The Kittila mine poured its first gold in January 2009, and reached commercial production on May 1, 2009, becoming Agnico-Eagle’s first mine to open outside of Canada. The Kittila mine, in northern Finland, has proven and probable gold reserves* containing 4.9 million ounces (33.0 million tonnes grading 4.6 grams/tonne gold) as of December 31, 2010.
* Source Kittila December 31, 2010 Reserves and Resources
Q3 2011
-
In Q3 2011, payable gold production of 37,924 ounces at a total cash cost of $694. Processed 294,000 tonnes of ore, with minesite costs of €66 per tonne. Gold recoveries were 83.5%, essentially at the design rate of 83%.
-
From January through September 2011, payable gold production of 109,052 ounces at a total cash cost of $736 per ounce. Processed 789,000 tonnes of ore, with minesite costs of €73 per tonne.
-
Study underway to examine increasing mill throughput rate.
-
Considering a second expansion, likely involving sinking a shaft, with study to begin in 2012.
-
Exploration focusing on extending Suuri, Roura and Rimpi zones at depth and to north. Deep drilling will be accelerated by 2,400-metre exploration ramp under construction.