According to documents published by the international news agency Reuters, workers noticed a leak in the tailings dam at the Quebrada Blanca copper mine, operated by the Teck company. Technical inspections by mining regulatory agency Sernageomin found a 240-meter-long crack and an 18-centimeter slit and a pool of water at the top of the structure.
CRITICISM OF LATE INFORMATION FROM THE OFFICIAL INSTITUTION
Chilean mining regulator Sernageomin criticized mine management for not quickly reporting technical glitches following site inspections at the beginning of August. Pointing out the importance of emergency communication in accordance with security protocols, the institution immediately requested technical monitoring reports from the operating company.
Following the technical warning, the responsible company started sending weekly monitoring data to the regulatory authority starting from August. Monitoring cracks and leaks in waste structures is carried out as a mandatory operational process for the safety of mine workers as well as ocean and environmental health.
OPERATING COMPANY: “THE DAM IS SAFE AND STABLE”
Teck, the company responsible for the mine operation, stated that the structural integrity of the tailings dam is intact and there is no safety risk for workers or the facility. Company officials argued that it is not uncommon for periodic cracks to occur in such large-scale dam construction.
In the official statement, it was stated that a pipeline leak that caused water discharge was quickly repaired and the structure was completely under control.
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