Northern Star Resources Limited announced production results for the quarter ended December 2012. The company has enjoyed "an outstanding December quarter" in which production increased, costs fell and upgrade in production capacity to more than 100,000ozpa was completed. Goldmine in WA resulted in Northern Star recovering 20,515oz in the three months at a cash cost of $604/oz and total cost of $909/oz.

The strong results came despite the Paulsens mill being closed for nine days to allow the plant upgrade to be completed. The increase in processing capacity means Northern Star is set to produce more than 100,000oz at Paulsens in calendar 2013. This increased production, combined with higher head grades and lower costs, means the company is on track to generate up to $85 million in surplus cash from operations for 2013.

Ore stocks at the end of the quarter totalled 102,022 tonnes containing 10,777oz of gold, an increase of more than 85% from the previous quarter. Gold in circuit and transit was 4,283 ounces. Gold sales for the December quarter were 19,728 ounces at $1,665/oz, generating revenue of $32.9 million.