Chilean Copper Mine Collapse
R Victoria Dennis
BCOM/275
May 26, 2014
Dr. Brock

Abstract This paper addresses the collapse of the Chilean copper mine and the company's response to the collapse. It first drafts an announcement directed at the families of the trapped workers expressing concern and urgency. The reassurance of a concerted rescue effort is stressed in order to show support for the families and their concerns. The draft is an emotional appeal, not one filled with technical data or negative information. It is short and to the point while keeping in mind the needs of the families. A second announcement is sent to the workers of the company informing them of the collapse and providing more detailed information. It is not an emotional appeal but one of the most dismal realities of the miners and the company itself. Each draft is explained for its purpose and justifications and conclusions are drawn due to the facts of the collapse.

Chilean Copper Mine Collapse
To the families of our treasured workers:
It is our sincere regret to notify you that there was a collapse in the Minera San Estaban Primera Copper Mine, located in northern Chile, three days ago. Several of our workers are trapped and rescue efforts are under way. The miners’ health and safety must be our highest concern. We are working around the clock hoping to secure their safe rescue.
The rescue operation has been hampered by a second collapse, but we are hopeful that we will be able to reach the workers as quickly as possible. Every effort is being exhausted to reach our team and bring them home safely.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends waiting for news of their trapped loved ones. As progress is made, the Minera San Estaban Primera Company will do our best to keep all of you informed.

I believe this information should be delivered via many channels; first over a news broadcast, either radio or television, to inform wide audiences, then in the form of a written communication mailed or delivered to the families and possibly through phone calls if phone lines are available. I do not believe it would be possible or prudent for a company to send representatives to each of the homes of the trapped workers. Doing so may take away man-power from the rescue effort.
The miners' families will undoubtedly have many questions and concerns. The company could and should establish an information center available to all of the families in order to keep them informed of the developments. In the event that a live rescue is not the case, the company should set up grief counseling services. If a live rescue were to occur, the families will need up to the minute information on the conditions of their family members and also compensation for the accident, lack of safety, both past and present, and the pain and suffering of workers and their families.
Given the history of this company, its many cave-ins, and poor safety record, I do not believe this course of action would be followed. Part of the reasoning is, of course, cultural. The standards of safety are not nearly as stringent in Chile as they are in the United States. Workers frequently work in unsafe surroundings and these types of incidents happen on a more common basis than in the United States.

Attention: Minera San Estaban Primera employees: It must be announced that our copper mine located in northern Chile has suffered a collapse three days ago. There are over thirty miners trapped at a