Cannot ask for more...FantasticGold production for the first quarter was 211,039 ounces compared to 103,204 ounces reported in the first quarter of 2009. Gold production at Kumtor was significantly higher for the period which more than offset lower production at Boroo. At Kumtor, production was higher than anticipated due to the processing of higher grade stockpiles established in the fourth quarter of 2009 and extracting more ore than expected from the benches mined in the first quarter of 2010. Production at Boroo was lower in the first quarter 2010 mainly due to the heap leach operation remaining idle during the quarter.
Centerra's total cash cost per ounce of gold produced was $340 in the first quarter compared to $871 in the first quarter of 2009. The year-over-year decrease in unit cash costs was primarily due to the increased production at Kumtor and lower operating costs at both sites (see "Operations Update"). (Total cash cost is a non-GAAP measure and is discussed under "Non-GAAP Measures" in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three months ended March 31, 2010, issued in conjunction with this news release.)