Aurora Gold performs well

Aurora Gold Limited has unveiled a strong March quarterly performance on a number of fronts in spite of illegal squatters hampering output on some of its mines in Indonesia.

Gold production from the Perth-based miner’s Mt Muro gold/silver mine surged 31 per cent following the resumption of mining operations at two key pits which had been disrupted by illegal miners.

Other positive news for the quarter included a further increase in the resource base of the Toka Tindung development project in North Sulawesi and the start of a bankable feasibility study for its 50 per cent-owned Morobe gold project in Papua New Guinea.

Aurora managing director Ian Burston said production had increased to 60,298 ounces from 45,926 oz the previous quarter, while cash operating costs were trimmed to $271/oz from $346/oz.

Mr Burston said normal mining had resumed at Serujan East and Kerikil pits. An integrated community, police and government team was working on reestablishing company access to the PBH and BBT mining areas.