Antofagasta plc (Antofagasta), is a Chile-based copper mining company with interests in transport and water distribution. Antofagasta is a holding company that operates through its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures. The principal activities of the Company are copper mining (including exploration and development), the transportation of freight by rail and road and the distribution of water. Its activities are mainly concentrated in Chile. The Company�s segments include Los Pelambres, Esperanza, El Tesoro, Michilla, Exploration and evaluation, Railway and other transport services, Water concession, and Corporate and other items. On March 7, 2011, the Company indirectly acquired the Franconia Minerals Corporation (Franconia) 70% participation in the Birch Lake project, located adjacent to the Nokomis project in Minnesota, through the Twin Metals joint venture.