After reports of toxic spills in the Post-Courier and Papua New Guinea Mine Watch, the Australian miner reconfirmed its adherence to environmentally conscious procedure.

"Some recent claims/allegations of leaks and spills are simply wrong, misguided or lies," a company spokesperson told PNGIndustryNews.net in an email.

"We continue to operate in full accordance with the highest standards of environmental management."

The comments came after a report in PNGMW claiming that Simberi was shut down by the Department of Environment and Conservation following a cyanide spill at one of Allied's deep-sea disposal tanks.

Allied reconfirmed it had the full support of the government and local landowners despite press speculation about Namatanai MP Byron Chan and Simberi landowners handing over the mine to a new developer.

"The majority of landowners are very supportive," an Allied spokesperson said on the topic of Simberi.

"As with all projects in PNG, there are occasionally some disputes between landowners and landowner representative groups regarding disbursement of royalties etcetera, and unfortunately the company sometimes can be impacted.

"But Simberi people realise the importance of the mine for the economy of the island."

Concerning allegations of Chan negotiating with a new developer for Simberi, Allied took a diplomatic tone.

"I am sure Mr. Chan realises the importance of his position and the potential impact of his actions on foreign investment in mining in PNG," the spokesperson said.

"We are very happy to try to work with him as much as possible."