Glencore’s Lomas Bayas Mine operating normally as waste yard fire subsides

Glencore confirmed that its Lomas Bayas copper mine in Chile continues operating normally after a waste yard fire was contained in Sierra Gorda.

Glencore confirmed that operations at its Lomas Bayas copper mine in Chile are continuing without disruption despite a fire that broke out in a waste yard on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the company, the incident began around 12:30 p.m. local time on September 30 in the eastern sector of the site. Emergency brigades from the mine, supported by local firefighters from Sierra Gorda and Antofagasta, immediately took action to contain the blaze.

In an official statement released Wednesday, Lomas Bayas reported that the fire has weakened significantly in recent hours and remains fully contained within the waste yard area, without posing risks to other facilities, infrastructure, or personnel.

“Our emergency response protocols were activated swiftly, and the situation is under control. Mining operations remain unaffected, and we continue to prioritize the safety of our people and surrounding communities,” the company said.

The incident generated a visible smoke column on Tuesday, drawing attention from nearby residents and circulating on social media. Authorities, including Senapred (Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service), monitored the event and confirmed that no injuries or further damage had been reported.