AP reported that union workers at copper miner Asarco LLC have ratified a labor contract extension with the Tucson.

The deal covers nearly 2,100 workers in 8 unions at the company's three Arizona mines, one Arizona smelter and a copper refinery in Amarillo, Texas. The deal will be effective through June 30th 2013.

Mr Manuel Ramos president of Asarco said that the deal allows Asarco to avoid labor disruptions and satisfy its customers' needs.

Unions have had a contentious relationship with Asarco in the past. A strike in 2005 added to soaring environmental costs and helped push the company into bankruptcy reorganization.

(Sourced from Associated Press)