Mining company Goldcorp Inc. on Thursday reported fourth-quarter gold production in line with earlier estimates and plans to grow production 50 percent over the next 5 years. The Vancouver, Canada-based company said fourth-quarter gold production came in at 692,000 ounces. For the year, gold production exceeded 2.3 million ounces, meeting earlier estimates. The company projects production in 2013 to be at 3.5 million ounces. For 2009 the company said it is particularly focused on the start up of the Penasquito mill, which will serve as the primary driver of the company's boost in production. Goldcorp said its "strong cash flows, debt-free balance sheet and an undrawn $1.5 billion credit facility" will fund near-term growth projects, and long-term growth projects will be temporarily deferred while these projects are developed. Shares of Goldcorp rose 86 cents, or 3.1 percent, to close at $28.36.

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