Navan Mining has announced a fall in the loss before tax from $5.6 million (€6.23 million) to $4.3 million in the six months ended June 30th 2000. Further improvements are expected, the group said. Sales from continuing operations rose from $17.5 million to $24.2 million. Output of zinc, lead and silver increased substantially. The capital works at the new Aguas Tenidas mine and at the Almagrera concentrator were completed on time and on budget. The mine is now fully commissioned and planned production of over 300,000 tonnes is planned in the second half.