Key facts
- Operations at BHP's Escondida mine in Chile are gradually resuming after a fatal accident.
- Unions rejected management's request to pause contract talks following the worker's death.
- The accident occurred earlier this week, leading to a suspension of operations.
- Chilean regulations require safety inspections before operations can resume after a fatal accident.
Operations at BHP's Escondida copper mine in Chile are being progressively resumed following a fatal accident that occurred earlier this week. The world's largest copper mine announced the gradual restart on Thursday, with work having been suspended following the fatality. Unions at the mine have rejected management's request to pause ongoing contract negotiations with unionized supervisors and staff in the wake of the worker's death. The company had sought a temporary suspension of talks, citing the accident, but unions condemned the move as a delaying tactic. Operations were halted after the accident, and gradually resumed on Thursday as safety inspectors confirmed conditions were safe, as per Chilean regulations. Sernageomin, Chile's mining regulator, is investigating the cause of the accident. BHP holds a 57.5% stake in the mine, Rio Tinto holds 30%, and Japan-based JECO Corp owns 12.5%.