Chile’s mining ministry ordered El Teniente to halt activity on Aug 1 to allow rescuers to search for five miners trapped after a “seismic event” caused the collapse of a tunnel the day before.

One worker was killed in the collapse, while five others were left missing and later found dead.

Whether the cause of the shaking was due to an earthquake or drilling remains under investigation.

State-owned operator Codelco said normal operations would resume today.

Chile is the world’s largest copper producer, responsible for nearly a quarter of global supply, with about 5.3 million metric tonnes in 2024.

El Teniente contributed 356,000 metric tonnes – nearly 7% – of the country’s total copper.

The metal is critical for wiring, motors and renewable energy technology.

Chile’s mining industry is considered among the safest in the world, with a fatality rate of 0.02% in 2024, according to the National Geology and Mining Service of Chile.