First gold was achieved within a year of the company taking control of the project and investing $150m to refurbish and redevelop the mine.

Allied Gold acquired Gold Ridge in late 2009 through the takeover of Australian Solomons Gold.

According to the company, ramp up commissioning activities at Gold Ridge are expected to continue for a number of weeks.

The company also operates the Simberi gold mine in Papua New Guinea, which is currently being expanded to 100,000 ounces per annum.