Strong Chile earthquake shakes key mining hub
Magnitude 6.9 quake disrupts some operations in Antofagasta but spares lives and critical infrastructure
Chile: A strong earthquake struck Chile’s key mining region of Antofagasta on Monday afternoon, disrupting operations at some mines but largely sparing lives and critical infrastructure, authorities said.
The magnitude 6.9 quake hit the heart of the world’s largest copper-producing country, though major miners reported limited damage. The US Geological Survey recorded the earthquake’s depth at 109 kilometres (68 miles).
Chilean state copper miner Codelco halted some activities due to poor visibility in open pits and interruptions to electricity supplies in certain areas, a spokesperson said.
Miners BHP and Antofagasta both said their operations were not affected by the earthquake.
Ricardo Munizaga, regional director for Chile’s disaster agency SENAPRED, told local news channel 24 Horas that while the quake triggered landslides in some production areas, there were no reports of injuries or other major emergencies.
Residents experienced power outages and some disruption to water supply in the city of Calama, home to many miners, Munizaga said, but key infrastructure was otherwise unaffected.
Mining companies activated emergency protocols and temporarily halted some operations to inspect facilities, he added.
A significant share of Chile’s copper output comes from the Antofagasta region.