Mining activities began in the 19th century. The Incahuasi gold mine lies on the Incahuasi peninsula of Salar del Hombre Muerto and is associated with two towns built in the 18th century, Nuestra Señora de Loreto de Ingaguasi and Agua Salada. In the past, the area was also used as a source for obsidian; obsidian from Hombre Muerto has been found in Holocene archeological sites at Antofagasta de la Sierra.