According to Funtraenergetica labour organisation president Joaquin Romero, discussions stalled over the topics of higher pay and better employment security, and the privately owned operation is now “paralysed” by the stoppage.
“We hope to restart talks in the days to come,” he told Reuters. The union is negotiating a two-year contract for the crews.
The openpit mine, which has idled due to the strike, produces about 2 million tonnes monthly.
Drummond is based in Alabama, where it also owns underground reserves.
Another Colombian mine facing threats of strike action for the same issues, Glencore, avoided a stoppage earlier this week when a deal was reached between the company and union.
