Chile at a Glance
Copper mining has long been the mainstay of Chilean exports and at present it still accounts for almost a third of all foreign trade, down from a peak of almost 75%. Copper has been mined since colonial times in the area between central Chile and southern Peru.
Area
756,950 square kilometers
Population
16,284,741 (July 2007 EST.)
Mineral Resources
Copper, iron ore, gold, silver, molybdenum
Mining Information
Chile is the world’s top producer and exporter of copper and in 2000 produced about 35% of the world’s mined copper. The mining industry accounts for some 47% of the Chile’s exports, and represents about 8% of Chile’s gross domestic product.
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