SANTIAGO, Aug 10, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - The world's largest underground copper mine was set to resume operating on Sunday, after a deadly cave-in suspended work for more than a week.

Chile's Mining Ministry ordered El Teniente to halt activity on August 1 to allow rescuers to search for five miners trapped after a "seismic event" caused the collapse of a tunnel the day before.

All five were found dead.

Whether the cause of the shaking was due to an earthquake or drilling remains under investigation.

State-owned operator Codelco said normal operations would resume on Sunday.

Chile is the world's largest copper producer, responsible for nearly a quarter of global supply, with about 5.3 million metric tonnes (5.8 million tons) in 2024.

El Teniente contributed 356,000 metric tonnes -- nearly seven percent -- of the country's total copper.

The metal is critical for wiring, motors and renewable energy technology.

Chile's mining industry is considered among the safest in the world, with a fatality rate of 0.02 percent in 2024, according to the National Geology and Mining Service of Chile.