Codelco halts expansion at largest copper mine over new seismic risk

The suspension comes one year after a fatal rock burst forced work to stop at the same project for the first time, highlighting renewed safety concerns at the mine.

Summary

Codelco has halted expansion at its largest copper mine after identifying a new seismic risk. The move comes one year after a fatal rock burst (sudden violent rock failure) shut work down there for the first time, bringing safety concerns back to the forefront at the operation.

Terms & Concepts
  • seismic risk: Potential danger from ground instability or seismic activity.
  • rock burst: Sudden violent failure of stressed rock underground.