mining area, northern Chile. The open-pit copper mine lies in the Atacama Desert, 9,440 feet (2,877 m) above sea level and 75 miles (120 km) inland from the port of Chañaral, to which it is linked by rail. Although the deposits are smaller and the ores are of poorer quality than those at Chuquicamata, the mine and smelter at Potrerillos still contribute to Chile's copper production.