Gold miner Centamin (LON:CEY) saw shares edge down in morning trading on Thursday, despite profit rising by over a third over the period.

Profit before tax rose 34 percent in the six months to June 30th, with total revenues rising by 2 percent to hit $296.4 million. Earnings (EBITDA) rose by 16 percent to $129.7 million.

This all came despite the group selling and producing less gold over the period, with gold production figures for the half year falling by 7 percent to 217,099 ounces. Gold sales fell 3 percent to 228,672 ounces.

Looking ahead, however, the company said gold production was likely to pick back up.

“Significantly stronger production is expected for the second half (“H2″), driven by continued improvements in grade from the open pit as mining progresses into the sulphide ore and an increase in high grade stoping tonnes from the underground,” the company said.

Shares in Centamin are currently trading down 0.79 percent at 112.60 (1153GMT).