Update: BHP, Union Reportedly Hold Last-Minute Talks to Avoid Strike at Chilean Copper Mine

07:12 AM EDT, 10/14/2026 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates to include Reuters report on a preliminary agreement in the fourth paragraph.) BHP (BHP) workers' representatives in Chile are holding last-minute talks to avoid a strike at the world's largest copper mine, media outlets reported Wednesday. Union representatives for more than 1,000 workers at the Escondida mine said they were holding salary talks with the operator, the news outlets reported. The strike was set to begin Wednesday but was averted amid fresh talks, according to the reports. According to Reuters, two sources familiar with the matter said the parties have reached a preliminary agreement that still needs to be ratified by union members in the coming hours. No deal terms were disclosed. BHP did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for comment.