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BHP and union to begin speak with prevent strike at Chilean copper mine

Mining giant BHP and the union representing employees at its Spence copper mine in Chile will start on Wednesday governmentmediated talks intended at averting a strike, both celebrations said.

BHP activated an obligatory five-day period of federal government mediation, common of such labor talks in Chile, after union members massively rejected a brand-new agreement deal from the company earlier this week, paving the way for a strike.

We will meet in a number of hours to start the compulsory mediation after BHP asked for that, union head Ronald Salcedo informed . The talks will last five company days, so we can attempt and reach an arrangement. If not, the strike begins next Wednesday.

The union represents more than 1,100 workers at the copper mine located in northern Chile. Their previous cumulative arrangement expired on May 31.

BHP stated that the Spence mine, which produced 249,000 metric lots of copper in 2015, continues to run normally while it seeks a friendly solution with the union.

After the preliminary five-day period, the parties can agree to extend the talks for another five days if they make development in reaching a contract.

Chile is the world's biggest copper producer.

(source: Reuters)