Mining royalty: an opportunity for science-based development

Column published in Diario Financiero

On April 12, the first transfer of the Royalty Law to Large-Scale Mining was made, through the Territorial Equity and Mining Communes funds. The latter benefited 43 communes with almost $23 billion. These freely available resources aim to benefit the territories where the externalities of mining activity are generated.

In the regions of Antofagasta, Atacama, and Coquimbo, the municipalities of the Mining Communes Fund coincide with Areas of scientific value for astronomical observation. The New Lighting Standard establishes higher standards for outdoor lighting in these communes and gives a deadline until October 2029 to replace their luminaires, aiming to mitigate light pollution.

The resources of the Mining Communes Fund are an opportunity to accelerate the implementation of the Lighting Standard. Their use to replace luminaires would contribute to energy efficiency and sustainable development based on science through astronomy and astrotourism, fulfilling the spirit of the mining royalty law.

Daniela González, Executive Director Fundación Cielos de Chile