THE LIHIR Island gold mine in New Ireland plans to increase production by about 50 percent over the next ten years.

The company aims to produce 1.45 million ounces a year on average for the five years from 2012-16.

This is an increase from the forecast output of around one million ounces this year.

A company statement further says production is expected to rise to about 1.5 million ounces a year between 2016 and 2021.

The ore body on Lihir was discovered in 1982, construction of the plant began in 1995, and the first gold pour was recorded in 1997.

Since then the mine – one of the world’s largest – has produced more than seven million ounces of gold, and 4,250 people are employed directly or indirectly in its operation. Only about 100 are expatriates.

Mining on Lihir is scheduled to continue until 2021 at current rates, with processing of lower grade stockpiles to continue beyond 2030.