Reports from Papua New Guinea say containers of cyanide have been forced open, spilling their contents into waterways around the closed Sinivit gold mine in East New Britain.
The newspaper, The National, reports explosives and other detonating devices were also recently stolen from another container at the mine site.
The acting provincial administrator, Akuila Tubal, says other thefts and damage at the site, including the alleged burning down of the mine offices, are posing threats to the people and the environment.
Mr Tubal says the risk is greater because of the approaching rainy season.
