Five Workers Trapped in El Teniente Mine Following Earthquake; Rescue Efforts Underway
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The state mining company Codelco has provided an update on the ongoing rescue operation for five workers trapped since Thursday at the El Teniente mine in Chile’s O’Higgins region. The emergency was triggered by a magnitude 4.2 earthquake that caused a collapse in the Andesite division. The incident also resulted in the death of one external worker and injuries to nine others.
Rubén Alvarado, the executive president of Codelco, confirmed that rescue teams have made progress, advancing approximately four meters towards the location of the trapped operators. “During this day and particularly during the afternoon, we have been able to advance about four meters,” Alvarado stated. “We still have no contact with the workers who are trapped, however, I can say that we are experiencing a decline in seismicity, which allows us to work more fluidly.”
The reduced seismic activity is enabling the 100 brigades involved in the rescue to conduct their operations safely. Alvarado further explained that an estimated 20 meters remain to be cleared to reach the isolated workers.
Mari Carmen Llano, the vice president of human resources, addressed the dialog efforts with the families of those affected. “We have been talking with the families of the workers who are trapped in our operation. these conversations left telling them what happened and what are the background we have to date,” Llano said. The company has committed to providing containment and psychological support, along with a promise to deliver personalized information to the families every two hours.
Evergreen Insights
The El Teniente mine, located in the Andes Mountains, is one of the world’s largest underground copper mines. Mining operations in such environments are inherently complex and carry risks, including seismic activity and potential ground instability. Codelco, as a state-owned enterprise, plays a significant role in Chile’s economy and is committed to safety protocols. Historical data from mining operations globally indicates that rescue efforts in collapsed underground environments are challenging and require meticulous planning and execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What caused the incident at the El Teniente mine?
- A magnitude 4.2 earthquake caused a collapse in the Andesite division of the El Teniente mine.
- How many workers are trapped in the El Teniente mine?
- Five workers are currently trapped in the El Teniente mine.
- What is the progress of the rescue operation at El Teniente?
- Rescue teams have advanced approximately four meters and need to clear about 20 more meters to reach the trapped workers.
- Has there been any contact with the trapped workers?
- As of the latest update, there has been no contact with the trapped workers.
- What support is being provided to the families of the affected workers?
- Families are receiving regular updates, containment, and psychological support.
- What is Codelco’s role in the rescue?
- Codelco is the state mining company managing the rescue operations and providing information to the public and affected families.
Disclaimer: This article reports on a mining incident and rescue efforts. It does not constitute health, finance, or legal advice.
