January 2, 2026 — Leads & Copy —
Capstone Copper Corp. announced that Union #2, representing about 50% of the Mantoverde Mine employees in Chile (22% of the total workforce), will strike starting today.
Prior to the strike notice, Capstone Copper (TSX:CS) (ASX:CSC) said it attempted to reach an agreement in good faith for a new collective bargaining agreement with Union #2.
The company expects that certain activities at the mine will be gradually reduced in a safe manner as a result of the strike. Capstone Copper expects to maintain operations at up to 30% of normal production during the strike.
Capstone Copper said it remains willing to participate in meetings to reach a resolution. The company will continue to adhere to legal procedures, respecting the rights of all its employees.
The company said it is inviting the union to engage in a constructive dialogue and providing the authorities with all requested information. Capstone Copper said it is committed to the highest standards for integrity and transparency and looks forward to returning its focus to safe and responsible mining at Mantoverde, which brings great benefits to the workforce and surrounding communities.
Mantoverde was able to successfully negotiate new three-year collective bargaining agreements with the three other unions in 2025.
Capstone Copper reported that it distributed $682 million in economic value to Chile across its operations in 2024, including $136 million in employee wages and benefits. Mantoverde employs approximately 1,270 total employees, including approximately 550 individuals from the local communities in the Atacama region of Chile. The total workforce at Mantoverde is approximately 2,940 individuals, including approximately 1,670 contractors.
About Capstone Copper Corp.
Capstone Copper Corp. is an Americas-focused copper mining company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Capstone’s operating portfolio of assets includes the Pinto Valley copper mine located in Arizona, USA, the Cozamin copper-silver mine located in Zacatecas, Mexico, the Mantos Blancos copper-silver mine located in the Antofagasta region, Chile, and the Mantoverde copper-gold mine, located in the Atacama region, Chile. Capstone’s growth pipeline includes the fully permitted Santo Domingo copper-iron-gold project, located approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Mantoverde in the Atacama region, Chile, as well as a portfolio of exploration properties in the Americas.
Capstone Copper’s strategy is to unlock transformational copper production growth while executing on cost and operational improvements through innovation, optimization and safe and responsible production throughout our portfolio of assets. We focus on profitability and disciplined capital allocation to surface stakeholder value. We are committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of our people and local communities, while delivering compelling returns to investors by responsibly producing copper to meet the world’s growing needs.
Further information is available at www.capstonecopper.com
Source: Capstone Copper Corp.
