Pogo Gold Mine’s Output to Reach 8 tonnes in 2007

Pogo gold mine expects the gold output reaches around 8 tonnes in 2007. The joint venture between Sumitomo Metal Mining and Teck Cominco of Canada started the operation in Alaska and increased the operation to 80% of the capacity. The venture tries to increase the operation to annual 12 tonnes of capacity level. The mine produced around 1.8 tonnes of gold and sold around 2.1 tonnes in July-September. The production level is monthly 0.6 tonne against 1 tonne of full capacity. Teck Cominco reported the facility trouble reduced the output in July-September. Pogo mine is around 90 miles southeast of Fairbanks. The mine has 152 tonnes of reserve and plans to operate for 10 years at 12 tonnes of annual output. Sumitomo Metal Mining controls 51% of the mine with 40% share by Tech Cominco and 9% by Sumitomo Corporation.