Assmang – Manganese alloy capacity shutdown

Due to the extensive cutbacks in carbon steel production, particularly in Europe and North America, Assmang Ltd (“Assmang”) has decided to shut down 3 High Carbon Ferromanganese furnaces at its Cato Ridge Works effective 25 December 2008.

The smelter will then be operating three furnaces, which equates to approximately 60% of capacity. Cato Ridge Alloys (Pty) Ltd, (50% owned by Assmang) has also made the decision to shut down its production of Medium Carbon Ferromanganese effective immediately. Assmang is jointly owned by ARM and Assore Ltd.

The market will be closely monitored to evaluate when the idle capacity can be re-started.

For more information please contact:

Monique Swartz
Corporate Development and Head of Investor Relations
Office: +27 11 779 1507
Mobile: +27(0) 83 411 2881
Email: monique.swartz@arm.co.za

Jan Steenkamp
Chief Executive: ARM Ferrous
Office: +27 11 779 1108
Mobile: +27 82 492 6948
Email: jan.steenkamp@arm.co.za

Bryan Broekman
Executive: Ferrous Operations
Office: +27 11 779 1108
Mobile: +27 82 452 0462
Email: bryan.broekman@arm.co.za

Issued by sponsor: Deutsche Securities (SA) (Proprietary) Limited