Skip to main content
Conference Proceedings

PACRIM 99 Congress

Conference Proceedings

PACRIM 99 Congress

PDF Add to cart

Exploration Discoveries in Chile: The Last Three Decades

Chile, which hosts around 30 per cent of the world's copper resources, is now the largest producer and exporter of copper. Chilean copper output accounts for more than one-quarter of total worldwide production. An increase to around 40 per cent is forecast by the end of the century. In addition, Chile ranks eighth in silver production and 11th in gold output. In Chile, mining generates more than eight per cent of the country's GDP and the total value of mineral exports is more than US $7.85 billion corresponding to more than 25 per cent of South America's mineral production. The rate of growth of Chilean mineral production is indeed impressive. Table 1 shows that in the period 1969 - 1998, copper annual production increased 564 per cent from 667 000 t to 3 764 000 t. Gold production went up 27 times from 1827 to 49 770 kg. Silver output grew 1219 per cent from 95 650 kg produced in 1969 to 1 166 380 kg in 1998. Several facts explain this dramatic increase of production, but the most important was the success of exploration sustained over the same period. This resulted in the discovery of several world-class deposits which when developed into mines, account for much of the production increases. Therefore, this summary review shows the success of basic exploration carried out during the last 30 years in the Chilean territory. The review is based on data already published in different specialised mining books or magazines. It only includes those world-class discoveries not the lesser discoveries important at local scale. All figures were calculated using 1998 $US dollar and average estimated metal prices valid for 1999: copper $US 1653 per t ($US 0.75 per pound), gold $US 9452 per kg ($US 294 per ounce) and silver $US 177 per kg ($US 5.5 per ounce).
Return to parent product
  • Exploration Discoveries in Chile: The Last Three Decades
    PDF
    This product is exclusive to Digital library subscription
  • Exploration Discoveries in Chile: The Last Three Decades
    PDF
    Normal price $22.00
    Member price from $0.00
    Add to cart

    Fees above are GST inclusive

PD Hours
Approved activity
  • Published: 1998
  • PDF Size: 1.278 Mb.
  • Unique ID: P199904023

Our site uses cookies

We use these to improve your browser experience. By continuing to use the website you agree to the use of cookies.