Approach to the Study of Mining Exploitation and the Environment in the Peruvian Extreme South, 1879–1929

Molina J.F.V.; Vega B.Y.P.Y.; de la Cruz K.M.L.; Villalobos L.E.E. · Smart Innovation, Systems and Technologies (2023) · DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-0337-5_20

Resumen

This research aims to address the environmental impact of mining extraction in a historical region known as the “extreme south of Peru.” It was researched qualitatively for this aim, using the approach of observation and study of documents produced between 1879 and 1929. The exploitation of the Tarapacan saltpeter had a significant impact on the environment of the region, particularly in the endemic plant of the region, the tamarugo “prosopis tamarugo,” which was destroyed, moving from more than 100,000 hectares of tamarugos to less than 25,000 hectares. The Chilean government has now adopted strategies for tamarugo reforestation.

Instituciones: Escuela de Posgrado Newman