Who we are
Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources.
Our business
- Australia
- Southern Africa
- South America
  - Brazil Alumina
  - Cerro Matoso
- Exploration & projects
- Marketing
- Our commodities
South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company producing bauxite, alumina, aluminium, energy and metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc in Australia, Southern Africa and South America.
Community & society
We’re a business with a purpose and believe trust and transparency are essential to the way we operate. That means being in touch with the broader community – considering different perspectives and working together to create shared value.
Environment
We work hard to be responsible stewards of the environment and treat natural resources with care so that they are available for future generations. Successful environmental management is essential to our business.
People & careers
Our people are the foundation of our success and the key to our sustainability and productivity. Together, we create an inclusive workplace where we hold ourselves and each other to account to demonstrate our values.
Investors & media
- Investor centre
- Media centre
Keep up to date with our latest news and announcements.

History and location

One of the world’s major producers of ferronickel is our Cerro Matoso open-cut mine in northern Colombia.

For more than 30 years we have operated here, in Cordoba, but nickel was first discovered in the region way back in the 1950s.

Cerro Matoso is an important driving force of the local economy and it is fair to say the mine has helped shape the region.

Big things above and below the surface

Since mining began at Cerro Matoso we have improved and expanded our operations.

Our nickel laterite mine and smelter is a major producer of ferronickel and nickel iron alloy which is used to make stainless steel used in everyday household items.

An impressive 95 per cent of water used in the mining operations is recycled.

Nickel

Creating value from waste

We've found an innovative solution to turn waste into soil.

Playing our part

We're part of an important agreement, the Alliance for the Social for Alto San Jorge, with the national and regional governments of Colombia, to better the lives of more than 140,000 Alto San Jorge locals, in southern Cordoba, where we operate.

To drive community development, we have set up the Cerro Matoso Foundation, which focuses on improving essential services, economic development and building infrastructure. Over the past two years, we have contributed more than US$1.3 million to Pueblo Flecha, an Indigenous community close to our operations.

Colombia's National Tree Day

Cerro Matoso joins forces with the local community to plant 400 native trees.

Helping displaced community members

Delivering food and hygiene products to help those in need in rural areas.

Recognised for gender equity

Cerro Matoso named the best mining operation for promoting gender equity.

Contact

Get in touch with Cerro Matoso

Ricardo Gaviria

Ricardo Gaviria, Vice President Operations

Ricardo Gaviria is a civil engineer with 30 years of experience in the natural resources industry. Ricardo’s previous position was President of Minas Paz Del Rio S.A., which is a coal operation in Colombia. Ricardo has held positions in production, planning, logistics and marketing in Colombia, the United States of America, Belgium and Ireland.

Joyce Nessin, Corporate Affairs

Cerro Matoso Planta
Km. 22 Carretera S.O
Montelíbano, Córdoba
Colombia
Phone: +57 4762 3333