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Tocopilla

Antofagasta28.354 inhabitantsPoblación proyectada INE 20244.101 km² of area7 inh./km²$20.912M ingreso municipalSINIM · ingreso total percibido · 2025
Profile today2050
The comuna in context · among 346 comunas
Environment
31 µg/m³
9th worst air quality (PM2.5)
Explore
Finance
+23 pts
16th biggest rise in Common Fund dependence (lost autonomy since 2001)
Explore
Education
98 km to the nearest campus
20th most isolated from higher education
Explore
Economy
10.201 jobs
30th most jobs promised by investment projects
Explore
Population
−4,9%
Population would fall between now and 2050
Society
20,5%
Multidimensional poverty · 122nd highest of 346
Finance
$738 thousand
per inhabitant per year · rank 111 of 346
Environment
30,6 µg/m³
Air above the standard: PM2.5
Safety
9.124
cases per 100k inhab. · 19th in the country
Economy
2.260
construction jobs · Investment in the pipeline would promise
Education
561,5 pts
below the national median in the PAES (576,9 pts)
Finance
203rd
most dependent on the Common Fund of 340
Summary

What the comuna hasSource: OpenStreetMap

24 Squares and green areas
12 Schools
3 Kindergartens
2 Carabineros
2 Hospitals
2 Fire stations

Liveability index · EIU style

44.2 /100
Ver el ranking y simular
#245 of 346 · most liveable in the country (EIU weighting)
Safety61
Health36
Culture and environment40
Education25
Infrastructure47
AuthoritiesWho leads the comuna, its council, sessions and lobbying requests

Mayor · 2024-2028Source: DecideChile · SERVEL

Ljubica Kurtovic C.Re-elected
INDEPENDIENTE
6.303
votes (40.98%)
21.485
Electoral roll
79,25%
Turnout
Mayoral history · 7 terms
LK
Ljubica Kurtovic C.
2024-2028 · INDEPENDIENTE
6.303
votes
LE
Ljubica Elena Kurtovic Cortes
2021-2024 · IND
3.583
votes
LM
Luis Moyano Cruz
2008-2012 · ILC
5.218
votes
LM
Luis Moyano Cruz
2004-2008 · IND
3.786
votes
AK
Aleksander Kurtovic Ruiz
2000-2004 · PRSD
2.498
votes
AK
Aleksander Kurtovic Ruiz
1996-2000 · PRSD
4.037
votes
AK
Aleksander Kurtovic Ruiz
1992-1996 · PR
5.007
votes

SERVEL · TRICEL (1992-2008) · DecideChile (2024) · Wikidata (pre-1992)

Concejo MunicipalSource: DecideChile · SERVEL

DR
Diego Rivera M.
VERDES LIBERALES POR UNA COMUNA SEGURA · FEDERACION REGIONALISTA VERDE SOCIAL
1.222
votes
JP
John Portilla H.
PARTIDO SOCIAL CRISTIANO E INDEPENDIENTES · PARTIDO SOCIAL CRISTIANO
1.109
votes
MO
Maria Olivares S.
CHILE MUCHO MEJOR · PARTIDO POR LA DEMOCRACIA
814
votes
MU
Maria Ulloa C.
CHILE VAMOS RENOVACIÓN NACIONAL - INDEPENDIENTES · RENOVACION NACIONAL
812
votes
RO
Ricardo Ortega T.
VERDES LIBERALES POR UNA COMUNA SEGURA · FEDERACION REGIONALISTA VERDE SOCIAL
806
votes
JV
Jean Vilches G.
POR CHILE, SEGUIMOS · FRENTE AMPLIO
578
votes

Sesiones

Última sesión24 de junio de 2025140 minWatch session

En una línea: La sesión aprobó el primer presupuesto extraordinario 2025 y la modificación presupuestaria vinculada a la reestructuración organizacional del municipio, con debate sobre su impacto ante un fallo reciente de la Sala Constitucional.

Temas tratados

  • Actas anteriores: Aprobación de actas 68-2025 y 69-2025, con correcciones menores de nombres.
  • Nombramientos: Nuevos miembros para Juntas de Educación de las escuelas Santa Cecilia, Guadrumal, Mercedes Norte y San Martín.
  • Comité de Deportes: Rendición de cuentas del presupuesto 2024 (₡72,8 millones aprox.), con detalle de gastos, equipamiento y alcance comunal.
  • Correspondencia: Nómina de pago SECUDI, hundimiento junto al Liceo Puriscal, informe de auditoría sobre liquidación 2024, patente temporal de licores para la Feria de la Papaya, notas vecinales sobre calles.
  • Presupuesto extraordinario PE-01-2025: Primer presupuesto extraordinario del año, financiado con ingresos de parquímetros, multas de tránsito y superávits específicos.
  • Modificación presupuestaria 2025-03: Reasignación de recursos del Programa 3 a Programas 1 y 2 para costear la reestructuración organizacional.
  • Teletrabajo: Regidora Gloriana propone gestionar la inclusión de Puriscal en la directriz 050 del Ministerio de Trabajo.

Acuerdos y votaciones

  • Actas 68 y 69-2025 aprobadas por unanimidad (con correcciones).
  • Nombramientos en Juntas de Educación aprobados por unanimidad.
  • Pago SECUDI ₡6.143.375 aprobado por unanimidad.
  • Patente temporal de licores para la Feria de la Papaya 2025 aprobada.
  • Presupuesto extraordinario PE-01-2025 aprobado por unanimidad.
  • Modificación presupuestaria 2025-03 aprobada por unanimidad (dictamen de comisión de Hacienda).
  • Reglamento de tasas y multas y reglamento de residuos sólidos enviados a comisión jurídica.

Plata y obras

  • Presupuesto extraordinario PE-01-2025: Ingresos corrientes ≈ ₡195 millones (multas de tránsito ₡183 millones) más superávits específicos. Egresos principales: ₡143,5 millones a Y-Park (60 % de ingresos de parquímetros), refuerzo a Policía Municipal (telecomunicaciones, uniformes, seguros, cámaras), ₡36,4 millones para construcción de aceras, mejoras en parques infantiles y Parque Barbacoas, remodelación de paradas de autobús con botón de pánico y cámara, mejoras al estadio (≈ ₡4,8 millones de ingresos del estadio).
  • Comité de Deportes 2024: Presupuesto ₡72,8 millones; ₡39,3 millones en equipamiento deportivo; ₡11,5 millones en servicios profesionales; deudas heredadas negociadas con ahorro superior a ₡12 millones.
  • Modificación 2025-03: Traslado de recursos de Programa 3 a Programas 1 y 2 para financiar la estructura organizacional (montos exactos no quedan del todo claros en la transcripción).

Puntos de debate o controversia

  • Fallo Sala Constitucional sobre salarios: El regidor Orlando advirtió que la modificación presupuestaria toma recursos que podrían ser necesarios para pagar prohibición/anualidades a empleados, según un reciente fallo de la Sala IV citado por la ANEP. La alcaldesa y el regidor Pablo Fernández respondieron que la situación es aún incierta y que se actuará cuando exista una obligación formal clara.
  • Vicealcalde no cubre a la alcaldesa: La alcaldesa Iris señaló que en tres ocasiones el vicealcalde primero no ha aceptado suplirla en actividades obligatorias; el presidente del concejo calificó la situación como "delicada".
  • Consejo de la Persona Joven: El regidor Pablo Fernández llamó la atención por la ausencia reiterada del presidente de ese consejo (don Alejandro) y la falta de un informe de actividades.

Para seguir

  • Gloriana presentará documento formal para solicitar inclusión de Puriscal en directriz de teletrabajo (votación pendiente).
  • Sesión del jueves 10 de abril incluirá: presentación del convenio con PROCOMER, nueva modificación presupuestaria (Junta Vial), y espacio para funcionario de PROCOMER.
  • Asentamiento La Malinda: pendiente informe geológico de la Comisión Nacional de Emergencias.
  • Comisión jurídica deberá dictaminar sobre reglamento de tasas/multas y reglamento de residuos sólidos.
  • Asignación de tractor para habilitar calle Charcón–San Rafael queda en análisis.
  • Consejo de la Persona Joven debe presentar informe de actividades.

Summary generated by AI (claude-sonnet-4-6) from the official broadcast transcript · may contain inaccuracies

Official council minutesSource: CPLT · Active Transparency inventory (Law 20.285)

Comptroller auditsSource: CGR · Municipal Observatory

Findingstotal
193
Highly complex
39
Audit reports
0
YearFindingsAltam.Compl.Median.Reports
2025216132
20211212
202028226
2019514
201890284715
2017312

CGR severity classification · audit findings on the municipality and its corporations

Who requests meetings with the municipalitySource: InfoLobby · CPLT (Law 20,730)

  • EE
    Engie Energía Chile S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 19 audiencias · 2016–2022
  • Ad
    Aguas de Antofagasta S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 9 audiencias · 2017–2021
  • CN
    Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile
    Lobby / interest management · 8 audiencias · 2015–2021
  • CB
    Constructora B Mas V Ltda.
    Lobby / interest management · 4 audiencias · 2016–2017
  • EE
    Empresa Eléctrica de Antofagasta S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 3 audiencias · 2016–2017
  • CG
    Compañía General de Electricidad S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 3 audiencias · 2017–2021
  • S&
    Schuler & Asociados E.I.R.L.
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2016–2021
  • CA
    Constructora Atlas Ltda.
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2017
  • IC
    Imc Consultores SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2018–2019
  • Cd
    Cámara de Comercio Tocopilla
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2015–2017
  • N
    Nacion-Virtual
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2016–2017
  • AH
    Aguas Horizonte SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2024
  • IT
    Inmobiliaria Tikal S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2017
  • PS
    Promet Servicios SpA
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2015
  • AC
    Asociacion Chilena de Seguridad
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2021–2023
  • CI
    Cyties Investigación y Desarrollo
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2017–2021
  • KS
    Kdm S.A.
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2016–2017
  • BH
    Budnik Hermanos S,a.
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2023–2026
  • CM
    Camel´s Motor Club
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2017
  • TC
    Telefonica Chile Servicios Corporativos Limitada
    Lobby / interest management · 2 audiencias · 2017–2018
and 92 more organizations that requested meetings

Organisations that registered Lobby Law meetings with this municipality. Registering the meeting is mandatory for the official, so the list shows who asked to be heard, not whether they got anything.

PopulationWho lives here, how they study, their healthcare and more

Population and living conditionsSource: INE · CENSO · MINEDUC · ADIS

Population trend

24.820
inhabitants
28.369
inhabitants
20022025

How it has changedSource: Official INE series 2002–2026 (2017 base).

See the full trajectory to 2050
Since 2002
+14%
inhabitants
Estimated population 2050
26.978
-5% vs. 2035 (28.375)
Over 60 · 2050
30,61%
23,1% in 2035 · +8 pts of ageing

INE projects comuna population only through 2035; the 2050 values are an own estimate by the monitor, anchored to the official INE 2050 national total (21,626,079 inhab, 32.1% aged 60+). Not an official comuna figure.

IndicatorValueSource
Homes with public water supply (2017 Census)96,91 %CENSO 2017 2017
School disengagement (leaves the system)1,6 %MINEDUC 2023
School enrollment341 studentsMINEDUC · aggregated by hexagons 2024
Municipal enrollment66,7 %MINEDUC · aggregated by hexagons 2024
PAES reading comprehension (DEMRE)561,5 ptsDEMRE · MINEDUC datos abiertos 2026
PAES mathematics M1 (DEMRE)566,9 ptsDEMRE · MINEDUC datos abiertos 2026
poblacion_censo25.400 inh.2024 Census 2024
Income poverty (CASEN 2022)10,4 %CASEN 2022 · SAE Observatorio MDSF 2022
Pobreza multidimensional (CASEN 2022)20,5 %CASEN 2022 · SAE Observatorio MDSF 2022
Indigenous peoples8,28 %2024 Census 2024

The PAES year is that of the admission process: the test is sat in November of the previous year. The average covers only those who registered to apply to university —not every secondary-school graduate— and groups them by the comuna of the school they graduated from, not by where the student lives. Here it rests on 331 students registered for the PAES.

Registro Social de Hogares

People in the RSH
26.157
14.642 households
Households in the most vulnerable 40%
7.773
53% of RSH households
Female-headed households
52%
7.601
Elderly (60+)5.26920%
Children and adolescents (<18)6.21824%
Foreign nationals2.1908%
Belonging to indigenous peoples9984%
People with moderate/severe dependency3471%
Single-person households8.17056%

A monthly administrative snapshot of the Social Household Registry (self-registration to access benefits), as of abril 2026. The "bracket 40" is the socioeconomic rating of the most vulnerable 40%. It is a registry, not a survey: it complements CASEN (biennial) with fresh data, but well-off comunas under-register. Source: ADIS, Ministry of Social Development and Family.

School educationSource: MINEDUC Open Data 2025

School enrollment
5.748
12 schools
Students per teacher
14,4
398 teachers
national median: 10,15
Average attendance
89,6%
national median: 89,8%
Priority studentsSEP
68,1%
socioeconomic vulnerability
national median: 66,8%
Where they study · by provider
Public (municipal + SLEP) 78%Private subsidized 22%
Pass rate
97,1%
national median: 98,2%
Dropoutschool withdrawal
2,39%
dropout during the year
national median: 1,77%

Aggregate of all the comuna's schools (RBD → comuna). Pass/withdrawal and attendance are from the 2025 school year. SIMCE is not published as open data (managed by the Quality Agency, by request only); the available quality proxy is passing, dropout and attendance. The PAES result appears in the social section.

Municipal healthcare (primary care)Source: SINIM · MINSAL / FONASA

FONASA enrollees
0
0% of the population
Primary-care medical visits · per year
16.835
37.581
20102025
Medical specialties served · 5 in the comuna (public system)
PediatricsAdult GynecologyAdult NephrologyObstetricsFamily Medicine

Specialties with services recorded at the comuna's public facilities (REM DEIS, 2024). These are services performed, not doctor headcount. Excludes the private network.

Comprehensive home visits · per year
1.116
828
20192025

REM-26 section A (DEIS/MINSAL): comprehensive family visits, summed across the comuna's facilities. The last year is partial while DEIS consolidates monthly reports.

Comuna's primary-care centers · FONASA 2025 enrollees (17.047 in total)
CenterTypeProvider typeEnrollees% brackets A-B
Hospital Dr. Marcos Macuada (Tocopilla)HospitalHealth Service17.04758%

FONASA brackets A-B ≈ lowest incomes (A: without resources). Source: FONASA, as of Dec 31, 2025, DEIS code.

Indigenous peoplesSource: 2024 Census (INE) · CONADI via IDE SMA

Indigenous population
2.103
8.3% of the census population (Census 2024)
PeoplePeople% of total
Mapuche72534.5%
Diaguita41719.8%
Aymara40919.4%
Quechua21410.2%
Chango1657.8%
Atacameño o Lickanantay1024.9%

2024 Census: people who consider themselves as belonging to an indigenous people (small counts are suppressed for confidentiality at the source and not shown). Communities: CONADI national registry as of March 2024 — Araucanía and Los Lagos not refreshed in that update, the count is a floor. Land grants: 2022 registry.

Community organizationSource: RPJSFL Civil Registry (Law 20.500/19.418) · as of Jun 2026

Active neighborhood councils
2
Councils per 1,000 inhabitants
0.1
density of territorial organization
Non-profit organizations
72
the entire active civil fabric
Foundations and corporations
10
Sports
4
Trade associations and cooperatives
2

All the comuna's active non-profit legal entities (Law 20.500 / 19.418), classified by organization name. It portrays the civil fabric: not just neighborhood councils, also committees, sports clubs, cultural and elderly groups, foundations and fire brigades.

13 Local media · 1 Comunitaria · 12 FMSource: SUBTEL · broadcasting licences · Regional Media Survey (MSGG)

Local mediaTypedial
C9CANAL 95FM89.9 FM
CCONTINENTEFM94.5 FM
NMNUEVO MUNDOFM97.1 FM
PCPURO CHILEFM99.3 FM
APAnimals Producciones Ltda. · holderFM93.1 FM
CCCentro Cultural Cia Pan · holderComunitaria107.1 FM
CSComunicaciones San Gabriel SpA · holderFM91.1 FM
DCDavid Carrasco Tapia, Servicios de Telecomunicaciones E.I.R.L. · holderFM98.7 FM
IDInversiones, Desarrollos y Telecomunicaciones Ltda. · holderFM95.1 FM
PDProductora Domingo Sandoval E.I.R.L. · holderFM88.9 FM
RARadiodifusora Arpis SpA · holderFM101.7 FM
SDSoc. Delgado y Delgado Ltda. · holderFM96.3 FM
SRSoc. Radiodifusion y Publicidad G y M Ltda. · holderFM103.7 FM

The dial (frequency) of every FM, AM and community radio with a studio in the comuna (SUBTEL, active sound broadcasting concessions). National networks appear in their headquarters' comuna, not necessarily where they broadcast. When SUBTEL records no brand name, its holder (the concession holder).

Foreign-born populationSource: 2024 Census · INE

Foreign nationals
2.802
11% of the census population (Census 2024)
Main origin
Bolivia
1.194 people · 43% of the foreigners
Main countries of origin
1.194 Bolivia
806 Colombia
333 Venezuela
310 Perú

International immigrants per the 2024 Census (people born outside Chile living in the comuna). Nationwide they are 1,608,650 people, 8.8% of the population.

Housing and housing deficitSource: MINVU (Encampment Registry + 2024 Census deficit + subsidies) · INE

Families in informal settlements
78
5 encampments (2024 Registry)
Housing deficit
840
9,7% of the comuna's households
Housing permits · 2024
5
1.281 m² · new construction
Subsidies Integrated System · DS01
749
paid · 2011–2025
Subsidies Solidarity Fund · DS49
155
beneficiaries · 2012–2023
Subsidies Rental · DS52
108
paid · 2014–2024

Encampments: MINVU National Registry 2024 (irregular settlements and the families living in them). Quantitative deficit: homes missing per the 2024 Census (doubling-up + unrecoverable overcrowding). Permits: new homes authorized by the Works Directorate in 2024 (INE) — measures future construction, not stock. Subsidies: MINVU by application comuna — DS49 accrues beneficiaries by resolution year; DS01 and DS52 accrue payments by application cohort (national totals in the source file differ ~1–6% from the comuna sum; the comuna series is published).

What the homes are like

19.137homes · by type (2017)
House
8.580 · 80.8%
House
7.386 · 86.7%
Apartment
1.110 · 10.5%
Apartment
810 · 9.5%
Shack/hut/shanty
789 · 7.4%
Other private
245 · 2.9%
Other private
78 · 0.7%
Room in old house/tenement
48 · 0.6%
Room in old house/tenement
48 · 0.5%
Shack/improvised dwelling
25 · 0.3%
Mobile
12 · 0.1%
Indigenous dwelling
3 · 0%
Mobile
2 · 0%
Traditional/indigenous dwelling
1 · 0%
65%owner-occupied · tenure (2002)
Owned outright
3.294 · 53.5%
Rented
1.153 · 18.7%
Owned, being paid off
686 · 11.1%
Free of charge
633 · 10.3%
Provided for work
388 · 6.3%

Housing type: 2017 Census · tenure: 2002 Census (INE).

ResourcesBudget, spending, municipal procurement and more

Benefits under special regimesSource: Laws/SII/BCN/MTT/Treasury · deep-research verified

Fiscal or economic treatments that apply only to this comuna or its zone, not the rest of Chile. The chip color shows who it reaches: municipality, community, residents, companies or workers.

Mining rent
Escondida (BHP) — Fundación Minera Escondidacommunity
RSE voluntaria (regional)

Fondos concursables voluntarios en la Región de Antofagasta: concurso "+Unidos 2026" hasta $230 M CLP (techo, no desembolso garantizado); $61 M al Fondo Mixto regional en 2015. RSE de alcance REGIONAL, no compromiso comunal vinculante. No existe el "1% de utilidades".

Hasta $230 M CLP (regional, concursable)· concurso 2026Source
Royalty minero — Fondo de Comunas Minerasmunicipality
Ley 21.591/2023

En 2024 el Fondo Puente (anticipo, ~50% de la distribución) repartió $22.891 millones a 43 comunas mineras de 6 regiones. Ingreso MUNICIPAL. Acá se listan las comunas nombradas oficialmente; la lista completa (43) está en Hacienda/TGR. (Cruza con SINIM royalty, var ya cargada en finanzas.)

Parte de $22.891 M (2024, Fondo Puente)· desde 2024Source
Others
Asignación de zona 35% (DL 249)workerspreliminary data
DL 249/1974 art. 7 · DL 3.551/1980 art. 25 · Ley 19.354

Sobresueldo mensual a funcionarios públicos según aislamiento/costo de vida: 35% del sueldo base (art. 7 DL 249). A los funcionarios municipales llega vía art. 25 del DL 3.551/1980 y el monto se aumenta en 40% (Ley 19.354) — salud primaria municipal (Ley 19.378) la percibe sin ese aumento; asistentes de la educación y personal de corporaciones no la perciben (Código del Trabajo). El %/territorio usa la división de 1974: dentro de una comuna pueden regir % mayores en localidades específicas (retenes, islas, cordillera) no reflejados acá; la CGR resuelve caso a caso. Comunas sin asignación no aparecen.

35% del sueldo base (municipal: ×1,4 por Ley 19.354)· vigente (art. 7 versión 22-dic-2021, verificado 2026-07-02)Source

Budget and revenue sourcesSource: SINIM · SUBDERE

Total revenue · 2025
$20.911.683.000
Own revenue
$3.980.472.000
19% of the total
Municipal Common Fund
$7.602.802.000
36% of the total
State transfers
$1.384.408.000
7% of the total
Ingreso total y desglose de ingresos propios

Total revenue · trend (2001–2025)

$2.163.485.000
$20.911.683.000
20012025

Own revenue breakdown (IPP) · 2025

14.8%
22.8%
54.7%
Property tax$590.832.000
Business licenses$907.521.000
Vehicle permits$237.676.000
Cleaning fees$67.844.000
Other own revenue$2.176.599.000
Special-law revenues · 2025
Mining licenses (Law 19.143): $535.755.000

Distributed by law to specific comunas; they arrive via transfers.

Revenue by sector · 2025
52.9%
47.1%
Municipal$20.911.683.000
Education$18.594.153.000
Municipal Common Fund balance · 2025
Net recipient: it receives $7.210.162.000 more than it contributes.
Evolución por fuente de ingreso

Permanent own revenue (IPP) · trend

$698.857.000
$3.980.472.000
20012025

FCM received · trend

$519.172.000
$7.602.802.000
20012025

State transfers · trend

$826.291.000
$1.384.408.000
20012025

Municipal spending and budget executionSource: SINIM · SUBDERE

Current budget · 2025
$20.513.172.000
Accrued spending · 2025
$13.151.781.000
Execution rate
64.1%
Unexecuted: $7.361.391.000
Low execution: it only executed 64.1% of the budget — $7.361.391.000 unspent.

Accrued spending · trend

$2.163.099.000
$13.151.781.000
20012025

Distribution by management area · 2025

62.6%
23.4%
Internal management$8.239.393.000
Community services$3.079.350.000
Social programs$606.037.000
Municipal activities$577.166.000
Recreational programs$236.037.000
Cultural programs$413.798.000

What the budget is spent on · 2025

Spending lineAmount% of spending
Goods and services (operations) · supplies, contracts, maintenance$4.420.642.00033.6%
Municipal personnel · municipal wages and fees$3.371.029.00025.6%
Investment (works and projects)$1.171.164.0008.9%
Cleaning, garbage and landfills · waste collection and disposal$916.285.0007.0%
Electricity (facilities)$436.984.0003.3%
Street lighting$410.476.0003.1%
Water (facilities)$139.378.0001.1%
Councillor stipends$109.343.0000.8%
Travel allowances$34.555.0000.3%
Commissions and representation$28.351.0000.2%

Share of total accrued spending. Lines overlap (personnel sits inside several areas), so they don't add to 100%. Source: SINIM.

Personal y dotación municipal

Spending composition · 2025

25.6%
33.6%
40.8%
Personnel (Subt. 21)$3.371.029.000
Goods and services (Subt. 22)$4.420.642.000
Others$5.360.110.000

Personnel by contract type · 2025

34.5%
51.0%
9.0%
Permanent staff$1.287.706.000
Contract staff$1.901.860.000
Fee contracts$181.463.000
Labor Code$23.755.000
Community progs.$336.659.000

Municipal headcount · 2023

32.6%
67.4%
Permanent staff46
Contract staff95
Total: 141 staffWomen: 41.8%Professionalization: 21.3%
Cost/staffer permanent: $28.857.587/yearCost/staffer contract: $17.874.221/year

Municipal staff by contract status (SINIM, 2023). Cost per staffer = annual spending of the type ÷ same-year headcount.

Inversión, servicios básicos y obras

Investment and authorities' expenses · 2025

Municipal investment: $1.171.164.000 (8.9% of spending)Councillor stipends: $109.343.000Travel allowances: $34.555.000Commissions and representation: $28.351.000

Basic and general services · 2025

Garbage and landfills: $916.285.000Street lighting: $410.476.000Electricity: $436.984.000Water: $139.378.000

Final works approvals (DOM) · per year

424
59
20012024

Building permits issued · per year

50
20
20122024

What it buys · Mercado PúblicoSource: ChileCompra · open data

Open profile in Monitor Mercado Público
Historic amount
$89.401.839.746
Purchase orders
27.889

Purchase-order amount · trend

$3.490.087.561
$4.736.482.796
20072026
Top suppliersAmountPOs
Themac S.A.$3.990.922.51110
Stronger Ltda.$3.874.942.081115
José Javier Flores Godoy$3.272.989.96618
Omb Latam Chile S.A.$2.749.980.8005
Ecosol$2.637.836.710125
Empresa Constructora Tocopilla Limitada$2.519.079.34631
Cosemar S a$2.372.888.8371
Habinor$2.341.737.3961

Purchase mechanism · 2026

Tender $3.546.882.21475%
Agile Purchase $739.291.52016%
Framework Agreement $391.592.2898%
Direct award discretionary$58.716.7721%

Companies and economic activitySource: SII · company statistics and roster (domicile/HQ)

Registered companies
1.602
domiciled in the comuna
Dependent workers
4.790

Pyramid by sales bracket

61.2%
15.5%
21.0%
Micro (≤2,400 UF)980 companies
Small (≤25k UF)249 companies
Medium (≤100k UF)30 companies
Large (>100k UF)6 companies
No sales/no info337 companies

Largest companies domiciled in the comuna

CompanyLine of businessSales bracketWorkers
Compania Mantos de la Luna S aEXPLOTACION DE MINAS Y CANTERASLarge 4 (>1M UF)55
Moval SpAACTIVIDADES DE SERVICIOS ADMINISTRATIVOS Y DELarge 2147
Asociacion Gremial de Transportistas y Duenos de Camiones de Tocopilla,agretocTRANSPORTE Y ALMACENAMIENTOLarge 1136
Supermercado Señor de los Milagros SpACOMERCIO AL POR MAYOR Y AL POR MENOR; REPARACLarge 134
Transportes Tdh Ltda.TRANSPORTE Y ALMACENAMIENTOLarge 132
Sociedad Rama Ingenieria y Compañia LimitadaACTIVIDADES DE SERVICIOS ADMINISTRATIVOS Y DEMedium 2208
Sociedad Comercial Global Service LimitadaINDUSTRIA MANUFACTURERAMedium 2172
Fundacion Educacional Padre Antonio Ligthart Heyne MsfENSEÑANZAMedium 2124
Inmobiliaria Santa Barbara S aINDUSTRIA MANUFACTURERAMedium 2107
Alimentación Pachurros SpAACTIVIDADES DE ALOJAMIENTO Y DE SERVICIO DE CMedium 276

SII roster of legal entities (public). Due to tax secrecy sales come in brackets, never amounts. The comuna is that of the domicile/HQ: operations may be elsewhere.

Investment in SEIA projects

Under review
3
US$ 1.935 M declared
Approved last 5 years
6
US$ 159 M declared
Construction jobsunder review
2.260
+ 1.173 in operations
Construction jobsapproved 5 yrs
279
peak labor
ProjectOwnerStatusInvestment (US$M)Constr. jobs
Continuidad Operacional Minera El Abra y Desarrollo de Planta ConcentrEIASociedad Contractual Minera el AbraUnder Review7.5008.842
Proyecto Minero TovakuEIASociedad Punta del Cobre S.A.Under Review870984
Modificación de las Instalaciones productivas y transporte de nitratosDIASqm Industrial S.A.Approved250120
Planta de Beneficio de Sales de NitratoDIACosayach Exportadora S.A.Approved60
HyEx - Sintesis de Amoniaco VerdeDIAEnaex S.A.Approved49101
HyEx - Producción de Hidrógeno VerdeDIAEngie Austral S.A.Approved47154
Transporte terrestre de ácido sulfúrico entre la región de Arica y ParDIAAsociación Gremial de Dueños de CamApproved9,72
Logística y transporte de Sustancias peligrosas en las Regiones XV, I,DIASociedad de Servicios y TransportesUnder Review6,3
Ampliación NegreirosDIAScm Cosayach YodoApproved1

Investment DECLARED by the owner upon entering SEIA (not necessarily materialized; the RCA expires after 5 years without works). Multi-comuna projects: prorated investment, jobs counted in full. Jobs = declared peak labor (source PRISMA/SOFOFA). Source: e-SEIA + PRISMA.

TerritoryClimate, biodiversity, national heritage, SEIA-approved projects and more

Roads and motorwaysSource: OpenStreetMap · 2026 snapshot

Kilometres of trunk road
191 km
Motorways and trunk roads crossing the comuna

Road infrastructure of the MOP and concession holders, not the municipality: it measures how much highway crosses the territory, not municipal management. Only comunas with roads of this category are counted.

Environment and air qualitySource: MMA · SINCA + PPDA + RETC

MP2,5 · annual average
30,6µg/m³· above the Chilean standard
OMS 5
CL standard 20
6,1× the WHO 2021 guideline · 1,5× the Chilean standard · 54 days above daily standard (50 µg/m³)
MP10 · annual average
42,6µg/m³· above the WHO guideline, below the Chilean standard
OMS 15
CL standard 50
2,8× the WHO 2021 guideline · 0,9× the Chilean standard · 0 days above daily standard (150 µg/m³)
9monitoring stations· measures MP2,5; MP10; O3; SO2; NO2; CO· stations: Bomberos, Centro, Escuela E-10, Escuela E-12, Escuela Gabriela Mistral, Gobernación, Super Site, Sur, Tres Marias
vigenteindustrial-mineroMP10; SO2
PDA Tocopilla
DS 79/2010 · published 2010 · see plan

Zone with decontamination plan PDA Tocopilla y zona circundante · critical pollutant SO2 / MP

Air emissions from industrial sources · tons/year (RETC 2020)
1.929 t SO₂
0 t MP10
0 t MP2,5

Air quality observed at MMA's SINCA stations within the comuna (2024); when there are several, the worst is shown. The scale compares the annual average with the WHO 2021 guideline (PM2.5 = 5 · PM10 = 15 µg/m³, international health reference) and the Chilean annual primary standard (PM2.5 = 20 · PM10 = 50 µg/m³): green within the WHO guideline, amber between guideline and standard, red above the national standard. "Days above standard" use the 24-h daily standard (PM2.5 = 50 · PM10 = 150 µg/m³). RETC emissions = declared point sources (industry/energy), excludes diffuse sources like residential firewood.

Biodiversity and protected areasSource: SNASPE · SEIA baselines

Species of flora, fauna and funga documented in the baselines of the projects evaluated by SEIA in the comuna — what their environmental studies recorded in the territory. Conservation status (RCE/IUCN) and Chilean endemism are flagged.

31
Species
7
Flora
24
Fauna
18
In conservation status
9
Endemic to Chile
Species in conservation category
RuilNothofagus alessandriiENBelloto del surBeilschmiedia berteroanaENQueuleGomortega keuleENBelloto del norte, belloto (genérico)Beilschmiedia miersiiVUPitaoPitavia punctataENLagartija de paulinaLiolaemus paulinaeVUGaviota garumaLeucophaeus modestusVUAraucaria, pehuén, piñonero, pino piñonero, pino chileno, pino araucaria, pewen, guiliuAraucaria araucanaENAlerceFitzroya cupressoidesENZorro colorado, zorro culpeo, zorro coloradode tierra del fuego, zorro culpeo de tierra del fuegoLycalopex culpaeusVUGolondrina de mar negra, markham’s storm-petrelHydrobates markhamiENChorlo nevadoCharadrius nivosusVUZarapito de pico recto, aguja café, becasina de mar, hudsonian godwit (inglés)Limosa haemasticaVUGuanacoLama guanicoeVUPilpilén, pilpilén común, american oystercatcher (inglés)Haematopus palliatusNTGuanayPhalacrocorax bougainvilliiNTMurciélago gris, murciélago de atacama, murciélago orejas de ratón del norteMyotis atacamensisNTGaviotín monjaLarosterna incaNT

CR critically endangered · EN endangered · VU vulnerable · NT near threatened (Species Classification Regulation / IUCN). ★ endemic to Chile. Extracted from SEIA studies by kingdom; presence reflects what baselines characterized, not a census.

1 Wetlands · 1 urban · 113 haSource: National Wetlands Inventory · SIMBIO (MMA)

CodeWetlandHectares
HUR-02-05Des. Rio Loaurban113 /699

Area = hectares of wetland within the comuna boundary (apportioned using the DPA table of each record). For wetlands shared between comunas, "portion / total" is shown. "Urban" = urban wetland (HUR code). Official source migrated to the SBAP (Law 21,600).

Large projects approved by SEIASource: SEIA · approved projects

Projects with an environmental permit (RCA) approved by SEIA and declared investment above US$ 10 million, located in the comuna according to the case file and grouped by sector. Every sector with at least one project is listed: this is not a ranking or a selection. 43 projects totaling US$ 2.882 million, approved between 1994 and 2025. When a project spans several comunas, its investment is split among them.

Energy12 projects · US$ 1.153 M · 1994–2022
Aprovechamientos Energéticos S.A.Parque Eólico Loa · Central Termoeléctrica Nueva Tocopilla
Mining10 projects · US$ 1.119 M · 2001–2025
Codelco Chile, División Radomiro TomicRT Sulfuros · Modificación de las Instalaciones productivas y transporte de nitratos faena minera Coya Sur
Others16 projects · US$ 523 M · 2001–2022
Codelco Chile, División Radomiro TomicAdecuación Planta Desaladora RT Súlfuros · Modificación Central Termoeléctrica Nueva Tocopilla para el Cumplimiento de Norma de Emisiones Centrales Termoeléctricas
Environmental Sanitation2 projects · US$ 42 M · 2013–2016
Aguas de Antofagasta S.A.Planta Desaladora Tocopilla · Segunda Modificación Proyecto Mantos de la Luna
Hydraulic Infrastructure1 project · US$ 20 M · 2010
Ministerio de Obras PúblicasObras de Control Aluvional Quebrada Barriles y Afluentes, Ciudad de Tocopilla, Región de Antofagasta (e-seia)
Real estate1 project · US$ 13 M · 2009
Servicio de Vivienda y Urbanismo, Región de AntofagastaProyecto de Loteo Vivienda Social Corpesca (FSV I), Tocopilla (e-seia)
Port Infrastructure1 project · US$ 12 M · 2010
Electroandina SpAInstalación de Nueva Grúa y Terminal Marítimo de Graneles Líquidos en Central Termoeléctrica Tocopilla

Approved is not the same as built or operating: the RCA authorises the project, but some were never carried out and others have since closed.

Source: projects with an RCA approved by SEIA (investment declared by the developer, split among the comunas the project spans). Under each sector are its two largest projects by investment. It is the best public proxy for large industrial sites; SERNAGEOMIN’s registry of active mining operations (by mineral and type of operation) is a layer not yet incorporated.

Basic utilitiesSource: SISS · CNE · MINEDUC

Distribuidora eléctrica
CGE
Empresa sanitaria (agua y alcantarillado)
Aguas de Antofagasta
Higher education
No campus · nearest in Mejillones at 97.7 km

Almost no comuna has its own utility: it is served by a major regional concession holder. Water = urban operational territory (SISS; rural goes via APR); electric = concession distributor per the tariff decree (CNE); higher education = university, IP and CFT campuses (MINEDUC/SIES), with the nearest comuna when there are none.

Environmental conflictsSource: SNIFA · SMA + Environmental Search · Environmental Courts

Final SMA sanctions

Final sanctions
2
Sanctioned entities
2
companies, individuals and institutions
Total fines
30 UTA
2 with fines
Sanctioned entityAuditable unitCategoryFine (UTA)
Ilustre Municipalidad de TocopillaRELLENO SANITARIO QUEBRADA ANCHAEnvironmental Sanitation27
Compra y Venta de Productos del MarGimnasio EntrigymAmenities3

Environmental sanctions final from the SMA (no pending appeals) whose auditable unit sits in the comuna: companies, individuals and institutions (including the municipality). Fine in UTA (Annual Tax Unit). Source: Public Sanctions Registry, SNIFA.

Appeals before the Environmental Courts

Appeals
2
on projects in the comuna
Case no.Parties / projectSubjectDecision
R-63-2022
1TA
Ilustre Municipalidad de Tocopilla con Superintendencia del Medio Ambiente
Relleno Sanitario Quebrada Ancha
Environmental sanction proceedingRejects
28195-2018
2TA
Comunidad Indígena Atacameña de San Francisco de Chiu Chiu en contra del Comité de Ministros (Resolución N° 0478-2017, de 12 de mayo 2017). 
RT Sulfuros
Environmental assessment - Indigenous ConsultationRejects

Appeals resolved by the Environmental Courts (Law 20.600) on the comuna's projects or facilities, geolocated by the associated project (SEIA) or sanctioned facility (SMA). Partial coverage: Supreme Court appeals and cases without a locatable act are excluded. Source: 1st Environmental Court's Environmental Search.

Green areasSource: SINIM · SUBDERE (2024)

Green space per capita
1 m²
10% of the CNDU standard
standard 10 m²

Municipally maintained green area per inhabitant (SINIM). The National Urban Development Council recommends a minimum of 10 m²/inhab (WHO, ~9). Self-reported by municipalities, with quality varying across comunas.

National heritageSource: National Monuments Council (Feb 2026)

National monuments
6
Historic monuments
4
Heritage zones
1
Nature sanctuaries
1

Monuments declared by decree (official CMN roster). Excludes archaeological and public monuments. Declaration entails legal protection and intervention restrictions.

Territorial burdensSource: SUBDERE (waste, Jun 2023) · Gendarmería (Jun 2025) · SISS (WWTP)

Infrastructure this comuna carries — often serving others.

FacilityTypeDetail
Relleno Sanitario Quebrada AnchaRelleno Sanitario13.073 t/year · receives from 2 comunas
C.D.P. TocopillaPrison (CDP)637 inmates · 502 convicted · 135 awaiting trial · 298% occupancy
ES - TOCOPILLAPTAS · emisario submarinoA.ANTOFAGASTA S.A. · discharges into mar
Where this comuna's waste goes
Relleno Sanitario Quebrada Ancha (Tocopilla) · 10.858 t/year

Official registries: they exclude illegal dumps and rural WWTPs (no consolidated public registry).

Winter riskSource: SENAPRED · winter critical points 2026 (via FAU U. de Chile)

Critical points registered
10
At high or very high risk
5
Main threat
Activación de quebradas

Points in the comuna where SENAPRED identifies winter-rain risk (channel overflows, flooding, collector collapse, landslides, mudflows, snow), with risk level and the agency responsible for the fix.

Climate and climate changeSource: ARClim · MMA + CR2/UC (CMIP6 modeling)

Mean annual temperature
13,65°C
2035-2065 projection: +1,81°C
Annual precipitation
4 mm
projection: +1.269%
Hot days>30°C
0
projection: +2 days
Frost days
10

Modeled climatology (CMIP6 downscaling ~5 km): present ≈ 1980-2010, projection ≈ 2035-2065 middle scenario. Not recent weather observation.

SafetyCrime, road crashes and municipal security infrastructure

Crimes (police cases)Source: CEAD · Ministry of Public Security

Police cases · 2025
2.587
all crimes
Rate per 100,000 inhab.
9.124
Police cases · trend
2.182
2.587
20102025
By crime type · 2025
CrimeCasesRate/100k
Alcohol and drug use in public spaces8282.920
Threats3831.351
Domestic violence275970
Property damage174614
Larceny173610
Minor injuries157554
Drug-related crimes70247
Burglary of an uninhabited place51180
Weapons-related crimes50176
Theft of items from vehicles50176
Burglary of an inhabited place47166
Robbery with violence or intimidation43152

Showing the 12 crimes with most cases of 28.

Police cases (reports + arrests) recorded by Carabineros and PDI. Not victimization (ENUSC measures the real figure, higher due to underreporting). The rate uses INE 2024 population. Source: CEAD, Ministry of Public Security.

What the municipality does

Municipal security infrastructure and staff declared to SINIM (since 2016). Excludes Carabineros and PDI, which are national.

Surveillance cameras
118
Guards and inspectors
0
1 per 28.354 hab
Patrol fleet
1
cars, pickups, motorcycles, bikes
Patrol fleet by type
Cars: 1
Surveillance cameras · trend
16
118
20202025

Road crashesSource: CONASET · Data Observatory (2024)

Crashes · 2024
117
Deaths
4
14,1 per 100,000 inhab.
Injured
80
13 serious
Pedestrian collisions
9
1 pedestrian killed

Crashes georeferenced by CONASET (urban + highway) during 2024. The only per-comuna source; covers ~70% of the country's deaths (non-geolocatable ones are excluded), so it slightly underestimates the total. Pedestrian collision is the leading cause of pedestrian death.