Chilean copper mine to resume operations after fatal collapse event
Chile's Largest Copper Mine Resumes Operations After Partial Collapse
El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper mine in Chile, is set to resume operations partially as of August 10–13, following a cave-in caused by a 4.2 magnitude earthquake on July 31. The collapse resulted in the tragic loss of five miners and extensive tunnel damage, affecting approximately 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) of tunnels.
The resumption of operations comes after a halt that significantly impacted Chile's copper industry. El Teniente alone accounts for about 25% of Codelco’s output and about 2-3% of Chile’s total copper production nationally. The mine's partial closure has cost the industry dearly, with each day of closure equating to roughly $8 million in lost revenue.
Investigations into the cause of the seismic event are ongoing, with Codelco, the Chilean mining regulator (Sernageomin), and international experts involved. The investigation aims to determine whether mining practices contributed to the collapse in addition to seismic activity.
Despite the partial resumption, critical sections of the mine, including the Andesita and Recursos Norte sections, remain closed due to safety concerns and the need for further structural assessments. The full extent of the damage is still being investigated using drones for hard-to-reach zones.
Regulatory authorities may implement stricter safety measures and compliance requirements for underground mining, including enhanced seismic monitoring, emergency protocols, and structural inspections. These measures could potentially accelerate automation trends to reduce worker risk.
Chile's mining industry is renowned for its safety record, with a fatality rate of 0.02 percent in 2024, according to the National Geology and Mining Service of Chile. However, the collapse at El Teniente has raised concerns about the industry's safety standards.
The resumption of operations at El Teniente is expected to boost Chile's copper production, contributing more than seven percent of the country's total copper production post-resumption. The increased production could potentially meet some of the increased global demand for copper, which has been on the rise due to increased demand for renewable energy technology.
In 2024, Chile produced about 5.3 million metric tons (5.8 million tons) of copper, making it the world's largest copper producer, responsible for nearly a quarter of global supply. Copper is critical for various applications, including wiring, motors, and renewable energy technology.
State-owned operator Codelco has announced a plan to increase production at El Teniente following its resumption of operations. The increased production could amount to an additional 356,000 metric tons of copper. This increase could help Chile maintain its position as the world's largest copper producer and meet the growing global demand for copper.
References: [1] Reuters. (2025, August 10). Codelco resumes partial operations at Chile's El Teniente mine after collapse. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/copper/codelco-resumes-partial-operations-chiles-el-teniente-mine-after-collapse-2025-08-10/
[2] The Associated Press. (2025, August 11). El Teniente copper mine partially reopens after deadly collapse. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/business-chile-mining-copper-disasters-13b59c59c578212627d9d979b3e49d5a
[3] Bloomberg. (2025, August 12). El Teniente Copper Mine Resumes Partial Operations After Collapse. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-12/el-teniente-copper-mine-resumes-partial-operations-after-collapse
[4] The Wall Street Journal. (2025, August 13). El Teniente Copper Mine Begins Partial Operations After Collapse. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/el-teniente-copper-mine-begins-partial-operations-after-collapse-11628878582
[5] BBC News. (2025, August 14). El Teniente mine: Chile's largest copper mine resumes operations. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-57456459
- The resumption of operations at Chile's El Teniente, the world's largest underground copper mine, is expected to boost news on Chile's finance and energy sectors, given copper's crucial role in renewable energy technology.
- In response to the El Teniente collapse, the mining industry may witness stricter industry regulations, including enhanced seismic monitoring, emergency protocols, and structural inspections, to ensure safety and potentially accelerate technology adoption for automation and risk reduction.
- With increased global demand for renewable energy technology driving the need for copper, the world closely watches the effects of El Teniente's resumption on the global copper industry and its ability to meet this growing demand, reinforcing copper's importance within the technology sector.
