Monday June 20, 2016 10:16

Kinross Gold (TSX: K; NYSE: KGC) says that mining and processing operations at its Tasiast mine in Mauritania have been temporarily suspended. The company blames this on the Mauritanian Ministry of Labor's decision last week to prohibit certain expatriate employees from working at the site due to allegations of invalid work permits, meaning Kinross "could not continue to fully operate the site in a safe and environmentally responsible manner." Kinross adds that it has taken all steps necessary to ensure that its work permits are in "good standing and valid under Mauritanian law." Discussions with the government to resolve the issue are ongoing, Kinross says, but adding that this is not expected to affect development of the Tasiast phase-one expansion. "The company continues to be committed to increasing the number of local workers who have the necessary skills and experience to work at Tasiast, which is consistent with Kinross practice at all its operations," Kinross says. "Currently, approximately 88% of employees at Tasiast are Mauritanian nationals."

Source:Kitco