Australia-based gold exploration company Perseus Mining produced a total of 36,498 ounces of gold from the Edikan Gold Mine (EGM) for the months of January and February 2013.

The company stated that the production had to be halted for a major portion of February due to technical irregularities at the mine’s crusher.

During the two month period the company processed 909,300 tonnes of ore through the mill at an average throughput rate of 840 dry metric tonnes per hour.

Demonstrates annual processing rate of 6.7 million tonnes per annum the miner increased its rate from the current nameplate capacity of 5.5 million tonnes per annum.

Perseus Mining managing director Jeff Quartermaine remarked that with the remediation of the crusher the company is keen on raising the production capacity for the Edikan mine.

"Production of nearly 36,500 ounces of gold in the March 2013 Quarter to date, in spite of the challenges presented by the crusher is encouraging and has provided a solid start towards achieving production guidance for the first half of this calendar year," added Quartermaine.

Operations, however, resumed following the replacement of the main shaft and mantle assembly on 22 February 2013 with the technical support offered by crusher manufacturer FL Smidth.

Perseus has also reported the continuation of milling operations at the SAG mill despite the four day shut down of the crusher.