BHP Sues Spence Union Over Two Earlier Work Stoppages, Seeking $8.6 Million

Published: Oct 16, 2026 12:06 (GMT+8)

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BHP has sued the workers’ union at its Spence copper mine in Chile over two work stoppages in late June and July, seeking approximately US$8.6 million in damages. BHP alleges that the union organised the stoppages outside the collective bargaining period to demand a special bonus of CLP5 million per member beyond existing agreements, significantly disrupting operations. The union declined to comment. The alleged illegality of the stoppages has not been established by a court. According to court filings cited by Chilean media, the stoppages took place on June 30–July 1 and July 7–8. BHP estimates lost copper production at approximately 567 tonnes, comprising 400 tonnes of cathode copper and 167 tonnes of copper contained in concentrate. The lawsuit concerns compensation for past disruptions; no new production interruption at Spence has been reported in connection with the case.

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