Net Profits Jump 43 Percent at Anglo American

Diversified miner Anglo American Plc recorded a 43 percent jump in first-half net profit and believes annual earnings should rise if growth improves in the industrialized nations and current levels of Chinese demand continued.

Anglo, the world's third-biggest mining company, is benefiting from strong prices for platinum, gold, diamonds, coal and base and ferrous metals in the wake of vigorous growth in China and the United States.

The company said that net profit before exceptional items rose to $1.78 billion from $1.25 billion a year earlier. Operating profit rose 28 percent to $2.98 billion.

"The outlook for most of the group's commodities remains sound," the firm said in a statement. "If Chinese demand continues at current levels and prospects for OECD growth improve in the second six months, the group's earnings should remain strong for the remainder of the year."