Urgent Rescue Efforts Underway for Trapped Miner in Chile’s El Teniente Copper Mine
Rescue teams in Chile are working tirelessly to locate the last worker trapped in El Teniente, the world’s largest underground copper mine, following a significant earthquake that struck on Thursday. The state-owned mining company, Codelco, reported on Sunday that the tragic incident has resulted in the confirmed deaths of five workers since the mine’s collapse, which is situated approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Santiago, the capital.
The earthquake, measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale, triggered a collapse of several underground tunnels while miners were working deep beneath the surface. While one of the fatalities occurred during the earthquake, efforts have been focused on rescuing the group that became trapped as a result of the collapse. Codelco has identified two of the deceased as Paulo Marín and Gonzalo Núñez Caroca, while the identities of the remaining victims are still being confirmed by the relevant authorities.
In a heartfelt statement, Codelco expressed its solidarity with the families affected, saying, "We share the anguish this situation causes their families and the entire community." The company’s priority remains the safe recovery of the missing miner.
Rescue operations have involved the use of heavy machinery to clear blocked passageways, with teams successfully opening up 24 meters (approximately 78.7 feet) of previously obstructed routes within the mine. As the rescue mission continues, authorities are also investigating whether the earthquake was a result of mining activities or natural tectonic movements.
El Teniente, renowned for being the largest underground copper mine globally, is located high in the Andes mountains of central Chile. The situation remains critical as rescuers strive to bring the trapped worker to safety amidst challenging conditions.
