SAG MILLING: Girth gear at Kumtor to be replaced

Kyrgyz republic — Toronto-based Centerra Gold will shut down the semi-autogenous (SAG) mill at its Kumtor mine to replace the girth gear with a spare the company has on site. The shutdown is expected to last eight to 10 days, beginning on Feb. 24, 2009.

Centerra said that earlier this month monitoring of the mill drive train indicated an increase in vibration. A subsequent inspection determined that a tooth of the gear had been damaged. After a 12-hour shut down for minor repairs, the gear was tested and the mill restarted. It continues to operate at full capacity; however, it will have to be replaced.

The impact of the shutdown will be minimal on first quarter production, and production for the full year is expected to be 560,000 to 600,000 oz as previously announced. Check www.CentreraGold.com to find out if the start-up goes as planned.