The original license area granted to Frontier in 2004 included 40km or 40% of the Kokoda Track.

Of this track, only 250m would remain in the EL for future road access under the new compromise. Previously, the proposed mine would have affected a 600m section of this track.

Frontier managing director Peter McNeil told PNGIndustryNews.net this part of the track is the post World War II Kokoda Track, according to landowners, and his company was giving up every other piece of dirt track they have except for the 250m section for road access.

Frontier said it had surveyed the 15km section and found no significant detriment to the development of its Kodu copper, gold and molybdenum deposit, but it does allow for a large cohesive area to be established as a "Kokoda Track Park"

Frontier said "tourism, exploration, mining and the advancement of our landowner partners can and should exist in a symbiotic relationship, sharing the vast advantages of this area".

The PNG National Taskforce, a combination of government and non-government organisations, is assessing the renewal of Frontier's EL and considering world heritage listing options.

Shares in Frontier last traded at A12c.