# Atacama regional mining and water infrastructure investment > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/atacama-regional-mining-and-water-infrastructure-investment > Updated: 2026-09-13T05:01:04.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. The Atacama region in Chile is seeing significant investment in its mining and water infrastructure sectors. In early September 2026, the Atacama Regional Government and the Chilean Undersecretariat of Mining signed agreements totaling over $7.2 billion CLP to support small-scale mining. These funds aim to assist producers in the Huasco and Tierra Amarilla provinces affected by heavy rainfall, while a separate 24-month program focuses on technical assistance, safety, and technological integration for 480 producers across Copiapó, Huasco, and Chañaral. Concurrently, the region is establishing itself as a major hub for water investment, particularly in desalination and wastewater reuse. While the Antofagasta region maintains the highest capacity, Atacama is positioned for expansion through projects involving desalination and seawater transport. The region currently operates five desalination plants and a Seawater Pumping System, providing critical water supplies for both mining operations and urban centers such as Caldera, Chañaral, Copiapó, and Tierra Amarilla. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: Atacama emerges as a key water investment hub in Chile Chile's Atacama region is becoming a major hub for water desalination and reuse, following Antofagasta in projected infrastructure expansion and investment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atacama-emerges-as-a-key-water-investment-hub-in-chile ### 2026-09-08: Atacama mining sector receives $7.2 billion CLP investment The Atacama Regional Government and the Chilean Undersecretariat of Mining signed agreements totaling over $7.2 billion CLP to support small-scale miners and recover from recent weather-related damages. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atacama-mining-sector-receives-72-billion-clp-investment --- Cite as: Atacama regional mining and water infrastructure investment. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/atacama-regional-mining-and-water-infrastructure-investment