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North Chile Division donates US$1 Million to assist reconstruction efforts following earthquake in Northern Chile

Antofagasta, 20 November 2007

The Chief Operating Officer of Xstrata Copper's North Chile Division, Jon Evans, met with the President of Chile's Antofagasta Region on Friday 16 November to offer financial aid of US$1 million to assist victims of the recent earthquake and fund reconstruction efforts in the region. In addition, North Chile Division has offered regional authorities the help of its personnel to implement these projects, or any others the authorities may require.

At 12:40 local time on 14 November an earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale hit the north of Chile. The epicentre was located 175 kilometres north of the city of Antofagasta where the North Chile Division office is located. The worst affected area is the town of Tocopilla where more than 150 people have been injured and 5,000 homes destroyed.

North Chile Division personnel have visited the town of Tocopilla to assist employees affected by the earthquake. At the same time, representatives from the North Chile Division's operations of Altonorte and Lomas Bayas are actively assisting the authorities of Tocopilla, Calama, Sierra Gorda, Baquedano and Antofagasta to cover people's most immediate needs. "I am very proud of the efforts of our people in working tirelessly to assist the local communities and authorities during this difficult time," said Jon Evans, North Chile Division's Chief Operating Officer.

There were no injuries sustained at North Chile Division's operations and only minor damage. Production has now returned to normal levels at both Altonorte and Lomas Bayas.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

NORTH CHILE DIVISION

Xstrata Copper's North Chile Division is based out of the city of Antofagasta and manages the nearby Altonorte custom smelter and the Lomas Bayas mining operation, 120 kilometres east of the city of Antofagasta. It also administers Xstrata Copper's 44% share in the Collahuasi mine in northern Chile's Region I.