Preserving the Identity of Tarapacá: Our Contribution to the Region’s Heritage and Culture

At Collahuasi, we seek to contribute to the rescue and preservation of the region’s heritage, understanding that to build a better tomorrow, it is essential to recover the history, identity, and traditions of the community. For this reason, the company has several ongoing initiatives in this direction:

Art Gallery Casa de Arte Collahuasi

Located in Iquique, at the heart of Paseo Baquedano—the city’s main pedestrian attraction—this space was inaugurated in 2022 when the company acquired and restored two houses at the intersection of Baquedano and Wilson streets, which were subsequently declared National Monuments.

To date, XX exhibitions of various national and international artists have been presented, and it has established itself as one of the most relevant spaces for art and culture in the city, with all exhibitions being free of charge.

Museum of Religious Experience of the Northern Grande

Inaugurated in 2015, the building located in the basement of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen of La Tirana spans 342 m² and showcases nearly 200 pieces distributed across three areas. Among its objectives are to contribute to the recognition of the popular religious expression of the northern people and to legitimize its social role.

Esmeralda Corvette Museum

This is one of the main attractions in Iquique, having received over 700,000 visitors by 2022. The museum is a unique full-scale replica of the vessel commanded by Captain Arturo Prat Chacón during the Naval Combat of Iquique, which took place during the Pacific War in 1879. This project was carried out in collaboration with the Chilean Navy and the staff of Collahuasi as part of the country’s bicentennial celebrations, aiming to contribute to the education of future generations, tourism, and the economic development of the area.

Geoglyphs Site Museum of Pintados

Located 96 km from Iquique, in the commune of Pozo Almonte and the heart of the Tamarugal Pampa, this site is of great archaeological and heritage interest, declared a Historical Monument in 1969. It features over 400 rock art figures spread across a 3-kilometer area and was inaugurated in November 2011.

Repair of the Churches in Pica, Matilla, Tarapacá, and Huatacondo After the 2005 Earthquake

To address the pressing needs of the local community, Collahuasi actively participated in the reconstruction of the churches of San Antonio de Matilla, San Lorenzo de Tarapacá, San Andrés de Pica, and the Church of Huatacondo, which were severely damaged by the earthquake that struck the region in 2005. For this purpose, the company adhered to the Law of Cultural Donations.

Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Office

One of the most symbolic sites for regional tourism, the Humberstone and Santa Laura saltpeter offices received a donation from Compañía Minera Doña Inés de Collahuasi to the Saltpeter Museum Corporation. This donation consisted of managing the conservation and enhancement of these UNESCO World Heritage sites.