Located on Aniolam Island in Papua New Guinea’s New Ireland Province, the Lihir mine is one of the world’s largest producing gold operations and is wholly owned by Newmont Corporation following its acquisition of Newcrest Mining Limited in 2023. The mine is situated within a geothermally active, extinct volcanic crater near the town of Londolovit, approximately 900 kilometres northeast of Port Moresby.
Lihir is an open-pit operation that primarily processes refractory ore using pressure oxidation followed by conventional leaching to recover gold. The site includes a Special Mining Lease, multiple Mining Leases, Exploration Licences, and Mining Easements held under Lihir Gold. Access to the island is via Kunaye Airport, located 7 kilometres north of the mine.
Mining and processing rights have been secured through agreements with the State of Papua New Guinea, local governments, and customary landowners. The Lihir deposit is classified as an epithermal gold system and continues to be a significant contributor to Newmont’s global production portfolio.
- One of the world’s largest producing gold mines, located on Aniolam Island in Papua New Guinea.
- Workforce of approximately 5,100 people, comprising both residential and fly-in fly-out personnel.
- Expected to deliver ~30% more gold by 2028, driven by higher grades from the Phase 14A layback.
- 15 Year Reserve Life with upside from Resources and Exploration.
- Continuing to focus on enhancing long-term operational stability and improved asset reliability.
- Initiating work on Nearshore Soil Barrier, unlocking access to over 5Moz and extending mine life beyond 2040.
- Generates significant economic value for Papua New Guinea and local communities through direct revenues, infrastructure investment, local procurement and employment.
- Reserves*: 16 million ounces of gold
- Resources*: 20.7 million ounces of gold
Lihir is a vital economic contributor to Papua New Guinea, employing over 5,100 people and supporting a mix of residential and fly-in fly-out roles. The operation plays a central role in the local economy by supporting PNG-based suppliers and businesses, investing in public infrastructure and services, and providing access to health care, electricity, and water for surrounding villages.
Newmont is committed to building respectful, long-term relationships with Traditional Owners, landowners, and communities near the Lihir mine. A dedicated social performance team is based onsite to maintain open dialogue and ensure that operations contribute positively to local development. Key areas of investment include health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and capacity-building initiatives.
To strengthen its presence in-country, Newmont is establishing a standalone regional platform with senior leadership based in Papua New Guinea, focused on supporting safe, responsible, and profitable operations.
Community Investment
Lihir continues to invest in infrastructure that delivers long-term benefits. In 2023, work began on the Lihir Ring Road Project, upgrading and sealing 27 kilometres of road between Palie and Zuen on Niolam Island’s western side. Approved under the PNG Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, this project will improve access to schools, medical facilities, businesses, and government services — enhancing socio-economic conditions across the island.
Cultural Heritage and Social Risk Management
Newmont recognises the importance of cultural heritage and human rights at Lihir. A Social Risk Management Plan has been developed to address resettlement and heritage-related risks, honour commitments, and strengthen stakeholder relationships. In 2024, updates to the Cultural Heritage Management Plan included redesigning mining activities near the culturally significant Ailaya Rock to preserve its spiritual importance to the Lihirian people.
Following the 2020 landowner agreements — which covered compensation, relocation, and resettlement — Newmont launched an engagement campaign in 2023 to reaffirm resolutions and develop action plans for over 200 outstanding issues. These plans are expected to be finalised in 2025 and implemented in partnership with government and landowners.
Lihir recognises that strong environmental performance is fundamental to operational success, regulatory compliance, and maintaining the trust of local communities and stakeholders. Operating within a geothermally active and ecologically sensitive setting, the site is committed to managing its environmental footprint through a combination of rigorous planning, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
Environmental management at Lihir is guided by Newmont’s global sustainability framework, which includes focus areas such as water stewardship, tailings management, biodiversity, emissions reduction, and closure planning.
Lihir also contributes to Newmont’s broader climate strategy, which targets carbon neutrality by 2050 and includes decarbonisation roadmaps and energy efficiency improvements.
* As of FY 2025. Latest Earnings Results | See Cautionary Statement
* As of FY 2025. See Cautionary Statement. Latest Earnings Results | See Cautionary Statement