Chile Copper Mine to Restart Operations After Deadly Collapse

The world’s largest underground copper mine, El Teniente in Chile, is set to resume operations on Sunday following a deadly cave-in that suspended work for over a week.

Chile’s Mining Ministry ordered the suspension of activity at El Teniente on 1 August to facilitate rescue efforts for five miners trapped after a “seismic event” caused the collapse of a tunnel the previous day.

Tragically, all five miners were later found dead.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the seismic disturbance was caused by an earthquake or by drilling activities.

The state-owned mining operator Codelco announced that normal operations would recommence on Sunday.

Chile holds the position as the world’s largest copper producer, accounting for nearly a quarter of the global supply, estimated at approximately 5.3 million metric tonnes (5.8 million tons) in 2024.

El Teniente alone contributed 356,000 metric tonnes — nearly seven percent — of the country’s total copper output.

Copper is a critical metal used extensively in wiring, electric motors, and renewable energy technologies.

Chile’s mining industry is widely regarded as one of the safest worldwide, boasting a fatality rate of just 0.02 percent in 2024, according to the National Geology and Mining Service of Chile.