Codelco Confirms Second Fatality as Rescue Efforts Continue at El Teniente Mine

Chilean state-run copper mining giant Codelco has confirmed the death of a second worker among the five miners trapped following a rockfall at the El Teniente mine. The body was discovered late Friday as rescue teams made progress through collapsed sections of the tunnel. Officials are in the process of identifying the deceased miner.

The collapse occurred on Thursday evening in the Andesita sector, approximately 900 meters underground, after a powerful 4.2 magnitude seismic tremor struck the area. One miner was killed instantly, while five others remained unaccounted for. The discovery of a second fatality has intensified concerns about the fate of the remaining workers.

More than 100 rescue personnel are engaged in efforts to reach the trapped miners. Teams have already advanced over 20 meters into a 90-meter-long blocked section, clearing debris and navigating hazardous conditions worsened by aftershocks. Codelco officials believe the miners may have taken shelter near a truck turnaround zone.

El Teniente mine spokesperson Andrés Music acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, describing the discovery as “painful,” but also a sign that the teams are nearing the right location. Rescue operations are proceeding at a cautious pace of 15–20 meters per day due to the instability of the tunnel.

President Gabriel Boric visited the site, expressing solidarity with the families and pledging full government support. He emphasized that while the focus remains on rescue efforts, a formal investigation into the cause of the collapse will follow.

El Teniente, located south of Santiago, is the world’s largest underground copper mine, with a vast network of over 4,500 kilometers of tunnels. It produced 356,000 tonnes of copper in 2024, accounting for nearly 7% of Chile’s total output. Authorities continue to assess whether the tremor was a result of tectonic movement or mining activity.