TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 9, 2011) - Centerra Gold Inc. (TSX:CG) announces today that Mr. Patrick James, Chair of the Board of Directors, has requested to take a leave of absence for family medical reasons.

Mr. Bruce Walter, Vice-Chair, will act as Chair of Centerra's Board of Directors in the interim.

About Centerra

Centerra is a gold mining company focused on operating, developing, exploring and acquiring gold properties primarily in Asia, the former Soviet Union and other emerging markets worldwide. Centerra is a leading North American-based gold producer and is the largest Western-based gold producer in Central Asia. Centerra's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol CG. The Company is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Additional information

Additional information on Centerra is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.centerragold.com.