New Gold says all of its key objectives for its open pit mine north of Barwick have been achieved.
That includes a start-up of production beginning in mid-September and achieving commercial production in October, two weeks ahead of schedule.
President Hannes Portmann credits all the people involved.
During the month of October, the mine has been processing ore at roughly 18,500 tonnes per day or 88% capacity.
The goal is to reach at least between 150,000-160,000 tonnes per day.
Meantime, New Gold says they will continue to look at underground operations at the site.
Portmann says they are now focusing their attention on the next phase of the project.
Portmann believes they can begin underground development to begin in late 2018 or early 2019.
