Why did Codelco halt the Andes Norte expansion project at El Teniente mine?

Codelco halted the Andes Norte project due to newly identified seismic risk—specifically, a seismic phenomenon distinct from historically managed underground mining risks—based on six months of collected data, following last year’s fatal rock burst that killed six workers and prompted a broader reassessment of deep-section development.

What is the immediate operational impact of suspending the Andes Norte project?

The suspension is described as precautionary and temporary and will not impact current production; however, it delays one of three major projects intended to unlock deeper ore bodies at El Teniente, contributing to concerns over Codelco’s ability to reverse years of declining output at its aging operations.

Codelco Halts Expansion Project at Top Mine on New Seismic Risk

Aug 4, 2026

Codelco suspended its Andes Norte expansion project at the El Teniente copper mine due to new seismic risks, though current production remains unaffected. The halt highlights operational challenges for the miner amid global supply tightness following a deadly rock burst last year.

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