Lundin Mining to halt Candelaria after union talks fail

Lundin Mining (TSX: LUN) will suspend operations at its Candelaria copper mine in Chile after failing to reach a deal with a second union, representing about 550 workers, which will stop working on Oct. 20.

AOS Union’s decision to walk out follows an unsuccessful mediation and comes on top of an ongoing strike by the Mina Workers Union, which began on Oct. 8.

“Illegal and violent actions promoted under the guise of the legal strike of the Mine Workers Union, and the pending labour action of the Candelaria AOS Union, puts the safety of our Candelaria workforce at risk,” Lundin said in a statement, explaining the decision to suspend operations.

“Critical works will continue to be executed to protect required onsite personnel, the operation and the environment,” it stated.

The Toronto-based company also said it had withdrawn 2020 production, cash cost and capital cost guidance for its 80%-owned mine.

Lundin had expected Candelaria to produce 160,000-175,000 tonnes copper and 90,000-100,000 oz. gold this year, according to revised guidance in April.

Lundin had said it would start collective bargaining with Candelaria’s two remaining unions, which together represented about 230 supervisors, later this month.

While Candelaria produces far less copper than giant Chilean mines owned by BHP (NYSE: BHP; LSE: BHP) and Chile’s Codelco, the collapse in talks underscores supply risks in a country that accounts for over a quarter of global production.

Last week, BHP avoided a strike at Escondida, the world’s biggest copper mine, after drawn-out wage talks that supported prices for the metal due to supply fears.

Lundin Mining is due to release its September quarter results next week.

— This article first appeared in MINING.com, part of Glacier Resource Innovation Group.