AngloGold Ashanti’s operations have been temporarily suspended for this reason in the past.

In addition, AngloGold Ashanti’s reputation as a responsible company and employer could be damaged by any significant governmental investigation or enforcement of health and safety standards. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on AngloGold Ashanti’s results of operations and financial condition.

Mining companies are increasingly required to consider and ensure the sustainable development of, and provide benefits to, the communities and countries in which they operate, and are subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations.

As a result of public concern about the perceived ill effects of economic globalisation, business generally and large multinational corporations, such as AngloGold Ashanti, in particular, face increasing public scrutiny of their activities.

These businesses are under pressure to demonstrate that, as they seek to generate satisfactory returns on investment to shareholders, other stakeholders, including employees, communities surrounding operations and the countries in which they operate, benefit, and will continue to benefit from their commercial activities. Such pressures tend to be particularly focused on companies whose activities are perceived to have a high impact on their social and physical environment. The potential consequences of these pressures include reputational damage, legal suits and social spending obligations.

The location of existing and proposed mining operations often coincides with the location of existing towns and villages, natural water courses and other infrastructure. Mining operations must therefore be designed to minimise their impact on such communities and the environment, either by changing mining plans to avoid impacts, modifying mining plans and operations, or relocating the relevant people to an agreed location. These measures may include agreed levels of compensation for any adverse impact the mining operation may continue to have upon the community. The cost of these measures could increase capital and operating costs and therefore could have an adverse impact upon the results of operations.

AngloGold Ashanti is subject to the above factors at certain of its existing and proposed mining sites and at all of its exploration sites.

Mining companies are also subject to extensive environmental laws and regulations in the various jurisdictions in which they operate. These regulations establish limits and conditions on producers' ability to conduct their operations. The cost of AngloGold Ashanti's compliance with environmental laws and regulations has been, and is expected to continue to be, significant. For example, in February 2010, following discussions with the Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana in relation to potentially adverse environmental impacts arising from the current tailings storage facility in Ghana, AngloGold Ashanti’s Iduapriem mine in Ghana has been suspended until alternative arrangements for tailings storage can be established. In 2009, Iduapriem produced approximately 190,000 ounces of gold, or approximately 4% of AngloGold Ashanti’s gold production in that year.

Environmental laws and regulations are continually changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. If AngloGold Ashanti's environmental compliance obligations alter as a result of changes in laws and regulations, or in certain assumptions it makes to estimate liabilities, or if unanticipated conditions arise at its operations, including any temporary failure to comply with regulations, standards or operating procedures requiring its operations to be suspended, its expenses and provisions would increase and its rate of production and revenue could be adversely impacted. If material, these expenses and provisions could adversely affect AngloGold Ashanti's results of operations and its financial condition.

Mining companies are required by law to close their operations and rehabilitate the lands that they mine. Estimates of the total ultimate closure and rehabilitation costs for gold mining operations are significant and based principally on current legal and regulatory requirements that may change materially. Environmental liabilities are accrued when they become known, probable and can be reasonably estimated. Increasingly, regulators are seeking security in the form of cash collateral or bank guarantees in respect of environmental obligations, which could have an adverse effect on AngloGold Ashanti's financial condition.

Costs associated with rehabilitating land disturbed by the mining processes and addressing the environmental, health and community issues are estimated and financial provision made based upon information available currently. Estimates may however be insufficient and further costs may be identified at any stage. Any underestimated or unidentified rehabilitation costs would reduce earnings and could materially and adversely affect AngloGold Ashanti's asset values, earnings and cash flows.

Compliance with emerging climate change regulation could result in significant costs to AngloGold Ashanti, and climate change may present physical risks to the company’s operations.

Greenhouse gases, or GHGs, are emitted directly by AngloGold Ashanti’s operations and indirectly as a result of the consumption of electricity purchased from external utilities. Emissions from electricity consumption are indirectly attributable to the company’s operations. Currently, a number of international and national measures to address or limit GHG emissions, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Copenhagen Accord, are in various phases of discussion or implementation in the countries in which the company operates. These measures could result in requirements for AngloGold Ashanti to reduce its direct and indirect GHG emissions. For example:

• In 2010 the Australian parliament will continue to debate the introduction of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, which would cap national emissions and require certain companies whose emissions exceed the agreed threshold to obtain allowances to emit GHGs. AngloGold Ashanti may be required under this scheme to purchase allowances for emissions starting in 2011. The company is already required to report its GHG emissions to the Australian government under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act;
• The South African government has announced a climate change policy process culminating in the publication of a white paper in late 2010, with GHG legislation likely in 2011. It is possible this legislation will cap national emissions and introduce a trading scheme for GHG emission allowances and/or extend the current carbon tax;
• A number of climate change bills have been introduced in the United States Congress but the likely impact on the company remains unclear, as no legislation has yet been finalised. In December 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency finalised a GHG endangerment finding under the US Clean Air Act, from which initiatives to curb or regulate GHGs emitted from a number of industries may arise; and
• In Brazil, a National Plan for Climate Change was enacted in December 2008 aiming to reduce deforestation, the main cause of Brazil’s GHG emissions. While Brazil is not yet formally regulating GHG emissions at the national level, some state environmental agencies request companies to voluntarily submit GHG emissions management plans.

Some of these measures already result in increased compliance costs for AngloGold Ashanti’s power suppliers, and are passed through to the company in the form of price increases. For instance, in South Africa since 2009, AngloGold Ashanti pays a levy of South African rand 0.02 per kilowatt hour for electricity generated from fossil fuels. These levies may increase over time and additional levies may be introduced in the future in South Africa or other countries.

In addition, AngloGold Ashanti’s operations could be exposed to a number of physical risks from climate change, such as increased rainfall, reduced water availability, higher temperatures and extreme weather events. Events or conditions such as flooding or inadequate water supplies could disrupt the company’s mining and transport operations, mineral processing and rehabilitation efforts, and could increase health and safety risks onsite. In addition, such events or conditions could have adverse effects such as increased disease prevalence in AngloGold Ashanti’s workforce and in communities in close proximity to the company’s operations.

Mining operations and projects are vulnerable to supply chain disruption and AngloGold Ashanti’s operations and development projects could be adversely affected by shortages of, as well as lead times to deliver, strategic spares, critical consumables, mining equipment or metallurgical plant.

AngloGold Ashanti's operations and development projects could be adversely affected by shortages of, as well as lead times to deliver, strategic spares, critical consumables, mining equipment and metallurgical plant. In the past, AngloGold Ashanti and other gold mining companies have experienced shortages in critical consumables, particularly as production capacity in the global mining industry has expanded in response to increased demand for commodities, and AngloGold Ashanti has experienced increased delivery times for these items. These shortages have also resulted in unanticipated increases in the price of certain of these items. Shortages of strategic spares, critical consumables, mining equipment or metallurgical plant, which could occur in the future, could result in production delays and production shortfalls, and increases in prices result in an increase in both operating costs and the capital expenditure to maintain and develop mining operations.

AngloGold Ashanti and other gold mining companies, individually, have limited influence over manufacturers and suppliers of these items. In certain cases there are only limited suppliers for certain strategic spares, critical consumables, mining equipment or metallurgical plant who command superior bargaining power relative to AngloGold Ashanti, or AngloGold Ashanti could at times face limited supply or increased lead time in the delivery of such items.

AngloGold Ashanti’s procurement policy is to only source its mining and processing equipment and consumables from suppliers that meet its corporate values and ethical standards. In certain locations where a limited number of suppliers meet these standards, this places further strain upon its supply chain, thereby increasing AngloGold Ashanti’s cost of supply and time of delivery.

If AngloGold Ashanti experiences shortages, or increased lead times in delivery of strategic spares, critical consumables, mining equipment or processing plant, its results of operations and its financial condition could be adversely affected.

Diversity in interpretation and application of accounting literature in the mining industry may impact AngloGold Ashanti's reported financial results.

The mining industry has limited industry-specific accounting literature. As a result, diversity exists in the interpretation and application of accounting literature to mining specific issues. For example, AngloGold Ashanti capitalises the drilling and related costs incurred to define and delineate a residual mineral deposit that has not been classified as proved and probable reserves at a development stage or production stage mine, whereas some companies expense such costs. As and when diversity in interpretation and application is addressed, it may impact AngloGold Ashanti's reported results should the adopted interpretation differ from the position followed by AngloGold Ashanti.

Risks related to AngloGold Ashanti’s results of operations and its financial condition as a result of factors specific to AngloGold Ashanti and its operations

AngloGold Ashanti also faces many specific risks related to its operations that may affect its cash flows and overall profitability.

AngloGold Ashanti uses gold hedging instruments and has entered into long-term sales contracts, which may prevent the company from realising potential gains from subsequent commodity price increases.

AngloGold Ashanti has used gold hedging instruments to hedge the selling price of some of its anticipated production. The use of such instruments prevents full participation in subsequent increases in the market price for the commodity with respect to covered production. Since 2001, AngloGold Ashanti has been reducing its hedge commitments through hedge buy-backs (limited to non-hedge derivatives), deliveries into contracts and restructuring in order to provide greater participation in a rising gold price environment. As a result of these measures, AngloGold Ashanti has, and expects to continue to have, substantially less protection against declines in the market price of gold as compared with previous years.

AngloGold Ashanti continues to use gold hedging instruments to hedge the selling price of a portion of its anticipated gold production and to protect revenues against unfavourable gold price and exchange rate movements. While the use of these instruments may protect against a drop in gold prices and exchange rate movements, it will do so for only a limited period of time and only to the extent that the hedge remains in place. The use of these instruments may also prevent AngloGold Ashanti from fully realising the positive impact on income from any subsequent favourable increase in the price of gold on the portion of production covered by the hedge and of any subsequent favourable exchange rate movements.

During 2009, AngloGold Ashanti continued executing on its strategy to reduce the outstanding gold derivatives position which resulted in the decision to accelerate the settlement of certain outstanding gold derivative positions. These accelerated settlements, together with the normal scheduled deliveries and maturities of other gold derivatives positions during 2009, reduced the total committed ounces from 5.99Moz as at 31 December 2008 to 3.90Moz as at 31 December 2009.

Although the hedge restructurings and reductions referred to above have significantly reduced AngloGold Ashanti’s hedge book, a rising gold price may result in a gap between the spot price and the received price of gold for ounces still hedged, and this may continue as the company closes out its existing hedge positions.

AngloGold Ashanti's mining rights in the countries in which it operates could be altered, suspended or cancelled for a variety of reasons, including if AngloGold Ashanti breaches its obligations in respect of its mining rights.

AngloGold Ashanti's rights to own and exploit mineral reserves and deposits are governed by the laws and regulations of the jurisdictions in which the mineral properties are located. Currently, a significant portion of its mineral reserves and deposits are located in countries where mining rights could be suspended or cancelled should AngloGold Ashanti breach its obligations in respect of the acquisition of these rights.

In all of the countries where AngloGold Ashanti operates, the formulation or implementation of government policies may be unpredictable on certain issues, including changes in laws relating to mineral rights and ownership of mining assets and the rights to prospect and mine. Any existing and new mining and exploration operations and projects AngloGold Ashanti carries are subject to various national and local laws, policies and regulations governing the ownership and the right to prospect or mine or develop proposed projects. If AngloGold Ashanti is not able to obtain or maintain necessary permits, authorisations or agreements to prospect or mine or to implement planned projects, or continue its operations under conditions, or within time frames, that make such plans and operations economically viable, or if the laws impacting AngloGold Ashanti’s ownership of its mineral rights, or its right to prospect or mine were to change materially, its results of operations and its financial condition could be adversely affected.

In South Africa, mining rights are linked to meeting various obligations that include the Broad-Based Socio-Economic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining Industry, or the Mining Charter. Compliance with the Mining Charter, measured using a designated scorecard, requires that every mining company achieve 15% ownership by historically disadvantaged South Africans, or HDSAs, of its South African mining assets by May 2009, and 26% ownership by May 2014, and achieve participation by HDSAs in various other aspects of management.

AngloGold Ashanti believes that it has made significant progress towards meeting the requirements of the Mining Charter, the scorecard and its own undertakings in terms of human resource development, employment equity, mine community and rural development, housing and living conditions, procurement and beneficiation. AngloGold Ashanti will incur expenses in giving further effect to the Mining Charter and the scorecard. The Mining Charter provides that it should be reviewed five years after becoming law. The review process being conducted in consultation between the government and mining companies took place during 2009. The outcome is expected shortly and might impose new conditions on mining companies operating in South Africa.

The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, or the MPRDA, required the Minister of Mineral Resources to develop a Code of Good Practice for the Minerals Industry, or the Code, and the Housing and Living Conditions Standard, or the Standard, by 30 April 2009, both of which were published in the Government Gazette of 29 April 2009. The Code was developed to create principles which would facilitate the effective implementation of minerals and mining legislation and enhance the implementation of the Mining Charter applicable to the mining industry. The Standard aims to include the provision of housing as an integral part of infrastructure during the development of a mine. Both the Code and the Standard provide that non-compliance equates to non-compliance with the MPRDA.

It is unclear whether non-compliance with the Code or the Standard would lead to the cancellation or suspension of a mining right or whether they would be considered legislation under the MPRDA. Subsequent to the publication of the Code and the Standard, representatives of the Department of Mineral Resources, organised labour and the South African mining industry have engaged in discussions in an effort to address the concerns of the mining industry and to possibly amend the Code and the Standard. Furthermore, discussions related to the Code and Standard have also become related to the review of the Mining Charter. It is anticipated that the contents of the Code and Standard will ultimately be amended in line with amendments that will be made to the Mining Charter, details of which are currently uncertain.

AngloGold Ashanti’s mining rights in South Africa can be suspended or cancelled by the Minister of Mineral Resources if, upon notice of a breach from the Minister, the entity breaches its obligations in complying with the MPRDA. The MPRDA also imposes additional responsibilities on mining companies relating to environmental management and to environmental damage, degradation or pollution resulting from their prospecting or mining activities. AngloGold Ashanti has a policy of evaluating, minimising and addressing the environmental consequences of its activities and, consistent with this policy and the MPRDA, conducts an annual review of the environmental costs and liabilities associated with its South African operations in light of applicable requirements.

AngloGold Ashanti may experience unforeseen difficulties, delays or costs in successfully implementing its business strategy, and its strategy may not result in the anticipated benefits.

The successful implementation of AngloGold Ashanti's business strategy depends upon a number of factors, including factors that are outside its control. For example, the successful management of costs will depend upon prevailing market prices for input costs and the ability to grow the business will depend on the successful implementation of AngloGold Ashanti's existing and proposed project development initiatives and continued exploration success as well as on the availability of attractive merger and acquisition opportunities, all of which are subject to the relevant mining and company specific risks as outlined in these risk factors. AngloGold Ashanti cannot give assurance that unforeseen difficulties, delays or costs will not adversely affect the successful implementation of its business strategy, or that its strategy will result in the anticipated benefits.

AngloGold Ashanti's level of indebtedness could adversely affect its business.

As at 31 December 2009, AngloGold Ashanti had gross borrowings of approximately $1.931bn. This level of indebtedness could have adverse effects on its flexibility to do business. For example, AngloGold Ashanti may be required to utilise a large portion of its cash flow to pay the principal and interest on its debt which will reduce the amount of funds available to finance existing operations, the development of new organic growth opportunities and further acquisitions. In addition, under the terms of its borrowing facilities from its banks, AngloGold Ashanti is obliged to meet certain financial and other covenants. AngloGold Ashanti's ability to continue to meet these covenants will depend upon its future financial performance which will be affected by its operating performance as well as by financial and other factors, certain of which are beyond its control.

Should the cash flow from operations be insufficient, AngloGold Ashanti could breach its financial and other covenants and may be required to refinance all or part of its existing debt, use existing cash balances, issue additional equity or sell assets. AngloGold Ashanti cannot be sure that it will be able to do so on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

During 2010, approximately $1.3bn of AngloGold Ashanti’s debt is scheduled to mature, consisting mainly of $1.0bn under its $1.15bn syndicated loan facility that matures on 13 December 2010 and $250m under its revolving credit facility that matures on 24 August 2010 (but which is extendable, at the option of AngloGold Ashanti, to 24 August 2011). AngloGold Ashanti intends to refinance these facilities before they mature, which may include accessing the debt capital markets. AngloGold Ashanti cannot give assurance that it will be able to do so on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

AngloGold Ashanti expects to have significant financing requirements.

The development of potential future projects including the Mponeng Carbon Leader Reef and Ventersdorp Contact Reef Projects in South Africa, Córrego do S?tio and Lamego in Brazil, the mine life extension project at Cripple Creek & Victor in the US (amongst other existing projects), the possible development of Tropicana in Australia, La Colosa in Columbia, the Kibali gold project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zaaiplaats in South Africa, as well as various greenfields and brownfields exploration projects will require significant funding. AngloGold Ashanti’s operating cash flow and credit facilities may be insufficient to meet all of these expenditures, depending on the timing and costs of development of these and other projects. As a result, new sources of capital may be needed to meet the funding requirements of these developments, to fund ongoing business activities and to pay dividends. AngloGold Ashanti’s ability to raise and service significant new sources of capital will be a function of macroeconomic conditions, future gold prices, AngloGold Ashanti’s operational performance and operating cash flow and debt position, among other factors. AngloGold Ashanti intends to raise long-term debt financing in the capital markets but cannot provide assurance that it will be able to do so on acceptable terms. AngloGold Ashanti’s ability to raise long-term debt financing and the cost of such financing will depend on, among other factors, its prevailing credit rating, which may be affected by the company’s ability to maintain its outstanding debt and financial ratios at levels acceptable to the credit ratings agencies, its business prospects or other factors. As a result, in the event of lower gold prices, unanticipated operating or financial challenges, or new funding limitations, AngloGold Ashanti’s ability to pursue new business opportunities, invest in existing and new projects, fund its ongoing business activities, retire or service all outstanding debt and pay dividends could be significantly constrained.

AngloGold Ashanti does not operate two of its significant joint venture projects. If the operators of these projects do not perform effectively and efficiently, AngloGold Ashanti's investment in these projects could be adversely affected and/or its reputation could be harmed.

AngloGold Ashanti's joint ventures at Morila in Mali and at Kibali in the DRC are operated by its joint venture partners. While AngloGold Ashanti provides strategic management and operational advice to its joint venture partners in respect of these projects, AngloGold Ashanti cannot ensure that these projects are operated in compliance with the standards that AngloGold Ashanti applies in its other operations. If these joint ventures are not operated effectively or efficiently, including as a result of weaknesses in the policies, procedures and controls implemented by the joint venture partners, AngloGold Ashanti's investment in the relevant project could be adversely affected. In addition, negative publicity associated with ineffective and inefficient operatorship, particularly relating to any resulting accidents or environmental incidents could harm AngloGold Ashanti’s reputation.

AngloGold Ashanti's mineral reserves, deposits and mining operations are located in countries that face political, economic and/or security risks.

Some of AngloGold Ashanti's mineral deposits and mining and exploration operations are located in countries that have experienced political instability and economic uncertainty. In all of the countries where AngloGold Ashanti operates, the formulation or implementation of government policies may be unpredictable on certain issues including regulations which impact on its operations and changes in laws relating to issues such as mineral rights and asset ownership, taxation, royalties, import and export duties, currency transfers, restrictions on foreign currency holdings and repatriation of earnings.

Any existing and new mining and exploration operations and projects AngloGold Ashanti carries out in these countries are, and will be subject to, various national and local laws, policies and regulations governing the ownership, prospecting, development and mining of mineral reserves, taxation and royalties, exchange controls, import and export duties and restrictions, investment approvals, employee and social/community relations and other matters.

If, in one or more of these countries, AngloGold Ashanti was not able to obtain or maintain necessary permits, authorisations or agreements to implement planned projects or continue its operations under conditions or within time frames that make such plans and operations economic, or if legal, ownership, fiscal (including all royalties and duties), exchange control, employment, environmental and social laws and regimes, or the governing political authorities change materially, resulting in changes to such laws and regimes, its results of operations and its financial condition could be adversely affected.

Certain of the countries in which AngloGold Ashanti has mineral deposits or mining or exploration operations, including the DRC, and Colombia, have in the past experienced, and in certain cases continue to experience, a difficult security environment as well as political instability. In particular, various illegal groups active in regions in which AngloGold Ashanti is present may pose a credible threat of terrorism, extortion and kidnapping, which could have an adverse effect on AngloGold Ashanti's operations in such regions. In the event that continued operations in these countries compromise AngloGold Ashanti's security or business principles, it may withdraw from these countries on a temporary or permanent basis.

In December 2008, the National Council for Democracy and Development, or CNDD, seized power in Guinea after the death of the country’s long-standing president, Lasana Conte. Moussa Dadis Camara, president of the CNDD, announced on 27 December 2008 the creation of a committee to examine and revise all existing mining agreements in Guinea. The committee’s review process has not yet commenced and AngloGold Ashanti is currently unable to predict the timing and outcome of the committee’s examination. Pursuant to the direction of president Moussa Dadis Camara or his ministers, production at AngloGold Ashanti’s Siguiri mine in Guinea and the export of gold from Guinea were temporarily interrupted during 2009. At the end of June 2009, following an embargo on the export of gold from Guinea and discussions with the government of Guinea centred on the nature and protocols of an environmental fund related to AngloGold Ashanti's existing $27m provision for environmental rehabilitation of Siguiri as of 30 June 2009, AngloGold Ashanti agreed and made an advance payment of $10m to the government of Guinea in respect of AngloGold Ashanti's environmental rehabilitation provision, subject to an undertaking from the government of Guinea that the funds be used solely for the environmental rehabilitation of Siguiri and that the payment be offset against the balance of its future environmental liabilities related to Siguiri. AngloGold Ashanti cannot give any assurance that future stoppages of this nature may not occur, or that further payments in advance of future liabilities will not be demanded by the government of Guinea. Such stoppages, if prolonged, could have a material adverse effect on the Siguiri mine. On 3 December 2009, president Moussa Dadis Camara was shot in an apparent assassination attempt and on 15 January 2010, president Moussa Dadis Camara signed a transition agreement allowing for the end of military rule, presidential elections and the transfer of Guinea back to civilian rule. A new transitional government was appointed on 15 February 2010 and is charged with organising presidential elections by July 2010. President Moussa Dadis Camara has ruled himself out of running in future presidential elections and the key figures in Guinea’s military hierarchy have all publicly vowed their support for the end to military rule. It is not certain what impact any future political instability in Guinea may have on AngloGold Ashanti’s ability to manage and operate its mining operations in Guinea.

In Mali and Tanzania, AngloGold Ashanti is due refunds of input tax and fuel duties which remain outstanding for periods longer than those provided for in the respective statutes. In addition, AngloGold Ashanti has outstanding assessments and unresolved tax disputes in a number of countries. If the outstanding VAT input taxes are not received, the tax disputes are not resolved and assessments are not made in a manner favourable to AngloGold Ashanti, it could have an adverse effect upon its results of operations and its financial condition.

Labour disruptions and/or increased labour costs could have an adverse effect on AngloGold Ashanti's operating results and financial condition.

AngloGold Ashanti's employees in South Africa, some South American countries, Ghana and Guinea are highly unionised. Trade unions therefore have a significant impact on AngloGold Ashanti's labour relations climate, as well as on social and political reforms, most notably in South Africa. There is a risk that strikes or other types of conflict with unions or employees may occur at any of AngloGold Ashanti's operations, particularly where the labour force is unionised. It is uncertain whether labour disruptions will be used to advocate labour, political or social goals in the future. Material labour disruptions could have an adverse effect on AngloGold Ashanti's results of operations and its financial condition.

As at 31 December 2009, approximately 67% of AngloGold Ashanti’s workforce excluding contractors, or approximately 59% of AngloGold Ashanti’s total workforce, was located in South Africa. In South Africa, it has become established practice to negotiate wages and conditions of employment with the unions every two years through the Chamber of Mines of South Africa. An agreement was signed with the unions in July 2009, following negotiations between the National Union of Mineworkers, United Associations of South Africa, or UASA, on behalf of some clerical and junior management staff and Solidarity (on behalf of a small number of miners) and the Chamber of Mines. This two-year wage agreement was reached without resort to any industrial action. AngloGold Ashanti has agreed to an increase that has a 9.7% impact on payroll costs for its South African operations in the first year and 1% above inflation, with a guaranteed minimum of 7.5%, in the second year. These wage increases were effective 1 July 2009. The next round of negotiations is expected to take place in 2011. AngloGold Ashanti cannot give assurance that it will be able to renegotiate this agreement on satisfactory terms when it expires in July 2011.

As at 31 December 2009, approximately 11% of AngloGold Ashanti’s workforce excluding contractors, or approximately 12% of AngloGold Ashanti’s total workforce, was located in Ghana. In Ghana, a three-year wage agreement for the years 2009 to 2011, effective from 1 January 2009, was reached towards the end of 2008. AngloGold Ashanti has agreed to increases that have a 10%, 12% and 12% impact on payroll costs for its Ghanaian operations for 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The next round of negotiations is expected to take place in 2011. AngloGold Ashanti cannot give assurance that it will be able to renegotiate this agreement on satisfactory terms when it expires at the end of December 2011.

Labour costs represent a substantial proportion of AngloGold Ashanti's total operating costs, and in many operations, including its South African, Ghanaian and Tanzanian operations, is its single largest operating cost component. Any increases in labour costs have to be off-set by greater productivity efforts by all operations and employees.

Certain factors may affect AngloGold Ashanti's ability to support the carrying amount of its property, plant and equipment, acquired properties, investments and goodwill on its balance sheet. If the carrying amount of its assets is not recoverable, AngloGold Ashanti may be required to recognise an impairment charge, which could be significant.

AngloGold Ashanti reviews and tests the carrying value of its assets when events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. AngloGold Ashanti values individual mining assets at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are identifiable as independent of cash flows of other mining assets and liabilities.

If there are indications that impairment may have occurred, AngloGold Ashanti prepares estimates of expected future cash flows for each group of assets. Expected future cash flows are inherently uncertain, and could materially change over time. They are significantly affected by reserve and production estimates, together with economic factors such as spot and forward gold prices, discount rates, currency exchange rates, estimates of costs to produce reserves and future capital expenditure.

If any of these uncertainties occur either alone or in combination, it could require management to recognise an impairment, which could adversely affect AngloGold Ashanti's financial condition.

The use of mining contractors at certain of AngloGold Ashanti's operations may expose it to delays or suspensions in mining activities and increases in mining costs.

AngloGold Ashanti uses mining contractors at certain of its operations to mine and deliver ore to processing plants. Consequently, at these mines, AngloGold Ashanti does not own all of the mining equipment, and contracting costs represent a significant proportion of the total operating costs of these operations. AngloGold Ashanti’s operations could be disrupted, resulting in additional costs and liabilities, if the mining contractors at these mines have financial difficulties, or should there be a dispute in renegotiating a mining contract, or a delay in replacing an existing contractor. Increases in contract mining rates, in the absence of associated productivity increases, will also have an adverse impact on AngloGold Ashanti's results of operations and financial condition.

AngloGold Ashanti competes with mining and other companies for key human resources.

AngloGold Ashanti competes with mining and other companies on a global basis to attract and retain key human resources at all levels with appropriate technical skills and operating and managerial experience necessary to continue to operate its business. This is further exacerbated in the current environment of increased mining activity across the globe, combined with the global shortage of key mining industry human resource skills, including geologists, mining engineers, metallurgists and skilled artisans.

The retention of staff is particularly challenging in South Africa, where, in addition to the impacts of global industry shortages of skilled labour, AngloGold Ashanti is also required to achieve employment equity targets of participation by HDSAs in management and other positions.

AngloGold Ashanti competes with all companies in South Africa to attract and retain a small but growing pool of HDSAs with the necessary skills and experience.

There can be no assurance that AngloGold Ashanti will attract and retain skilled and experienced employees and, should it fail to do so or lose any of its key personnel, its business and growth prospects may be harmed and its results of operations and its financial condition could be adversely affected.

The treatment of occupational health diseases and the potential liabilities related thereto may have an adverse effect upon the results of AngloGold Ashanti's operations and its financial condition.

The primary areas of focus in respect of occupational health within AngloGold Ashanti's operations in terms of employee welfare are noise induced hearing loss, or NIHL, occupational lung diseases, or OLD, which includes pulmonary and tuberculosis, or TB, in silica dust exposed individuals. AngloGold Ashanti provides occupational health services to its employees at its occupational health centres and it continues to improve preventative occupational hygiene initiatives. If the costs associated with providing such occupational health services increase, the increase could have an adverse effect on AngloGold Ashanti's results of operations and its financial condition.

The South African government, by way of a cabinet resolution in 1999, has proposed a possible combination and alignment of benefits of the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act, or ODMWA, that provides for compensation to miners who have OLD, TB and combinations thereof, and the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, or COIDA, that provides for compensation to non-miners who have OLD. COIDA provides for compensation payments to workers suffering permanent disabilities from OLD, which are classified as pension liabilities if the permanent disability is above a certain threshold, or a lump sum compensation payment if the permanent disability is below a certain threshold. ODMWA only provides for a lump sum compensation payment to workers suffering from OLD. The capitalised value of a pension liability (in accordance with COIDA) is usually greater than that of a lump sum compensation payment (under ODMWA). In addition, under COIDA compensation becomes payable at a lower threshold of permanent disability than under ODMWA. It is estimated that under COIDA about two to three times more of AngloGold Ashanti's employees would be compensated as compared with those eligible for compensation under ODMWA.

If the proposed combination of COIDA and ODMWA were to occur, this could further increase the level of compensation claims AngloGold Ashanti could be subject to and consequently could have an adverse effect on its financial condition.

Mr. Thembekile Mankayi instituted a legal action against AngloGold Ashanti in October 2006 in the South Gauteng High Court. Mr. Mankayi claimed approximately R2.6m for damages allegedly suffered by him as a result of silicosis allegedly contracted while working on mines now owned by AngloGold Ashanti. The case was heard and a judgement in the exception action was rendered on 26 June 2008 in favour of AngloGold Ashanti on the basis that mine employers are insured under ODMWA and COIDA against compensable diseases, which precludes common law delictual claims by employees against employers. The plaintiff has been granted leave to appeal the judgement. The appeal hearing was concluded on 4 March 2010 and judgement is awaited. If AngloGold Ashanti is unsuccessful in defending this suit, it could be subject to numerous similar claims which could have an adverse effect on its financial condition.

In response to the effects of silicosis in labour sending communities, a number of mining companies (under the auspices of the Chamber of Mines), together with the NUM, which is the largest union in the mining sector and the national and regional departments of health have embarked on a project to assist in the delivery of compensation and relief by mining companies under the ODMWA to communities that have been affected.

AngloGold Ashanti faces certain risks in dealing with HIV/AIDS, particularly at its South African operations, and with tropical disease outbreaks such as malaria, which may have an adverse effect on its operations results.

AIDS and associated diseases remain the major health care challenge faced by AngloGold Ashanti's South African operations. Accurate prevalence data for AIDS is not available owing to doctor-patient confidentiality. The South African workforce prevalence studies indicate that the percentage of AngloGold Ashanti's South African workforce that may be infected by HIV may be as high as 30%. AngloGold Ashanti is continuing to develop and implement various programmes aimed at helping those who have been infected with HIV and preventing new infections. Since 2001, AngloGold Ashanti has offered a voluntary counselling and HIV testing programme for employees in South Africa. In 2002, AngloGold Ashanti began to offer anti-retroviral therapy, or ART, to HIV positive employees who met the current medical criteria for the initiation of ART.

From April 2003, AngloGold Ashanti commenced a rollout of the treatment to all eligible employees desiring it. In all, 4,325 employees have attended the wellness clinics in the last six months, and as of December 2009, approximately 2,216 employees were receiving treatment using anti-retroviral drugs.

AngloGold Ashanti does not expect the cost that it will incur related to the prevention of HIV infection and the treatment of AIDS to materially and adversely affect its results of operations. Nevertheless, it is not possible to determine with certainty the costs that AngloGold Ashanti may incur in the future in addressing this issue, and consequently its results of operations and its financial condition could be adversely affected.

Malaria and other tropical diseases pose significant health risks at all of AngloGold Ashanti's operations in Central, West and East Africa where such diseases may assume epidemic proportions because of ineffective national control programmes. Malaria is a major cause of death in young children and pregnant women but also gives rise to fatalities and absenteeism in adult men. Consequently, if uncontrolled, the disease could have an adverse effect upon productivity and profitability levels of AngloGold Ashanti's operations located in these regions.

The costs associated with the pumping of water inflows from closed mines adjacent to AngloGold Ashanti's operations could have an adverse effect upon operational results.

Certain of AngloGold Ashanti's mining operations are located adjacent to the mining operations of other mining companies. The closure of a mining operation may have an impact upon continued operations at the adjacent mine if appropriate preventative steps are not taken. In particular, this can include the ingress of underground water where pumping operations at the adjacent closed mine are suspended. Such ingress could have an adverse effect upon any one of AngloGold Ashanti's mining operations as a result of property damage, disruption to operations and additional pumping costs and consequently could have an adverse impact upon AngloGold Ashanti’s results of operations and its financial condition.

Proposed regulation of over the counter (OTC) derivatives may adversely affect AngloGold Ashanti’s financial condition and results of operations.

There are proposals in the European Union and the US to introduce laws and regulations that affect OTC derivatives, including rules that would increase collateralisation and push many so-called standardised OTC derivatives into central clearing. These proposals, if enacted and depending on their terms, could:

• adversely affect the costs of trading in derivatives, including for commodity, interest rate and foreign exchange hedging purposes;
• adversely affect pricing and other terms on which dealers are prepared to offer derivative contracts;
• adversely affect the use of derivatives for purposes other than pure hedging; or
• increase the working capital required by non-financial firms using derivatives for hedging purposes or render uneconomical the use of derivatives for hedging purposes thereby exposing non-financial firms to unhedgeable risks.

AngloGold Ashanti makes use of financial derivatives in its treasury activities, particularly for gold, interest rate and foreign exchange hedging, and as a result any of the foregoing could adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.

The occurrence of events for which AngloGold Ashanti is not insured or for which its insurance is inadequate may adversely affect its cash flows and overall profitability.

AngloGold Ashanti maintains insurance to protect only against catastrophic events which could have a significant adverse effect on its operations and profitability. This insurance is maintained in amounts that AngloGold Ashanti believes to be reasonable depending upon the circumstances surrounding each identified risk. However, AngloGold Ashanti's insurance does not cover all potential risks associated with its business. In addition, AngloGold Ashanti may elect not to insure certain risks, due to the high premiums associated with insuring those risks or for various other reasons, including an assessment that the risks are remote.

AngloGold Ashanti may not be able to obtain insurance coverage at acceptable premiums. The availability and cost of insurance coverage can vary considerably from year to year as a result of events beyond AngloGold Ashanti’s control or from claims, and this can result in higher premiums and periodically being unable to maintain the levels or types of insurance carried.

The occurrence of events for which it is not insured may adversely affect AngloGold Ashanti's cash flows and overall profitability and its financial condition.

Risks related to AngloGold Ashanti's ordinary shares and AngloGold Ashanti’s ADSs

The proposal by the South African Government to replace the Secondary Tax on Companies with a withholding tax on dividends and other distributions may impact the amount of dividends or other distributions received by the holders of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares and holders of AngloGold Ashanti ADSs.

On 21 February 2007, the South African Government announced a proposal to replace Secondary Tax on Companies with a 10% withholding tax on dividends and other distributions payable to shareholders of South African companies.

The new tax was expected to be implemented in 2010 but no implementation date has been announced yet. Although this may reduce the tax payable by the South African operations of AngloGold Ashanti thereby increasing distributable earnings, the withholding tax will generally reduce the amount of dividends or other distributions received by holders of AngloGold Ashanti ordinary shares and ADSs.

Fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies may reduce the market value of AngloGold Ashanti's securities, as well as the market value of any dividends or distributions paid by AngloGold Ashanti.

AngloGold Ashanti has historically declared all dividends in South African rands. As a result, exchange rate movements may have affected and may continue to affect the Australian dollar, the British pound, the Ghanaian cedi and the US dollar value of these dividends, as well as of any other distributions paid by the relevant depositary to investors that hold AngloGold Ashanti's securities. This may reduce the value of these securities to investors.

AngloGold Ashanti's memorandum and articles of association allows for dividends and distributions to be declared in any currency at the discretion of AngloGold Ashanti's board of directors, or its shareholders at a general meeting. If, and to the extent that AngloGold Ashanti opts to declare dividends and distributions in dollars, exchange rate movements will not affect the US dollar value of any dividends or distributions, nevertheless, the value of any dividend or distribution in Australian dollars, British pounds, Ghanaian cedis or South African rands will continue to be affected. If, and to the extent that dividends and distributions are declared in South African rands, exchange rate movements will continue to affect the Australian dollar, British pound, Ghanaian cedi and US dollar value of these dividends and distributions. Furthermore, the market value of AngloGold Ashanti's securities as expressed in Australian dollars, British pounds, Ghanaian cedis, US dollars and South African rands will continue to fluctuate in part as a result of foreign exchange fluctuations.

Sales of large quantities of AngloGold Ashanti's ordinary shares and ADSs, or the perception that these sales may occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price of such securities.

The market price of AngloGold Ashanti's ordinary shares or ADSs could fall if large quantities of ordinary shares or ADSs are sold in the public market, or there is the perception in the marketplace that such sales could occur. Subject to applicable securities laws, holders of AngloGold Ashanti's ordinary shares or ADSs may decide to sell them at any time. The market price of AngloGold Ashanti's ordinary shares or ADS could also fall as a result of any future offerings it makes of ordinary shares, ADSs, or securities exchangeable or exercisable for its ordinary shares or ADSs, or the perception in the marketplace that these sales might occur. AngloGold Ashanti may make such offerings of additional ADS rights, share rights or similar securities at any time or from time to time in the future.