February 26, 2007
Advised that Nevada gold ounces sold in 2006 increased by 90,000 oz from 2005, due to the commencement of commercial operations at Phoenix and Leeville in the fourth quarter of 2006 and increased access to open pit ore at the Twin Creeks layback, partially offset by lower production from Lone Tree. Consolidated gold sales were expected to remain stable in 2007 at approximately 2.35 to 2.55 million ounces. Higher production from Phoenix, Leeville and Twin Creeks is expected to be partially offset by the shut-down of Lone Tree at the end of 2006.
Exploration activities during 2006 succeeded in converting significant new reserves at Carlin open pits (2.3 million equity gold ounces), Boddington (1.4 million equity gold ounces), Twin Creeks (1.1 million equity gold ounces), Ahafo (0.7 million equity gold ounces), La Herradura (0.7 million equity gold ounces), and Kalgoorlie (0.6 million equity gold ounces).
Ore placed on the leach pads increased by 12% in 2005 from 2004 due to increased open pit production from Carlin and Twin Creeks.
