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Chuquicamata: Chile's abandoned mining town

In 2007, the 25,000 people of the mining town moved out of their homes due to pollution. Once a year, the residents return to celebrate and sing happy birthday.

In 2007, the 25,000 residents of a Chilean mining town were moved out of their homes due to concerns about the levels of pollution from one of the largest copper mines in the world.

Today, the ghost town of Chuquicamata lies empty in the Atacama Desert.

But once a year, the residents return to celebrate the life they once had there with a weekend of partying when they sing happy birthday to the town.

Patricia Rojas revisits and reflects on her 25 years living in this now-deserted desert town with Robin Markwell.

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(Photo: Chuquicamata. Credit: ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½)

Release date:

10 minutes

On radio

Thu 31 Jul 2025 07:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 31 Jul 2025 07:50GMT
  • Thu 31 Jul 2025 11:50GMT
  • Thu 31 Jul 2025 17:50GMT
  • Thu 31 Jul 2025 21:50GMT
  • Fri 1 Aug 2025 02:50GMT

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