Supreme Court Decision on El Mauro Tailings Dam

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SUPREME COURT DECISION RELATING TO THE TAILINGS DAM AT LOS PELAMBRES

London, 4 July 2013

Antofagasta plc (the "Company") announces that the Supreme Court of Chile has today reached a decision regarding the Mauro tailings dam at Los Pelambres.

As previously announced, construction of the Mauro tailings dam was carried out in compliance with all the necessary permits granted to it and following an exhaustive environmental approval process and safety measures required by the relevant authority. The Mauro tailings dam began operating in 2008 and has always complied with all applicable laws, regulations and controls.

The Supreme Court has ordered the responsible authorities to introduce an early warning system and evacuation plan for the safety of the local population. Although the decision of the Court of Appeal of La Serena has been overturned, the Supreme Court has not required any changes to the existing operation of the tailings dam or to Los Pelambres's operations.

The Supreme Court's decision will not affect the operation of the Los Pelambres mine and there are no material adverse consequences of the ruling.