Chilean Mine Strike Threatens Copper Supply Amid Ongoing Disruptions
A copper mine strike in Chile is heating up, threatening to disrupt ore supply. Antofagasta Minerals' Centinela copper mine has been at odds with its unions over collective contracts. The two unions voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike on Monday, September 28, after rejecting the company's proposal.
The company and unions will now enter a government-mandated mediation process, which can last up to ten days before a legal strike can occur. Centinela produced 240,400 mt of copper in 2025.
Copper prices are expected to stay high due to supply disruptions, with LME copper closing lower and SHFE copper closing higher on Wednesday, September 30, indicating long liquidation.