Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 2nd August 2025, 1:28 PM
Rescue operations have entered a critical phase in Chile as emergency crews continue their efforts to locate five miners trapped deep within El Teniente, the world’s largest underground copper mine, following a partial collapse triggered by a seismic tremor. The incident also claimed the life of one worker and led to the temporary suspension of operations.
Details of the Incident
| Location | El Teniente Copper Mine, Rancagua, Chile |
| Distance from Santiago | ~100 kilometres (62 miles) |
| Time of Incident | Thursday afternoon (local time) |
| Magnitude of Tremor | 4.2 |
| Depth of Miners | Over 900 metres underground |
| Confirmed Fatalities | 1 miner |
| Miners Trapped | 5 workers |
Current Status and Efforts
As of nearly 12 hours after the collapse, more than 100 emergency personnel were involved in the perilous search and rescue operation.
“So far, we have not been able to communicate with them. The tunnels are closed; they have collapsed,” said Andrés Music, General Manager of the El Teniente mine, during a press briefing.
Despite the challenging conditions, the exact location of the trapped miners has been identified using specialised equipment.
“We will do everything that is humanly possible to rescue the five trapped workers,” declared Máximo Pacheco, President of the state-owned mining company Codelco, vowing full commitment of the company’s resources, energy and expertise.
Families in Anguish
Relatives of the missing workers expressed frustration and distress at the lack of communication and support from the company.
“They haven’t explained anything to us. No one has approached us to talk to us, to tell us if my brother is okay or not,” said Michael Miranda, brother of 31-year-old trapped miner Jean Miranda, in an interview with AFP.
He added that Jean’s wife is currently pregnant, yet “no one from the company has approached her to talk. No psychological support, nothing.”
Mine Operations Suspended
Mining Minister Aurora Williams announced the temporary halt of activities at the El Teniente mine, which began operations in the early 1900s and has since grown to encompass over 4,500 kilometres (2,800 miles) of underground tunnels.
In 2024, El Teniente produced 356,000 metric tonnes of copper, contributing to nearly 7% of Chile’s total output.
| Mine Production (2024) | 356,000 metric tonnes of copper |
| Chile’s Global Share | ~25% of global copper production |
| Mine Tunnel Network Length | ~4,500 kilometres |
Cause and Safety Concerns
The cause of the cave-in remains under investigation. Authorities have yet to determine whether the 4.2-magnitude seismic event was naturally occurring or linked to mining activity.
“It is one of the biggest events, if not the biggest, that the El Teniente deposit has experienced in decades,” stated Andrés Music.
José Maldonado, a union leader at the mine, has called for a “thorough investigation”, citing previous reports of “many irregularities” in mine operations.
International Expertise in the Rescue Team
Several members of the current rescue operation were also involved in the historic 2010 rescue of 33 miners trapped for over two months in the Atacama Desert – a dramatic event that captivated global audiences.
Chile’s mining sector, while known for its vast output, also boasts one of the lowest fatality rates globally. According to the National Geology and Mining Service, the sector recorded a 0.02% fatality rate in 2024.
Importance of Copper
Chile remains the largest copper producer in the world, producing approximately 5.3 million metric tonnes in 2024. Copper is a critical metal used extensively in:
As search teams continue their mission with urgency and resolve, the fate of the five trapped miners remains unknown — casting a shadow over one of the world’s most vital industries.
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