By Mark Anderson, Sacramento Business Journal

Sutter Gold Mining Inc. says it is on track to begin gold mining and gold production before the end of the year.

Construction has progressed on above-ground buildings and site work, and the company has made progress in expanding its underground shafts. The company anticipates its first gold pour in December, said Bob Hutmacher, chief financial officer.

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sutter Gold is developing its Lincoln Mine Project just outside of Sutter Creek in Amador County.

The modern gold mine is in what was the historically the most productive gold district of California’s Mother Lode.

The exterior of the mine’s mill building has been completed and the equipment is being installed. A shop and staff building is progressing.

Other site work is also nearing completion, and the mine is hiring employees. It will eventually employ about 100 people. The site now is a flurry of construction contractors and crew, Hutmacher said.

The company has also added two more access tunnels to the mine’s main shaft, the Stringbean Alley Decline.

The main decline is a modern mine, large enough for heavy trucks to pass each other.

While the mine is on track to begin production this year, it will only begin full production in the first half of next year.