BHP has announced the suspension of operations at the Escondida copper mine in northern Chile following the death of a worker during maintenance activities, reported Reuters.
The incident occurred when the employee was carrying out maintenance work, with the union representing the site indicating that a front-end loader, a machine commonly used in the industry, was involved in the accident.
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The company confirmed the immediate halt of all activities at the site.
BHP did not specify when operations at the mine might resume.
In Chile, mining regulations typically require a pause in work after a fatal incident until authorities have conducted inspections and determined that conditions are safe to restart.
Escondida is located in the Atacama Desert, approximately 170km south-east of Antofagasta.
BHP operates and owns a 57.5% share of the mine in a joint venture (JV) that includes Rio Tinto with a 30% stake and JECO from Japan holding 12.5%.
The site comprises two pits supplying three concentrator plants and two leaching operations for oxide and sulphide ores.
BHP previously estimated Escondida would produce up to 1.28 million tonnes of copper this year.
The mine is said to be the world’s largest producer of copper concentrates and cathodes, and contributes significantly to Chile’s economy.
It has operated since 1990 and produces copper used in various household products due to its conductive and antimicrobial properties.
In July 2026, BHP obtained an initial environmental permit from the Antofagasta Environmental Assessment Commission for the planned expansion of the Escondida copper mine.
The approval allows the company to begin work on projects valued at up to $14.7bn (A$21.16bn).
