MADINAH, 6 February 2003 — Balgha gold mine in Hanakiya, near Madinah, has started production, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Ali Al-Naimi announced yesterday. He said that during December last year, the mine produced 39 gold bars, with a total weight of 350 kilograms. Located 70 km southwest of Sukhaibarat gold mine, Balgha has a capacity to produce 25,000 kg of gold in 10 years. The mine was developed by the Precious Metals Company, at a cost of SR175 million. (SPA)