I read this in the paper this morning. This mine in Chile produces 3.3 percent of the world copper.

http://af.reuters.com/article/metalsNews/idAFLDE6A213K20101103

 Talks to resume as strike threat from Nov. 5 still looms

 * Raises bonus and benefit offer to $27,000 from $19,000

 * Offers to increase monthly wage, benefits by 15-20 pct

 * Proposal similar to previous accord at Escondida mine

 The operator of Collahuasi deposit, which is owned by

Xstrata (XTA.L: Quote) and Anglo American (AAL.L: Quote), has significantly
raised its offer to $27,000 in bonuses and benefits per worker
from an earlier offer of $19,000, according to a copy of the
latest wage proposal seen by Reuters.

Easy to see why Xstrata and Vale seem to think that the mines in Sudbury etc are 

not cost effective if this  is any indication of what they think miner's salaries 

should be.

and I read this yesterday.  http://agoracom.com/ir/300/forums/discussion/topics/449717-copper-rises-for-second-day-as-dollar-drops/messages/1464116#message

copper might be the place to be