Rescuers in Chile are on a critical mission to save four miners trapped inside a collapsed copper mine following a 4.2 magnitude earthquake that struck two days ago. The state-owned Codelco company reports that rescuers have discovered the body of one miner while they continue to search for the others. This tragic incident took place at El Teniente, located approximately 70 km (43 miles) southeast of Santiago.
The mine collapse occurred when the underground tunnels were compromised, leading to the unfortunate fate of the miners. While one person has already been confirmed dead, hopes remain for the other four workers still trapped. Codelco announced that the remains found will need to be identified and that families of the trapped miners have been informed.
Andres Music, general manager of El Teniente Division, expressed both sorrow and determination in light of the recent discovery, noting it confirms their search efforts are focused in the right area. Rescue teams are utilizing heavy machinery to clear blocked paths, aiming to reach the miners at an average speed of 15-20m (49-66ft) every day.
El Teniente is renowned as the world’s largest underground copper mine and is situated high in the Andes mountains in central Chile, making the rescue mission both challenging and urgent. The entire nation is holding its breath in the hope of a successful rescue.
