Rescue operations are still ongoing at the El Teniente, one of the world’s largest copper mines. Today’s collapse was a terrible accident that has reportedly killed 32-year-old Paulo Marín Tapia and trapped four others. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has promised to commit his government’s “all means” to find the missing miners. He hasn’t done enough to support their families during this turbulent time.
The tragic death of Tapia was the result of an incident that took place during a regular Thursday shift. Authorities have since confirmed that a second victim has been recovered, bringing the death toll from the collapse to two. Apart from the four who lost their lives, nine more were injured from the earthquake and subsequent building collapse. Spread the word Codelco, the state-owned company that operates El Teniente, has taken an aggressive leadership role in the rescue efforts. Simultaneously, it is being investigated by the Chilean prosecutor’s office for the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Codelco’s CEO Rubén Alvarado underscored the imperative of moving fast. As Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh put it, “The first 48 hours are critical” to rescue the trapped workers alive. As of this past Friday, rescuers had removed only four meters of rubble. Another 20 meters, or roughly 65 feet, lie between the public and the miners, preventing access. The hard work that lies ahead presents extreme dangers for rescuers working in unstable conditions.
When we interviewed Edgar Rodrigo Quesada, a miner and former union leader, he showed profound love for his fellow workers. He stated, “I just pray to God that my coworkers are okay,” highlighting the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on the mining community. Quesada noted the difficulties of locating survivors, mentioning, “What I can tell you, honestly, is that the shelter is very far from where the collapse happened.”
President Boric today sent his condolences to the family of Paulo Marín Tapia. He reaffirmed the government’s promise to stand by all those affected by this tragedy. The Chilean president’s statement hits on a deeper note of Chileans’ newfound feelings of unity in coming together during this difficult period.
Even as search and rescue operations are still ongoing, families are waiting for information about their loved ones, clinging to hope but facing overwhelming anxiety. The situation is still evolving and Codelco has promised to the public to update them with new information as it is made available.
