At least six people have been injured in a surprise attack at the Hidden Valley gold mine in Papua New Guinea's Morobe Province, halting all construction work there.
The Post-Courier newspaper reports that local workers at the mine site attacked non-Morobean workers to chase them away and keep the jobs for themselves.
The attack allegedly carried out by Biangai and Watut workers occurred early Thursday morning, sending many of the workers fleeing into the bushes where some still remain.
The injured workers were taken to the Tusa Private Hospital where they were treated for injuries.
Meanwhile, a mobile police squad from Bulolo was rushed to the mine site to protect lives and company property.
The fight was the latest in a series of incidents that had affected the construction work in progress at the mine project, which is owned by South African gold miner, Harmony Gold Mining Limited.
On Wednesday, workmen engaged by Lae Builders and Contractors went on strike over pay.