The Australian gold miner Newcrest has suspended production at its Lihir mine in Papua New Guinea after protesting landowners shut down all mine operations.
The landowners are protesting over what they see as inadequate benefits from the mine operations.
They have rejected Newcrest's recent offer of a $US1.2 million dollar payment.
Market reports say Newcrest stock fell 4.9 per cent overnight as a result of the Lihir dispute.
Lihir in New Ireland province is one of the world's biggest gold mines and currently undergoing a $US1.3 billion expansion.
Newcrest said in a statement that the processing plant remains on stand-by and all facilities have been secured.
