Santiago, October 19, 2026: Operations at Chile’s Centinela copper mine have moved closer to normal labour relations after workers from two unions approved a new collective bargaining agreement with operator Antofagasta Minerals, bringing a strike lasting more than a week to an end.
The agreement, confirmed by the company and union representatives on October 18, follows negotiations over wages, benefits and demands for equal treatment among workers belonging to different unions. The strike began on October 7 after contract talks broke down.
More Than 700 Workers Involved in the Strike
The industrial action involved 709 members of the Distrito Centinela and Minera Esperanza unions, representing approximately 22% of the mining company’s directly employed workforce.
The unions had sought equal benefits regardless of union membership. Negotiations resumed on October 13 through voluntary mediation led by Chile’s regional labour authority in Antofagasta.
According to the unions, 94.49% of participating workers voted to approve the proposed collective agreement, clearing the way for the strike to end.
Agreement Includes Bonus and Improved Benefits
According to Minera Centinela’s official announcement, the new collective agreement will remain in force for 36 months.
The package includes a negotiation-ending and shift-renewal bonus of 24 million Chilean pesos, alongside improvements in wages and employee benefits. The company said the agreement respected the autonomy of the two unions to negotiate separate arrangements based on their respective priorities.
Three workers had undertaken a hunger strike during the dispute to pressure both sides to reach a settlement.
Copper Production Maintained During Labour Dispute
Despite the strike, Antofagasta Minerals reported that Centinela maintained normal production levels. The mine produced 240,400 metric tonnes of copper in 2025, making it an important contributor to the company’s mining operations.
The resolution removes one source of labour-related uncertainty from the copper market at a time when producers are facing concerns about meeting future demand.
The strike at Centinela, alongside the potential for industrial action at BHP’s Escondida mine, had contributed to market concerns over copper supply. The Escondida strike threat did not materialise.
Implications for the Global Copper Market
Copper is a key industrial metal used in electricity networks, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and construction. Expectations of rising demand have increased attention on potential disruptions at major mines.
The end of the Centinela strike reduces immediate uncertainty surrounding labour relations at the operation. However, broader copper-market conditions will continue to depend on production levels, mine investments, demand growth and other supply disruptions.
The agreement also highlights the importance of collective bargaining and labour negotiations in maintaining stability across the global mining industry.