Newcrest Mining Limited announced unaudited production for the December 2013 quarter of 621,125 ounces of gold and 22,603 tonnes of copper, reflecting strong production performance during the first six months of the 2014 financial year. Gold production for the quarter was 6% higher than the previous quarter, primarily due to a 27% increase in production at Telfer. At Lihir, mill throughput increased to an annualised 12Mtpa rate in the month of December 2013 and the performance of the recently expanded flotation circuit enabled an increase in the proportion of ore processed from stockpiles from 80% to 88% for the quarter.

The company maintains its guidance for gold and copper production, with gold production expected to be around the top end of the guidance range (2.3 million ounces) for 2014 financial year subject to market and operating conditions.