The accident occurred at a depth of over 900 meters. With the help of special equipment, it has been possible to determine where the missing persons are located, but the rescue team has not yet managed to reach them.
The accident was caused by an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2, and is according to the mine management one of the largest to have affected the mine in decades. The cause of the earthquake is still unclear – it may be a matter of natural activity or influence from drilling.
Families of the trapped miners are directing strong criticism at the mine owner, the state-owned company Codelco, for lack of information and support. According to union representatives, there have also been deficiencies in safety routines.
Over 100 people are participating in the rescue work, including some with experience from the noted miner drama in the Atacama desert in 2010.
Chile accounts for nearly a quarter of the world's copper production, and the mine produced almost seven percent of the country's copper last year.
