Rescuers in Chile are racing against time to locate four miners trapped beneath the ground after a serious collapse at the El Teniente copper mine, which took place two days ago following a 4.2 magnitude earthquake. The state-owned Codelco company confirmed that they discovered human remains in the aftermath, marking a tragic confirmation of one fatality amidst the ongoing rescue efforts.
The El Teniente mine, approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Santiago, is recognized as the largest underground copper mine globally. The incident occurred when the earthquake led to the collapse of the mine's tunnels while the miners were working deep within. Despite the emerging reports of one casualty, the status of the other trapped miners remains unknown.
"The discovery fills us with sadness, but it also reassures us that we are progressing with our rescue strategy," stated Andres Music, general manager of El Teniente Division. The identification process of the victim’s remains is still pending, and Codelco has moved quickly to inform the families of the miners who are unaccounted for.
Rescue teams are employing heavy machinery to navigate through the debris and blocked passageways with the goal of advancing at a rate of 15 to 20 meters (49 to 66 feet) every 24 hours. As hopes for a successful rescue persist, the ongoing situation underscores the inherent risks associated with mining, particularly in regions prone to seismic activity such as the Andes mountains in central Chile.
The El Teniente mine, approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Santiago, is recognized as the largest underground copper mine globally. The incident occurred when the earthquake led to the collapse of the mine's tunnels while the miners were working deep within. Despite the emerging reports of one casualty, the status of the other trapped miners remains unknown.
"The discovery fills us with sadness, but it also reassures us that we are progressing with our rescue strategy," stated Andres Music, general manager of El Teniente Division. The identification process of the victim’s remains is still pending, and Codelco has moved quickly to inform the families of the miners who are unaccounted for.
Rescue teams are employing heavy machinery to navigate through the debris and blocked passageways with the goal of advancing at a rate of 15 to 20 meters (49 to 66 feet) every 24 hours. As hopes for a successful rescue persist, the ongoing situation underscores the inherent risks associated with mining, particularly in regions prone to seismic activity such as the Andes mountains in central Chile.
