La Negra (industrial complex)
Industrial settlement in Antofagasta, Chile
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
La Negra is a small industrial complex 22 km (14 mi) southeast of Antofagasta, Chile after crossing the coastal mountain range, in the Atacama Desert.[2] The complex includes a lithium battery production facility.[3][4][5] La Negra had 60 permanent residents as of 2017.[1]
La Negra | |
|---|---|
Industrial settlement | |
  La Negra | |
| Coordinates: 23°46′31″S 70°19′0″W | |
| Country |  Chile |
| Region |  Antofagasta |
| Province |  Antofagasta |
| Municipality |  Antofagasta |
| Elevation | 420 m (1,380 ft) |
| Population (2017[1]) | |
• Total | 60 |
| Time zone | UTC−4 (CLT) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−3 (CLST) |
Overview
Among La Negra industries, the two major ones are Altonorte, a copper smelter refinery, and Inacesa, a cement plant. It offers basic services for truckers and travelers in general.[citation needed] La Negra also has facilities for the processing of lithium concentrate obtained in Salar de Atacama.[6]
La Negra is also the intersection of the Pan-American Highway and the road from Antofagasta to Escondida Mine. It has a station on the Salta–Antofagasta railway.[citation needed]
Industry
There is a lithium production and battery conversion plant in the area, operated by Albemarle.[3][4][5] In 2024, the facility was visited by United States Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen.[2]
Austin Engineering operate a mining machinery manufacturing facility in La Negra.[7]
