Miner’s dividend return

ANGLO American is resuming its dividend six months earlier than planned after aggressive cost-cutting slashed its debts.

The miner suspended the payouts in 2015 to survive a slump in commodity prices, but yesterday bosses said they would restart after debt had been driven down nearly half to £4.7bn, while profits rose 68pc to £3.1bn.

They now plan a dividend of 40pc of earnings for the first half of the year.

Boss Mark Cutifani said last night: ‘Our relentless focus on driving efficiency resulted in a step-change in operational performance and profitability.’