Minera Escondida, which means hidden in Spanish, is a mining company that operates two open pit copper mines in the Atacama Desert, 170 km southeast of Antofagasta in northern Chile. It is currently the highest producing copper mine in the world. 2007 production of 1.483 million tons of the metal was worth US$ 10.12 billion, mainly as metal in concentrate but some as cathode, and was 9.5% of world output and 26% of Chilean production, according to the US Geological Surveys preliminary estimates of 2007 world mine output.

Escondida Mining is a copper mining operation located in northern Chile. It is the world's largest copper producer and is owned by BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and JECO. The mine is located in the Atacama Desert and is the most productive copper mine in the world.

The Escondida copper mine was discovered in the early 1980s and began production in 1990. The mine is located at an altitude of 3,000 meters and is the largest open-pit copper mine in the world. Escondida produces more than a million tons of copper concentrate each year. The mine also produces molybdenum, gold, and silver.

The Escondida mine is mined using a combination of conventional open-pit and underground mining methods. The open-pit mining is done by drilling and blasting, while the underground mining is done by using a combination of drilling, blasting, and tunneling techniques. The ore is then transported to the processing plant where it is crushed, milled, and concentrated. The copper concentrate is then smelted and refined into copper cathodes.

The Escondida mine employs over 4,000 workers and is one of the largest employers in the region. The mine has also been recognized for its safety and environmental practices. The mine has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the installation of solar panels, water recycling systems, and the use of renewable energy sources.

Escondida is a major contributor to Chile's economy, accounting for 5.6% of the country's GDP in 2017. The mine has also been recognized for its contributions to the local community, providing jobs, education, and healthcare.

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