BHP (ASX, NYSE: BHP) kept the globe’s biggest copper mine shut Thursday after an employee was killed during maintenance work at its Escondida operation in northern Chile and regulators investigated the accident.
The worker was fatally injured Wednesday in the mine area while carrying out maintenance, BHP said Thursday. The company had suspended all operational activities at Escondida after the accident and didn’t give a timetable for restarting them.
“It is with deep regret that we confirm that one of our employees was fatally injured at Escondida in Chile,” Escondida Asset President Alejandro Tapia said. “We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones during this very difficult time.”
Escondida, in Chile’s Atacama Desert about 170 km southeast of Antofagasta, produced about 1.3 million tonnes of copper at in BHP’s 2026 financial year. The company is operator and owns 58.5%, while Rio Tinto (LSE, ASX, NYSE: RIO) holds 30% and Japan-based JECO Corp. has 12.5%.
Investigation underway
Chile’s National Geology and Mining Service, or Sernageomin, said acting national director Mauricio Lorca ordered the immediate deployment of its Antofagasta regional team to gather information and begin an investigation.
BHP said it was working with local and national authorities. Chile’s Labour Directorate said following the death that employers are required to immediately suspend affected work after a fatal accident until the responsible regulator determines it can resume.
The company expects output of 1 million to 1.1 million tonnes in fiscal 2027 as ore grades decline, according to its production guidance.
Contract talks
The shutdown comes as BHP is separately negotiating a new collective agreement with Escondida’s No. 2 Supervisors and Staff Union, which represents about 1,020 workers.
The union’s leadership has urged members to reject BHP’s final offer and vote for a strike. The current agreement expires at the end of September.
The dispute is separate from the No. 1 workers’ union, to which the employee killed Wednesday belonged.
BHP shares closed 0.1% higher at $85.03 Thursday in New York after falling 3.3% a day earlier.
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