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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA--(Marketwire - June 8, 2010) - Lihir Gold Ltd (LGL) (TSX:LGG)(ASX:LGL)(NASDAQ:LIHR) notes today's announcement by Newcrest Mining Ltd that it has completed its due diligence of LGL and that Newcrest is satisfied with the outcome of the process.

LGL welcomes Newcrest's commitment to the proposed merger, which will create an attractive gold company with operations in five countries and strong growth opportunities.

LGL also advises that the timetable for the proposed merger has been extended by 1-2 weeks. The Scheme Meeting is now expected to be held in August, with the merger scheduled for completion in September 2010, subject to the Independent Expert concluding that the Scheme is in the best interests of LGL shareholders and LGL's shareholders approving the transaction.

LGL will update the market once the revised timetable has been finalised.

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