Escondida is a large copper mine located in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. It is one of the world's largest copper producers and is operated by BHP, a global mining company. The mine primarily extracts copper ore, which is essential for various industries, including electronics and construction. The mine was discovered in 1981 and began production in 1990. Escondida has several open-pit and underground operations, contributing significantly to the local economy and the global copper supply. Its production levels can greatly influence copper prices in international markets.