By Minener Newsroom | May 2, 2025
A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the far south of Chile on Friday morning, prompting a tsunami alert and emergency evacuations across the Magallanes Region and Chilean Antarctic Territory.
According to the National Seismological Center (CSN), the quake occurred at 08:58 local time, with its epicenter located offshore, 218.1 kilometers south of Puerto Williams, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Chilean Navy (SHOA) issued a state of precaution due to potential tsunami risk, activating protocols for evacuation along the continental coast and beaches in Chile’s Antarctic territory.
The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) initially called for evacuations, though the tsunami alert was later lifted.
Throughout the morning, over 15 aftershocks were reported, with magnitudes ranging from 3.4 to 6.1, the strongest occurring shortly after the initial quake.
Impact on Mining and Energy Operations
The Magallanes Region is home to several strategic mining and energy initiatives critical to Chile’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Among the most prominent:
- Cabo Negro LNG Terminal: Operated by ENAP, this facility is a key hub for natural gas imports and regional energy supply.
- H2 Magallanes: An ambitious green hydrogen project led by TotalEnergies and HIF Global, leveraging the region’s wind potential for global-scale hydrogen production.
- Pecket Coal Mine: Located near Punta Arenas, this coal operation continues to supply limited domestic demand, although it faces increasing scrutiny under Chile’s decarbonization plans.
- Wind Energy Projects: Magallanes hosts pilot and utility-scale wind farms, including ENAP’s Vientos Patagónicos, supporting the country’s renewable energy goals.
At the time of writing, no critical infrastructure damage to these projects has been reported, though operators are conducting safety assessments and potential service adjustments following the seismic activity.
For real-time updates and safety information, visit Senapred and CSN.