Norton Gold Fields in Australia has revised its 2010 gold production forecast down to 175,000oz, following lower output of 30,165oz in the September quarter.
Norton managing director Jon Parker said the 175,000oz production forecast, which is down 12%, was due to a delay in obtaining regulatory approvals to begin mining at its Janet Ivy prospect in Western Australia.
All projects are now yielding ore at expected mining rates and grades.
Janet Ivy is currently operating at full production. Waldon is being pre-stripped and is expected to deliver initial ore on target in November.
Homestead underground development continues to be on target to supply high-grade feed to the mill in December.
The high-grade feed will substantially increase the production rate and push gold production in addition to the open cut base load ore supply.
According to the Life of Mine plan, in 2010 Paddington, operations will undergo a major repositioning including commissioning of the Janet Ivy open cut and building of a haul road.
