Chuquicamata

The Chuquicamata mine reaches a depth of 850 meters and spans 4.3 kilometers in length, making it the second deepest open-pit copper mine worldwide.

Mining operations officially began in 1915 after successful methods for processing low-grade oxidized copper ores were developed, leading to production of 4,345 tonnes in the first year.

The Chilean government nationalized the mine in 1971 under President Salvador Allende, marking a turning point in the country's control over its mineral resources.

The mine recently transitioned to underground operations with a 7.5-kilometer main access tunnel and four production levels to extract deeper copper reserves.

The facility contains a conveyor belt system installed in 2020 that reduces the need for haul trucks while moving massive quantities of excavated material.

Location: Calama

Inception: 1915

Elevation above the sea: 2,500 m

GPS coordinates: -22.29056,-68.90194

Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:39