Identify the major ore deposits in Lihir mine in Papua New Guinea

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The Lihir mine, located on Lihir Island in Papua New Guinea, is one of the largest gold mines in the world. The major ore deposits in the Lihir mine are primarily composed of:

  1. Gold: Gold is the principal commodity extracted from the Lihir mine. The ore typically consists of a combination of gold-bound sulfides and free gold.

  2. Silver: Alongside gold, the ore deposits often contain silver, which is extracted as a byproduct.

  3. Copper: There are also copper mineralization occurrences, although gold is the primary focus.

The ore is mainly found in volcanic rock formations, and the mining operations utilize both open-pit and underground methods to access the deposits. The mine is notable for its high-grade gold deposits and the unique challenges associated with processing the ore due to its complex mineralogy. The gold extracted from Lihir is primarily processed through cyanidation methods, and the site is well-known for its environmental management practices.

For more specific details about any new developments or further geological studies, it would be helpful to consult recent geological surveys or reports on the Lihir mine.