Newcrest Q4 gold output at Lihir rises 6%

 GOLD production at Newcrest Mining on Lihir Island has increased 6% over the previous quarter due to increases mill throughput, according to company’s quarterly report for the three months ending Dec 31, 2010.

Total materials moved from the open pit increased during the quarter, reflecting improved shovel productivity and the start of the Kapit pit operation.

Newcrest said its million-ounce plant upgrade (Mopu) continued to plan during the quarter with increased structural and mechanical erection work activities.

All major procurement packages were well-advanced with the focus shifting to outstanding construction packages and non-critical supply items.

The project remains on schedule for process plant throughput ramp up during 2013.

Meanwhile, Hidden Valley’s December quarter performance was 26,584oz of gold and 191,327oz of silver at a net cash cost of A$880/oz and a gross cash cost of A$4952/oz.

Gold production increased by 23% over the previous quarter, thus reflecting the higher gold feed grades and improved recoveries.

This compares with the September quarter performance of 21,572oz of gold and 132,595oz of silver at a net cash cost of A$1,234/oz and gross cash cost of A$1,257/oz.

Gold production increased by 23% over the previous quarter, thus reflecting the higher gold feed grades and improved recoveries. 

Silver production increased by 44% due to improved recoveries.