Antofagasta Regulatory News (ANTO)

24 Aug 2006 08:02

Antofagasta PLC24 August 2006 ANTOFAGASTA PLC For immediate release Antofagasta has 97% interest in Equatorial Mining and takeover offer now unconditional LONDON: 24 August 2006 - Antofagasta PLC is pleased to announce that its whollyowned subsidiary, Sierra Gorda Copper Pty Limited ("Antofagasta") now has a 97%interest in Equatorial Mining Limited ("Equatorial"). This follows completionof its acquisition of a 19.99% interest in Equatorial from AMP Life andacceptances received under Antofagasta's takeover offer. The last remaining condition of Antofagasta's offer has now been satisfied andaccordingly, the takeover offer is unconditional. Antofagasta also notes Quadra Mining's announcement yesterday confirming that itwill not be increasing its offer for Equatorial. Antofagasta encourages all remaining Equatorial shareholders to accept its offeras soon as possible. Antofagasta's offer is scheduled to close at 7pm Sydneytime on 16 September 2006. Antofagasta intends to compulsorily acquire any remaining Equatorial shares inaccordance with Australian takeover regulations in due course. Enquiries - UK Enquiries - Chile / North America Antofagasta Minerals S.A. Antofagasta PLC Alejandro Rivera Tel: +44 20 7808 0988 Tel: +56 2 377 5145 www.antofagasta.co.uk Email: arivera@aminerals.cl Hussein Barma Rothschild Inc. (financial adviser)Email : hbarma@antofagasta.co.uk Tel: +1 202 862 1660 Hugo Dryland Bankside Consultants Tel: +44 20 7367 8873 Enquiries - AustraliaMob: +44 7885 356 639 Rothschild Australia (financial adviser) Keith Irons Tel: +61 2 9323 2000 Email: keith@bankside.com Marshall Baillieu Chris Forman This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange