The Misima Mines company in Papua New Guinea could face a fine of more than 80,000 US dollars for negligence in the discharge of sodium cyanide.
The Environment and Conservation Minister, William Duma, has already directed his departmental head to take action against the company for alleged negligence during rehabilitation work at the Misima gold mine site.
Although the mine had been decommissioned, Mr Duma said the environment management system for Misima Mines was still valid as the mining lease was still operational.
The Post Courier newspaper says the ministerial directive follows reports from Misima early this month that 35 dead fish - mostly deep sea fish - had surfaced near the tailings line after the flushing and discharge of sodium cyanide during rehabilitation work.
