Miner perishes following cave-in at Chilean copper mine rescue site - Following the collapse in a Chilean copper mine, a worker tragically lost their life and was discovered deceased
In the Andes near Rancagua, Chile, the world's largest underground copper mine, El Teniente, has been the site of a recent tragedy. The mine, operated by Chile's state-owned company Codelco, is a massive underground complex with a history dating back to at least 1819 and large-scale industrial mining beginning around 1906 [1][2].
On a fateful day in 2025, a partial collapse occurred at the mine, sealing five miners deep underground behind collapsed rock [4]. The collapse was triggered by a magnitude 4.2 earthquake near the mine. Rescue operations involving over 100 personnel were launched immediately. As of early August 2025, one trapped miner’s remains have been recovered, and another fatality occurred during the collapse [4][3]. The incident has underscored the risks associated with the block-caving mining method used at El Teniente, which involves controlled collapse of underground rock chambers but can accumulate dangerous stress [2].
The exact cause of the collapse is currently unclear. It is not specified whether the collapse was natural or triggered by mining activities. Further details about the nature of the collapse are also not available [1].
El Teniente remains a critical economic asset for Chile and the global copper supply chain, with advanced mining techniques, including automation and environmental controls developed in its long history [3]. Despite this tragedy, the mine’s size, complexity, and economic importance continue to make it a site of innovation and a cornerstone of Chilean mining.
The mine, which extends to a depth of 1,200 meters, is responsible for nearly seven percent of Chile's total copper mining [1]. The mine has a dark history, with a major fire causing the deaths of 355 miners in 1945, locally known as "La tragedia del humo," the deadliest mining accident in Chile with the highest death toll in metal extraction worldwide [1].
The location of the mine where the incident occurred is not specified. No information is provided about the current status of the mine or mining activities following the collapse. Additionally, no further details are given about the nature of the injuries sustained by the nine individuals who were injured in the same incident.
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with mining operations, particularly those using the block-caving method, and the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of workers in the industry.
References: 1. "El Teniente copper mine." Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/El-Teniente-copper-mine 2. "El Teniente copper mine." Mining Technology. https://www.mining-technology.com/projects/el-teniente-mine/ 3. "El Teniente copper mine - Chile." Mining Weekly. https://www.miningweekly.com/article/el-teniente-copper-mine-chile-2021-01-27 4. "El Teniente mine collapse: Chilean mine collapses, trapping five miners." BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-53744436
In the aftermath of the collapse at El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper mine, the ongoing search operation continues in Santiago, Chile, for the remaining trapped miners. The incident is not only a tragic reminder of the risks in the mining industry, particularly the block-caving method, but also a call for increased financial investments and general-news attention to ensure the safety of workers and prevent future accidents.
