Rescue operations are ongoing in the aftermath of a mine collapse that followed a 4.2 magnitude earthquake in Chile, with emergency teams working tirelessly to save four miners still trapped underground. The accident occurred at the state-owned Codelco's El Teniente copper mine, situated approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Santiago.
On Saturday, rescuers discovered human remains of one miner, whose identity is yet to be confirmed. The news weighed heavily on the families of the five miners known to be trapped, prompting an outpouring of grief. Codelco has informed the families of the situation, affirming their commitment to finding the remaining miners.
The incident on Thursday resulted from the collapse of several underground tunnels where the miners were at work at the time. General manager of the El Teniente Division, Andres Music, expressed the somber emotions surrounding the discovery. Despite the heartbreak, he emphasized that the findings reaffirmed the team's strategic approach to the rescue operation.
Heavy machinery is currently being deployed to clear the rubble and advance toward the trapped miners, with teams making progress at a rate of around 15-20 meters (49-66 feet) per day. The rescue efforts are underscored by El Teniente’s significance as the world's largest underground copper mine, positioned high in the Andes mountains in central Chile. As the rescue operations continue, the hope remains that the missing miners will be located safely.
