Workers at Chile's Centinela Copper Mine on Strike

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Written by Amir Richani for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

About 22% of Centinela's direct workforce began a strike on October 7 following failed contract negotiations. Antofagasta said its production forecast remains unchanged. Centinela is one of Chile's biggest mines with an output of 240,000 tonnes in 2025.

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Negotiations Crumble

Two labor unions at Antofagasta plc's Centinela Mine in Sierra Gorda, Chile, began a strike October 7 after failed contract negotiations and government mediation. The company said its production forecast remains unchanged, despite the effects of the strike.

Industrial Info Resources offers more information on the Centinela mine in its Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Metals & Minerals Plant and Project databases, where readers can find details--including construction schedules, investment values and necessary equipment--in a plant profile and a list of project reports.

The labor unions together represent just more than 700 workers and account for roughly 22% of Centinela's direct workforce.

The strike follows months of failed negotiations between the company and the unions over new contracts.

Antofagasta said that it remains open to continuing negotiations: "The company respects the workers' decision and remains willing to continue discussions with their representatives to reach an agreement that takes into account the interests of both parties."

Centinela is one of the world's biggest copper mines. In 2025, it produced 240,000 tonnes of copper, a 7% increase compared with 2024. Between January and July this year, Centinela produced 113,000 tonnes of copper, according to the Chilean Copper Commission (Cochilco).

Industrial Info Resources is tracking four active projects at the Centinela mine, representing total investments of US$4.1 billion. According to Industrial Info Resources data, the biggest is the construction of the Nueva Centinela Mine and Concentrator, which is expected to be completed by late 2027. Readers can learn more in a detailed project report.

Larger Labor Issues

Earlier this year, workers at the Mantoverde Copper Mine in Chanaral, Chile, also launched a strike, triggering operational disruptions and production cuts. Readers can learn more in a detailed plant profile.

Meanwhile, the Escondida Copper Mine in the city of Antofagasta, Chile, the world's largest copper mine, is in government-mediated negotiations after a labor union at the mine called for strike action. Once the government-mediated dialogue completes its terms, members of that union at Escondida could walk off their posts. Readers can learn more in a detailed plant profile.

Additionally, Chile is grappling with lower production from some of its biggest copper mines, while world copper supply remains tight, driven by strong demand and lower outputs from key mines.

Key Takeaways

• Two labor unions accounting for 22% of the direct workforce began a strike at the Centinela mine on October 7.
• Antofagasta said its production forecast remains unchanged.
• Centinela is one of the biggest copper mines in Chile, producing 240,000 tonnes of copper in 2025.

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About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news, and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing, and energy-related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified, and verified plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 trillion (USD).