Tensions Rise at Top Copper Mine as Strikers Enter Mine Site
- Company says contract workers were forced to leave Chile mine
- Main Escondida union says some members marched peacefully
Workers of the Escondida copper mine start an indefinite strike on Feb. 9.
Photographer: Juan Rivas/AFP via Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
BHP Billiton Ltd., owner of the world’s top copper mine, said it will take legal action after a group of about 300 people entered the Escondida mine during a strike and forced some contractors to abandon the site.
People with their faces covered entered the mine site at 6 p.m. Santiago time on Saturday, threatening the staff of contract companies and setting off fire alarms, causing damage, the Melbourne-based company said in an e-mailed statement Sunday. A smaller group cut power to security cameras, it said.