Current Richest Person in Chile and Net Worth
The richest person in Chile is Iris Fontbona, a Chilean billionaire whose wealth comes from mining, banking, and investments. As of the latest public Forbes data, she is listed among the top billionaires globally and remains the wealthiest individual in Chile. Her fortune is tied to the Antofagasta PLC mining empire and other family-controlled holdings.
Iris Fontbona's net worth is estimated by Forbes at over 20 billion dollars, placing her among the world's richest women. She inherited much of her stake in Antofagasta PLC from her late husband Andrónico Luksic Abaroa, a founder of the Luksic Group. The family's wealth continues to grow with fluctuations in copper prices and strategic investments in finance and energy.
Main Companies and Business Empire
The core of the Fontbona family wealth is Antofagasta PLC, a London-listed copper mining company with major operations in Chile and Mexico. The group controls key mines such as Los Pelambres, Centinela, and Antucoya, making it one of the largest copper producers in the world. Copper remains the primary driver of the family's net worth.
Diversified Holdings and Financial Investments
Beyond mining, the Luksic family controls Quiñenco, a diversified conglomerate with stakes in banking, beverages, ports, and energy. Quiñenco holds major positions in Banco de Chile, CCU, and the Luksic Group's private equity arm. These investments provide stability and growth alongside the cyclical mining business.
Rankings, Public Disclosures, and Forbes Profile
Iris Fontbona consistently appears on the Forbes Billionaires List, often ranked among the top 100 wealthiest individuals worldwide. The Forbes profile highlights her low public profile and the family's preference for operating through holding companies rather than personal branding. Her ranking shifts with copper prices and broader market conditions.
Public filings and Forbes data show that the Fontbona family's wealth is managed through a network of private and publicly traded entities, including Antofagasta PLC and Quiñenco. These structures allow long-term control of assets while limiting direct exposure to market volatility. For detailed figures and latest ranking updates, see the Forbes billionaires page Forbes billionaires list.