Highlands Pacific, which has an 8.56% stake in Ramu nickel-cobalt mine, said it was unclear how long the PNG Mineral Resources Authority and Mines inspectorate would take to complete the investigation.

An employee died on April 12 when a high pressure steam supply line ruptured at the Basamuk nickel refinery, which is majority owned and operated by the Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC).

Two other employees were injured, and one of the injured has since been released from hospital while the other is still recovering, Highlands said.

After the accident, MCC immediately halted operations at the plant, which remains on care and maintenance.