MSC calls for dialogue to end strike

Bolivia's Minera San Cristóbal (MSC), owned by Japanese firm Sumitomo, has called on workers to initiate a dialogue immediately to end the strike that started on March 25. The workers are demanding improvements to the company's healthcare system and, according to local press, the dismissal of several officials. MSC will study the technical, social and economic feasibility of improving the medical coverage provided under the delegated medical insurance (SMD), the company said in a release. The company generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs and contributes more than US$130,000/d to the region in royalty payments, the release said. It has also taken measures to ensure workers' safety. MSC is the leading source of taxes and royalties in the national mining industry, according to the mining director at the mining and metallurgy ministry (MMM), Freddy Beltrán. MSC exported nearly US$900mn in 2010, according to MMM. MSC's mine processes 40,000t/d of ore to produce 1,600t/d of zinc-silver and lead-silver concentrates.