Codelco Mine Collapse Claims One Life Amidst Seismic Incident

Search Continues for Five Missing Workers

Tragedy struck the El Teniente division of Codelco in Chile’s O’Higgins region this Thursday when a collapse within The Andesite mine, triggered by a 4.2 magnitude earthquake, resulted in the death of an external worker. Rescue efforts are actively underway for five other miners still unaccounted for.

Fatal Incident and Ongoing Rescue

The state-owned copper giant Codelco confirmed the fatality of operator Paulo Marín Tapia, who was part of the Andesite project. The incident occurred approximately 1,200 meters below the surface. Initially, six workers were reported injured, but this figure later increased to nine, all of whom are reportedly out of critical condition.

Codelco reports the death of a worker at El Teniente mine and continues search for five missing miners following an earthquake-induced collapse. #Chile #Mining #Safety

— World News Now (@WorldNewsNow) May 10, 2024

The company stated that all activities in the affected area were immediately halted following the seismic event. Rigorous procedures were initiated, and relevant authorities were notified to commence an investigation into the accident’s root causes.

Cause of Collapse Debated

Máximo Pacheco, president of Codelco, suggested that the seismic movement, which led to the collapse, might not have been entirely natural. He explained that such movements can occur as a reaction of the rock to extensive drilling and excavation activities at significant depths.

“We have mobilized all our rescue brigades and are in this minute entering the collapsed area, because the priority in this minute is to contact people. We have already contacted some of them.”

—Máximo Pacheco, President of Codelco

Pacheco emphasized that the primary objective is the safe rescue of all individuals involved. “Our number one priority today is to get where people who were working in that area are, rescue them unharmed,” he stated, highlighting the intensive efforts of their entire emergency brigade.

Official Investigation Underway

The National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin) has confirmed it is in communication with Codelco to gather necessary information for an official incident investigation. A team from Sernageomin has been dispatched to El Teniente, with specialized professionals from Santiago set to join them on Friday morning.

This incident brings renewed attention to mine safety protocols. In 2023, the global mining industry reported 34 fatalities in underground operations, according to the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM 2023 Safety Report), underscoring the inherent risks in the sector.