Mining dominance and lithium reserves in Chile. A historical inquiry for the constituent debate

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the transformation of the mining dominion system in chile between 1973 and 1983 and its relationship with the lithium reserve established in 1975 and reformulated in 1979. For this matter, after reviewing the main historical and regulatory background of the state mining domain that was in force until 1973, the ultraliberal restoration process and its contradictory relationship with the state reserve dictated on lithium will be analyzed in terms of three consecutive historical periods: 1973-1975, 1975-1980 and 1980-1983. The aim is to reflect on the complex relationship between the mining domain system defined by substantive laws and the specific mining policies that each government dictates to regulate access to and use of strategic minerals.