Antofagasta : Change in Role of Chairman & Appointment Of Mr. Diego Hernández as CEO Of Antofagasta plc

 Mr. Jean-Paul Luksic to become Non-Executive Chairman

 Mr. Diego Hernández to become Chief Executive Officer of Antofagasta plc

Antofagasta plc (the "Company") announces that the Executive Chairman of the Company, Mr. Jean-Paul Luksic, will become Non-Executive Chairman with effect from 1 September 2014. In addition the Board has appointed Mr. Diego Hernández, who is currently Chief Executive Officer of the group's mining division, Antofagasta Minerals S.A., as Chief Executive Officer of the Company with effect from the same date.
Mr. Luksic has been a director of the Company since 1990 and was appointed Executive Chairman in 2004. Mr. Hernández joined the group as Chief Executive Officer of Antofagasta Minerals S.A. in 2012.
Mr. William Hayes, the Company's Senior Independent Director said today: "On behalf of the Board, I would

like to thank Jean-Paul for his service to the group as Executive Chairman over the last ten years. Although Jean-Paul has decided to step back from the day-to-day operation of the business, we are delighted that he has reaffirmed his commitment to continuing to lead the Board as Non-Executive Chairman."

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