BHP Billiton Group has asked for more time to negotiate to avoid a strike at its Escondida copper mine in Chile, Metal Bulletin reported Feb. 2, citing the Union No 1.

Following the vote by workers approving the strike, the company requested "buenos oficios," a five-day official period of negotiations. Talks are set to resume Feb. 3.

Earlier in the week, workers at the Escondida mine rejected a wage offer from BHP and voted for a strike.