A copper strike in northern Chile ended Oct. 18 after Minera Centinela reached a 36-month agreement with two unions representing 22% of its direct workforce.
The Sindicato de Trabajadores Minera Esperanza and Sindicato de Trabajadores Distrito Centinela together represent 709 workers. Their strike began Oct. 7. Minera Centinela said the agreement improves pay and benefits and includes a bonus connected to the conclusion of talks and the renewal of shifts. The company did not disclose the deal’s total cost.
Voluntary mediation by Antofagasta’s regional labor authority brought the parties back to negotiations on Oct. 13. Reuters, citing a union statement, reported that 94.49% of participating workers approved the agreement.
Reuters also reported that the unions wanted workers to receive equal benefits regardless of which union they belonged to. The company said each union could negotiate terms reflecting its own priorities.
Minera Centinela General Manager Nicolás Rivera described the settlement as positive for the company and its workers. The company said the operation continued running during the strike.
Antofagasta Minerals operates Centinela in Chile’s Antofagasta Region. Antofagasta plc’s annual report put Centinela’s 2025 copper output at 240,400 metric tons.
Before the settlement, Reuters linked copper-price strength to concerns that mine supply might not meet demand. A day after the agreement, copper prices slipped on Oct. 19.
