Net Worth
$19B
Global Rank
#62
Source
Antofagasta
Country
Chile
$How Iris Fontbona Built Their Fortune
Iris Fontbona is the wealthiest person in Chile and one of the richest women in the world. She inherited the Luksic Group fortune following the death of her husband, Andronico Luksic, in 2005, and has since proven herself an exceptionally capable steward of the family's vast industrial empire. The Luksic Group is the largest private business conglomerate in Chile, with holdings spanning copper mining, beverages, banking, shipping, manufacturing, and real estate across Latin America and beyond.
The crown jewel of the Fontbona family empire is Antofagasta PLC, a London-listed copper mining company that operates some of the most productive mines in Chile's mineral-rich Atacama Desert. Under the family's continued oversight, Antofagasta has maintained its position as one of the world's premier copper producers, benefiting from the surging global demand for copper driven by electrification and the green energy transition. The company's disciplined approach to mining operations and environmental stewardship has earned it respect throughout the industry.
Fontbona and her three sons — Andronico, Jean-Paul, and Guillermo — have not only preserved the legacy of Andronico Luksic Sr. but have grown the family fortune significantly. Their holdings include Quinenco, a diversified industrial holding company; Banco de Chile, one of the country's largest banks; and CCU, a major beverage company. The Fontbona family's ability to manage and grow such a diverse empire across multiple industries and geographies is a testament to their business acumen and long-term vision.
vs$19B in Perspective
To put Iris Fontbona's $19B fortune into context, here's what that wealth could buy:
Median U.S. household incomes
At $59,384/year
Median U.S. homes
At $420,000 each
Tesla Model 3s
At $38,990 each
Four-year college degrees
At $108,000 average
NFL franchises
At $4.7B average
Private islands
At $15,000,000 each
Key Wealth Milestones
2005
Assumed leadership of the Luksic family business empire following the death of her husband Andronico Luksic, ensuring continuity and stability across the vast conglomerate.
2010s
Oversaw continued investment in Antofagasta's copper mining operations, expanding production capacity to capture growing global demand for copper in the electrification era.
2015
Guided diversification of the family portfolio through Quinenco, strengthening positions in banking through Banco de Chile and beverages through CCU across Latin America.
2020s
Supported Antofagasta's investments in sustainable mining practices and renewable energy for mining operations, positioning the company as a leader in responsible resource extraction.
Where Iris Fontbona Ranks
Top 63% of the world's wealthiest · 167 tracked
Nearest by Rank
Iris Fontbona on Wealth & Success
“My husband built this empire with vision and hard work. Our responsibility is to honor that legacy by continuing to grow and invest for the long term.”
“Chile's mineral wealth is a gift, but it requires responsible stewardship and continuous investment to unlock its full potential.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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AI-Generated Content — This profile was created using AI and publicly available sources. While we strive for accuracy, details may contain errors or be outdated. Quotes may be paraphrased or taken out of context. Achievements and figures are based on public reporting and may not be precise. This profile does not imply endorsement by the individual featured. Not financial advice.