AngloGold plans gold and uranium expansion - paper

JOHANNESBURG, (Reuters)

AngloGold Ashanti ANGJ.J, the world's third-largest gold miner, plans to expand some of its gold and uranium mines in South Africa in order to raise production, the Business Day newspaper reported on Monday.

The paper quoted AngloGold's executive vice president for South Africa, Robbie Lazare, as saying the company would maintain gold output at a minimum 1.75 million ounces a year for the next five years, but foresees a dip in output ahead of big projects, which could add more ounces in the next 10-12 years.

It said one of AngloGold's projects aimed at raising output was the 1.2 billion rand ($162 million) deepening of the Mponeng mine, while the board was yet to approve some projects.

AngloGold said its annual uranium output would rise to 2 million pounds in the short-term from 1.3 million pounds and it could generate 1.4 million pounds of uranium this year, which could account for nearly all of South Africa's uranium output.

The paper said the company would expand its South Uranium plant to handle increased volumes from the Kopanang mine.