Chilean copper giant Codelco has launched an urgent rescue operation to reach five workers trapped underground at its El Teniente mine, the world’s largest underground copper deposit. The workers have been isolated for 18 hours following a 4.2-magnitude tremor on Thursday, which also resulted in one fatality.
The tremor triggered a series of aftershocks, complicating rescue efforts as the tunnels collapsed, cutting off all communication with the trapped individuals. Andres Music, El Teniente’s general manager, stated at a press conference, “The tunnels are closed, they’ve collapsed. There’s no possibility of even radio communication.”
Challenges in Rescue Operations
Efforts to reach the trapped workers have been hampered by ongoing aftershocks, which have made it too dangerous for rescuers to enter the affected areas. Nine other workers sustained injuries during the initial incident. A drone image from Reuters shows the entrance to the El Teniente complex, highlighting the scale of the operation.
Codelco anticipates that aftershocks will subside within the next 12 hours, allowing the use of remotely operated equipment to assist in clearing the blocked tunnels. This equipment, akin to robots or drones, is expected to play a crucial role in the rescue mission, according to Mr. Music.
While copper extraction operations have been halted, Codelco continues to run its concentrator and smelter. Amador Pantoja, a union leader at El Teniente, confirmed, “The plant and the smelter are operating normally, as we always have a supply of both ore and concentrate. It’s the mine that is currently shut down.”
Investigating the Cause
The incident has prompted an investigation to determine whether it was caused by natural seismic activity, common in Chile, or by mining operations. Mr. Music remarked, “The event we recorded yesterday is one of the largest events — if not the largest — that the El Teniente mine has experienced in decades.”
Nearly 100 personnel are on site to aid the rescue, with the next 48 hours deemed critical. Mr. Music emphasized that neither explosives nor drilling activities were responsible for the accident.
Impact on Operations and Future Steps
The collapse has led Codelco to postpone the release of its second quarter results, originally scheduled for Friday morning. The company plans to announce a new date for the release after addressing the current crisis.
El Teniente, located in central Chile, is a key asset for Codelco, spanning over 4,500 kilometers of tunnels and galleries in the Andes mountains. One of its newest projects, Andesita, was set to begin production in the second quarter of this year, highlighting the strategic importance of the site.
“The next 48 hours are critical,” stated Andres Music, emphasizing the urgency of the rescue efforts.
As the situation unfolds, the mining community and local authorities are closely monitoring developments, hoping for a successful rescue operation. The incident underscores the inherent risks of mining in seismically active regions and the importance of robust safety measures.
Codelco’s response and the eventual outcome of the rescue efforts will likely influence future operational protocols and safety standards in the industry.
