SANTIAGO, June 14 (Reuters) - The union representing

workers at BHP's Spence copper mine in Chile accepted a

contract proposal by the company on Friday by an overwhelming

margin, averting the risk of a strike.

Around 93% of union members voted in favor of the proposal,

with the other 7% voting to strike, a tally provided by the

union showed.

Earlier this week, workers and the firm had reached an

initial agreement that required a vote by union members to go

into effect.

The union represents more than 1,100 workers at the copper

mine located in northern Chile. Their previous collective

agreement expired on May 31.

BHP had previously said that the Spence mine, which produced

249,000 metric tons of copper last year, was operating as normal

while the firm was in negotiations with the union.

Chile is the world's largest copper producer.