Shootouts between hundreds of tribal warriors have left at least 30 people dead in Papua New Guinea's highlands, police said Monday, as security forces were given emergency powers to quell the violence.

A series of shootouts between rival tribes over a disputed gold mine has left at least 30 people dead in Papua New Guinea, police said on Monday. Security forces have been given emergency powers to stop the fighting - including the use of "lethal force" - according to the country's police commissioner.

Barrick Gold Corp. suspended operations at a gold mine in Papua New Guinea after violent clashes in the area killed two company employees.