The driest place on Earth is a powerhouse of global mining wealth

Countries & Cities · Published 30 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Antofagasta Region in northern Chile is a landscape of extreme contrasts. While it contains the driest desert in the world, where rainfall averages just one millimeter per year, it simultaneously serves as the engine of Chile's economy, producing over half of the nation's total mining output.

Spanning the arid Pacific fringe of South America, the Antofagasta Region is defined by its harsh, rainless climate and rugged topography. The region is dominated by the Atacama Desert, where cold ocean currents and stable high-pressure systems prevent rainfall, creating a landscape of salt flats, lava flows, and towering coastal cliffs. Despite this environmental hostility, the region has been inhabited for centuries, first by nomadic Changos clans along the coast and the Atacameño culture in the inland oases and altiplano.

The region's modern identity was forged in the 19th century during a massive shift in territorial control. Originally part of Bolivia's coastal territory, the area became the subject of intense geopolitical friction due to its vast mineral wealth, particularly sodium nitrate. Following the War of the Pacific, which began in 1879, Chile annexed the territory. This transition integrated the region into the Chilean state, eventually shifting its economic focus from nitrate extraction to the massive copper mining operations that define it today, such as the Chuquicamata and La Escondida mines.

Today, mining accounts for more than 90% of the region's exports and 69% of its GDP as of 2024. This industrial dominance has transformed the region into a global hub for both extraction and scientific research. Beyond its mineral riches, the clear, arid skies of the Atacama have made it a premier destination for international astronomy, hosting advanced facilities like the Very Large Telescope and ALMA. The blend of indigenous history, European and Asian immigration, and high-tech industry creates a unique cultural mosaic that remains distinct from the rest of Chile.

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