Colombia's Cerro Matoso ferronickel mine on strike

BOGOTA, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Colombia's Cerro Matoso ferronickel mine was "totally paralyzed" on Thursday by a labor union strike that started the day before, an official at the company with direct knowledge of the situation told Reuters.

The mine, in the northern province of Cordoba, is owned by BHP Billiton (BLT.L: Quote, Profile, Research) (BHP.AX: Quote, Profile, Research).

"The strike started at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. The mine is totally paralyzed," said the source, who asked not to be named.

Asked how long the strike is expected to last, the official responded: "No one knows." (Reporting by Hugh Bronstein)