The admission confirms market rumours that erupted yesterday after broker Salomon Smith Barney – regularly used by Anglo in the past - bought 6 million shares before the market opened on behalf of an overseas buyer.

Analysts said Anglo has every intention of making full use of “creep provisions” in Australia’s Corporations Law that allow it to buy up to 3% of the company every six months.

Anaconda shares were down 10c to $2.86 in early afternoon trade.