Rescue operations continue in Chile as teams search for four miners trapped after the El Teniente copper mine collapsed due to a 4.2 magnitude earthquake. Located about 70 kilometers southeast of Santiago, the mine is operated by state-owned Codelco, which confirmed one fatality following the incident.
The earthquake, which struck two days ago, resulted in the collapse of several underground tunnels while the miners were working deep beneath the surface. Codelco announced that the remains of one miner were discovered, though identification is still pending. The company has informed the families of the missing miners, instilling hope and grief simultaneously.
Codelco’s El Teniente mine, noted as the world's largest underground copper mine, has activated heavy machinery in its rescue efforts. General manager Andres Music expressed the somber mood following the discovery of the body, saying, “This discovery fills us with sadness, but it also tells us that we are in the right place.”
Rescue teams are striving to clear blocked passageways, aiming to advance approximately 15-20 meters every 24 hours to reach the remaining miners. The operation unfolds in the challenging terrain of the Andes, underscoring the risks inherent in the mining industry. As efforts proceed, both the families of the trapped miners and the nation look on with concern and hope.
