Codelco fined after El Teniente mine collapse

Chilean state copper miner Codelco and three of its contractors, Züblin (a Strabag subsidiary), SalfaCorp, and Constructora Gardilcic, were fined by labor authorities following a deadly mine collapse at Codelco's El Teniente mine on July 31. The incident, triggered by a magnitude 4.3 seismic event, killed six contract workers and injured others. Codelco was fined approximately $20,000 for safety failures, including lacking a complete procedure for seismic warnings and allowing workers into restricted areas. The contractors faced heavier combined fines of about $87,000 for offenses such as failing to report fatalities promptly, inadequate risk assessment, and weak safety planning. The collapse led to a significant cut in Codelco's copper output, disrupting global supply. Codelco has appealed its fine, implemented new safety procedures, and replaced several senior executives at the mine. Investigations into the accident are ongoing.