The rise in the gold production is attributed to the positive outcomes from the mines located in Western Australia; overall production for the year, meanwhile, fell 4% to 256 tonnes (8.2 million ounces).
Commenting on the report Surbition Associates director Sandra Close stated that the positive ending of the year reflected the potential of newly unveiled mines.
"As well, there were better performances from several established operations," added Close.
Regis Resources and Newmont emerged as the top producers for the quarter with their respective mines Garden Well and Boddington producing 52,000 ounces and 50,000 ounces respectively.
"It was also the largest Australian operation for the full 2012 year, with output of almost three-quarters of a million ounces of gold," elaborated Close.
Commenting on easy availability of Australian mining information, Close added that the company taken over by foreign firm has no need to report its exploration results or profitability.
"Given that these overseas companies exploit the mineral resources managed by the State governments on behalf of the people, they should be required periodically to report what they are doing, what they are producing and what profits they are making," explained Close.
