Catherwood LibraryILR School

A BHP Billiton executive noted today that Chile’s copper industry needs to improve labor relations and update its technology if the industry is to maintain its position as top copper producer worldwide. Already, productivity is falling because the mined ore’s quality is decreasing. The United States was the number one copper producer until 1982, when the ore’s quality worsened. However, the U.S. has been able to maintain a copper industry by utilizing updated technology. BHP recently lost $1 billion during a 43-day strike. Malchuk, president of operations at BHP’s Minerals Americas, recommended companies improve labor relations strategies by training communities and increasing diversity.