Gold production at Turk mine, northwest of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe increased by more than 10% in May compared to the previous month, as the mine finds its feet after re-opening early this year. The mine, owned by Japanese based New Dawn, was placed on care and maintenance due to operational challenges last year.

The mine re-opened in February after the Government introduced new measures that were meant to revive the sector.

New Dawn Mining group chief executive officer Ian Sunders said production at the mine increased to 916 ounces in May compared to 832 ounces produced in April. He said the gold produced amounted to more than US$780 000 during the period.

“To further advance production increases, New Dawn hired an additional 17 miners at Turk Mine during May 2009, bringing the total work force to 716miners. New Dawn is continuing to hire additional experienced and skilled miners in order to further increase gold production and output at Turk Mine,” he said.

At its peak the mine is able to processing up to 400 tonnes per day or 12,000 tonnes per month.

Apart from Turkmine, New Dawn also owns additional assets that form a portfolio of exploration properties, and include the Consolidated Bubi Gold Fields, consolidatedMidlands Gold Fields and consolidated Shurugwi Gold Fields properties, which are all based in Zimbabwe.

Most gold mines closed down last year due to operational problems that came about after most of them failed to access their foreign currency from the central bank.

But the government announced that it was relaxing the purchasing and marketing of gold allowing the miners to seek buyers from outside markets.

The mining companies are allowed to retain all their proceeds in foreign currency. Previously the central bank’s Fidelity Printers were the sole buyer and marketer of gold in the country.

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