METALSCAPES: How mining has shaped metal(loid) distribution in the Atacama Desert?

“We are copper,” encapsulates Chile’s identity, reflecting its economic foundation built upon the vibrant copper mining industry. However, while copper has been heralded as a beacon of progress, its environmental impact has often been overlooked. The geological wealth of the Atacama Desert has contributed to a perceived normalization of contamination, obscuring the true impacts of mining activities. This dissertation confronts and dissects this narrative, aiming to quantify and challenge the often-ignored environmental consequences of copper extraction. Through advanced multimethod approaches—including analyses of settled dust  samples, surface sediments, tree rings, atmospheric transport models, and comprehensive environmental indices—coupled with community collaboration and a cross-continental research network involving Chilean and German institutions, we embarked on a groundbreaking effort to substantiate a well known reality among northern communities: “We know what is happening, but we have no way to prove it.” Now, we can. Our research reveals how mining activities have intricately shaped the distribution of metal(loid)s across both time and space, affecting populations up to 70 kilometers from mining hubs. Historical surges in global copper demand, such as during the digital boom of the 1990s, further heightened metal(loid) exposure, prompting urgent reevaluation as the current and future green energy revolutions loom. Beyond academic insight, this work has catalyzed public discourse, drawing local media attention and provoking political scrutiny. By transforming community narratives into empirical evidence, this dissertation not only charts the ecological imprint of copper mining but also underscores the urgent need for informed policymaking and sustainable resource management in the face of accelerating industrial demands.

PhD Candidate: Nicolás Zanetta-Colombo
Duration: 2021-2024