Work at BHP Billiton Limited’s (ASX:BHP) majority owned Escondida copper mine in Chile appears to be at a standstill with industrial action showing no sign of abating.
A spokesperson from BHP Base Metals Division admitted the world's largest copper mine is not currently operating and refused to reveal if copper was still being shipped from the port.
BHP has labelled the strike as “illegal and unjustified” and says it will resume talks with the workers when they return to work.
The company has declined the Chilean government’s offer to mediate but has offered workers a "discretionary" bonus in an effort to avoid labour conflict.
Earlier this week reports emerged that the miner could be losing as much as $28 million a day because of the strike.
BHP Billiton reported a net profit of $10.5 billion in the six months to 31 December 2010.
