Colombian nickel mine ups production 72% in 1st quarter

Nickel production at the Cerro Matoso mine in Colombia, owned by Australian BHP Billiton, was up 72% in the first three months of the year compared to 2011, reported Reuters Friday.

The company put the increase in nickel production down to the replacement of a furnace.

Cerro Matoso, Colombia’s only nicklel mine, has 21 million metric tons of proven reserves and produces 4% of the world’s nickel, and 10% of the world’s ferronickel.

The company said on Wednesday “Nickel production was higher than all comparable periods, reflecting improved smelter and refinery performance at Nickel West Australia and strong operating performance at Cerro Matoso (Colombia) following the successful replacement of the Line 1 furnace in September 2011.”