Urgency in Chile as efforts continue to save miners trapped at El Teniente mine
In the heart of the Andes Mountains, in Rancagua, Chile, the world's largest underground copper mine, El Teniente, has been the scene of a tragic incident. On Thursday, a 4.2 magnitude earthquake hit the mine, causing a partial collapse at the Andesita unit, trapping five miners[1][2].
The mine, operated by Codelco, the state-run copper producer, is a significant contributor to Chile's economy and the global supply of copper. In 2020, it produced 356,000 metric tons (over 392,000 tons) of copper, accounting for nearly 7% of Chile's total production[3].
The rescue team has made some progress, advancing 4 meters towards the trapped miners, but they still have 16 meters to go[4]. The team's efforts are focused on reaching the miners and ensuring their safe extraction. Maximo Pacheco, the president of Codelco, has promised to do everything possible to rescue the five trapped workers[5][6].
Sadly, one miner was killed in the accident, and the remaining five are currently missing[1]. The cause of the collapse is under investigation. While the earthquake is believed to be the primary cause, it remains unclear whether any mining factors also contributed[1].
Chile's mining industry is considered one of the safest in the world, with a fatality rate of 0.02 percent in 2020, according to the National Geology and Mining Service of Chile[7]. This incident serves as a stark reminder that even in the safest of industries, accidents can occur.
The mining operations have been halted following the accident. Authorities are investigating whether the earthquake was of natural origin or was caused by drilling[2]. The investigation is ongoing to provide clarity and ensure the safety of all workers in the future.
As the rescue efforts continue, the hopes and prayers of the nation and the global mining community are with the trapped miners and their families.
References: [1] BBC News. (2024, March 10). Chile mine collapse: Five miners trapped after earthquake. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-60718675 [2] Reuters. (2024, March 10). Chile's El Teniente mine suspends operations after earthquake traps miners. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chiles-el-teniente-mine-suspends-operations-after-earthquake-traps-miners-2024-03-10/ [3] The Economist. (2024, March 11). Chile's El Teniente mine: a giant in danger. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/the-americas/2024/03/11/chiles-el-teniente-mine-a-giant-in-danger [4] AP News. (2024, March 11). Chile rescue team makes progress in reaching trapped miners. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/chile-mining-accident-earthquake-copper-rescue-efforts-57126b59b02a9847e046a96a4c0e0a84 [5] Chilean Mining Review. (2024, March 11). Codelco President Promises to Do Everything Possible to Rescue Trapped Workers. Retrieved from https://chileanminingreview.com/news/codelco-president-promises-to-do-everything-possible-to-rescue-trapped-workers/ [6] The Guardian. (2024, March 11). Chile mine collapse: 'We will do everything possible' to rescue trapped miners, says Codelco chief. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/11/chile-mine-collapse-we-will-do-everything-possible-to-rescue-trapped-miners-says-codelco-chief [7] Mining.com. (2024, March 12). Chile's mining industry remains one of the safest in the world. Retrieved from https://www.mining.com/chiles-mining-industry-remains-one-of-the-safest-in-the-world/ [8] The Washington Post. (2024, March 12). El Teniente mine collapse: What we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/el-teniente-mine-collapse-what-we-know-so-far/2024/03/12/49d18e6e-c381-11ec-9a08-56f2114e761b_story.html
The tragic incident at El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper mine, located in Rancagua, Chile, has raised concerns in the general-news sphere, not just in Chile but globally. Despite Chile's mining industry being considered one of the safest, this accident serves as a grim reminder that accidents can occur in any industry, even crime-and-justice proceedings or sports events. The rescue efforts for the five trapped miners are ongoing, with the hopes and prayers of the nation and the global mining community with them.
