One of the entrances to a BHP mine has a couple of these old stone scoops. The sign says the bucket scoops 4 tonnes of rock at a time. The newer 'monster' scoops now lift 16 tonnes.
Whirlwinds have been a constant view across the desert. Sometimes half a dozen or so start up at the same time. Some last for just a minutes but others you can watch whilst crossing a whole valley.
This big statue as you enter the mining town of Calama explains perfectly the whole reason of this towns existence. In fact the road, the railroad the power lines even a water supply from the Andes have all been built to service the copper mines around here.
The incredible landscape driving through the Valley of Patience
The 5,916 meter volcano Licancabur, one of six 5,000 meter plus volcancos that give San Pedro an awesome backdrop. The name Licancabur means 'The Town in the Sky' named such as two ruined villages of past peoples lived at 5,200 and 4,900 meters. Even thought he mountains and volcanos reach over 6,000 meters here they are not snow-capped due to the complete absence of rain.
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