
Lihir
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.
Key Facts
- 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.
- 16-year reserve life, with additional upside from ongoing resource development and exploration.
- Continued focus on optimising mine and processing plant performance to support long-term stability.
- Generates significant economic value for Papua New Guinea and local communities through direct revenues, infrastructure investment, local procurement, and employment.
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Reserves:
- 15.8 million ounces of gold
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Resources:
- 20.4 million ounces of gold
* As of 31 December 2024. See cautionary statement.
(Dec 24 | $/oz)
Quick Links
Contact
Newcrest House
Level 4, Hunter Street, Port Moresby
NCD, PO Box 789
T: + 675.321.7711
F: + 675.321.4705