Codelco pauses Andes Norte to better understand deep-seated seismic risk

Codelco has announced the temporary suspension of development and construction activities at the Andes Norte Project within El Teniente Division, describing the move as a preventive safety measure while technical investigations continue into an emerging deep-seated seismic phenomenon. Rather than reacting to an operational incident, the company is acting on months of technical analysis, an approach that reinforces an increasingly important message across the mining industry: understanding geotechnical risk must evolve alongside increasingly deeper underground operations.

An emerging challenge for deep mining

According to Codelco, the decision follows the evaluation of technical information gathered over the past six months, which identified evidence of „an emerging seismic phenomenon, with characteristics different from the risks historically known and managed in the operation.”

The company emphasizes that El Teniente has successfully managed mining-induced seismicity for decades through panel caving methods and established operational controls. However, the latest findings suggest that greater mining depths may introduce new geomechanical conditions that require additional investigation before development can safely continue.

Putting safety ahead of schedule

Codelco’s announcement demonstrates a precautionary approach that is becoming increasingly relevant for modern underground mining. As the company explained, „the decision is based on technical analyses and interpretations regarding the risk of deep seismicity and seeks to safeguard the safety of people while studies continue and control measures are strengthened.”

To support this process, Codelco will reinforce instrumentation, expand seismic monitoring and deepen technical analysis to better understand the behavior of the rock mass before determining the additional control measures required to resume the project under the company’s established safety standards.

Importantly, the suspension applies specifically to the Andes Norte development project. The company confirmed that seismic monitoring systems, preventive protocols and operational safety measures remain active across all other areas of El Teniente, including its producing operations.

A broader lesson for the mining industry

As mining projects move deeper underground in pursuit of future resources, geotechnical uncertainty becomes increasingly complex.

The decision taken by Codelco illustrates a broader shift occurring across the sector. Advanced monitoring technologies, data interpretation and proactive risk management are becoming just as critical as drilling, blasting and production planning.

Choosing to pause a major development project carries significant operational and financial implications. Yet it also demonstrates that long-term project success depends on maintaining confidence that every stage of development can proceed safely.

Leading through prevention

The Andes Norte decision sends an important signal to the global mining community. Leadership is not measured solely by production records or project delivery, it is also reflected in the willingness to stop, reassess and strengthen technical understanding when new risks emerge.

As underground mining continues to expand into greater depths, Codelco’s precautionary approach may become an increasingly relevant model for managing the next generation of geomechanical challenges.