Located on Lihir Island in Papua New Guinea, Lihir Gold Mine processes high-sulfur refractory ore. The ore is crushed and ground, after which flotation is used to concentrate gold-bearing pyrite. The pyrite concentrate is then treated in an autoclave for pressure oxidation, breaking down the sulfide matrix. Cyanidation is used to recover gold from the oxidized material. Lihir’s circuit is designed to handle high temperatures and pressure, allowing the plant to treat ore efficiently while maintaining high recovery rates.
Technical report and processing history
The following archived source profiles have been consolidated here to preserve the project’s processing history and study context.
Technical Report on the Lihir Property — 2011
Technical Report on the Lihir Property — 2011
| Company | Newcrest Mining Limited |
| Mine | Lihir |
| Date | 2011-12-31 |
| Region | Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea |
| Commodities | Gold |
| Mine Type | Open Pit |
| Throughput | 6.285 Mt (2011), 11-12 Mtpa (Future) |
| Mine Life | Not Specified |
| Annual Production | 0.791 Moz Au (2011) |
| Status | Operating |
Executive Summary
This technical report details the recovery methods and plant performance for the Lihir gold property operated by Newcrest Mining Limited as of December 31, 2011. The ore at Lihir is characterized as refractory sulphide, requiring pressure oxidation to liberate sub-micron gold particles before cyanidation. The processing facility utilizes a dual-circuit system treating High Grade Ore (HGO) and Flotation Grade Ore (FGO), with a combined throughput of approximately 6.285 Mt in the year ending June 2011.
The plant achieved an overall gold recovery of 83% and produced 0.791 Moz of gold during the reporting period. Significant expansion plans, known as the MOPU project, were underway to increase capacity to 11-12 Mtpa and one million ounces of gold production annually by the end of 2012. The expansion includes additional crushing, grinding, autoclaves, and CIL circuits, while tailings are disposed of via deep sea tailings placement (DSTP).
Processing Overview
Website: https://operations.newmont.com/papua-new-guinea/lihir
Report Date: 2011-12-31
Region: Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea
Project Status: Operating
Commodity: Gold
Throughput: 6.285 Mt (2011), 11-12 Mtpa (Future)
Mine Life: Not Specified
Mine Type: Open Pit
Ore type:
