Aurora?s C. Kalimantan output down in 2001, exploration continue

Australian gold miner Aurora Gold Limited on Friday announced that production from its Mount Muro, Central Kalimantan operation was 157,612 ounces in 2001; 21percent lower than its 2000 gold production of 199,400 ounces.

The company said the decrease in production was due to lower grade ore milled during 2001 period.

The company said cash unit costs were US$29.89 per ton milled and US$257 per gold equivalent ounce sold.

According to the company, preparations for mine closure and reclamation proceeded during the year according to plan, with mine closure brought forward to the second quarter of 2002.

Eeven though Mount Muro mine operation will cease in 2002, the company had continued to explore the contract of work (CoW) area, and according to the company exploration during 2001 was largely focused on newly identified areas in the west of the Mount Muro CoW.

?There appears to be considerable potential for the separate development of these areas and early in 2002 the company received expressions of interest from several parties, which are currently being pursued,? said the company.(alex)