Miners successfully retrieve deceased colleague entangled in underground mining accident at Chilean copper mine
In a tragic turn of events, five miners have lost their lives after a partial collapse at the El Teniente copper mine in Rancagua, Chile. The incident occurred on Thursday following a 4.2-magnitude earthquake that struck the mine's new Andesita unit, causing the collapse.
The El Teniente mine, located 100km south of Santiago, Chile's capital, is the world's largest underground copper mine and a critical source of the metal essential for various industrial applications, including wiring, motors, and renewable energy technology.
Thursday's incident resulted in one immediate death and nine injuries. The rescue operation, involving approximately 100 personnel, began immediately but was unsuccessful in reaching or rescuing the five miners trapped deep underground.
Andres Music, the mine's general manager, expressed hope for finding the other missing workers, stating that the discovery of the miner's remains offered some encouragement. Codelco, the company operating El Teniente, has the resources, experience, and technology to carry out the search.
Chile is the world's largest copper producer, responsible for nearly a quarter of global supply. Last year, El Teniente alone produced 356,000 metric tonnes of copper, accounting for nearly seven percent of the country's total production.
President Gabriel Boric visited the miners' relatives on Saturday and vowed to "complete the search". He expressed his condolences to the families and assured them of the government's support during this difficult time.
The cause of the earthquake remains uncertain, with experts unsure whether it was natural or caused by drilling. Work at the mine has been suspended pending a thorough investigation and the implementation of necessary safety measures.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in the mining industry and the importance of safety measures to protect workers. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy.
Source: DW (2025-08-02), Mining.com (2025-08-03)
- The El Teniente mine, a crucial source of copper for various industries such as finance, energy, and general news, plays a significant role in the oil-and-gas sector due to its use in renewable energy technology.
- Amidst the search for the five miners trapped following a mine collapse caused by a possible drilling-induced earthquake, there have been reports of crime-and-justice concerns related to negligence and safety breaches within the mining industry.
- As accidents continue to pose threats to the safety of workers in the mining industry, implementing stringent measures to prevent future accidents and prosecuting those responsible for violating safety protocols should be prioritized in the finance and justice sectors.
