This short presentation shows how copper mining is one of the most important economic activities in Chile. Copper production has increased from ca. 700.000 metric tones in 1970 to more than 3 500 000 metric tones in 1996. Copper mining is based mainly in 10 open or underground mines, spread along the Andes Mountains on the Atacama Desert.
The presentation looks at problems with copper mining and the environment in Chile where untreated copper mine tailings have caused pollution and environmental damage.
