BHP Billiton was forced to close down its Escondida copper mine — which supplies some 8% of the world’s copper — on August 18 due to strike action by workers over wages and conditions. The company also ended negotiations with the workers’ union. The strike began on August 7 and workers blocked all access roads to the mine, reducing Escondida’s output to 40% with contract workers hired to maintain limited production. BHP Billiton spokesperson Emma Meade told media that “this heightened union activity means we no longer feel that we are able to unequivocally guarantee the health and safety of our people or the integrity of the operations infrastructure”. The company has threatened to sue the union. Although the union has reduced its wage claim from a 13% to a 10% increase, the company is refusing to grant more than a 3% rise. The union has demanded that the government intervene.

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