Workers perished in a Chilean mine, leaving a tragic five-member crew
In a shocking turn of events, Chile's El Teniente mine, the world's largest copper operation, experienced a devastating collapse on Thursday. The collapse, triggered by a magnitude 4.2 earthquake, has left three miners dead, with two more missing.
The mine, situated in the central O'Higgins region, about 120 kilometers south of the Chilean capital, is currently under investigation to determine the cause of the earthquake. Authorities are investigating whether it was a natural seismic event or if it was induced by mining activities, including drilling by Codelco, the mine's owner.
The collapse took place in the Andesita sector, one of the deepest levels of the mine. Codelco has halted operations in the affected section and is cooperating with the investigation. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has met with the families of the trapped miners, expressing a commitment to doing everything possible to rescue them.
El Teniente is located in a seismically active region, the Pacific Ring of Fire, where natural earthquakes are common. However, the precise relationship between the earthquake and the mine's drilling activities remains unclear. The president has emphasized that the first priority is the rescue of the trapped miners, and all efforts are being made, with all the available technology, not just in Chile, but in the world, to rescue them.
This is the most serious accident to occur at El Teniente mine in over three decades. The worst tragedy to date at the mine occurred in 1990, when six miners lost their lives. The president has also added that there must be justice and clarity in the aftermath of the accident.
Rescuers are using geolocation devices to locate the trapped miners. Nine other people were injured to varying degrees but are now out of danger. The search and rescue efforts for the two missing miners are ongoing.
Some of the rescuers have prior experience from the 2010 rescue of the 33 miners trapped in the San José mine. The president's press conference was held on Saturday, where he stated that "all efforts are being made, with all the available technology, not just in Chile, but in the world, to rescue them." Codelco has expressed deep regret over the loss of life.
The O'Higgins regional Prosecutor's Office has opened an investigation to determine whether the earthquake was naturally caused or provoked by Codelco's drilling. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the earthquake that led to the mine collapse.
As the nation holds its breath, the people of Chile await news of the trapped miners and the outcome of the investigation. The president's words echo the sentiments of the nation: "We are doing everything we can to rescue them."
The average day-to-day news in Chile now revolves around the unfortunate incident at El Teniente mine, a general-news topic that collides with crime-and-justice discussions due to the accident. The sports world is also sympathizing, as rescuers, some with past experience from accidents like the 2010 San José mine rescue, work around the clock.
