BHP says Escondida mine output normal, wage talks may resume

BHP Billiton's Escondida copper mine, in Chile, has recovered from a six-week strike faster than expected, with output now running at normal levels, an executive with the company said on Tuesday. The strike at Escondida, the world's largest copper mine, sent shockwaves through the market in February and March. It ended when the union representing the striking workers opted to return to work under the old contract, effectively pushing talks on a new deal into next year.