Lota
Chile
Lota, city, southern Chile. It lies on the Golfo (gulf) de Arauco.
Although Lota was founded in 1662, sustained development did not begin until 1852, when the industrialist Matías Cousiño started a coal-mining enterprise. Completion of a railway from Concepción, 20 miles (32 km) north, in 1888 stimulated growth. Other industries in Lota include a brick and refractories plant and a copper smelter. Decreasing profitability and increased competition in the late 20th century led to the closure of the Lota coal mine in 1997.
Operating and administrative facilities and a planned company town are found in Lota Alto (Upper Lota); Lota Bajo (Lower Lota) is the commercial and residential community. Renowned in Chile for its scenic beauty is the local Isidora Cousiño Park. Pop. (2002) 48,975; (2017) municipality, 43,535.
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