Antofagasta PLC (LSE:ANTO) has been named among 'top picks' by analysts at Citi, in a new research note focused on the European mining sector, as the bank expressed a preference for base metals over bulk commodities heading into 2026. Analysts highlighted Antofagasta's projected copper production growth of 30% through to 2029, describing the company's operations as steady and noting improving conditions in the Chilean jurisdiction.
Progress at Antofagasta PLC's (LSE:ANTO) Centinela mine has impressed another set of analysts, after the Chilean copper producer hosted a visit to the Atacama desert site, where a second concentrator is being built RBC Capital Markets said the development is expected to be largely on budget and on time, with guidance that the ramp-up will reach full capacity by the end of 2028 appearing “conservative”, with the analysts pencilling in the second quarter of that year. Centinela has no significant constraints on space, altitude, or labour, with the ability to attract a skilled workforce, "notable" (and aided by padel courts on site), and the use of existing pits for tailings, meaning that costs should be kept down.
Antofagasta PLC's (LSE:ANTO) Centinela copper mine is gaining prominence as a potential second core asset alongside Los Pelambres, according to analysts at Citi, who visited the operation recently. A second concentrator project is now more than 50% complete and remains on schedule and within budget, they noted.
| Metals & Mining Industry | Materials Sector | Mr. Ivan Arriagada Herrera CEO | OTC PINK Exchange | GB0000456144 ISIN |
| GB Country | 8,095 Employees | 22 Apr 2025 Last Dividend | - Last Split | - IPO Date |
Antofagasta plc is a prominent mining company with a substantial foothold in the industry. Established in 1888 and based in London, the United Kingdom, the company has grown to operate through various segments, including Los Pelambres, Centinela, Antucoya, Zaldívar, and Exploration and Evaluation, alongside a Transport Division. It serves as a subsidiary of Metalinvest Anstalt and is known for its diversified mining operations and transportation services, primarily catering to mining customers in northern Chile. The company's strategic focus on copper and its by-products, along with its extensive exploration projects, underscores its commitment to growth and sustainability within the mining sector.
Antofagasta plc specializes in the production of high-quality copper cathodes and concentrates, which are crucial materials for the global manufacturing and electrical industries. The company's mining sites are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure efficient extraction and processing of copper ore into these valuable products.
Alongside its primary copper products, Antofagasta plc also produces significant amounts of molybdenum, gold, and silver as by-products. Molybdenum is used in steel alloys to enhance strength and resistance to corrosion, while gold and silver are valuable for both industrial applications and as investment commodities.
The company is actively involved in exploration projects across various countries, aiming to discover and develop new mining prospects. These projects are critical for the long-term sustainability of the company, ensuring a continuous supply of minerals and expanding its portfolio of mining assets.
Antofagasta plc extends its operations to providing specialized rail and road cargo transportation services to mining customers in northern Chile. These services are tailored to meet the logistics needs of the mining industry, facilitating the efficient movement of raw materials and finished products.