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Key Points

The death toll from Chile's El Teniente mine collapse has risen to two after a 4.2 magnitude earthquake triggered the accident. Rescue teams continue clearing debris while President Boric assures full national support. The mine, the world's largest underground copper operation, has halted production. Authorities remain focused on reaching three miners still trapped underground.

Key Points: Chile Mine Collapse Death Toll Rises to Two at El Teniente

  • Second miner found dead in El Teniente collapse triggered by earthquake
  • Rescue teams clear 2,450 tonnes of debris so far
  • President Boric pledges full national support for rescue mission
  • World's largest underground copper mine halts production after accident
2 min read

Death toll from Chile's mine collapse rises to two

Rescue efforts continue as Chile's El Teniente mine collapse claims a second life after a 4.2 magnitude earthquake.

"This news hits hard, but it confirms we're following the right path in our rescue efforts. – Andres Music, El Teniente GM"

Santiago, Aug 3

One of five miners trapped in Chile's El Teniente copper mine was found dead, bringing the death toll to two following a collapse triggered by a 4.2 magnitude earthquake in central Chile.

The state-owned mining company Codelco confirmed that human remains were recovered during ongoing rescue operations with identification still pending, Xinhua news agency reported.

"This news hits hard," said Andres Music, general manager of the El Teniente division. "But it confirms we're following the right path in our rescue efforts."

Since the accident on Thursday, Codelco has halted production and begun clearing debris to reach the trapped workers. According to the latest update, crews had removed 2,450 tonnes of debris and advanced 21 of the 90-meter distance needed to reach the presumed location of the miners, where three underground shelters are located.

President Gabriel Boric said all national resources and efforts are focused on the rescue mission. "Our priority is supporting the families and keeping them informed every step of the way," he said.

El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper mine, lies 130 km south of Santiago at 2,300 meters above sea level. It employs nearly 4,000 workers and produced 356,000 metric tons of copper in 2024.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why aren't mining companies investing more in safety measures? After so many accidents worldwide, it's clear profits are prioritized over workers' lives. Chile should implement stricter regulations like we have in India's mining sector.
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Arjun K
The Chilean government's response seems better than how our Indian authorities handle such crises. At least they're being transparent and updating families regularly. We could learn from their approach.
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Sarah B
Working at 2,300 meters altitude must be incredibly tough. These miners risk their lives daily to extract copper that powers our smartphones and electric cars. We should all appreciate their sacrifice more.
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Vikram M
The rescue teams are doing heroic work removing 2,450 tonnes of debris! But I wonder - with such a large mine (world's largest underground copper mine), shouldn't they have better emergency protocols in place?
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Kavya N
This reminds me of the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse last year. Mining disasters are global tragedies. Maybe countries should form an international mining safety task force to share best practices?

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