Chile copper mines storm disruption

In mid‑July 2026, the frontal system that swept Chile's Choapa province prompted Minera Los Pelambres to activate its Winter Safety Plan. Workers were housed in equipped shelters with food, heating and medical care, and the company reported no damage while continuously monitoring weather and infrastructure and supporting regional emergency agencies.

A week later, the same weather pattern intensified, bringing heavy rain, flooding and high‑altitude snowfall across central and northern Chile. State‑owned Codelco halted surface work at its Andina division, and the Caserones mine was fully stopped after snow blocked access and cut power. Antofagasta Minerals' Los Pelambres limited site access, suspended ore transport and faced an overflow from its tailings pond that contaminated the Estero Pupio watercourse, leading authorities to warn residents against using local water. El Teniente suspended open‑pit haulage, and helicopter evacuations were carried out for stranded workers. The storm underscored the vulnerability of global copper supply chains that feed data‑centre and AI hardware production, though mining firms said overall output forecasts remain unchanged.