Workers say they will continue their strike at Chile's Spence copper mine after negotiations with BHP Billiton over salaries failed yet again.
On 13 October Spence miners began a strike after union members rejected BHP's offer following a government-assisted mediation period.
Government-mediated negotiations on 2 and 3 November failed to bring about a settlement between the workers and BHP.
The strike has resulted in minimum production at the mine with no new miners being hired in place of the striking workers.
The strike has also impacted copper supply in international markets.
Spence negotiations are being viewed as a basis for talks that are expected to commence this year at other Chilean mines.
