Rodolfo Michels Cabero

Rodolfo Michels Cabero (18 April 1895 – 29 January 1966) was a Chilean engineer and politician. A member of the Radical Party, he served as a senator of the Republic representing Atacama and Coquimbo during the 1933–1941 legislative period. He had previously served as a deputy representing La Serena.

Biography He was born in Santiago on 18 April 1895, the son of Carlos E. Michels and Cristina Cabero. He married Lily Radbil, with whom he had two children, Rodolfo and Cristina.

Professional career He studied at the Instituto Nacional Barros Arana and at the Liceo de Rancagua. He completed his higher education at the Institute of Engineering of Chicago, graduating as an engineer in 1919.

He worked extensively in mining-related activities. He served as director of the Mining Credit Fund, director of the Army Ordnance Factory, and vice president and resident director of Chile Exploration Co., Andes Copper Mining Co., and Santiago Mining Co. He was president of the Mining Exploitation Company and general manager of the Huanuni Mining Company and of the state-owned Abicaya mines.

From 1962 to May 1965, he served as vice president of The Anaconda Company and subsequently as a director until his death.

Political career He was a member of the Radical Party.

In public administration, he served as Governor of Chanaral until July 1932 and as Intendant of Coquimbo from 22 July to 2 November 1932.

He was elected senator for Atacama and Coquimbo for the 1933–1941 term.

He served as president of the Chilean delegation and commissioner general of the Chilean Pavilion at the New York International Exposition in 1939. He later served as attaché to the Chilean delegation in Bolivia and as ambassador of Chile to the United States from 1940 to 1944.

Other activities He was the owner of the Caballo Muerto gold mine in Pueblo Hundido. He was a member of the Geographical Society of the United States and of the Chilean Scientific Society. Within the National Mining Society, he served as vice president and later as director, representing the Pueblo Hundido Mining Association on its council.