Codelco Replaces Executives at El Teniente Mine Following Investigation into Deadly Collapse
Chile's state-run copper producer, Codelco, has announced the replacement of several top executives at its El Teniente mine following an investigation into a fatal collapse. The investigation, which followed a deadly incident on July 31, 2025, revealed inconsistencies and concealment of technical details related to a previous rock explosion in 2023. As a result, Claudio Sougarret, the general manager of El Teniente, along with Mauricio Barraza, the vice president of operations, and Rodrigo Andrades, the project manager, have been removed from their positions. Sougarret, who took over as general manager in August 2025, will be replaced by Gustavo Reyes, while Barraza will be succeeded by Lindo Quiroga. The collapse occurred during an expansion project aimed at increasing production at the mine, which is crucial for Codelco as it struggles to boost output.