loses $20.8m in first half

Sydney - Thursday - July 28: (RWE Australian Business News) -
Lihir Gold (LHG) reports a loss of $20.8 million for the June 30 half
compared with a loss of $2.2 million in the previous corresponding
period.
The loss reflects the impact of transition of mining activity
from the depleted Minifie ore body, into the new Lienetz pit.
First-half results affected by temporary reduction in gold
production and additional costs as the Lienetz pit was developed.
Higher grade sections of Lienetz now being mined, leading to
substantially increased production in the second half of the year, in
accordance with mine plan.
The company is on track to produce a record 700,000 ounces of
gold in the full year.
Hedge book has been reduced by 170,757 ozs.