Accident at Cato Ridge smelter

Assmang Limited (Assmang) announced on Sunday 24 February 2008 that an explosion occurred at the No. 6 Furnace of the Cato Ridge Works of Assmang. Assmang is jointly controlled between ARM (50%) and Assore (50%).

Assmang regretfully announced that as a result of the explosion, five employees have died and four employees were seriously injured. The Board of Directors and management of Assmang expressed its sincere condolences to the families, friends and co-workers of the deceased and extended its heartfelt sympathy to those affected by this tragic accident.

Assmang has switched off all operating furnaces at Cato Ridge Works.

Management is presently meeting with the families of the affected employees, its employees as well as with employee representatives, and with the Department of Labour.

An investigation has been launched to establish the cause of the explosion, and Assmang will communicate the result of this investigation in due course.

For further details, contact:

Jan Steenkamp
Chief Executive: ARM Ferrous
Office: +27 11 779 1108
Mobile: +27(0) 82 492 6948
Email: jan.steenkamp@arm.co.za

Corn� Bobbert
Corporate development
Office: +27 11 779 1478
Mobile: +27(0) 83 380 6614
Email: corne.bobbert@arm.co.za