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 5.2 million ounces (35 million tonnes grading 4.7 grams/tonne gold) as of December 31, 2011.
* Source Kittila December 31, 2011 Reserves and Resources
Q1 2012
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In Q1 2012, record payable gold production of 46,758 ounces at a total cash cost per ounce of $565. Processed 289,000 tonnes of ore (3,180 tonnes/day), with minesite costs of €67 per tonne. Record quarterly gold recovery of 89%, well above the design rate of 83%.
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Study examining increasing production rate by 25%, to be completed by late 2012. Cost of expansion expected to be less than $100 million.
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Additionally considering larger expansion, possibly involving sinking a shaft. Study to be delivered 2014.
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Exploration focusing on Rimpi zone and demonstrating continuity of mineralization at different depths. Deep drilling will be from 2,400-metre exploration ramp under construction. Program underway to accelerate ramp development and exploration drilling toward northern end of orebody in 2012.