BHP is gradually resuming operations at the Escondida copper mine in Chile. The world’s largest copper mine suspended all activities on Wednesday, September 23.
A worker suffered a fatal injury during maintenance work involving a front-end loader. Chilean mining authorities launched an immediate investigation into the incident.
Full resumption remains contingent on safety assessments and regulatory requirements. Escondida produces approximately 3,500 metric tons of copper per day.
The shutdown creates near-term supply uncertainty in the global copper market. The accident occurred during sensitive contract negotiations with the mine's supervisors' union.