core sector communique

Appointment of Mr. Diego Hernandez as Chief Executive Officer of Antofagasta Minerals S.A

Antofagasta plc ("Antofagasta") announces that the Board of Antofagasta has appointed Mr. Diego Hernandez as Chief Executive Officer of Antofagasta Minerals S.A. the mining division of the Group, with effect from 1 August 2012.

Mr. Hernandez is a mining engineer and has held various senior executive positions in the mining sector in South America in operational, strategic and corporate roles. He has been CEO at Codelco for the last two years and his previous positions include President, Base Metals for BHP Billiton, Chairman of Minera Escondida Ltda, President and CEO of Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi, and Executive Director, Non Ferrous at Vale S.A.
Mr Hernandez, aged 63, is based in Santiago and is a Chilean citizen.
Mr. Jean-Paul Luksic, Chairman of Antofagasta, stated, “On behalf of the Board, we are delighted that Diego has accepted our invitation to lead the mining division business as its Chief Executive Officer. He has an extensive knowledge of the mining industry. This, we feel, will greatly benefit Antofagasta as it continues to enhance its overall growth profile, supported by our strong financial position and low-cost and profitable operations”.

Appointment of Mr. Nelson Pizarro as an Independent Non-Executive Director

Antofagasta plc ("Antofagasta") announces that Mr. Nelson Pizarro has today been appointed an Independent Non-Executive Director.
He is a mining engineer and has held various senior executive positions in the mining sector in Chile, both in project and operational roles. Currently he is in charge of the construction of Caserones Project as CEO of Minera Lumina Copper Chile S.A. Previous roles include CEO of División Andina and Chuquicamata both for Codelco, and CEO for the construction and start-up of Minera Los Pelambres and then Mining Vice-President of Antofagasta Minerals S.A.
Mr Pizarro, aged 71, is based in Santiago and is a Chilean citizen.
Mr. Jean-Paul Luksic, Chairman of Antofagasta, stated, “On behalf of the Board, we are very pleased that Nelson has accepted our invitation to join the Board as a Non-Executive Director. He was in charge of the construction and commissioning of Minera Los Pelambres and is well respected within the Group. He has an extensive knowledge of the mining industry, both in construction and operation and I’m sure he will greatly benefit Antofagasta as it continues to enhance its business strategy".