07:41 AM EDT, 07/08/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Soma Gold ( SMAGF ) , which jumped about 10% last Friday, on Monday reported a temporary suspension of mining and processing activities at its el Bagre mine and mill in Antioquia, Colombia, due to a local community blockade. The site has been put on Care and Maintenance status.

According to Soma Gold ( SMAGF ), the blockade began on July 3, driven by community frustration over delays in maintenance and paving for 3.5 km of regional road. The community has allowed access for critical supplies, security, and maintenance crews and discussions between all parties are ongoing.

The company said second quarter production was 6,590 gold equivalent ounces, with 7,209 gold equivalent ounces sold. Soma sold 14,233 gold equivalent ounces (out of the planned 14,277 ounces) in the first half of the year.

Soma recently completed a planned maintenance shutdown of the el Bagre mill, which included a successful rebuild of the ball mill. Operations resumed on schedule in late June.