As the strike at Chilean copper mine Dona Ines de Collahuasi enters its 29th day Friday, the negotiations that restarted earlier this week have reached a turning point, according to a person close to the talks.

The copper mine, one of the world's largest, has continued to operate during the strike and has sent out several shipments of copper to clients in Europe and Asia.

Management and the sole union at the mine have negotiated most of the points on their agenda, such as benefits and wages, but are now discussing the key issue of bonuses, said the person who asked to remain unnamed. The union represents 1,551 workers.

More than 220 unionized workers broke away from the strike last week, which has helped the mine bring its production back to capacity. In addition, the company hired some 100 replacement workers to maintain operations.

Collahuasi is controlled by diversified mining companies Xstrata PLC (XTA.LN) and Anglo American PLC (AAUKY, AAL.LN), each with a 44% stake. A consortium led by Mitsui & Co. (MITSY, 8031.TO) holds the remaining 12%.

-By Carolina Pica, Dow Jones Newswires; 56-2-715-8919; carolina.pica@dowjones.com
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