Reuters reported that striking workers at Chile Spence copper mine will resume government mediated talks with owner BHP Billiton raising hopes of a possible resolution.

Production at Spence, which last year produced 165,000 tonnes of copper cathodes, has been cut to a minimum since miners laid down their tools 19 days ago.

Chile is the world's largest producer of copper and the strike has added to supply concerns in global markets.

Mr Andres Ramirez president of the 560 member Spence union said that the company will be open to making a new offer."

Mr Mauro Valdes spokesman with BHP Billiton in Chile said that he could not confirm a Monday meeting but that the company is always open to talks. He said that BHP Billiton has not hired replacement workers during the strike. The company earlier this month averted a walkout at its giant Escondida mine, the worlds largest with a generous wage and benefits offer that set the bar high for other contract talks in the industry.

(Sourced from Reuters)