El Teniente Mine: Final Victim Recovered, Investigation Underway

Tragedy Concludes as Last Miner’s Body Found

Search efforts at the El Teniente mine have reached their somber conclusion with the confirmation of the final missing worker’s body. Regional authorities announced the discovery on Sunday afternoon, marking a tragic end to the prolonged recovery operation.

Last Miner Identified

The last victim has been identified as 33-year-old miner Moisés Esteban Pávez Armijo. His recovery was confirmed by the O’Higgins Regional Supervisor, bringing closure to the agonizing wait for his family and colleagues.

Último minero rescatado con vida en el #ElTeniente tras accidente. El ministro @cmacher expresa sus condolencias. https://t.co/s9dGz4e9xW

— El Dínamo (@eldinamo) July 6, 2022

Prosecutor Confirms End of Recovery Phase

Aquiles Cubillos, the O’Higgins Regional Tax, addressed the media, stating, “This is the last statement that we are going to give by the Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the Investigations Police regarding the accident of the El Teniente mine.” He confirmed the discovery at 3:30 PM, noting that forensic examinations were conducted to confirm identities.

“At 15:30 hours we have found the last of the workers of the El Teniente mine that was missing. As in the other cases, the expertise of rigor was arranged to clarify their identities. This is the worker Moisés Esteban Pávez Armijo. We want to extend our deep condolences to the families of the injured workers: Paulo Marín Tapiape, Gonzalo Núñez Carioca, Álex Acevedo, Carlos Arancibia Valenzuela, Jean Miranda Ibaceta and Moisés Pavez Armijo.”

—Aquiles Cubillos, O’Higgins Regional Tax

Cubillos added, “Today we end a very important stage that was to find the bodies of the injured workers. We regret this outcome, but at least we hope that, with all the deployment between the Prosecutor’s Office, the PDI and rescuers from Codelco, give a little peace to their relatives.” The focus now shifts entirely to the investigation into the causes of the disaster.

Investigation to Uncover Causes

The incident saw a significant collapse that complicated the final extraction maneuver. The site remains secured and under guard due to the inherent danger of ongoing landslides, compounded by prohibitions issued by the Labor Directorate and the National Geology and Mining Service.

The mining industry faces stringent safety regulations, with workplace fatalities remaining a concern globally. In 2023, there were 10 fatalities in mining operations in Chile, a decrease from previous years, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve safety standards (SERNAGEOMIN).

President Meets with Authorities

Meanwhile, President Gabriel Boric made a visit to Codelco offices in Rancagua to confer with local authorities regarding the aftermath of the accident.