Chile

chile-gix.jpg

Course Title

Business, Economics, and Politics of Natural Resources in Chile

Professor

Daniella Reichstetter T’07
Adjunct Professor of Business Administration

Date

November 2025

Destination Cities

Santiago and the Atacama Desert

Course Description

This GIX explores the business, economics, and politics of Chile’s natural resource industries, focusing on lithium (48% of the world’s known reserves) and copper (the world’s top producer, supplying nearly 30% of global demand). These resources power renewable energy, EVs, manufacturing, and advanced technology, making Chile a key player in global innovation. Through meetings with industry leaders, policymakers, and executives, students will gain firsthand insight into Chile’s resource-driven economy. The course also examines how Chile’s neighbors, Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, manage their natural resources, offering a valuable regional comparison. Students will explore both Santiago, the capital, and the Atacama Desert, home to some of the world’s richest lithium and copper deposits. Visits to key mining and production sites will provide an in-depth look at extraction and processing, while discussions will cover the economic, environmental, and geopolitical impacts of resource extraction. The Atacama’s stunning landscapes also offer opportunities for adventure and exploration.