LIMA, Dec 19 (Reuters) - Antamina, Peru's second-largest

copper mine, said on Thursday it appointed Adolfo Heeren as its

new chief executive and general manager.

Heeren, the current CEO of Anglo American in Peru, will

start his new role on Feb.1, 2025, replacing Victor Gobitz

Colchado, who is leaving the position for personal reasons,

according to a company statement.

Antamina, controlled by Glencore ( GLCNF ), BHP,

Teck, and Mitsubishi ( MSBHF ), said that Heeren will

oversee the mine's optimization process as well as other

projects focused on solving operational challenges.

The mine was Peru's top copper producer in 2022, with an

output of 467,905 metric tons, but has since fallen to number

two, according to data from the Mines and Energy ministry.

Production is expected to remain steady in 2024, in line with

the 435,378 metric tons it produced last year.

Antamina said in May it was nearing the start of work on a

$2 billion delayed project to extend the mine's life to 2036,

from 2028 currently.