First gold expected mid-2012
The process plant site at Pueblo Viejo where gold, silver and copper will be processed. The first stage pit will be the existing Monte Negro pit. There is no need for pre-stripping before operations start as the ore is already exposed. Generally, the deposit at Pueblo Viejo is located very close to the surface, contributing to expected total cash costs of just $300-$350 per ounce1.
Barrick's equity share of proven and probable gold reserves at Pueblo Viejo is 15 million ounces (as of December 31, 2011).
1Total cash costs per ounce is a non-GAAP financial measure. See pages 72-79 of Barrick’s Year-End 2011 Report.