Santiago: Chile has initiated a rescue operation for at least 39 miners who have been trapped inside the Pascua Lama mine, operated by Barrick Chile, in the Atacama region of northern Chile. The miners have been stranded due to heavy snowfall that has blocked access to the mountain camp since last week, amidst freezing temperatures.
According to Thai News Agency, the company confirmed that air transport was not previously safe, but all employees remain healthy and safe within the facility. The mine is fully equipped with cold storage, electrical systems, food supplies, and drinking water, ensuring the well-being of the miners during the ongoing situation.
Chile's National Disaster Prevention and Response Service has reported that the severe storm has resulted in 13 fatalities, with 18 individuals still missing. Additionally, more than 45,000 people have been cut off in the Atacama and Coquimbo regions. The main Route 5 North highway between La Serena and Copiapo has been reopened, albeit with limited operational hours. The Recoleta reservoir is currently at 79% capacity.
The Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation has taken steps to support affected communities by dispatching food supplies, hygiene kits, and Starlink satellite signal receiving equipment to aid in restoring communication systems in Paihuano. Meanwhile, the Chilean government has declared a state of disaster in the central Coquimbo region, Avasco province, the Atacama region, and the city of Tierra Amarilla.