World's largest copper mine halts after worker death

The union representing the site ‌had previously told ‌Reuters ⁠that the accident involved a ​front-end loader frequently used by the industry.

"All operational activities at the mine have been suspended," BHP said in a statement, without giving a timeline for ⁠when they may ‌restart.

Typically ​in Chile, mines may only kick off ​activities after a ‌fatal incident once inspectors verify that conditions ​are safe enough for a restart.

Escondida is located in Chile's Atacama Desert.

BHP ​operates the ​mine while Rio ​Tinto holds a 30 per cent ‌stake and Japan-based JECO Corp 12.5 per cent.

BHP had estimated the site would produce up to 1.28 million metric tons of the red metal ​this year.