Centerra Gold has forecast a consolidated gold production of between 640,000 and 700,000 ounces this year, compared to 675,592 ounces produced in 2009.  “As we continue to expand our operations in both Mongolia and the Kyrgyz Republic, an aggressive focus on adding additional operating platforms through our business development and exploration efforts will increase our future gold production and help us achieve our goal of producing 1.5 million ounces of gold annually,” CEO Steve Lang has said in a statement.

The Boroo mine produced 48,953 oz in the fourth quarter and the mill throughput rate exceeded plan, and average mill recoveries were between 10% and 12% above expectations. Gold production at Boroo/Gatsuurt is forecast to be 120,000 to 140,000 ounces. The company will receive the final operating permit for the Boroo heap leach facility by March 1, allowing it to restart the heap leach within days of receiving the permit, the statement said.

At Gatsuurt, Centerra intends to spend USD73.8 million this year including construction of a bio-oxidation plant, mine pre-stripping for Gatsuurt sulphide ore, tailings dam costs and the purchase of mobile equipment. Capital for the development of deeper sulphide ore at Gatsuurt will only be invested “if the company is successful in obtaining an acceptable agreement for Gatsuurt with the Government of Mongolia,” Lang said.