Niugini Mining Ltd yesterday predicted that the strong Australian dollar and higher operating costs at its mines will lead to a small loss in the first half. However the group said it plans to produce close to its record performance last year of 236,628 equivalent ounces of gold. Chief executive Mr Ian Goudie said the group hoped to find through exploration or acquisition at least two 75,000-ounce-a-year mines to add to its portfolio.
