Particle.news

Crane Boom Kills Two Workers at Las Bambas Mine

Regulators and company investigators have opened inquiries; MMG says operations at the affected unit will resume progressively from August 21.

Overview

  • A 300-ton crane swung during a pump-replacement maneuver in the clarification pond on Tuesday and its boom struck a barge carrying five workers.
  • Two men died after becoming trapped: Richard José Flores Rhea, a 41-year-old Las Bambas mechanic, and 22-year-old contractor Tony Nilson González Challa of SINAR Perú.
  • Three other workers were rescued, taken for medical treatment and remain in care while MMG says it is supporting the families of the victims.
  • MMG suspended work at the pond and the mine unit after the accident and has informed authorities as company and regulator-led probes seek to establish the precise causes.
  • Las Bambas produces a material share of global copper supply and has a history of operational interruptions, so the pause could have short-term effects on local activity and nearby copper output.