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State of Conservation (SOC)

Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (2011)

Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger

The State Party is preparing a desired state of conservation that will be submitted to the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies.

UNESCO Extra-Budgetary Funds
International Assistance granted to the property

Requests Approved: 0 (from2007-2007)
Total Amount Ap proved: 30,000USD

2007   Protection and consolidation of the Humberstone and Santa Laura ...   30,000  USD
Missions**

October 2004: ICOMOS evaluation mission; May 2007: World Heritage Centre site visit; April 2010: Joint World Heritage Centre / ICOMOS reactive monitoring mission.

Factors* affecting the property identified in previous reports

a) Extremely fragile nature of the industrial buildings that were constructed using local materials such as timber for frames, corrugated iron sheets for roofs and some walls, in addition to stucco and lightweight construction;

b) Lack of maintenance over the past 40 years as well as vandalism at the property;

c) Corrosion of metal cladding and dismantlement of some of the structural elements. A few buildings such as the Leaching House are liable to structural collapse if no support is given;

d) Very little conservation work carried out;

e) Damage caused by the wind. 

Corrective Measures

a) Establishment of the management team with adequate human and financial resources;

b) Structural consolidation and rehabilitation works for several emblematic buildings, such as the public buildings, the housing sector and the industrial zone buildings, using available materials within the property;

c) Security measures for visitors in some buildings, such as those located in the industrial zone;

d) Specific regulations for the buffer zone.

 

Timeframe for the implementation of the corrective measures

a) The work plan for the first phase includes security measures for visitors, cleaning and selection of materials, and low cost corrective measures. The second phase foresees the urgent structural consolidation of all the identified buildings which should be done by 2009;

b) The implementation of the work plan is dependent on the availability of funds. 

Current conservation issues

The State Party provided a report on the state of conservation of the property on 1 February 2011.

a) Necessary financial, technical and human resources for the implementation of the Priority Interventions Programme

The report indicates that the management of the property has been improved through the implementation of the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO) and its Innovation Committee (INNOVA) Project geared towards designing strategies for the property’s future sustainability. The project, which is funded by the Chilean State (USD 493,461) and scheduled for March 2010 – April 2012, has strengthened the capacity of the technical team through the addition of 5 new professionals specialized in different fields. No information was provided on these professional specializations or if the recently added posts will be retained upon the project’s conclusion in 2012.

Regarding the Priority Interventions Programme, the State Party reports that further progress was not possible due to the February 2010 earthquake, which resulted in the re-allocation of funds from the Programme. It indicates that the National Monuments Council received funds in December 2010 which will allow emergency works to be carried out on the former house of the Doctor in Chief of Humberstone. Additional private funding is hoped for which would allow the continuation of the Priority Intervention Programme. Consolidation works on the Humberstone Chimney have been concluded and photographs included in the submitted report. Attempts continue in identifying measures for dealing with the deterioration of materials and this information will contribute to the updating of the Priority Interventions Programme. Cooperation was also established with the Deutsches Bergbau Museum (German Mine Museum)in Germany which will conclude an analysis of materials sent to its laboratory. The results of this analysis will be available in the first half of 2011.

b) Revision of the Management Plan and conditions for its effective implementation

The report details that for the period August 2010 – March 2011, a professional from the National Monuments Council assisted the technical team of the Corporation in the reformulation of the property’s Management Plan and then its implementation. The report informs that the new draft of the 2010 – 2015 Management Plan will be ready by June 2011.

c) Establishment of adequate regulatory measures in the buffer zone

The State Party has reported that it was not possible to continue the work with the Municipality of Pozo Almonte, regarding the regulation of the buffer zone within the Municipality’s Zoning Plan, as it is limited to only regulating land of an urban nature. However protection of the buffer zone has been included under the National Monuments Act with technical consultations ongoing. No timeline has been provided for the completion of this process. The 1419 hectares which have been conceded by the State Party to the Saltpeter Museum Corporation are also part of the buffer zone; therefore its protection is now assured.

d) Strengthening the mitigation measures to avoid any potential impacts of the new trace for the bypass of Route A-16 on the Santa Laura area

The definitive design of the new route has been received and are presently being studied and the mitigation measures of the impacts being re-examined. These will be included in the development process of the detailed engineering project for the bypass of Route A-16.

e) Documentation for boundary modifications, including appropriate cartography, for approval by the World Heritage Committee

The proposal and cartography for the property’s minor boundary modification have been submitted to the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for review and will be considered under the item corresponding to minor boundary modification (WHC.11/35.COM.8D).

f) Proposal for the Desired state of conservation

The State Party has indicated that the reflection process is ongoing in order to fully outline the Desired state of conservation. No indication is provided on when the process is expected to conclude.

g) Other conservation issues

The report details a public illumination project at Humberstone scheduled for the first part of 2011, which will rescue existing lamp posts, conserving them in their original condition. It is believed that this project will not only contribute to the property’s conservation but also its surveillance. This project will be financed by the State Party.

The State Party has indicated that they have begun to draft an International Assistance Request for the hosting of an International Meeting in the first part of 2011 in coordination with the International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage. This assistance request has not yet been submitted to the World Heritage Centre.

The State Party has also indicated that the various processes involved with the Management Plan, the development of the property’s Desired state of conservation and the hosting of the International Congress ‘Corrosion, Preservation and Degradation of Materials’ held in September 2010, have enabled a clearer picture of challenges associated with the degradation of materials and how these challenges might be dealt with. A letter of recommendations from this International Congress was sent to the National Monuments Council in November 2010. No summary of results from this meeting was attached.

Conclusion

The World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies take note of significant progress made in identifying and obtaining a better understanding of the challenges facing the property. They note the significant progress made in the stabilization of key structures and continue to stress the importance of securing the required funds to complete the Programme and to fully implement the Management Plan which will be completed shortly. They however remain concerned regarding the lack of an established buffer zone and the pertinent regulatory measures that will ensure the protection of the integrity of the property.

Decision

  • Adopted

  • Draft Decision

35COM7A.32
Link to the decision

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7A,

2. Recalling Decision 34 COM 7A.29, adopted at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010),

3. Recognizes the continued efforts of the State Party in addressing critical conservation issues at the property and in responding to the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee in spite of the challenging situation caused by the February 2010 earthquake;

4. Takes note of the submission of the International Assistance request for the organization of the proposed International Meeting in coordination with the International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage, the Advisory Bodies and the World Heritage Centre, and whose results will guide the course of action for the property's conservation strategy;

5. Requests the State Party to:

a) Secure the necessary financial resources to continue the implementation of the Priority Interventions Programme,

b) Complete the reformulation of the Management Plan, and upon its finalization to submit by 1 November 2011, three electronic copies to the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for review,

c) Finalize the technical consultation for the establishment of the buffer zone through its inclusion under the National Monuments Act and define the regulatory measures for its protection and management;

6. Reiterates its request to the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre the proposal for the Desired state of conservation, and an updated timeframe for the implementation of corrective measures for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger, by 1 November 2011, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th session in 2012;

7. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2012, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th session in 2012;

8. Decides to retain Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (Chile) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

35COM8B.58
Link to the decision

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Documents WHC-11/35.COM/8B.Add and WHC-11/35.COM/INF.8B1.Add,

2. Approves the proposed minor modification to the boundary of Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works, Chile;

3. Recommends that the State Party provide a map showing the revised boundary and buffer zone. This could be done in a series of 2 maps, using different scales.

35COM8C.2
Link to the decision

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Following the examination of the state of conservation reports of properties inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger (WHC-11/35.COM/7A, WHC-11/35.COM/7A.Add and WHC-11/35.COM/7A.Add.Corr),

2. Decides to maintain the following properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger:

  • Afghanistan, Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Decision 35 COM 7A.24)
  • Afghanistan, Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (Decision 35 COM 7A.25)
  • Belize, Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (Decision 35 COM 7A.15)
  • Central African Republic, Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.1)
  • Chile, Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (Decision 35 COM 7A.32)
  • Colombia, Los Katios National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.16)
  • Côte d'Ivoire, Comoé National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.2)
  • Côte d'Ivoire / Guinea, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (Decision 35 COM 7A.3)
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Virunga National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.4)
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.5)
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Garamba National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.6)
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Salonga National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.7)
  • Democratic Rep. of the Congo, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Decision 35 COM 7A.8)
  • Egypt, Abu Mena (Decision 35 COM 7A.19)
  • Ethiopia, Simien National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.9)
  • Georgia, Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery (Decision 35 COM 7A.29)
  • Georgia, Historical Monuments of Mtskheta (Decision 35 COM 7A.30)
  • Iraq, Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) (Decision 35 COM 7A.20)
  • Iraq, Samarra Archaeological City (Decision 35 COM  7A.21)
  • Islamic Republic of Iran, Bam and its Cultural Landscape (Decision 35 COM 7A.26)
  • Jerusalem, Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls (Decision 35 COM 7A.22)
  • Madagascar, Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Decision 35 COM 7A.10)
  • Niger, Air and Ténéré Natural Reserves (Decision 35 COM 7A.11)
  • Pakistan, Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore (Decision 35 COM 7A.27)
  • Peru, Chan Chan Archaelogical Zone (Decision 35 COM 7A.33)
  • Philippines, Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras (Decision 35 COM 7A.28)
  • Senegal, Niokolo Koba National Park (Decision 35 COM  7A.12)
  • Serbia, Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (Decision 35 COM 7A.31)
  • United Republic of Tanzania, Ruins of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara (Decision 35 COM 7A.18)
  • Uganda, Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (Decision 35 COM 7A.17)
  • United States of America, Everglades National Park (Decision 35 COM 7A.14)
  • Venezuela, Coro and its Port (Decision 35 COM 7A.34)
  • Yemen, Historic Town of Zabid (Decision 35 COM 7A.23)
Draft Decision: 35 COM 7A.32

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC-11/35.COM/7A,

2. Recalling Decision 34 COM 7A.29, adopted at its 34th session (Brasilia, 2010),

3. Recognizes the continued efforts of the State Party in addressing critical conservation issues at the property and in responding to the recommendations of the World Heritage Committee in spite of the challenging situation caused by the February 2010 earthquake;

4. Requests the State Party to:

a) Secure the necessary financial resources to continue the implementation of the Priority Interventions Programme,

b) Complete the reformulation of the Management Plan, and upon its finalization to submit by 1 November 2011, three electronic copies to the World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies for review,

c) Submit as soon as possible, the International Assistance request for the organization of the proposed International Meeting in coordination with the International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage, the Advisory Bodies and the World Heritage Centre,

d) Finalize the technical consultation for the establishment of the buffer zone through its inclusion under the National Monuments Act and define the regulatory measures for its protection and management;

5. Reiterates its request to the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre the proposal for the Desired state of conservation, and an updated timeframe for the implementation of corrective measures for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger, by 1 November 2011, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th session in 2012;

6. Also requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2012, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th session in 2012.

7. Decides to retain Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (Chile) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works
State Party:
Chile
Date of Inscription: 2005
Nomination records (Year): 2004, 2011
Category: Cultural
Criteria: (ii)(iii)(iv)
Danger List: Yes
Exports
Word File
SOC Reports (year)
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
Threats*
  • Wind
  • Deliberate destruction of heritage
  • Management systems/ management plan
  • Other Threats:
    a) Extremely fragile nature of the industrial buildings that were constructed using local materials such as timber for frames, corrugated iron sheets for roofs and some walls, in addition to stucco and lightweight constructionb) Lack of maintenance over the past 40 years c) Corrosion of metal cladding and dismantlement of some of the structural elements. A few buildings such as the Leaching House are liable to structural collapse if no support is givend) Very little conservation work carried out
Documents
WHC-11/35.COM/7A
Other Documents:
View inscribed site documents, nomination file, reports, decisions, ...
SOC ID: 307
Inscription on the Danger List
Year: 2005
Threats to the Site:

The main issue is the extremely fragile nature of the buildings. As with most mining buildings, they were constructed using local materials and lightweight construction that functioned with regular maintenance and could be altered in response to changed circumstances. At Humberstone and Santa Laura the materials used were timber for frames, corrugated sheet for roofs and some walls, and stucco. There has been no maintenance for 40 years, and there has been damage and vandalism as well as some dismantling. The metal cladding has corroded and some of the structural elements dismantled. A few buildings, such as the Leaching house, are liable to structural collapse if no support is given.

The greatest threat is from looters searching for re-usable materials. During the time when the works were closed and still in private hands much was lost. Looters look for all sorts of memorabilia on the sites such as timber, bottles, coins and tokens. Although looting has dwindled, the Douglas Fir is much prized and, as it is now nationally protected in the USA, prices for it have risen. Timber was stolen from the Santa Laura Leaching plant in 1999.

Although the site is a virtually rain-free desert, windborne salt from the coast has an impact on the metal sheeting causing corrosion. Wind has also affected the wooden structures: those painted have been given a protective mineral coating by the salty wind whereas those unpainted have been eroded by the wind.

In summary: 

a)         Extremely fragile nature of the buildings;

b)         Lack of maintenance for 40 years;

c)         Vandalism due to looting of re-usable materials;

d)         Damage caused by the wind.


* : The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).

** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.