The tragic fate of four out of five miners trapped at Codelco’s El Teniente copper mine has been confirmed, following extensive rescue efforts. The miners were caught underground after a significant tremor struck the site on March 14, 2024, resulting in a total of five fatalities, including one worker who perished during the initial incident.
Rescue teams have been diligently working to clear underground passages that collapsed due to a tremor measured at a 4.2 magnitude, one of the most powerful recorded at the mine. The search began on Saturday when the first of the trapped miners was located. Two additional workers were found early on Sunday, with the fourth discovered later that morning. Andes Music, the general manager of El Teniente, stated, “We worked overnight with the utmost care, looking metre by metre. I also don’t want to create false hopes. Let’s hope our rescue workers continue to make progress.”
As of early Sunday, rescue teams successfully cleared 24 metres of obstructed passageways. Codelco officials have indicated that reaching the remaining trapped workers may require unblocking as much as 90 metres in the mine’s new Andesita section.
The incident occurred around 17:30 local time on Thursday, raising questions about the cause of the collapse. Codelco is currently investigating whether the tremor was the result of natural tectonic shifts or related to mining activities. Given the geological volatility of the region, both possibilities are being examined.
The rescue operation reflects the ongoing commitment to safety in one of the world’s largest copper mines, which is known for its challenging working conditions. The situation has drawn attention not only for its immediate impact on the miners and their families but also for its implications on mining practices in Chile, a country that relies heavily on mineral extraction for its economy.
As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on the safe recovery of the last trapped miner and ensuring the safety of all workers within the facility.
