Key Macroeconomic Indicators for Base Metal Prices (2017-5-25)

Chile’s mining regulator reported on October 1 that a worker had died in an accident at Codelco’s Radomiro Tomic copper mine in northern Chile. Preliminary information indicates that the incident occurred in an area associated with a conveyor belt near Calama. Chile’s National Geology and Mining Service has sent personnel to inspect the site and take appropriate administrative measures. The worker’s identity, employer and the cause of the accident have not been disclosed, while an investigation remains under way. No other related emergencies were reported. Codelco and the authorities have not announced any operational suspension or production impact.

Supervisors at BHP's Escondida copper mine in Chile have rejected the company's final collective bargaining offer, increasing the risk of a potential strike at the world's largest copper mine.​ According to foreign media reports, 95% of participating members of the 1,020-member supervisors' union voted in favour of strike action after rejecting BHP's latest contract proposal.​ Under Chilean labour law, the union and the company must now enter a mandatory five-day government-led mediation process before any legal work stoppage can begin. The mediation period can be extended by another five days if both parties agree.​ The union said BHP's offer did not represent a material improvement over the existing contract and criticised proposed requirements for supervisors to train in plant operating activities, including truck driving. BHP has said it plans to seek mediation through Chile's Labour Inspection Office in an effort to reach an agreement.​ The latest labour development comes shortly after a fatal maintenance-related accident at Escondida, which temporarily disrupted operations. The supervisors' union had previously rejected BHP's request to extend negotiations following the incident. Operations at Escondida have since been gradually resuming.​ The 95% vote in favour of strike action represents a significant escalation in collective bargaining negotiations at Escondida, although there has been no strike or reported production impact from the labour dispute at this stage. The mandatory mediation process provides an opportunity for BHP and the union to reach an agreement before industrial action begins. Given Escondida's position as the world's largest copper mine, any prolonged work stoppage could increase near-term copper supply uncertainty, making the outcome of the mediation period an important market focus.

Marimaca Copper has received grid connection authorization for its Marimaca Oxide Deposit (MOD) in Chile and has agreed key commercial terms for a power-purchase-agreement framework, advancing the project's power infrastructure planning as development progresses.​ The grid connection authorization provides a pathway for MOD to connect to Chile's electricity system, while the agreed commercial terms establish the basis for a future power supply arrangement. Marimaca said the framework is intended to support the project's access to 100% renewable electricity.​ The company described the development as an important de-risking milestone for MOD, as reliable long-term power supply is a key requirement for the planned mining and processing operation.​ Marimaca is advancing MOD as an oxide copper development project in northern Chile. The company has been progressing permitting, engineering and other project-development work as it moves the asset toward a potential construction decision.​ The power milestone strengthens the project's infrastructure readiness, but a final power-purchase agreement and full project execution remain subject to further development steps and contractual completion.​ Securing grid connection authorization reduces an important infrastructure risk for the Marimaca Oxide Deposit by providing greater clarity on how the project could access long-term electricity supply. The proposed use of renewable power could also support lower-emissions copper production. Attention will now turn to finalization of the power-purchase agreement and progress on the remaining permitting, financing and development milestones required before construction.