BHP has identified areas to grow the Cerro Matoso nickel significantly, notably building a 3rd and 4th processing line and a low-cost leaching operation where they also see a growth in demand for mining equipment. Pending board approval, BHP envisages that these projects could see capacity more than doubling over the next ten years.
BHP Billiton’s Cerro Matoso nickel mining operation is located in Colombia combining a lateritic nickel ore deposit with a cheap ferronickel smelter. As the world’s second-largest producer of ferronickel it boasts as an operation with the lowest costs.
Nickel production in 2008 was 41,800 tons, which is 9,000 tons lower than 2007’s production due to an industrial stoppage during 2008. Costs were higher because of increased electricity and fuel expenses. The mine ore has an approximate reserve span of 42 years, based on current production levels.
BHP Billiton’s Cerro Matoso nickel mining operation is located in Colombia combining a lateritic nickel ore deposit with a cheap ferronickel smelter. As the world’s second-largest producer of ferronickel it boasts as an operation with the lowest costs.
Nickel production in 2008 was 41,800 tons, which is 9,000 tons lower than 2007’s production due to an industrial stoppage during 2008. Costs were higher because of increased electricity and fuel expenses. The mine ore has an approximate reserve span of 42 years, based on current production levels.
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