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Cerro Matoso


Spanish language information: Para obtener información en español sobre Cerro Matoso, consulte su sitio web: www.cerromatoso.com.co



Our Cerro Matoso open-cut mine in northern Colombia is a significant producer of ferronickel.

Cerro Matoso

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

Key statistics

40.8 kt

FY23 Payable nickel production

99.9%

South32 share

US$4.8m

FY23 investment in local communities

History and location

Our Cerro Matoso open-cut mine in northern Colombia is a significant producer of ferronickel.

For almost 40 years Cerro Matoso has 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.

Big things above and below the surface

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

Since mining began at Cerro Matoso we have improved and expanded our operations. Ninety-five per cent of water used in the mining operations is recycled.

Partnering with communities

Workers at our Cerro Matoso operation posing for the camera in front of some trucks

Partnering with communities

At Cerro Matoso in Colombia, we have worked closely with surrounding communities to form agreements that have produced positive relationships and provide a strong foundation into the future. 

Learn more about how South32 supports local communities

Our stories

Cerro Matoso

Cerro Matoso celebrates 40 years of making a difference

Our Cerro Matoso operation in Colombia has celebrated the 40th anniversary of its first tonne of nickel produced back in 1982.

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First ore community support

“Thank you, Cerro Matoso, for making our dreams come true” and “welcome to the community” were some of the signs on display as locals cheered on the first ore from our Cerro Matoso operation’s Queresas and Porvenir project in Planeta Rica, Colombia.

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A case study in building community partnerships

At Cerro Matoso in Colombia, we have worked closely with surrounding communities to form agreements that have produced positive relationships and provide a strong foundation into the future.

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Nickel

Nickel

Has an important role to play as the world transitions to a more sustainable future due to its use as an alloy in wind, solar and geothermal power infrastructure.
Learn more

  • 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.

Contacts

Joyce Nessin, Corporate Affairs

Phone: +57 4762 3333