Colombian iron-nickel open-cast mining firm Cerro Matoso (of Montelibano, Cordoba) has opened up a second production line (as well as other plant improvements including an electrical sub-station) permitting it to double production to 120 million pounds and to aim for exports worth USD 400 million in 2001. The plant improvements were completed three months ahead of schedule and under a budget of USD 353 million. The construction consortium, Bechtel-Hatch, together with Colombian consortium Shrader Camarco-Conconcreto, contracted over 5000 people for the works which involved a further 62 subcontractors.
