Tremor Traps Workers: A Catastrophe at Chile's El Teniente Mine
Chilean mining company Codelco halted operations at the El Teniente mine following a deadly collapse spurred by a 4.2 magnitude tremor. Efforts to rescue five trapped workers are underway as aftershocks complicate proceedings. Codelco's production struggles continue amid regulatory scrutiny and investigations into the incident's cause.
A seismic event has thrust Chile's mining giant, Codelco, into crisis as efforts intensify to reach five workers trapped following a mine collapse at its El Teniente site. A fatal 4.2 magnitude tremor on Thursday has paused operations and postponed the company's quarterly financial results.
El Teniente's General Manager, Andres Music, confirmed that communication lines with the trapped workers have been severed due to collapsed tunnels, with remotely operated equipment being considered for rescue missions. In response, the company has suspended mining activities but continues with processing and smelting operations.
Chilean authorities, including Mining Minister Aurora Williams, have mandated the cessation of all underground activities, with investigations underway to establish the collapse's root cause. Codelco faces heightened scrutiny, having already received numerous sanctions in recent years.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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