Rescue efforts in Chile are in full swing as teams strive to locate four miners who remain trapped underground following a mining collapse triggered by an earthquake two days ago. A body has already been recovered, signaling the possibility of further discoveries.
The incident occurred at the El Teniente copper mine, which is part of the state-owned Codelco company, situated approximately 70km (43 miles) from Santiago. The mine, considered the largest underground copper facility globally, suffered the collapse after a 4.2 magnitude tremor rocked the area on Thursday.
Codelco confirmed that while one miner's remains have been located, the identities of the deceased and missing have yet to be officially determined, although families of the trapped workers have been informed. "This discovery fills us with sadness, but it also tells us that we are in the right place," stated Andres Music, the general manager of El Teniente Division, reflecting on the search's progress.
Rescue operations are underway, employing heavy machinery to clear the mine's blocked tunnels. Music indicated that rescue teams aim to advance between 15 to 20 meters (49 to 66 feet) every day in their efforts to reach the buried miners. The incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols in place at one of the world's most significant mining operations as rescuers continue their relentless pursuit to bring the trapped individuals to safety.
