Two workers employed by a contractor at Codelco’s El Teniente Division died this Sunday after being struck by a mudslide in the mine’s Rajo Sur sector, according to T13. A third worker survived and was taken to a medical facility.
According to the National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin) report cited by the outlet, the mudslide occurred shortly before 14:00, while the three men were carrying out inspection work.
Two of them became trapped. The third was rescued. During the afternoon, the two workers remained missing while emergency teams tried to reach them. As the hours passed, it was confirmed that both had been found dead.
According to the same report, the three workers were employed by Aura Ingeniería S.A., a contractor that provides services to the division. The source does not report their identities or the survivor’s health status.
President José Antonio Kast addressed the deaths on his X account. He wrote that it was another tragedy that leaves the country in mourning, added that it has been a harsh winter for Chile and sent an embrace to the workers’ families and colleagues.
Daniel Mas, the minister heading two ministries, including Mining, expressed his condolences on behalf of the ministry and the government. He said the accident requires an urgent redoubling of safety measures and preventive protocols at mining operations across the country.
Mas said workers’ lives are a value that must take precedence over any production target. The source does not detail the safety conditions in the sector at the time of the mudslide or the possible causes of the slide.
The minister reported that the Ministry of Mining has already instructed the regulatory authorities, including Sernageomin, to assist in investigating the accident and ensure that the necessary corrective measures are implemented. So far, Codelco has not issued a statement carried by the source.
