A worker has been killed in an accident at the Escondida copper mine in Chile, the world’s largest copper operation, according to Reuters.
The accident involved a front-end loader, the head of the union representing workers at the mine tells Reuters.
Meanwhile, Chile’s mining regulator Sernageomin says it has sent a team to the site to investigate the incident.
Located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Escondida is operated as a joint venture managed by BHP (ASX:BHP), which holds a 57.5% interest.
The Australian miner has yet to issue a statement on the incident.
Strike threat looms
The fatal accident comes less than a day after reports that Escondida could face strike action amid ongoing contract negotiations.
Union supervisors plan to urge members to reject the company’s latest contract offer, which was presented late on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
The union board unanimously rejected the proposal, with one union leader saying it “lacks essential elements”.
Escondida, meanwhile, says the proposal “contains improvements and new benefits over the current collective agreement”.
The company says the offer takes into account lower production levels, cost pressures, and its investment plan to maintain future production capacity.
If union members vote to reject the offer, the two sides will enter a mandatory five-day government mediation period before a legal strike can begin.
The mediation period can be extended by a further five days if both sides agree.
Write to Jackson Chen at Mining.com.au
Main Image: BHP Group
