Mali 2016 gold output forecast to rise as new mines start

BAMAKO, March 24 (Reuters) - Gold production in Mali, the third-largest gold producer in sub-Saharan Africa, is expected to rise to 52.9 tonnes this year from 50.5 tonnes in 2015 as new mines made up for dwindling output from existing projects, the mines ministry said on Thursday. Production from industrial mines is expected to hit 48.9 tonnes, with 4 tonnes coming from smaller artisanal mines, said Karim Berthe, head of the mining division. "The increase in production is marked by the