ENG Foundation Report
The Anglo American Foundation was formed in 2018/2019 through the merger of the Chairman’s Fund and the Anglo American Group Foundation. Rooted in Anglo American’s purpose – re-imagining mining to improve people’s lives – the Foundation takes a long-term approach to socio-economic development across host communities globally.
Its work is guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on programmes that uplift women, youth, and vulnerable groups, and that strengthen sustainability across the mining value chain.
Key Focus Areas
In 2020, the Foundation awarded £14.5 million in trustee-approved grants aligned with Anglo American’s Sustainable Mining Plan, specifically targeting:
- Health & Wellbeing
- Education & Skills Development
- Livelihoods & Economic Resilience
- Water Access & Sanitation
- Climate Change & Biodiversity
- Accountability & Policy Advocacy
- Covid-19 response and recovery
Global Reach and Impact
In 2020, the Foundation reached an estimated 620,000 direct beneficiaries across regions including:
- 575k in Southern Africa
- 23k in Europe
- 19k in Latin America
- 3k in other global locations
A further 480,000 people were indirectly reached through awareness campaigns.
Covid-19 Response: WeCare Programme
The Foundation played a pivotal role in Anglo American’s global WeCare initiative, one of the largest community support efforts in its history. Support included:
- Provision of medical supplies, PPE, and equipment
- Water provision, sanitation upgrades, and infrastructure support
- Food relief for vulnerable households
- Capacity-building for community health workers
- GBV, mental health, and education support
- Digital access for remote learning
Overall Covid-19 support reached:
- >2 million people through awareness activities
- >200,000 beneficiaries through GBV support
- >177,000 beneficiaries through water provision
- >14 million people through educational messaging
Education and Digital Access
The Foundation’s education programmes focused on sustaining learning during the pandemic through digital access and infrastructure. Key outcomes include:
- 72,000 learners supported across 105 schools
- 2,808 students provided with devices or data for continued learning
- 270 laptops donated to disadvantaged students
- Expanded connectivity infrastructure to schools in South Africa, Chile, and Canada
The Foundation also supported the Anglo American South Africa Education Programme, implemented by JET Education Services, aimed at improving outcomes in 109 schools and over 100 ECD centres.
Strengthening Livelihoods & Communities
Major initiatives included:
- Ambassadors for Good: 211 volunteers, 85 charities supported, 5,276 volunteer hours, benefiting 82,120 people
- Partnership with TechnoServe and the Inter-American Development Bank in Brazil and Peru to support technology-driven, inclusive livelihood programmes
- Support to the Institute for Human Rights and Business across areas including commodity supply chains, digital rights, discrimination, and protection of human rights defenders
Supporting Vulnerable Groups
The Foundation funds targeted initiatives such as the refurbishment of The Salvation Army’s Camden outreach hub in London, enabling support for 300+ victims of modern slavery and human trafficking per year.
In Summary
The Anglo American Foundation delivers high-impact, global social investment rooted in sustainability, human rights, and community resilience. Through strategic partnerships, catalytic funding, employee volunteering, and a strong Covid-19 response, the Foundation supports hundreds of thousands of people each year, ensuring that mining communities and beyond are equipped for long-term, positive change.
