Griffin Mining Ltd. reported a lower first half pretax profit and said the company would continue to expand its operations and production at Caijiaying in China.

    For the six months to end-June, the AIM-listed mining company said its pretax profit declined to $13.0 million from $18.0 million, a year ago, as revenues fell to $22.2 million from $26.4 million due to falling world market prices for zinc and increased smelter charges.

    Whilst production quantities in the second half are not expected to exceed those achieved in the first half, 2009 should see a rise in production towards 750,000 tonnes of ore per annum and an improvement in grades, Griffin Mining said.

    The company said it does not expect to complete the up-gradation of its processing facilities at the Caijiaying Mine to a capacity of 750,000 tonnes of ore per annum until the end of 2008.