Is there a relationship between shift work patterns and long-distance commuting in mining regions? Insights from the Chilean mining industry

The recent trend of extending shift-work patterns in the mining industry has not been analyzed in terms of its consequences for long-distance commuting (LDC) in the regions where extraction occurs. As longer rosters decrease the number of trips and lower transport costs for long-distance commuters, this institutional arrangement can expand the geographical scope of LDC. This trend has been particularly evident in the Chilean mining industry, where shift-work patterns have significantly increased since the early 2000s. Based on a survey of nearly 2400 long-distance commuters to the Antofagasta region in Chile, as well as secondary data from the National Supplementary Income Survey (ESI), this article examines how the extension of shift patterns is related to the distance traveled and time spent by long-distance commuters. Furthermore, it explores the consequences of extended shift-work patterns for mining regions. Our results indicate that more extended shift patterns correlate with increased commuting distances. This geographical expansion of the labor market leads to a larger labor supply available for mining companies, negatively affecting wages and job opportunities for local mining workers in Antofagasta.