Chile explores giant hole that appeared in Atacama Desert

Chilean authorities have been investigating a giant hole since last week. estimated diameter 32 meters and at least 64 meters depth It appeared on the territory of the Atacama Desert in Chile on Saturday, July 30. The crater appeared where the Canadian company Lundin Mining operated a copper mine.

On Monday, the company issued a press release confirming the detection of a pit close to Minera Ojos del Salado operations, saying that “on detection, the area was immediately cordoned off and notified to the relevant regulatory authorities. It has no impact on personnel, equipment or infrastructure.”

After the detection, geomechanics experts from the National Department of Geology and Mines National Mining Branch (Sernageomin) examined the well, while technicians from the Atacama Region Mining Ministerial District Secretariat also went to the well. Tierra Amarilla community 600 meters from the siteto ensure that residents are not harmed.

What is the source of the giant hole in Atacama?

SOCAVON! A socavon approximately 25 meters in diameter will be produced this Saturday at the Alcaparrosa Mine, Tierra Amarilla. #RegionDeAtacama. staff @Sernageomin It was set up on the same day to assess the situation and make recommendations. pic.twitter.com/WfwAwcP9Oc

— Sernageomin (@Sernageomin) August 1, 2022

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), while sinkholes can be associated with a wide variety of causes, they are often related to the dissolution of underground rock. This phenomenon creates caves or just empty spaces, crumble from one moment to the next, even if the surface looks pristine.

Experts of the Chilean agency continued to evaluate the sinkhole, after determining that all entrances to the vertically located work from the mine to the tunnel were closed, its depth is equivalent to a 21-story building.. For the safety of the public, a security circle was set up around the hole.

While the origin of this phenomenon is unknown, the mayor of Tierra Amarilla, Cristóbal Zúñiga, noted on his Facebook profile that the crater is “still active” and that can grow towards village houses. He promised to find out if the incident was caused by mining.