Genealogy of mining territories in the Atacama Desert: The production of modern waterscapes in Tarapacá region, northern Chile (1853–1924)

摘要: Abstract From a political ecology perspective, Chilean geographers have studied the various aspects of socio-environmental conflicts over water during neoliberal period starting in 1973. This study aims to contribute understanding relationship between different meanings and materialities Tarapaca region northern Chile prior introduction reforms using geohistorical perspective. By reviewing historical archives undertaking terrain analyses, we examine respective roles state, capitalism, science/technology commodification/modernization from 19th early 20th centuries. We propose that 19th-century insertion Tarapaca’s nitrate mining into world capitalist circuit minerals attracted explorers scientists, who proffered modern discourses on nature while denying any local knowledge about water. These then became prominent sphere were hegemonized through laws norms. In parallel, modernization resulted cutting-edge technologies for infrastructure, process introduced changes everyday practices regarding water, leading creation waterscapes Tarapaca.