Codelco says protectors damage key Ministro Hales mine equipment

Chilean state copper company Codelco said important mine equipment at its newest project Ministro Hales had been seriously damaged by striking contract workers who seized control of the site this week, potentially affecting output. Contract workers affiliated with the Confederation of Copper Workers, or CTC, have been on strike across Codelco's operations since July 21 and have occupied the company's Ministro Hales mine in northern Chile, as well as its smaller Salvador complex.