Santiago, Chile ? Workers at Chile’s La Escondida mine – responsible for about 8 percent of world copper output – on Thursday voted to end their 25-day strike, a labor union official reported.

Francisco Aedo said 1,607 workers voted to accept a new 40-month contract offered by the company, Minera La Escondida. Another 121 voted to continue to strike and one worker voided his vote.

The strike at the world’s largest privately owned copper mine had roiled world markets for the metal, with developments in negotiations setting off buying and selling waves. The strike brought about half the mine’s production to a halt – stoking fears of a shortage in an already tight market.

The new contract will be signed today and strikers will return to work at the mine Saturday or Sunday, Aedo said.