JOHANNESBURG Feb 15 (Reuters) – World gold prices could “easily poke through $2,000″ an ounce this year, AngloGold Ashanti chief executive Mark Cutifani said on Wednesday.

In a conference call with reporters after the release of fourth quarter earnings, which fell far below expectations, Cutifani said he saw the price of bullion averaging $1,700-$1,850 throughout 2012.

(Reporting by Ed Stoddard; Editing by Ed Cropley)