Chile produces nearly a quarter of the world’s copper supply, with the majority of production coming from the northern provinces (Exhibit 1). That same region is one of the driest places on the planet.

During 2019, Chile experienced its worst drought in decades, with the government having to supply fresh water to almost 400,000 residents.

Annually, the mining industry consumes enough water to provide for 75 percent of the needs of Chile’s population.

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