Atacama Region - History

History

See also: Chilean silver rush

The original inhabitants of this area, the Diaguitas, Changos, and Incas, valued its mineral wealth. Since the 19th century, iron, copper, silver, and gold have brought prosperity.

The region experienced a boom when the Chañarcillo silver mine was discovered in 1832. For many years, this was the world’s third largest silver mine.

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