Capstone Copper (ASX:CSC) said it is seeking court assistance to restore water supply and resume operations at its Mantoverde mine in Chile after a strike by Union #2 disrupted facilities critical to the operation.
The company said that on Jan. 18, individuals entered its desalination plant, located about 40km from the mine, and interfered with the electrical system, cutting water supply to Mantoverde while workers were on site.
Striking union members are reportedly preventing access to restart the plant, forcing the company to rely on on-site water reserves for essential services.
Sulphide operations have been temporarily halted, while oxide operations are expected to continue only until water reserves are depleted.
Capstone said it remains open to dialogue with the union, is following legal procedures, and is working with authorities to restore operations and return focus to safe and responsible mining at Mantoverde.