Atacama Governor Miguel Vargas seeks mining royalty funds for disaster reconstruction

Regional Governor Miguel Vargas said the emergency budget for the Atacama region has been fully used after the recent frontal system, and he asked the national executive to define a financing mechanism using the 2% mining royalty law for reconstruction. Vargas detailed progress on key roads such as Ruta 5 and Ruta C46, but warned that connections to isolated communities like Domeyko‑Carrizalillo and Chañaral de Aceituno remain pending.

He appealed to large and medium‑size mining companies to replicate past collaboration programs and noted a personal call with Sonami president Jorge Riesgo to secure industry support for the reconstruction effort.