Coal mining in Chile

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Location of selected mines and deposits.

In Chile, coal mining is restricted to a few places located in its southern half (Zona Sur and Zona Austral). Energy originating from coal stands for 11,6% of Chile's electricity consumption.[1] Currently the country is not considered a major producer of coal.[2]

The three zones of mining are Biobío Region, Los Ríos Region and Magallanes Region in southernmost Chile.[1]

Biobío Region

In Biobío Region, large scale mining begun in the mid-19th century.[3] Lota's coal mines were nationalized by Salvador Allende due to civil unrest and heavy Socialist support, but privatized again under Augusto Pinochet.[4] Large scale coal mining in Biobío Region largely ended in the 1990s.[5]

Los Ríos Region

Coal mining in Los Ríos Region halted after an underground fire in 2001.[1]

Magallanes Region

In Magallanes Region, Riesco Island is being investigated for new projects.[5] Coal was first discovered in Magallanes Region by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa who visited the Straits of Magellan in 1584.[6]

See also

References