BHP Billiton Group has requested the Chilean labor authority to initiate a mediation process over the salary negotiations between its Escondida copper mine manager and employees to buy more time for the two sides to avoid a strike. BHP Billiton said in a statement on Monday that once the date of the settlement is confirmed, the two sides will have five working days to continue negotiations.

BHP Billiton Group has requested the Chilean labor authority to initiate a mediation process over the salary negotiations between its Escondida copper mine manager and employees to buy more time for the two sides to avoid a strike. BHP Billiton said in a statement on Monday that once the date of the settlement is confirmed, the two sides will have five working days to continue negotiations.