Colombia Cerro Matoso mine restarts talks-union

BOGOTA, March 26 (Reuters) - Labor talks restarted on Wednesday at Colombia's Cerro Matoso ferronickel mine, which produces 4 percent of the world's nickel, and could lead to a strike-ending deal in the days to come, the miners' union said.

Workers went on strike Feb. 27, demanding higher pay, better safety conditions and less use of outside contractors.

"We met today for a four-and-a-half-hour preliminary session. Tomorrow we will start negotiating with firm proposals. We may have a deal as early as the weekend," said Roger Herrera, president of the Sintracerromatoso union representing Cerro Matoso workers.

Company officials could not be reached for comment.

The mine, owned by BHP Billiton (BLT.L)(BHP.AX), has been paralyzed by the work stoppage. It produces 55,000 tonnes of ferronickel annually. The supply interruption caused by the strike has supported global nickel prices. (Reporting by Hugh Bronstein; editing by Carol Bishopric)