New Gold Inc. reports that its Rainy River District mine has achieved commercial production for the first time.
The company defines commercial production as exceeding 60 per cent of rated capacity over a 30-day period. Since Oct.1, the processing rate has actually averaged 90 per cent of capacity.
The company previously announced that the mine, located in Richardson Township 65 kilometres northwest of Fort Frances, had its first pour on October 6, yielding 500 ounces of gold and 600 ounces of silver.
"Achieving commercial production is a major milestone for New Gold and the Rainy River team," company president and CEO Hannes Portmann said in a prepared statement.
"With the hard work, dedication and commitment of our workforce, and the strong support of our local communities and Indigenous partners, we are now focused on continuing to successfully ramp up the operation through the balance of the year."
The mine has nearly 4 million ounces of proven gold reserves and over 9 million ounces of proven silver reserves.
It provides jobs for 550 workers.
