TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire – Feb. 11, 2013) – Detour Gold Corporation (TSX:DGC) (“Detour Gold” or the “Company”) is pleased to report that the ramp-up of the first production line of the processing plant is advancing at its Detour Lake open pit gold mine in northeastern Ontario.
Ramp-Up Update
The first production line started with low-grade material on January 12, 2013 and was followed by ore grade material. The ramp-up of the first production line is progressing with the SAG mill, the pebble crusher, and the ball mill all in operation. After close to one month of operation, and despite the usual teething issues, the operation team is happy to report that the fundamental parts of the circuits operate well. Next step will be the start-up of the secondary crusher to increase throughput.
The gold inventory (in CIP and electrowinning) has been increasing in the circuit since start-up. It is expected to reach the level required to allow the first gold pour in mid-February.
In parallel, the electrical and instrumentation work on the second production line is progressing well and start-up is expected in March 2013.
Mining rates continue to increase and are scheduled to reach 150,000 tpd in early 2013. The fourth shovel was commissioned in December 2012. Currently, the Company has a mining fleet of 20 haul trucks and four shovels, which more than meets the requirements of the 2013 mining operation.
“A start-up is never easy and we are experiencing typical challenges as we proceed with the ramp-up of the Detour Lake gold mine,” commented Gerald Panneton, President and CEO. “On behalf of our Board of Directors, we want to publicly acknowledge our team for consistently delivering as we continue to make steady progress. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team.”
2013 Guidance Unchanged
For 2013, the Company’s guidance remains unchanged:
Gold production ranging between 350,000 and 400,000 ounces of gold
Total cash costs of between $800/oz and $900/oz (to be reported after commercial production is declared)
About Detour Gold
Detour Gold is an emerging mid-tier gold producer in Canada. The Detour Lake open pit mine is expected to produce an average of 657,000 ounces of gold annually over a period of 21.5 years. Detour Gold’s shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol DGC.
Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains certain forward-looking information as defined in applicable securities laws (referred to herein as “forward-looking statements”). Specifically, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the pour of the first gold bar in mid-February 2013, start-up of the second production line in March 2013, the mining rate reaching 150,000 tpd in early 2013,
For the rest of the Forward-Looking Information, please click here: http://www.detourgold.com/investors-centre/News-Releases/news-Release-Details/2013/Detour-Gold-Announces-Start-of-Production-at-Detour-Lake1133508/default.aspx
Contact Information:
Detour Gold Corporation
Gerald Panneton
President and CEO
(416) 304.0800
Laurie Gaborit
Director Investor Relations
(416) 304.0581
Detour Gold Corporation
Royal Bank Plaza, South Tower
200 Bay Street, Suite 2200
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2J1