Australian Gold Production Up Slightly In June Quarter

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By Chris Shaw

After a year of relatively flat output Australian gold production has posted a rise of 4.5% for the June quarter according to a report by industry consultants Surbiton Associates.

The group estimates total production for the June quarter of 63 tonnes, the increase drive by a combination of higher ore grades generally and an increase in output at some operations including Newmont Mining’s Tanami mine and the Cadia and Telfer operations of Newcrest (NCM).

In addition Surbiton notes producers didn’t have a repeat of the poor weather that impacted on March quarter production and so forced the treating of lower grades ore stockpiles.

Surbiton managing director Dr Sandra Close sees scope for further increases in production in coming periods as Close points out a number of recycled operations are now re-entering production and there have been starts at new projects such as Union Reefs in the Northern Territory and Monarch Gold’s (MON) Davyhurst operations.

This should be enough to more than offset any loss in production from mine closures, an example being LionOre’s Thunderbox mine in Western Australia, which is expected to shut down by year’s end and was a 160,000 ounce per year operation.

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