A sinkhole in Chile has doubled in size. It has grown large enough to engulf France’s Arc de Triomphe. This has baffled the researchers and has prompted the officials to order work to stop at a nearby copper mine. Notably, the sinkhole now stretches 50 meters (160 feet) across and goes down 200 meters (656 feet).
The sinkhole can fit six Christ the Redeemer statues from Brazil stacked head-to-head
According to experts, Seattle’s Space Needle would also comfortably fit in the sinkhole. As would six Christ the Redeemer statues from Brazil stacked head-to-head, giant arms outstretched.
The sinkhole is located near the Alcaparrosa mine operated by the Canadian company Lundin Mining. Reportedly, the gaping hole is still being investigated by the National Service of Geology and Mining.
In addition to ordering all work to stop, the geology and mining service said it was starting a “sanctioning process.” No details have been provided by the agency on what that action would involve.
It can destabilize the surrounding land
While Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation holds 20 percent of the property, Lundin owns the rest. Lundin did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The company stated that, “the sinkhole did not affect workers or community members and that it was working to determine the cause.”
With water visible at the bottom, the hole near the town of Tierra Amarilla measured about 25 meters (82 feet) across, initially.
According to the geology and mining service, water extraction pumps have been installed at the mine. Moreover, in the next few days, they will investigate the mine’s underground chambers for potential over-extraction. The local officials have expressed worry that the Alcaparrosa mine could have flooded belowground. Moreover, it can destabilize the surrounding land.