The National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin), the agency that oversees safety at mining operations across the country, warned that it could suspend and close operations following the deaths of 13 mining workers during 2026. The latest case occurred at the Aguilucho mine in Taltal, Antofagasta Region.
According to Emol, Pedro Berríos, head of Sernageomin’s Emergency Unit, said that this number of deaths in large-scale mining, which has resources for emergency plans, protocols and protective equipment, "is not possible". Publimetro attributed the same phrase to acting national director Mauricio Lorca, who, according to Berríos, was meeting with mining companies in Antofagasta.
Concern grew over the pace of the accidents. Seven of the 13 deaths have occurred since September 23. The cases include cave-ins, explosions, falls and machinery accidents, and many remain under investigation.
At Aguilucho, a 61-year-old bulldozer operator died when the machine he was driving plunged down a slope and fell about 50 meters, according to Publimetro. Operations were halted, and Sernageomin and the Investigative Police (PDI) opened investigations.
A day earlier, a 66-year-old worker died at the Nueva California plant in Illapel after falling into the crushing system, according to preliminary information. On Sunday, two contractors died at Codelco’s El Teniente Division after being struck by an avalanche in the Botadero Cráter Norte area.
Regarding El Teniente, Berríos clarified that it was a snow avalanche and not a mudslide. He added that the division has avalanche monitoring contracts and that people were in an area being monitored for potential events. "The company has to clarify that situation," he said. That mine had already suffered a cave-in triggered by an earthquake in 2025 that left six workers dead.
Sernageomin ordered a temporary suspension of operations at Botadero Cráter Norte and other areas exposed to avalanches. Codelco must demonstrate safe conditions before requesting that operations resume in those areas.
Berríos focused on the companies. He announced that the service will relaunch the 21 mining safety rules, emphasizing that responsibility does not rest solely with miners. "If we have to inspect, fine, impose penalties and close operations, we will implement all the measures that the law and the Mining Safety Decree empower us to take," he said.
The agency will step up inspections and require companies to establish concrete measures, designated people responsible and verifiable deadlines to control their main risks. In addition, each shift must begin with a period devoted exclusively to reviewing safety, hazards and critical safeguards.
The official also acknowledged the government’s own limitations. According to Berríos, before the rescue of the 33 Atacama miners in 2010, Sernageomin was a third of its current size, but subsequent budget cuts affected the number of inspectors and the adoption of technology. "More oversight is needed," he said.
Economy and Mining Minister Daniel Mas said it is necessary to determine "what has failed and what urgent measures" must be adopted. The Ministry of Mining convened a Mining Safety Roundtable for this Friday with workers, companies, industry associations, lawmakers and Sernageomin. In addition, the Regional Mining Safety Committees will be activated within a maximum of seven business days.
