Mining accident stated that 1,049 people died in the year 2013, down 24 percent from 2012. About 300 people were killed on May 9, 1993 in the Nambija mine disaster in Ecuador. On October 15, 2010, shortly after Chile completed its historic, successful rescue of 33 miners who had been stuck underground in the San Jose mine for a record period of nearly 10 weeks, four workers were trapped in an Ecuadoran gold mine following a tunnel collapse. All were confirmed dead by October 20. The Courrières mine disaster was the worst ever pit mine disaster in Europe. It caused the death
Reaction to the 2010 Copiapó mining accident gave a speech on location in which he was effusive in his praise of Chile and said he was "proud to be the president of all Chileans." He invoked Chile's recently passed bicentennial celebrations and said the miners were rescued with "unity, hope and faith." He also thanked Chávez and Morales, amongst others for their call for support. He said those who forced the rescue, i.e., those responsible for the collapse of the mine, will be punished, and said there would be a "new deal" with the workers. The incident generated interest both within Chile and internationally, with the miners