Blasting activities have been suspended at the Jabali underground mine at the La Libertad gold operation, in Nicaragua, TSX-listed Calibre Mining announced on Thursday.
The suspension of blasting activities relates to surface instability issues caused by localised artisanal mining.
Calibre noted that it was supporting the government and community to mitigate the risks facing about 25 households in the community of Santo Domingo, proximal to the Jabali underground mine.
“As part of the company’s commitment to safety and social responsibility, we agreed to suspend blasting activities at Jabali underground so as not to potentially exacerbate the situation. We expect to resume mining before the end of the year,” said CEO Russell Ball.
Blasting and full mining activities would resume at Jabali underground prior to year-end.
Mining at the Jabali openpit remained unaffected and Calibre continued to process ore at its La Libertad mill.
Despite the temporary suspension of blasting at Jabali underground, the company has reaffirmed its fourth quarter consolidated guidance of 32 000 oz to 35 000 oz of gold production at an all-in sustaining cost of $950/oz to $980/oz.
La Libertad is, however, now expecting gold production towards the lower end of its guidance range.
Calibre last month closed the transaction with B2Gold to acquire the La Libertad and El Limόn gold mines, as well as the Pavon gold project and other mineral concessions.