Fatal Avalanche Strikes Codelco’s El Teniente Mine in Chile, Kills Two
Mining News | 2026-10-13 05:42:17
The two victims were subcontractor employees who were reportedly conducting inspections in the open-pit area.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Severe weather conditions continue to disrupt mining operations and heighten operational risks across Chile’s mining industry. The state-owned copper producer Codelco has reported two worker fatalities after a snow avalanche struck its massive El Teniente mine.
The two victims were subcontractor employees who were reportedly conducting inspections in the open-pit area. They were initially reported missing before being found dead on Sunday, according to the company. Investigative police and prosecutors have launched inquiries into the incident.
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Open-pit operations remained suspended on Monday, while the mine’s underground workings and processing facilities continued operating normally, according to a union representative. Incidentally, the affected pit accounts for less than 10% of El Teniente’s overall production.
Heavy rainfall, storms and other extreme weather events have disrupted mining operations and infrastructure across Chile in recent months, weighing on the country’s overall copper production.
The latest incident adds to a series of fatal accidents affecting Chile’s mining industry. El Teniente itself suffered a deadly rock burst in July 2025 that killed six workers and interrupted production. Codelco also reported a fatality at its Radomiro Tomic mine earlier this month, a week after a separate fatal incident was reported at BHP’s Escondida operation.
POLL
What was the immediate operational impact of the avalanche at El Teniente mine?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened at Codelco’s El Teniente mine?
A snow avalanche struck the open-pit area of Chile’s El Teniente copper mine, killing two subcontractor employees who were reportedly conducting inspections. The workers were initially reported missing before being found dead on Sunday. Investigative police and prosecutors have launched inquiries to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
- How has the avalanche affected El Teniente’s mining operations?
Open-pit operations remained suspended on Monday following the incident. However, the mine’s underground workings and processing facilities continued operating normally, according to a union representative. The affected pit accounts for less than 10% of the mine’s overall production, suggesting a limited direct impact on total output while the suspension remains in place.
- How are severe weather conditions affecting Chile’s mining industry?
Heavy rainfall, storms, and other extreme weather events have disrupted mining operations and infrastructure across Chile in recent months. These disruptions create operational and safety risks for mining companies and can weigh on national copper production when activities are interrupted.
