On Tracing Extractive Urbanism Nexus in Chile’s Norte Chico

Abstract

In Chile, a new cycle of extractive urbanization is rapidly unfolding, creating complex material and immaterial entanglements between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Central to this transformation is the desalination of seawater, which is pumped up from the coast to the mountains, an operation that significantly reshapes both seascapes and landscapes. Although these changes remain largely invisible across terrestrial and maritime environments, they are propelled by the paradigm of the blue economy and sustainability discourses. These narratives, while advocating for economic and environmental balance, also ignite ecopolitical controversies concerning the exploitation and dispossession of critical resources such as minerals, freshwater, and seawater. This research traces the intricate network of actors and actants involved in the desalination process, which connects the coastal town of Los Vilos with the mining industry in the Andes of the Coquimbo Region. By examining these connections, the study offers an exploration of multi-scale and multi-species representations that are crucial for analysing and envisioning the future development of the operational architecture and infrastructure of extractivism. This infrastructure is not only altering the physical landscapes and seascapes of Norte Chico but is also raising important questions about the socio-environmental impact of such extractive practices. The contribution aims to provide insights into how these developments are reshaping the region and influencing broader discussions on sustainability and resource management.