Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 10th August 2025, 1:37 PM
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.
| Incident Summary | |
| Location | El Teniente copper mine, Chile |
| Event | Tunnel collapse caused by a seismic event |
| Date of Collapse | 31 July |
| Mining Ministry Action | Suspension of operations ordered on 1 August |
| Casualties | Five miners found deceased |
| Cause of Seismic Event | Under investigation (earthquake vs drilling) |
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.
| Copper Production in Chile | |
| Country’s Global Share | Nearly 25% of global copper supply |
| Estimated Production in 2024 | 5.3 million metric tonnes (5.8 million tons) |
| El Teniente Contribution | 356,000 metric tonnes (approximately 7% of Chile’s output) |
| Uses of Copper | Wiring, motors, renewable energy technology |
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.
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