Peruvian ore miners strike at iron mine
A third strike in 12 months has seriously affected
production at
Perus only iron mine as workers demand higher pay.
More than 600 of the mines 869 workers at Shougang Hierro
Peru SAA have gone strike demanding a $1.54 a day raise.
Chinas Shougang Corp., who owns the mine, has offered $0.52 per day.
China imports nearly 1.5 percent of its
iron ore from Hierro
Peru, accounting for half of
Perus total ore
production. Last year the mine saw a 22 percent year-on-year
production increase. However, April 2005s year-to-date
production figures have declined by just over 6.5 percent.
Twice last year, workers went on strike, bringing
production to a virtual standstill for 41 days. And at
Perus largest zinc and lead producer, Volcan Cia. Minera SA, workers downed tools for eight days in June.