Mali gold production up 2 percent in 2013

BAMAKO, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Gold production in Mali rose 2 percent to 51 tonnes in 2013, beating a government forecast of 49 tonnes, data from the West African nation's mines directorate showed on Thursday.

Mali is Africa's number three gold producer behind South Africa and Ghana with major miners such as AngloGold Ashanti

ANGJ.J , Randgold Resources RRS.L and Canada's Iamgold

operating in the country.

The data showed output from industrial gold production hit 47 tonnes while 4 tonnes was produced from artisanal mining.

The mines directorate said it expected 2014 output to be higher, boosted by new projects, but did not give a figure.

(Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Bate Felix; editing by Jason Neely)

((bate.felix@thomsonreuters.com)(+221 33 864 5077)(Reuters Messaging: Reuters Messaging: bate.felix.reuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: MALI GOLD/PRODUCTION