Chile copper mine workers seek dialogue as coronavirus outbreak explodes

Unionised copper mine workers in Chile asked on Wednesday to be included in a dialogue between companies and the government to address the exploding coronavirus crisis in the world´s top producer of the red metal.

The Chilean Mines Federation – which groups the workers at Chile’s principal copper deposits – has softened its tone since demanding on Sunday that authorities strengthen enforcement of safety rules following an "alarming" increase in coronavirus cases among miners.

"We want to request, as the largest mining organisation in Chile, a three-way dialogue … to prevent even more mine workers from becoming infected," the group said in a statement.