Workers at Chile’s Centinela copper mine have reached a preliminary agreement with mining company Antofagasta Minerals, bringing a strike that lasted more than a week closer to an end.

The agreement was announced on Friday by two unions representing more than 700 workers, following renewed negotiations over a new collective labour contract. Union members were scheduled to review the proposed deal and vote on its approval on Saturday.

The strike began on October 7 after negotiations broke down, with workers demanding equal benefits regardless of which union they belonged to. Three workers had also undertaken a hunger strike to put pressure on both sides to resolve the dispute.

Antofagasta said it had presented new proposals addressing key concerns and offering significant improvements in financial terms.

Implications for Global Copper Markets

The labour dispute attracted international attention because Chile is the world’s largest copper producer, and disruptions at major mines can affect global supply and prices.

Centinela produced approximately 240,400 metric tonnes of copper in 2025. Although Antofagasta said it had maintained normal production during the strike, concerns about possible supply disruptions contributed to uncertainty in the copper market.

The preliminary agreement offers a positive step towards resolving the dispute, although its final outcome depends on whether union members approve the proposed terms.

The development comes amid broader concerns about meeting future copper demand, driven by electrification, renewable energy infrastructure and industrial growth.

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