Large mining enterprises and regional development in Chile: between the enclave and cluster

Various regions have recently proposed the creation of clusters around large-scale mining. However, until the 1980s, mining regions were predominantly considered productive enclaves. This article analyzes the case of the Antofagasta Region, the main mining region in Chile. A descriptive analysis is put forward that addresses the ideal types of the mining cluster and enclave, establishing as criteria of comparison the mechanisms proposed by Marshall as sources of agglomeration economies. Despite strong growth, the Antofagasta Region approximates more a mining enclave than a cluster. This implies the need to revise and adapt the concept of enclave to the current reality.