Strikers at BHP's Escondida mine in Chile block restart attempt at port

Striking workers at BHP Billiton's Escondida copper mine, in Chile, the world's largest, are blocking attempts by the company to renew operations at a key port nearby, BHP and an umbrella union said on Thursday, as the stoppage enters its sixth week. The company said on Tuesday it was gradually resuming operations at Escondida after the 2 500-member Escondida No 1 Union, which has been on strike since February 9, turned down three offers to return to the negotiating table.