Workers go on strike at Chile’s Chuquicamata copper mine

SANTIAGO (AFP) - Workers employed by the world’s top copper producer went on strike yesterday at the sprawling Chuquicamata mine in Chile, unions said.
Three unions issued a statement saying adherence to the stoppage was massive at the mine operated by the State-owned company Codelco.

Codelco produces more than a third of the world’s copper. The miners are demanding wage increases and other improvements in working conditions.
The strike follows two weeks of talks between union and management.

Located in the harsh Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Chuquicamata is considered the world’s largest open pit copper mine.The strike comes at a delicate moment. After operating for more than 100 years as an open pit, Chuquicamata will shift in July to underground block cave mining after an investment of US$5.8 billion.