Jardinera No. 1 Mine

The Jardinera No. 1 Mine sits in the vast Diego de Almagro communal area, part of Chañaral Province in Chile's Atacama Region. This region is in northern Chile, nestled within the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, stretching along the Pacific coast and bordered by the Andes to the east. The mine's coordinates are approximately 27° 45' 30'' South, 70° 11' 30'' West, placing it in a stark, arid landscape. Diego de Almagro, the city, is about 70 km east of Chañaral and 149 km north of Copiapó, but the mine itself is within the larger communal area, possibly some distance from the city center, reflecting the expansive nature of Chilean communes.

Nearby, other mining localities like the El Salvador Mine and Manto Tres Gracias Mine highlight the region's mining heritage, making it a hub for mineral enthusiasts exploring the area.

The mine is renowned for its mineral diversity, particularly as the type locality for szenicsite, a rare copper hydroxy molybdate mineral first misidentified as lindgrenite. Other notable minerals include:

• Lindgrenite: Another copper molybdate, often found alongside szenicsite.
• Molybdenite: A common molybdenum ore, rich in the matrix.
• Powellite: Calcium molybdate, known for its bright yellow to greenish hues.
• Chalcopyrite, Bornite, Malachite, Azurite: Common copper minerals adding to the mine's allure.
• Gold and Silver: Present in smaller quantities, adding to its value.

This mix of common and rare minerals makes it a treasure trove for collectors and researchers.

Research suggests the mine is part of a porphyry copper deposit, typical in the Andean volcanic arc. These deposits form from cooling magma and mineral-rich fluids, hosting large, low-grade ore bodies. The presence of molybdenum and copper minerals, like molybdenite and chalcopyrite, supports this, though specific formation details are not fully documented. The Atacama region's geological history, shaped by tectonic activity, likely contributed to these deposits, offering a glimpse into the Earth's deep processes.

The mine's history is less documented, but it gained prominence in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1990s, when szenicsite was discovered and described. It seems likely that the mine was active during this period, with the Szenics collecting the first specimens. While exact operation dates and methods are unclear, its role in mineral discovery underscores its importance in Chile's mining narrative, a region with a long history of mineral extraction dating back to the 17th century.

Diego de Almagro, originally Pueblo Hundido ("Sunken Town") until 1977, was founded in the 17th century to support the Tres Gracias mine, reflecting a deep mining heritage. The city's culture is intertwined with this history, with a population of about 14,000 (as of 2017) largely dependent on mining. While specific cultural landmarks are sparse, the area's identity is rooted in its mining past, offering a glimpse into the lives shaped by the desert's mineral wealth.

The Atacama Desert's climate is extreme, with hot, dry days and cool nights, receiving less than 1 mm of rain annually in some areas. This aridity shapes a unique ecology, with microorganisms and sparse vegetation adapted to survive on fog moisture. The mine's operation in this sensitive environment may have impacts, though specific effects are not detailed, highlighting the need for careful environmental management in such a fragile ecosystem.