Directorate Change

For immediate release

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

London, 24 July 2012

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 isa 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".

Save as disclosed above, there are no disclosures under Listing Rule 9.6.13(1) to (6) in respect of Mr. Pizarro.