Oficina Maria Elena

Oficina Maria Elena encompasses industrial buildings and processing facilities within the Atacama Desert, forming a preserved mining settlement from the nitrate era.

The saltpeter extraction site began operations in 1926, becoming a major producer of sodium nitrate during Chile's industrial mining expansion in the early 20th century.

The mining complex features residential areas, processing plants, and social spaces that demonstrate the daily routines of workers in northern Chilean mining settlements.

The site requires advance planning for visits, with transportation available from Antofagasta, and visitors should bring water supplies due to the desert environment.

This mining complex remains one of the last complete examples of Chile's saltpeter processing facilities, with original machinery and structures still standing.

Location: María Elena

GPS coordinates: -22.34408,-69.66643

Latest update: March 4, 2025 08:56