After a US$353-million expansion, Billiton has mined its first ferronickel from the Cerro Matoso nickel laterite operation, near Montelibano in northern Colombia.
An open-pit mine, Cerro Matoso has more than 40 million tonnes of ore grading 2.4% nickel. The expansion will increase annual production to 55,000 from 29,000 tonnes, making Cerro Matoso the largest ferronickel producer in the world.
Expansion began in February 1999 and was completed three months ahead of schedule and under budget.
Billiton commissioned Calgary-based Krupp Canada to install 12 conveyor belts ranging in length from 8 to 432 metres. The belts were coupled with eight belt feeders and one steep-angle, belt-wall conveyor. The conveyor line will transport more ore from the pit to the smelter, which is on-site.
The smelter produces high-purity, low-carbon ferronickel granules, which are used exclusively in the production of stainless steel.
At current production levels, Cerro Matoso has a mine life of at least 30 years. Billiton also has exploration rights to some 77,000 ha in the main part of the Colombian nickel belt.
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