LIHIR

Lihir Gold reported an after tax profit of $290 million, up 57% from 2008. Total output exceeded one million ounces for the first time, rising 27% to 1.124 million ounces, with group unit total cash costs reduced to $397/oz, from $400/oz in the previous 12 months.

Lihir Gold Limited (LGL) has increased reserves at its Lihir Island operation in Papua New Guinea by 7.5 million ounces, taking total ore reserves to 28.8 million ounces at 30 June 2009.

Lihir Gold Ltd (LGL) has significantly increased its resource estimates for both Côte d’Ivoire and Lihir Island. In Côte d’Ivoire, LGL has increased its Measured and Indicated Resource estimates in the Hiré district from 352,000 ounces to 442,000 ounces, with Inferred Resources rising from 148,000 ounces to 450,000 ounces. The increases reflect an initial payback from LGL’s accelerated drilling program within the country. LGL has increased its Indicated Resource estimates for Lihir Island by 31% to 43 million ounces. In addition, Inferred Resources have increased by 62% to 5.5 million ounces. Inclusion of 18,675 metres of new drilling has led to an increase in indicated resources of approximately 6 million contained ounces and in inferred resources of 1.8 million contained ounces in the Link Zone, adjacent to the Lienetz and Kapit pits.