Stegomastadons (above) roamed southern Chile 13,000 years ago
Universidad Austral Relaciones Publicas/Diego Pino N.- Krayon Media

Scientists Think They May Have A New Monte Verde On Their Hands

Archeologists in southern Chile’s Region X are continuing to revel in the chance 2007 discovery of molars and bones belonging to a stegomastodon, a species of prehistoric elephant. Their ongoing research suggests that the site, known as La Plata, could eventually rival nearby Monte Verde in terms of historical significance.

Environmentalists Blast Presidential Candidate’s Pro-Nuclear Stance

Chile’s leading environmentalists are up in arms over presidential candidate Eduardo Frei’s recently unveiled energy platform, which emphasizes both nuclear power and hydroelectricity.

Project to dam the Baker (above) and Pascua has not been approved
Photo by Benjamin Witte

Since its creation in 2006, HidroAysén – a joint venture between Italian electricity giant Endesa and Chilean utility Colbún – has spent US$128 million just on preliminary studies, the daily La Tercera reported this week.

Union leaders (left to right) Gustavo Cortes, Ricardo Casas and Andres Godoy insist
the state must do more to help unemployed salmon workers and their families.
Photo by Kendall Montgomery

Labor Leaders Lambaste Government-Backed “Sandoval Law”

Government efforts to help Chile’s growing list of unemployed salmon workers have done little to truly ease the worsening labor crisis, insist several of the farmed salmon and trout industry’s main unions.

The Baker River (above) in Region XI is Chile's largest
Photo by Benjamn Witte

Court Slaps Energy Company With A Modest Fine

Energy partnership HidroAysén received a slap on the wrist this week from Chile’s Free Competition Court (TDLC), which cited the company for procedural errors in its recent efforts to acquire new water rights in Patagonia’s Region XI.