Workers at Canada's Largest Copper Mine Authorize Strike Starting Oct. 24
United Steelworkers Local 7619 has authorized a strike at Teck Resources' Highland Valley Copper mine, Canada's largest copper operation, potentially beginning Oct. 24 after the previous collective agreement expired on Sept. 30.
Workers at Highland Valley Copper, described as Canada’s largest copper mine, have authorized a strike that could begin as early as 8 a.m. Pacific time on Oct. 24. United Steelworkers Local 7619 issued the strike notice after the workers' previous collective agreement expired on Sept. 30.
Teck Resources Ltd., the owner of the Highland Valley Copper operation, stated that operations are continuing despite the strike threat. The company said it has contingency plans in place to maintain safety and environmental management during any labour action. Teck expects the mine to produce 115,000 to 135,000 metric tonnes of copper this year.
The potential work stoppage comes amid tight global copper supply and recent labour disputes in Chile. Those disputes included a 10-day strike at Antofagasta PLC’s Centinela mine and an eleventh-hour deal to avert a walkout at BHP Group’s Escondida operation.
A strike at Highland Valley Copper could cause further disruption to the global market for copper.