Chile's Escondida mine gradually resumes operations after fatal accident

September 24, 2026 8:22 PM EDT

FILE PHOTO: A drone view shows BHP's Escondida copper mine, in Antofagasta, Chile August 15, 2024. REUTERS/Cristian Rudolffi/File Photo

SANTIAGO, Sept ‌24 (Reuters) - Operations ​at ​BHP's Escondida mine in Chile are being resumed progressively ‌as assessments continue, the world's largest ⁠copper mine said on Thursday.

Operations at the ‌mine were suspended on ‌Wednesday after a worker was killed in an accident while carrying ​out maintenance work.

"The Company continues to assess the conditions for ⁠a gradual resumption of Mine activities, taking into account ​workforce wellbeing, operational readiness, risk controls and applicable authority requirements," ​the company said in ‌a statement.

Other operational areas outside Mine Operations were also ⁠paused following the incident, with certain activities continuing at reduced rates.

In Chile, mines ⁠typically can only resume operations following a ​fatal accident once safety inspectors verify that conditions are safe.

Escondida is located in Chile's ‌northern Atacama Desert. BHP operates the mine, while Rio ‌Tinto holds a 30% stake and ⁠Japan-based JECO Corp ‌owns 12.5%.

(Reporting ​by Fabian Cambero, Writing by Natalia Siniawski, Editing by Iñigo ‌Alexander)



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