Kinross Gold expects to suspend Chilean mine in fourth quarter – by Nicole Mordant (Reuters U.S. – July 28, 2016)

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Kinross Gold Corp said on Wednesday it expected to suspend operations at a Chilean gold mine in the fourth quarter as it posted a second-quarter loss that exceeded forecasts.

The world’s fifth largest gold miner by output said in its earnings report that it expected to halt mining at Maricunga and start rinsing residual gold from the heap leach pads, equipment used to extract the metal.

The decision followed an assessment of the mine’s plan in the context of the Toronto-based company’s global capital priorities, it said.

Chile’s environmental regulator shut down the water system attached to the Maricunga mine in March, citing environmental damage which Kinross disputes. Mining was suspended in May but resumed in July, subject to ongoing regulatory proceedings.

Maricunga, a mid-sized mine, produced 44,304 gold equivalent ounces in the second quarter, down from 47,713 ounces in the year-ago period. That is equal to about 6 percent of Kinross’ total production of 671,267 ounces.

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