BHP Billiton asks the Chilean government to mediate with Escondida's labor union

Gold Ten Futures, August 6, according to foreign media reports, Australian mining company BHP Billiton (BHP) said it has asked the Chilean government to mediate with the union representing workers at the Escondida mine, a move aimed at avoiding a possible strike at the world's largest copper mine project. BHP Billiton pointed out in a statement that the mine is currently operating normally and the purpose of the mediation is to reach a contractual agreement with the miner. BHP owns more than half of Escondida's shares, with Rio Tinto and JECO Corp holding minority stakes. The statement said that once the mediation is confirmed, the two sides will have five working days to continue negotiations. Workers in Escondida rejected a new collective bargaining agreement last week, the union said. The union has demanded that the 1% dividend be distributed equally among workers, but on Monday declined to comment on the company's request for mediation.