The company confirmed that all employees and contractors stranded by severe weather in Antofagasta de la Sierra were safely rescued and are out of danger. Operations at the Salar del Hombre Muerto remain suspended while technical assessments and recovery work continue.
By Panorama Minero
Rio Tinto has confirmed the successful rescue of the 14 employees and contractors who became stranded following severe weather conditions in Antofagasta de la Sierra, Catamarca Province. The company said all individuals were rescued safely and that operations at its Salar del Hombre Muerto sites remain temporarily suspended while damage assessments and recovery work are carried out.
According to the company, some of those rescued were transported by air ambulance and by road to medical facilities as a precautionary measure to complete comprehensive medical evaluations. Rio Tinto stated that all are now out of danger, most have already returned home, and those who still require medical attention continue to receive appropriate care.
The rescue operation was conducted in a high-altitude environment under extreme weather and geographical conditions. Rio Tinto noted that access to its project sites remains restricted due to the impact of the severe weather event, meaning technical assessments and repair work will be required before normal operating conditions can be restored.
The company also acknowledged the efforts of rescue and healthcare teams, government agencies, provincial and municipal authorities, security forces, pilots and flight crews, contractors, volunteers and local communities that participated in the operation. Rio Tinto gave special recognition to the community of Antofagasta de la Sierra, highlighting that its knowledge of the terrain and rapid response were instrumental to the success of the rescue.
Given the current situation, Rio Tinto said it will continue making operational decisions based on evolving weather conditions, with safety remaining its top priority. As a result, activities at its operating sites in the Salar del Hombre Muerto will remain suspended until safe operating conditions have been fully restored. The company added that it continues to support affected employees and contractors, assist their families, and provide follow-up to nearby communities while maintaining emergency response and air evacuation plans.
Rio Tinto also announced that it has launched a comprehensive internal review of the incident to strengthen its preparedness and response capabilities for future extreme weather events. Any further developments, the company said, will be communicated through its official channels.
