The Canadian miner said in April that New Afton would begin milling in June and start commercial production in August.
The first ore was processed through the mill circuit on Thursday, the company said in a statement.
The company continues to expect production of 35,000 to 45,000 ounces of gold and 30 million to 35 million pounds of copper this year.
New Gold, which said the daily milling rate will continue to increase, still expects total development cost of about C$765 million for the mine.
Shares of New Gold, which has a market value of C$4.45 billion, closed at C$9.54 on Thursday on the Toronto Stock Exchange.







![Introducing Skywhale: Canberra, Australia’s Controversial $300K Centenary Balloon [PHOTOS] Introducing Skywhale: Canberra, Australia’s Controversial $300K Centenary Balloon [PHOTOS]](http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/v2_medium/public/2013/05/14/skywhale.jpeg)
![Meet Ahmed Angel: The Greatest Internet Superstar. Ever. [PHOTOS] Meet Ahmed Angel: The Greatest Internet Superstar. Ever. [PHOTOS]](http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/v2_medium/public/2013/05/14/ahmed-angel.jpg)


![Airbus Shows Off The First A350 XWB, The Boeing 787's Rival [PHOTOS] Airbus Shows Off The First A350 XWB, The Boeing 787's Rival [PHOTOS]](http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/v2_multimedia/public/2013/05/13/a350.jpg)

![Lisalla Montenegro: Meet Angels Pitcher C.J. Wilson’s New Supermodel Fiancé [PHOTOS] Lisalla Montenegro: Meet Angels Pitcher C.J. Wilson’s New Supermodel Fiancé [PHOTOS]](http://s1.ibtimes.com/sites/www.ibtimes.com/files/styles/v2_medium/public/2013/05/10/lisalla-montenegro_3.jpg)















Like or Follow us for updates on the biggest stories!