Papua New Guinea's government has told the people of Madang province that their coastal waters are safe to use again.
A file photo of Basamuk Bay after the mine spill last year. Photo: Facebook/ Elisha Wesley Mizeu
Last year, spillage from the Ramu nickel mine in Madang turned coastal waters and the shoreline red, resulted in a fishing ban.
Two investigations into the spill under the PNG Conservation and Environmental Protection Authority concluded there was no pollution.
However, an independent report commissioned by the Madang provincial government found otherwise.
But Environment Minister Wera Mori said the latest lab test results showed that the water was safe, EMTV reports.
Mr Mori said all results showed that metals found in the samples are below the permitted range.
People of Madang must not be misled into thinking the waters were a danger to the health of their communities, he said, and people could now resume using the local water as part of their normal livelihoods.