# Surge in fatal mining accidents in Chile > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mining-fatalities-in-chile > Updated: 2026-10-16T13:45:46.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 3. The Chilean mining sector is facing a critical safety crisis following a surge in fatalities, with at least 13 deaths reported in 2026. Recent incidents include a 61-year-old bulldozer operator falling 50 meters at the Rajo Aguilucho mine and two workers killed by an avalanche at the El Teniente division. Concerns regarding national safety oversight are mounting. Sernageomin reported a significant resource gap, noting it has only nine inspectors to oversee approximately 1,700 facilities in the Antofagasta region. Furthermore, proposed budget cuts for 2027 targeting the Dirección del Trabajo and the Superintendencia de Seguridad Social may further limit the state’s capacity to enforce safety standards. While the National Policy for Safety and Health in Mining was approved in July 2025, it remains stalled pending a ruling from the Comptroller General. This delay prevents full compliance with ILO Convention 176, which Chile ratified in June 2024. In response to the rising death toll, the Ministry of Mining has convened a ‘Mining Safety Table’ and Sernageomin has relaunched its ‘21 Golden Rules of Mining’ campaign to reinforce safety protocols. ## Claims - A total of 13 miners have died in accidents during 2026. (disputed by 3 sources) - 12 mining fatalities have been confirmed in Chile during 2026. (disputed) - A 66-year-old worker died after falling into a crushing machine at the Nueva California plant in Illapel. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The Ministry of Mining has called for an immediate meeting of the Mining Safety Table. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Two workers died at Codelco's El Teniente division due to a snow and mud avalanche. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A 61-year-old bulldozer operator died after falling 50 meters at the Rajo Aguilucho mine in Taltal. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Mining fatalities in Chile increased by 81.8% in 2025 compared to the previous year. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Six mining workers have died in the last 21 days across various Chilean regions. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Sernageomin is relaunching and updating the '21 Golden Rules of Mining' safety campaign. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Dirección del Trabajo ordered a total suspension of activities at the Nueva California plant pending safety inspections. (single source) - Three workers died in mining accidents within a 48-hour period. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-16: Chilean mining sector faces safety crisis amid rising fatalities Chile's mining sector faces rising fatalities, with seven deaths in under a month, highlighting delays in implementing national safety policies and insufficient regulatory oversight. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chilean-mining-sector-faces-safety-crisis-amid-rising-fatalities ### 2026-10-13: Chile mining sector faces safety crisis after series of fatal accidents Chile's mining industry faces heightened scrutiny after 13 fatal accidents in 2026, prompting the government to convene an urgent safety meeting and relaunch national safety campaigns. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/worker-dies-in-mining-accident-at-illapel-processing-plant ### 2026-10-06: Worker dies at Los Colorados mine in Vallenar An investigation is underway after 46-year-old Nelson Torres Parra died at the Los Colorados mine in Vallenar, Chile, after being found near drilling equipment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/worker-dies-at-los-colorados-mine-in-vallenar --- Cite as: Surge in fatal mining accidents in Chile. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mining-fatalities-in-chile