Santiago, January 30
A Chilean court has approved the use of force to remove striking workers from a desalination plant that supplies water to Capstone Copper’s Mantoverde copper and gold mine. The ruling comes as the labor dispute enters its fourth week and continues to disrupt mining operations in northern Chile.
The desalination plant is located in the Atacama region and plays a critical role in maintaining water supply for the mine.
Strike Enters Fourth Week
The strike began on January 2 after contract negotiations between Capstone Copper and Union No. 2 failed. Workers recently rejected the company’s latest proposal.
The offer included a payment of around $17,400 per worker and a 1 percent wage increase. Union leaders said the proposal was weaker than previous agreements.
Voter participation was limited, but most participating workers voted against the deal. The rejection followed the payment of annual bonuses worth more than two months of salary.
Operations Face Continued Disruptions
Water supply from the desalination plant was cut on January 18 after individuals occupying the site disrupted its power supply. Since then, Capstone Copper has relied on existing water reserves.
The company has suspended sulfide processing at the mine. It has also warned that further shutdowns are possible if access is not restored.
Capstone stated that a small group is preventing entry to the facility. The union has denied wrongdoing and plans to file complaints over alleged anti-union actions.
Talks and Investigation Ongoing
Union leaders have met with President Gabriel Boric to seek support for renewed negotiations. Chile’s labor authority has also opened an investigation into claims of illegal worker replacements during the strike.
The dispute highlights growing pressure within Chile’s copper sector. Rising global demand and labor challenges continue to affect production stability.
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