Cerro Matoso has escalated its warning regarding the ongoing natural gas supply crisis, stating that approximately 90,000 tonnes of coal production are now at risk.
The Colombian nickel producer, which relies on coal for its smelting operations, faces a compounding operational squeeze as its primary energy supplier, Canacol Energy, continues to restrict gas volumes delivered to the mine.
The supply constraint has already forced Cerro Matoso to reduce its production capacity by 25%.
The supply constraint has already forced Cerro Matoso to reduce its production capacity by 25%.
The company argues that the continued lack of gas from Canacol is not only curbing output but also jeopardizing employment, procurement contracts, and broader operational viability.
Without a resolution to the energy shortfall, the mine’s ability to maintain current production levels remains in question.
This development underscores the fragility of energy-dependent mining operations in Colombia, where infrastructure bottlenecks and supply disputes can rapidly translate into commodity output risks.