Australian gold miner Newcrest Mining has announced that it had to temporarily suspended operations at its Lihir mine, in Papua New Guinea due to illegal actions conducted by a small subset of community and local commercial interests.

The mine was closed over the weekend and was reopened on 8th June.

Newcrest Mining said that it closely managed the situation with a safe, responsible and phased scale-down of operations in accordance with the PNG Mine Safety Act.

Mineral Resource Authority had not authorised the illegal disruptive actions caused by a small subset of community and local commercial interest.

The incident did affect the production, which incurred a small loss, but the company assured that the production guidance for Lihir for FY15 remains at 680 – 720 koz.

Newcrest Mining said: "The continued, predictable and lawful operation of the Lihir gold mine and plant contributes to the long term sustainable benefit of all stakeholders including the host community.

"Newcrest is committed to working with landowners and all levels of government to create that outcome."