The Atacama desert, in northern Chile, is recognized by its mineral wealth. Important copper, nitrate and lithium mines export their products to several markets through the seaports of this region.

In 1995, an earthquake seriously affected the Port of Antofagasta. The mining sector and the State agreed that it was necessary to study an increase of the regional offer of ports, concluding that the best projections for absorbing the growing demand was to build a new port, in the bay of Mejillones.

The Government of Chile entrusted to Complejo Portuario Mejillones S.A. the development of an international bidding process with the objective of allocating a concession to a private consortium for building, operating and commercializing the port facilities for a period of 30 years (extendible). The contract was awarded to Compania Portuaria Mejillones S.A., PUERTO ANGAMOS.