This subspecies is heavily collected, it has an estimated generation length of 60 to 70 years. Considering three generations, a 50% decline in the population is projected including both past (63 years) and future (100 years). The population is assumed to have been stable prior to the 1960s. The projection is based on direct observation, the decline in habitat quality, and levels of exploitation. The subspecies is also negatively affected by climate change. Therefore, it is listed as Endangered.

This subspecies is endemic to Chile, it is found on hilltops inland and north of Chañaral, in Antofagasta and Atacama (Schulz 2006) at elevations from 0 to 400 m asl.

This subspecies is abundant. The generation length, is estimated to be 60 to 70 years using the following formula, generation length = age of first reproduction + [z * (length of the reproductive period)]. The growth rate is estimated to be on average 0.5 cm per year. Adult plants are approximately 50 to 100 cm high and the age of first flowering is estimated at 20–30 years, based on observation of plants of 10–15 cm flowering in the wild. Based on flowering individuals of up to 1 m in height it is assumed that the species can reproduce for 200 years. A high mortality is assumed in the early stages of life and during reproductive years, hence a low z value of 0.2 was used. A 50% population decline, in three generations considering both past (63 years) and future (100 years, max in the future), is projected based on current levels of exploitation. Collection of the taxon started in the 1960s; prior to that the population was stable, hence the reduction can be extrapolated over the full three generations (180–210 years).

The species grows in coastal hills (lomas costeras).

The main threats to this subspecies are illegal collection, road development and mining. Hundreds of individuals were seized in Italy as part of "Operation Atacama", a police investigation dismantling criminal networks behind the illegal trade of cacti. This species and its habitat are affected by extended droughts resulting from the reduction of the length of the camanchaca (coastal fog) season due to climate change. Plants depend on this fog as it is their main source of water.

The species is used as an ornamental by international cactus collectors.

This subspecies occurs within the National Park Pan de Azúcar. It is present in 16 ex situ collections (BGCI 2022). It is listed in CITES Appendix II. In the last two years, specimens of Copiapoa cinerea subsp. columna-alba have been seized by the National Customs Service at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport and referred to CONAF Central Office, in the framework of the functions established in the CITES Chile Law (N°20.962) and the designation of the Corporation (at the beginning of 2017) as Management Authority for terrestrial flora (previously CONAF was Management Authority for timber flora). Seven individuals were seized at this airport in August 2020.