Five workers are arrested after magnitude 4.2 earthquake causes collapse
Chile’s rescue teams managed to advance 4 meters from the 20 necessary to reach 5 workers arrested at the world’s main copper Mine, after an earthquake on Thursday (31.Jul.2025). So far, there has been no contact with the workers and their health is unknown.
The 4.2 magnitude tremor reached the wild unit of the mine around 5:30 pm and caused a collapse that resulted in the death of 1 worker and left another 9 injured. About 100 rescuers work in the operation to remove the rubble and restore communication with the isolated miners.
Located in Rancagua, the El Teniente mine is about 4,500 km of internal galleries. In 2024, production reached 356,000 tons, equivalent to 6.7% of total extraction of Chile. Copper is Chile’s main wealth, which is the largest global metal producer, with 5.3 million tons produced in 2024.
In response to the emergency, minister of mining, Aurora Williams, announced the stoppage of Mine activities to ensure team safety and facilitate rescue work.
The National Service of Geology and Mining investigates the causes of tremor. There is a possibility of being related to drilling activities.