Newcrest has halted production at its Lihir gold mine due to a dispute with local landowners.
According to Newcrest the dispute with Lihir Mining Area Landowners Association has forced it to suspend operations until the disagreement has been resolved.
However the miner will keep its processing plant on stand-by.
Currently Newcrest is carrying out a five yearly review of Lihir's Integrated Benefits Package, which provides for direct compensation arrangements and social and community programs as well as local infrastructure.