Rescue teams in Chile have made a grim discovery amid their efforts to save five miners trapped in the El Teniente copper mine following a partial collapse triggered by a seismic event. On Saturday, August 2, 2025, the remains of one of the trapped workers were found, marking the second confirmed death related to the incident that began on Thursday, July 31.
The El Teniente mine, located in the O'Higgins region near Rancagua, is one of the world’s largest copper deposits and a critical asset for Chile’s economy. Operated by the state-owned company Codelco, the mine experienced a significant shaft collapse after a 4.2 to 4.3 magnitude earthquake shook the area on the evening of July 31. This seismic event caused rocks to collapse around the miners, trapping five workers deep underground and injuring nine others.
According to Andrés Music, general manager of El Teniente, the discovery of the deceased trapped miner’s body was a heavy blow. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Music said, "This discovery fills us with sadness, but it also tells us that we are in the right place, that the strategy we followed led us to them." He added that authorities were still working to identify the individual, while the remains of another miner, Paulo Marín Tapia, who was not among the five trapped, had been found the day before, shortly after the collapse.
Rescue operations have been intense and challenging. Over 100 rescuers are involved in the painstaking task of clearing debris and drilling through approximately 90 meters (295 feet) of rock to reach the trapped miners. As of Friday, August 1, only about four meters of the estimated 20 meters (65 feet) of tunnel debris had been cleared. Music noted that rescue teams were using heavy machinery and hoped to advance at a rate of 15 to 20 meters (49 to 65 feet) every 24 hours, though progress remains unpredictable due to the complexity and dangers of the situation.
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric has expressed his government’s full commitment to the rescue efforts. On Friday, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), "In these difficult hours for the families and loved ones, all efforts are focused on the rescue operations for the five trapped miners. Our priority is and will continue to be supporting the families, keeping them informed of every development. Chile is with you." He also instructed the Minister of Mining, Aurora Williams, to coordinate all necessary actions on the ground.
At a Saturday press conference, Boric extended condolences to the family of Paulo Marín Tapia and confirmed that he was in close contact with the relatives of the five trapped miners. The emotional toll on families and fellow miners is palpable. Edgar Rodrigo Quesada, a miner and former union leader, shared with CNN, "Hope dies last," while acknowledging that the shelter within the tunnel, intended for emergencies, is located far from where the collapse occurred, making it uncertain whether the trapped men reached it in time.
Fellow miner Abelardo Céspedes expressed cautious optimism, saying, "We have hope that they will be rescued alive. We just found out that one co-worker was not lucky enough to make it out alive, but we trust a lot in God, we are very faithful, and maybe God will work a miracle and bring them out alive. That’s the hope we all have."
The exact cause of the collapse remains under investigation. Codelco has confirmed that the accident was not due to the use of explosives, and authorities are examining whether the seismic event was a natural tectonic shift or related to mining activity. The Chilean prosecutor’s office has launched an official inquiry into the incident.
El Teniente’s collapse is a stark reminder of the risks faced by miners in one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions. Chile is the largest copper producer globally, and the industry plays a vital role in the nation’s economy and government revenues. The mine’s temporary closure has halted normal operations as rescue teams continue their painstaking work.
The National Seismological Center of the University of Chile recorded the earthquake that precipitated the collapse as one of the largest tremors ever felt at El Teniente. The 4.2 magnitude quake caused significant underground damage, leading to the cave-in that trapped the miners. Rescue workers are now racing against time to clear debris and safely reach the survivors, though the discovery of the second body underscores the dangers involved.
Despite the tragic developments, the rescue teams remain committed, balancing urgency with caution. Andrés Music emphasized, "We are going to keep working with all our strength and hope, but now with greater care, which could mean slower progress." This careful approach aims to ensure the safety of both the trapped miners and the rescuers as they navigate the unstable conditions underground.
The mining community and the nation at large watch anxiously as the operation unfolds. The resilience and faith of those connected to El Teniente are evident, even as they confront the uncertainty and heartbreak of the situation. The coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of the remaining trapped workers and in bringing closure to their families.
