** Shares of gold miner Newcrest Mining NCM.AX rise as
much as 5.4% to A$20.20, amid broader Australian gold stocks
index .AXGD up as much as 5.9%
** NCM hits highest level since July 6; gold stocks index at
highest level since June 23
** Says a feasibility study at its Cadia mine's PC1-2 panel
cave in New South Wales has resulted in higher estimated annual
gold production, compared with the pre-feasibility study
** Average annual gold production from Cadia PC1-2 now
expected to be 231,000 ounces (oz), compared with 205,000 oz at
the pre-feasibility study stage
** Gold stocks also helped by price of bullion rising 3%
overnight after data showed U.S. inflation eased slightly in
October, which led the dollar to drop 2%, making gold less
expensive for holders of other currencies GOL/
** NCM down 21.7% YTD as of last close
(Reporting by Harshita Swaminathan)
((Harshita.Swaminathan@thomsonreuters.com))