OceanaGold Corporation (TSX: T.OGC, Stock Forum) late Thursday reported that commercial production has begun at its Didipio Mine in the Philippines effective April 1, 2013, this according to a company news release.
"We have successfully progressed from first ore in the mills to commercial production in just over three months, which is a great accomplishment and a testament to the skill of the construction and commissioning teams resulting in the seamless transition to our equally talented operations team. To date, more than 22,000 tonnes of copper gold concentrate has already been produced," said OceanaGold Managing Director and CEO Mick Wilkes.
The company expects the Didipio Mine to produce 100,000 ounces of gold and 14,000 tonnes of copper per year on average over an estimated 16 year mine life.