The proposed canal across Chile's Isthmus of Ofqui

What was the proposed ship canal across Chile's Isthmus of Ofqui, and why was it not completed?

It was meant to improve access to southern ports and mineral exports, but the expected trade could not justify the construction cost.

The discussion traces the proposal back to the late nineteenth century and notes that it has resurfaced more than once. Its practical attraction is local access: a canal could connect internal ports and mineral-producing areas to maritime transport instead of relying entirely on rail links. That does not create enough commercial traffic to pay for a major ship canal, however, and the project has repeatedly lacked funding. The speakers also note that detailed sources are easier to find in Spanish than in English.