Struggle to Save Lives: The El Teniente Mine Ordeal

Codelco, Chile's state-run copper producer, is working to rescue five workers trapped in the El Teniente mine after a tremor. The 4.2 magnitude quake has already claimed one life. The rescue team has advanced four of 20 meters toward the trapped workers, but contact remains elusive.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Santiago | Updated: 02-08-2025 08:59 IST | Created: 02-08-2025 08:59 IST
Struggle to Save Lives: The El Teniente Mine Ordeal
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  • Country:
  • Chile

The state-owned Chilean copper giant, Codelco, is in a race against time as efforts to extricate five workers trapped in the El Teniente mine continue. A 4.2 magnitude earthquake struck on Thursday, causing significant damage and resulting in the tragic death of one person.

Efforts intensified with rescue teams managing to advance four out of the 20 meters necessary to reach the isolated workers. The tremor is reported to have occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time, affecting the mine's newly operational Andesita unit.

Codelco Chief Executive Ruben Alvarado announced that despite ongoing efforts, there has been no communication with the miners. The incident highlights the volatile nature of mining operations in seismically active regions like Chile.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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