Striking union at BHP's Escondida says it is open to further conversations

The union for striking workers at BHP Billiton's Escondida in Chile, the world's largest copper mine, said after meeting with the company on Monday that it was open to further conversations that could lead to reopening negotiations. "At this time, both parties are doing their own evaluation. Depending on the status of that evaluation, this could go forward," union spokesman Carlos Allendes told reporters in the city of Antofagasta.