Johannesburg, 18 December 2008

Assmang- Manganese alloy capacity shutdown

Due to the extensive cutbacks in carbon steel production, particularly in Europe and North America, Assmang Ltd 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.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Monique Swartz

Corporate Development and Head of Investor Relations

Office:            +27 11 779 1507

Mobile:           +27 83 411 2881

E-mail:           monique.swartz@arm.co.za

OR

Jan Steenkamp

Chief Executive: ARM Ferrous

Office:         +27 11 779 1108

Mobile:        +27 82 492 6948

E-mail:        jan.steenkamp@arm.co.za

OR

Bryan Broekman

Executive : Ferrous Operations

Office :         +27 11 779 1108

Mobile :        +27 82 452 0462

E-mail :         bryan.broekman@arm.co.za

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