Codelco, Chile's state-owned copper mining company, has been conducting an intensive rescue operation following a tunnel collapse at its El Teniente mine triggered by a magnitude 4.2 seismic event. The incident, described as the worst in decades, resulted in six fatalities and left one worker initially missing. Rescue efforts involved advancing excavation up to 24 meters and removing over 3,120 tons of debris in an attempt to reach the trapped miners located more than 900 meters underground. Despite deploying all available human, technical, and material resources, contact with the miners was not established. The bodies of all six trapped workers were eventually recovered. The tragedy prompted President Gabriel Boric to visit the site, lead coordination meetings, and decree three days of national mourning. Codelco's board president, Máximo Pacheco, expressed profound grief and announced an international audit to investigate the causes and safety measures related to the accident. The O'Higgins regional prosecutor confirmed multiple bodies were identified, with the investigation considering whether the seismic event was natural or possibly induced by mining activities. Authorities have also initiated inquiries into potential negligence, including a preliminary homicide investigation. The accident has raised concerns about mine safety and the impact on Chile's copper supply, given El Teniente is Codelco's largest mine, producing 356,000 tons annually. The families of the victims have received support, and Codelco has committed to transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the disaster.
🖇️ "Empresarios pasando a la primera línea de la política": La agria reacción del oficialismo a la incorporación de Juan Sutil al comando de Evelyn Matthei https://t.co/fKWvCrZw0J
🔑 #DFFull | El Teniente: las ocho interrogantes tras la peor tragedia minera del siglo en Chile https://t.co/RlMvRWE3oc
Tragedia en El Teniente: Fiscalía confirma que citará a declarar a Máximo Pacheco y altos ejecutivos de Codelco https://t.co/q7WjHcSFEg