Overview -
The Lihir Gold operations are located on Niolam Island, in the New Ireland Province of Papua New Guinea, about 700 km northeast of Port Moresby. As Niolam Island is the principal island of the Lihir Group, it is generally referred to as Lihir Island. Access to the island is by small planes and by boat.
Gold was discovered in 1982 and began operation in 1997. The gold deposit consists of two orebodies, Minifie and Lienetz, located in an inactive volcanic crater known as the Luise Caldera on the east coast of Lihir Island.
The mine produces over 600,000 ounces of gold per year. It is projected to operate until 2020 followed by 28 years processing stockpiled lower grade ore.
Lihir consists of an open pit, crusher, SAG and ball mill circuit, flotation circuit, pressure oxidation and carbon-in-leach processing facilities, and electrowinning and smelting facilities to produce gold doré.
Lihir Gold Ltd. operates the mine. There are 1100 employees at the mine. Citizens of Lihir account for 37% of employees, with 52% from within Papua New Guinea.
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