GOLD PRODUCTION: Russian mine reaches commercial rate

RUSSIA Toronto-based HIGH RIVER GOLD MINES says its Berezitovy gold mine reached commercial production on Oct. 1, 2008. Mill throughput has reached 65% of capacity over a 30-day period. The mine is expected to produce 45,000 oz of gold to High River's account. The remainder belongs to the Russian government that holds a 1% interest.

Reaching commercial production was originally planned for 2007. The schedule was pushed back by problems with the tailings filter plant and damaged ball mill bearings. With those problems solved, the mill has a capacity of 4,250 t/d. Eventually, High River expects the project to produce more than 100,000 oz of gold annually.

The technical report on the Berezitovy mine is available at www.HRG.ca, as are reports for other High River properties.