Minera El Abra, which operates the El Abra copper mine controlled by US-based Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (NYSE: FCX), rejected an accusation made by the mine’s San Lorenzo union claiming that management was creating a strained working environment that is increasing risks regarding workers’ safety.

“El Abra has a solid relationship with the unions and is always willing to discuss work-related issues, especially safety,” a company spokesperson told BNamericas

The official said occupational safety and health is a key factor for the company’s development and all its operations are certified under the OHSAS 18001 international standard.

“We promote safety in our operations and work hard for our workers to be aware of their own responsibility in the matter and look out for their coworkers’ safety,” the spokesperson said.

The representative did not comment on the accidents the union referred to in its March 30 statement or the supposed subsequent layoffs.

In the statement, San Lorenzo union president Juan Gómez said miners’ performance has been impacted by management’s constant threats of possible layoffs and a lack of measures to secure the operation’s continued improvement.

As a result, according to Gómez, there have been several incidents at El Abra recently, and four workers have been fired.

El Abra is a 51:49 JV with state company Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer.

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