Lihir Gold mine resumes operations

Lihir Gold mine resumes operations. Photo shows ginger plants
put up by landowners. Lihir Mine Photo

Papua New Guinea's Lihir mine operations have been restored after heavily armed police flew to the islands  after landowners halted operations and demanded talks with Australian company. The mine shut down on Saturday afternoon, when local landowners placed taboo ginger plants known as gorgors at the mine pit and other sites, which is a traditional signal they want to hold discussions with the company.

Newcrest  country manager Peter Aitsi says a disruption to mine operations on Lihir Island, New Ireland, last Saturday has been restored.

“A temporary disruption to operations at Lihir was experienced on Saturday while a dispute between some sections of the community and other stakeholders was being addressed,” Aitsi said.  

“The plant was scaled down for approximately 36 hours. Operations will scale back up this evening (yesterday). 

 “The temporary disruption was well managed by Lihir Gold Limited through safe, responsible and phased shutdown of operations under the PNG Mine Safety Act. 

“The sustainability of the Lihir Gold Mine must be secured if it is to continue to provide long-term benefits to all stakeholders including the host community.