Australian gold output rose by seven tonnes, or 13 per cent, to 62 tonnes in the December quarter, according to a report from industry consultants Surbiton Associates, compared with the September quarter.
The result was also up 14 per cent compared with the prior corresponding period.
"The increase in Australian gold output in the December quarter was assisted by the long-awaited opening of the giant, re-developed Boddington operation," Surbiton Associates managing director Sandra Close said in a statement.
"As well, several other operations increased production substantially, taking advantage of the attractive gold price and attractive operating margins."
Wealth Within investment analyst David Harvey said the recent rise in the gold price, from a low of $US1,045 per ounce in early February, likely reflected increased demand.
"The next test for gold is whether it can successfully move up through the US$1,060 price level," Harvey said in a statement.
"Given that it does (and we can expect some volatility as it tests this level), we should see the gold price move up to say $US1,300 over coming months."
Australia produced 227 tonnes of gold in calendar 2009, the Surbiton report said, up three per cent from the prior corresponding period.
Dr Close said the figure "cemented Australia's position as the world's second largest gold producing country", behind China at 314 tonnes and ahead of the US (216 tonnes) and South Africa (210 tonnes).
Gold production was also expected to increase in the near term.
"Despite the low level of exploration, which is still a real cause for concern in the longer term, the current attractive gold price and margins are fostering the redevelopment of old operations," Dr Close said.
"There are even a few new developments as well."
Source: AAP NewsWire
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