Centamin Plc announced preliminary production results from its Sukari Gold Mine in Egypt for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2012. For the quarter, the company's total gold production was 85,543 ounces, a 45% increase on the corresponding quarter in 2011 and a 40% increase on third quarter of 2012. Quarterly throughput at the Sukari process plant was 1,250kt, a 17% increase on the corresponding quarter in 2011, and a 25% increase on third quarter of 2012. The nameplate annualized rate was achieved as productivity improved significantly on the previous quarter. Open pit total material movement of 6,739kt was down 3% and ore production of 1,916kt was up 16% on third quarter of 2012. The average grade open pit ore milled increased steadily in line with budget and previous guidance. The underground mine delivered 111kt, up 19% on third quarter of 2012; returning to budget productivity levels as the technical issues encountered in the previous quarter were resolved. The run of mine ore stockpile balance increased by 142kt to 721kt by the end of the quarter.

For the full year, the company's total gold production was 262,958, a 30% increase on 2011 and above guidance of 250,000 ounces.