A sinkhole in Northern Chile has grown so big it could now swallow France’s Arc de Triomphe.
Last week, we reported how the mysterious sinkhole appeared in the commune of Tierra Amarilla, in Atacama Region, close to the Alcaparrosa copper mine and has left locals terrified since it was first detected on 30 July.
Local mayor Cristobal Zuniga said at the time: "[Saturday, 30 July] we received a citizen complaint regarding a sinkhole that would have occurred here in our community near the Alcaparrosa mine.
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"We are concerned, since it is a fear that we have always had as a community, the fact we are surrounded by mining deposits and subterranean works under our community."
Mayor Zuniga added: "It is still active, it is still growing and it is something that has not previously been seen in our community."
Atacama Region official Gerardo Tapia ordered the National Geology and Mining Service to establish why the sinkhole appeared.
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On 1 August, the mine's owners, Lundin Mining Corporation, also confirmed mining work in the area has been suspended while the agency established why the gaping hole appeared in the first place.
However, the discovery is concerning experts as it has continued to grow and now stretches a whopping 160 feet across and goes down 656 feet.
Not only would it swallow the Arc de Triomphe, the world's largest triumphal arch, but it would also fit six of Brazil’s famous Christ the Redeemer statues stacked on top of each other. That's quite the space.
According to the New York Post, the National Service of Geology and Mining said on Saturday (6 August) it is still investigating the sinkhole near the Alcaparrosa, about 413 miles north of Santiago.
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They also said it was starting a “sanctioning process”, although they didn’t provide details on what that action would involve.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported and officials continue to monitor the hole.
Lundin Mining Corporation previously confirmed mining work in the area has been suspended in a statement.
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They said: "Upon detection, the area was immediately isolated and the relevant regulatory authorities notified.
"There has been no impact to personnel, equipment or infrastructure.
"The surficial sinkhole has remained stable since detection. Minera Ojos del Salado is conducting a technical analysis and gathering information to determine the cause of the event."
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Topics: News
Lisa McLoughlin