94.49% of Workers Approve Deal, Ending Strike at Antofagasta Mine
A preliminary deal has been reached between striking unions and Antofagasta, ending a strike that began on October 7 at the Centinela copper mine, with normal production maintained throughout
A strike at Antofagasta's Centinela copper mine in Chile has come to an end after striking unions reached a preliminary deal with the company. The deal was approved by 94.49% of participating workers, marking a successful conclusion to the collective bargaining process.
The strike, which began on October 7, involved more than 700 union members from the Distrito Centinela and Minera Esperanza unions. The unions had sought equal benefits for workers regardless of which union they belonged to, leading to a breakdown in contract talks.
Despite the strike, Antofagasta maintained normal production at the mine, avoiding any negative impact on operations. The mine produced 240,400 metric tons of copper in 2025, and the company's ability to maintain production levels helped to mitigate the effects of the strike.
The strike had been supporting global copper prices amid concerns about the industry's ability to increase supply sufficiently to meet expected future demand. However, with the strike now ended, the market is likely to be affected.
## Why it matters The end of the strike at the Centinela copper mine is significant for the global copper market, as it helps to alleviate concerns about supply chain disruptions. The mine is a major producer of copper, and any disruption to production could have had a significant impact on the market. With the strike now ended, the market can expect a more stable supply of copper, which could help to meet growing demand.
The deal reached between the striking unions and Antofagasta is also a positive development for the workers involved, who will now receive equal benefits regardless of which union they belong to. The fact that 94.49% of participating workers approved the deal suggests that the agreement is widely supported by the workforce.
The successful conclusion of the collective bargaining process is a significant achievement for the unions and the company, and demonstrates the ability of the parties to work together to resolve disputes. The end of the strike is a positive development for the mining industry as a whole, and helps to maintain stability in the global copper market.
