Anglo American reviews South Africa lockdown order

Anglo American said it was reviewing the impact of the South African government's national lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The FTSE 100 miner said it would look at the detailed regulations related to the government's order in its home market including exemptions for certain business activities.

South Africa's president Cyril Ramaphosa imposed a three-week clampdown on its 56 million inhabitants on Monday night in an attempt to avoid what Ramaphosa said would be a "catastrophe of huge proportions". The number of Covid-19 cases in South Africa jumped from 61 to 400 in just over a week.

"We recognise the critical role that our operations play in our host operating countries, including in terms of jobs and our local communities," Anglo American said. "We are therefore also working together with the government of South Africa to ensure the continuity of our business where appropriate in order to minimise any unintended consequences of the announced lockdown."

The company, headquartered in Johannesburg and listed in London, announced its review as rival miner Rio Tinto said it would halt activity in South Africa and reduce operations in Canada to comply with government orders.