[REVISION HISTORY]

Codelco Andes Norte seismic suspension and labor tension

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2026-08-10 21:34 UTC → 2026-08-14 00:18 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Chile’s state‑owned miner Codelco temporarily halted development and construction on the Andes Norte expansion at its El Teniente underground copper mine after technical analyses identified a new, deep‑seated seismic phenomenon. The decision followed a fatal rock‑burst on 31 July 2025 that killed six workers, prompting the company to prioritize safety while further studies and enhanced monitoring are carried out. Codelco said the pause would affect thousands of workers but would not impact overall production at El Teniente. As of August 2026, the suspension has led to growing tension between Codelco and labor unions. The halt affects approximately 3,000 workers and at least four contracting companies. Unions have criticized the company for a lack of transparency, reporting that requests for meetings to discuss labor continuity plans and the duration of the suspension have gone unanswered. On 11 August 2026, Codelco formally postponed the Andes Norte project until at least 2029 following the detection of an “unprecedented seismic anomaly” on 4 August 2026. This delay is expected to have a significant impact on production, with a potential loss of up to 450,000 tons of copper annually. The postponement highlights ongoing structural challenges for the company regarding one of its most critical expansion initiatives. The Andes Norte project, which had reached 81% physical progress, is a strategic investment valued between US$1.9 billion and US$1.931 billion. It is designed to extend the life of the El Teniente mine by roughly 50 years with an expected annual production of approximately 105,000 tons of copper.

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