Plizio Visual Lab

Collahuasi Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

Collahuasi Mine is situated in the Atacama Desert within the Tarapacá Region, at an extreme elevation of approximately 4,400 meters above sea level. It ranks as one of the world's premier copper deposits and is jointly operated by Anglo American, Glencore, and Japanese investment partners. Extraction is centered on the Ujina and Rosario pits, producing copper concentrate and cathodes through advanced flotation and leaching processes. While the mineral potential was recognized in the 19th century, modern industrial operations only reached full scale in 1998. Given the harsh climatic conditions and thin atmosphere, the facility relies heavily on automation and specialized high-altitude engineering. Collahuasi is a vital contributor to Chile's national export revenue and provides employment for thousands in a remote Andean environment. Recently, the mine has shifted toward sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable energy projects to lower the carbon footprint of its operations.

Location: Chile
Nearby: Mamiña (69 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	10	10	9	7	5	4	4	5	6	8	9	9
Rain mm	19	19	14	2	1	0	1	1	1	2	3	9

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Collahuasi Mine is a large copper mine at high altitude in the Tarapacá region of Chile. It plays a significant role in Chile's copper production and the local economy.

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Visiting

The mine is located in a remote high-altitude region and is not open to the public. From the road between Iquique and Oruro, the facilities can be seen in the distance. Guided tours are not offered.

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Where to view it

The best viewpoint is the Mirador at the pass on Ruta 5, which passes near the mine. From there, you have a wide view of the mine and surrounding Andean peaks.

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Local products

Copper concentrate and molybdenum are produced. In the nearby port city of Iquique, local products like fish and handicrafts are sold.

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Active season

The mine operates year-round, with production possibly decreasing slightly in winter months (June-August) due to weather. The best seasons to visit the region are spring and autumn.

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Nearby

Combine the trip with a visit to the Salar de Huasco salt lake and the Pintados geoglyphs. The city of Iquique with its historic old town is also worth a detour.