Codelco suspends operations at El Teniente mine after landslide kills two workers
by@Reuters
Summary
Chilean state miner Codelco has partially suspended operations at its El Teniente mine after a landslide resulted in the deaths of two workers and left one alive, as reported by the country's mining regulator, SERNAGEOMIN. The landslide occurred while the three workers from contractor Aura Ingeniería SA were inspecting the south pit sector, and it was attributed to heavy rainfall in central Chile. Following the incident, Codelco expressed condolences and stated that regulatory authorities were on-site to investigate the situation, prompting the suspension of operations in the affected area to ensure safety. El Teniente, a century-old mine, features an extensive network of tunnels and is located about 75 km southeast of Santiago.
Analysis
Codelco: Codelco is Chile's state-owned copper mining company and one of the world's largest copper producers. It operates the El Teniente mine, where a recent landslide led to the partial suspension of operations in the south pit sector. The company expressed condolences and is cooperating with authorities investigating the incident. SERNAGEOMIN: SERNAGEOMIN is Chile's mining regulator responsible for overseeing geological and mining activities in the country. It reported the landslide at the El Teniente mine that resulted in two fatalities and the partial suspension of operations. The agency highlighted the timeline and details of the event on its X account. Aura Ingeniería SA: Aura Ingeniería SA is a contractor company involved in operations at the El Teniente mine. Three of its workers were inspecting the south pit sector when the landslide struck, leading to the deaths of two and the rescue of one. The incident prompted Codelco to suspend activities in that sector. Mining Safety: Heavy rainfall in central Chile triggered the landslide at the open-pit operation. Regulatory Oversight: Operations in the south pit sector were suspended following the agency's assessment of the incident.
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