[www.ferro-alloys.com] The Columbian National Mining Agency on February 17^th released that annual nickel ore output shed by 11% to 80.80 million pounds (36700t) mainly influenced by the two-week long strike in Cerro Matoso, which owned by BHP Billiton.

Last year, the Columbian Mining Association on November 30^th forecasted nickel ore output in 2015 between 37000-38000t due to a substancial collapse of nickel price and relevant data shows that annual nickel output in 2014 was 47400t.

As one of the top 10 nickel countries in the world, Columbia’s nickel reserve was close to 1600000t, which ranges third in Latin area. With six nickel deposits nationwide, nickel ore resources are mainly located in Northern Cerro Matoso. Average royalty to develop nickel mines in the country is specified at 12%.

• [Editor:Juan]